102 NATURAL HISTORY 



Wrens sing all the winter through, frost excepted. 



House-martins came remarkably late this year both in 

 Hampshire and Devonshire : is this circumstance for or against 

 either hiding or migration ? 



Most birds drink sipping at intervals ; but pigeons take a 

 long continued draught, like quadrupeds. 



Notwithstanding what I have said in a former letter, no 

 grey crows were ever known to breed on Dartmoor ; it was 

 my mistake. 



The appearance and flying of the scarabceus solstitialis, or 

 fern-chafer, commence with the month of July, and cease 

 about the end of it. These scarabs are the constant food of 

 caprimulgi, or fern-owls, through that period. They abound 

 on the chalky downs and in some sandy districts, but not in 

 the clays. 



In the garden of the Black-bear inn in the town of Read- 

 ing is a stream or canal running under the stables and out 

 into the fields on the other side of the road : in this water are 

 many carps, which lie rolling about in sight, being fed by 

 travellers, who' amuse themselves 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 ? 



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

 and often attended with odd gesticulations on the wing, is 

 harsh and displeasing. These birds seem of a pugnacious 

 disposition ; for they sing with an erected crest and atti- 

 tudes of rivalry and defiance ; are shy and wild in breed- 

 ing-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 havock 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 mo- 

 tions are desultory ; but when that bird sits calmly and en- 



