NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 



115 



lie rolling about in sight, being fed by travellers, who amuse them- 

 selves by tossing them bread ; but as soon as the weather grows 

 at all severe, these fishes are no longer seen, because they retire 

 under the stables, where they remain till the return of spring. 

 Do they lie in a torpid state ? If they do not, how are they 

 supported ? l 



The note of the white-throat, which is continually repeated, and 

 often attended with odd gesticulations on the wing, is harsh and 



WHITE-THROAT 



displeasing. These birds seem of a pugnacious disposition ; for 

 they sing with an erected crest and attitudes of rivalry and defiance ; 

 are shy and wild in breeding-time, avoiding neighbourhoods, and 

 haunting lonely lanes and commons ; nay, even the very tops of 

 the Sussex Downs, where there are bushes and covert ; but in 

 July and August they bring their broods into gardens and orchards, 

 and make great havoc among the summer-fruits. 



The black-cap has in common a full, sweet, deep, loud, and 

 wild pipe ; yet that strain is of short continuance, and his motions 

 are desultory ; but when that bird sits calmly and engages in song 



8 



