226 THE LAPWING. 



localities, and does not usually return to the lower grounds 

 of Berwickshire until about the end of February or begin- 

 ning of March, when its well-known note, heard for the first 

 time in the season, is always welcome. The bird generally 

 reappears among the hill farms on the Lammermuirs about 

 the beginning of April ; and if bad weather sets in at that 

 season, old people call it a " Teuchit storm," ^ on account 

 of its occurring about the same time as the arrival of the 

 Teuchit or Peeseweep. A similar term is said to be applied 

 to a storm taking place about the period when the bird 

 departs in autumn.^ 



In the nesting season it is seen scattered over the county 

 in pairs. When the corn fields as well as the hedge-rows 

 and woods are becoming green, and all nature is rejoicing 

 at the approach of summer, the Peeseweep with its rounded 

 wings, as it flies here and there over the land by the 

 road-sides, now rising in the air and anon diving down 

 almost to the ground, all the while uttering its peculiar cry, 

 is a constant feature in the rural landscape, for at this 

 delightful season 



The Lapwing lilteth o'er the lee 

 With nimble wing she sporteth. 



Leader Haucjhs and Yarrorv. 



On the approach of autumn it assembles in great flocks 

 and frequents the grass and turnip fields, where it may be 

 seen resting, or running about in search of worms, snails, 

 and insects, its beautiful crest and graceful attitude being 

 all the while displayed to advantage. The birds at this 

 season are often very restless, and keep flying in broad, 



1 Mr. Hardy says in his MS. Notes: "April 1, 1858. — Wind north, frosty, 

 ground covered with snow. Old people say it is a 'Teuchit storm.' This occurs 

 usually in April, about the time when the Peeseweep makes its appearance aniougst 

 the hill farms." 



2 Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. 



