MIGRATION OF NIGHTINGALES. 25? 



speak, more closely observed ; my own belief being, that 

 several species of birds are in the habit not only of, 

 generally speaking, confining themselves to certain local- 

 ities, but at certain hours of the day, frequenting par- 

 ticular spots, an instance in proof may be given of a 

 Robin, which during a considerable portion of the winter, 

 took shelter in Norwich Cathedral, perching during the 

 Morning Service, and almost always, within a minute or 

 two of the same time, on a particular part of the Cathe- 

 dral, when, after warbling a few notes for a short time, 

 it flew to another particular spot, and from thence to a 

 third, generally terminating its course by alighting on 

 the pavement in seach of small particles of food. Hopes 

 were entertained that it might repeat its visits in the 

 following winter, but its return was looked for in vain, 

 having most likely met with its death in the course of 

 the summer. 



The migration of Nightingales is attended with some 

 peculiarities deserving attention. In some parts of 

 England they are to be heard in every hedge-row, filling 

 the air, particularly at night when most of our other 

 warblers are silent, with their rich melody; while in 

 other parts, to all appearance, as well suited to their 

 habits, not one was ever known to be heard; this com- 

 parative rarity or abundance not unfrequently occurring 

 in spots only a few miles apart. It might be supposed 

 that the warmest parts of the kingdom were best adapted 

 to their habits; if so, why are they not to be fouud in 

 the southern parts of Devonshire and Cornwall, where, 

 we believe, they are never heard? As a general rule, it 

 has been said, that they are not to be met with north of 

 the Trent; but this is not strictly correct; as in the 

 northern parts of Yorkshire, as far as Wetherby, they 

 are at least occasional visitors. 



If they are limited to certain districts by the nature 

 Of their favourite food, it might be interesting to discDver 

 what this precise food is, so capriciously and unaccount- 

 ably confined to certain spots. We have alluded more 



