48 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



are taken, I never saw (and I am well acquainted with those 

 parts) above two or three at a time, for they are never gregarious. 

 They may perhaps migrate in general ; and, for that purpose, draw 

 towards the coast of Sussex in autumn : but that they do not 

 all withdraw I am sure ; because I see a few stragglers in many 

 counties, at all times of the year, especially about warrens and 

 stone quarries. 



I have no acquaintance, at present, among the gentlemen of the 

 navy ; but have written to a friend, who was a sea-chaplain in 

 the late war, desiring him to look into his minutes, with respect 

 to birds that settled on their rigging during their voyage up or 

 down the Channel. What Hasselquist says on that subject is 



WHEATKAR 



remarkable ; there were little short-winged birds frequently coming 

 on board his ship all the way from our channel quite up to the 

 Levant, especially before squally weather. 



What you suggest, with regard to Spain, is highly probable. 

 The winters of Andalusia are so mild, that, in all likelihood, the 

 soft-billed birds that leave us at that season may find insects 

 sufficient to support them there. 



Some young man, possessed of fortune, health, and leisure, 

 should make an autumnal voyage into that kingdom ; and should 

 spend a year there, investigating the natural history of that vast 

 country. Mr. Willughby * passed through that kingdom on such 

 an errand; but he seems to have skirted along in a superficial 



* See "Ray's Travels," p. 466. 



