INTRODUCTION. 7 



and partly because, being migratory, small flocks 

 attract attention where one or two solitary pairs 

 might escape notice. 



If we stroll through the beech woods in winter, 

 and it has been a good year for " mast," we shall 

 be almost certain to see the Brambling, or Moun- 

 tain Finch, a handsome little bird, not unlike a Chaf- 

 finch in its movements and general appearance at 

 a distance, but distinguishable by the white patch 

 at the root of the tail, which is very conspicuous 

 when the bird is flying. It is particularly fond of 

 the beech-mast, and where this is plentiful some- 

 times assembles in large flocks to devour it. The 

 expectation of finding these in their proper season, 

 and the search for them in the most likely haunts, 

 constitute one of the many pleasures to be derived 

 from a woodland ramble. Not that the woods have 

 no other attractions for those who have eyes and 

 care to use them ; for who has not experienced the 

 pleasure of discovering a new insect, shell, or wild 

 flower ? Who has not gazed admiringly for the first 

 time on a rare fern or remarkable fungus ? But it 

 is the birds which give life to the woods, which 

 charm us with their varied plumage, and help to 



