1 42 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



flock took the form of a column, which must have 

 been at least a quarter of a mile in length by some 

 fifteen yards in breadth, and presented a most 

 singular appearance when viewed at a little dis- 

 tance. Every slight alteration in the direction 

 of the flight of the birds in the van was copied 

 by all the members of the flock behind, thus 

 giving to the column the appearance of a great 

 winged serpent as it twisted and undulated on- 

 ward. They were flying at no great height from 

 the ground." 



" Like other strictly migratory species," says 

 Mr. Gray, " the Brambling arrives during the night, 

 particularly on the east coast, and is often observed, 

 shortly after daylight, flitting among the rocks or 

 the sea-shore, evidently in a somewhat exhausted 

 plight after its long flight ; at such times it may be 

 almost taken with the hand. It appears at first to 

 betake itself to the higher grounds, but after a time, 

 especially on the approach of snow, it descends to 

 low-lying farms, where it becomes a familiar tenant 

 of the stackyard, mixing with Chaffinches and 

 Yellowhammers." 



In Ireland the Brambling is a frequent, if not a 



