238 MISCELLANEOUS LETTEKS. 



soft courting or amatory song. As to shades of colour or 

 size, this species varies considerably : that of the male is 

 much brighter and stronger than the female, and is consider- 

 ably larger, and even in the same sex there is frequently a 

 visible difference. I last year killed a male and female 

 together when the former was in pursuit of the latter, on her 

 first arrival in the spring (as I suppose you know all our male 

 migrating birds precede the female in their vernal visit) : in 

 these the great disparity in weight and difference in colour 

 would have puzzled exceedingly, had I not, some time before 

 the barbarous act was committed, paid attention to the ad- 

 dresses of the male. I confess I am not acquainted with the 

 one you describe with the primaries and secondaries tip't with 

 white; and if you are still of opinion that it is a distinct 

 species, I should be obliged to you for it. If you should 

 favour me with any small bird at this season, it will be 

 advisable to wrap it up in soft paper sprinkled or damp'd 

 with vinegar, first laying the feathers smooth, and then 

 covered with thicker paper wetted with the same ; this will 

 preserve the bird moist, and defy putrifaction. Larger birds 

 should be carefully opened with a sharp knife from the vent 

 upwards, laying the feathers back with damp paper to prevent 

 their being blooded in taking out the intestines ; a little alum 

 or nitre should be thrown in, and the incision stopped with 

 tow ; and if a little of the alum and tow were put into the 

 mouth it would ensure its coming to me in good order. If 

 you have any conveyance to Bath, and you will take the 

 trouble of directing either a box or basket for me to the care 

 of the Right Hon. Lady Jane Courtney, Milsom Street, Bath, 

 I shall get it the day after it arrives there. Notwithstanding 

 my post town is in Gloucestershire, I live in Wiltshire, where 

 I shall be happy to obey any commands from you, and 

 remain, Sir, 



Your most obedient humble servant, 



G. MONTAGU. 



