REDBREAST. 165 



Wheatear. These birds annually arrive upon the ex- 

 tensive downs in the south of England, about the middle 

 of March. The females come by themselves, and about 

 a fortnight before the males. They breed in holes in the 

 ground, forming their nest of dried grass, rabbit's down, 

 feathers, and horse-hair, and laying from six to eight 

 small, bluish eggs. The number of the Wheatears is 

 such, that in the neighbourhood of Eastbourne, in Sussex, 

 nearly two thousand dozen have been caught in one sea- 

 son, by means of snares made of horse-hair, and placed 

 under a long turf. In the autumn, and particularly if the 

 season is rainy, they become very fat. This, no doubt, is 

 owing to the insects and worms, on which they feed, being, 

 in such seasons, more numerous than in continued dry 

 weather. They are nearly as much esteemed for the table, 

 in this country, as the greatly-boasted ortolans are on the 

 continent. They usually leave us in the month of Au- 

 gust, or September. 



In the male, which is about five inches and a half in 

 length, the head and back are of a hoary colour, tinged 

 with red. Over each eye there is a white line, and be- 

 neath that, a broad, black mark. The belly, the rump, 

 and base of the tail, are white ; the remainder of the tail 

 is black. The wings are dark-coloured. The colours of 

 the female are more dull ; and this sex is destitute of the 

 black mark across the eyes. 



Redbreast. During the winter season, when there is a 

 scarcity of food abroad, the Redbreasts approach our 

 habitations, and, in severe weather, will seek for refuge 

 and shelter even in our houses. They are sociable and 

 familiar birds, and, from their harmless disposition and 

 manners, are almost held sacred ; at least, they are much 

 less persecuted than any other of the feathered race. 



