182 On the Ornithology of Wilts \Anthidaf\. 



excellent connecting link between the soft-billed insect eaters, and 

 the hard-billed grain consumers. In many respects allied to the 

 wagtails last described, in others nearly resembling the larks, the 

 first family of the Conirostral tribe, it is however a true soft-billed 

 race, and subsists entirely on insects. 



" Tree Pipit." (Anthus arboreus.) This is a summer visitor, and 

 though far from common, ma} r be seen in most woodland districts: 

 it is by far the most beautiful of the genus, and the sweetest song- 

 ster ; and has a habit of rising above the top of some tall tree, and 

 singing with outstretched wings on its descent : in colour it very 

 much resembles the larks; is somewhat larger than its congener 

 next to be described, from which it differs in the stronger and 

 broader bill, and in the short and hooked hind claw: also its gait 

 on the ground is a slow walk, while the " Meadow Pipit" runs af- 

 ter the manner of the wagtails. 



"Meadow Pipit." (Anthus pratensls.) Very common, especially 

 on our furze-clad Downs, where it remains the whole year, though 

 it will occasionally assemble in flocks, and haunts stubble and tur- 

 nip fields in winter : it is generally known as the Titlark, and sings 

 in the air as it descends to the earth, as its cousin the Tree Pipit 

 does in descending to some lofty tree top; it is a quiet, unobtrusive 

 bird, builds its nest on the ground, and is very frequently the fos- 

 ter parent of the young cuckoo : its hind toe is furnished with an 

 elongated and straightened claw : its bill is slender ; it warbles 

 rather than sings ; and its flight consists in short jerks. Mr. 

 Marsh says that its scent is so strong, that pointers commonly mis- 

 take it for the partridge, indeed much more frequently than they 

 do the skylark. 



This closes the list of the tooth-billed perchers, resident in or 



visiting Wiltshire. 



Alfred Charles Smith. 



Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, 

 February 8th, 1859. 



