12 THE WHINCHAT 
ceal themselves, and construct a multitude ef simple but efficacious 
traps in which they capture large numbers. The method which 
they adopted was to cut out from the sward an oblong piece of 
turf about the size of a brick, which they inverted over the hole 
from which it was taken so as to form a cross. Beneath this are 
laced two running nooses of horsehair, in which the poor bird, when 
it takes refuge in one of the open ends of the hole for concealment, 
is easily snared. The birds being in fine condition at this season— 
having, in fact, fattened themselves previously to undertaking 
their long sea voyage—are highly prized as a dainty article of 
food. It was formerly the custom for persons who wanted a dish 
of Wheatears tosupply themselves from the traps, placing a penny 
in every hole from which they took a bird ; but afterwards the influx 
of visitors to the neighbouring watering-places so much enhanced 
their value, that the shepherds allowed no such interference. We 
once tried the experiment of releasing a bird and depositing the 
penny-piece in the trap, when, from a neighbouring eminence, we 
were assailed with such a torrent of abuse, that we declined repeat- 
ing the experiment. In September, all who have escaped the 
sportsman and fowler wing their way to southern lands. It is 
thought that the autumnal flocks are partially composed of birds 
on their way from high latitudes, which stop to recruit their strength 
on the South-downs previous to final emigration. 
THE WHINCHAT 
PRATINCOLA RUBETRA 
Upper plumage dusky brown, edged with reddish yellow ; over the eye a broad 
white streak ; throat and sides of the neck white ; neck and breast bright 
yellowish red; a large white spot on the wings and base of the tail; 
extremity of the latter and the whole of the two central feathers dusky 
brown ; abdomen and flanks yellowish white. Female—yellowish white 
wherever the male is pure white; the white spot on the wings smaller ; 
the red parts dingy. Length five inches; breadth nine inches. Eggs 
bluish green, often minutely speckled with light brownish red. 
A GREAT deal that we have said of the Stonechat, will apply equally 
to the Whinchat, as the two birds much resemble each other in 
character, size, and habits. There is this difference, however, 
between them, that a considerable number of Stonechats remain 
in Britain during the winter, whereas the Whinchats, almost to 
a bird, leave our shores in the autumn. The latter is by no means 
so common, and is rarely seen except in wild places where the shrub is 
abundant from which it derives its name of Whinchat, or Furzechat. 
For a small bird to have black legs is, it seems, considered in France 
an indication of peculiar delicacy of flesh. Both of these birds, 
therefore, notwithstanding their diminutive size, are much sought 
after for the table. Both are of restless habits, delighting to perch 
on the summit of a furze-bush, where they keep the tail in constant 
