34 NATURE NEAR LONDON 



as roads, wastes, commons, and so forth, ought to be 

 rigidly put down. But as for the small birds as a mass, 

 I am convinced that they will never cease out of the 

 land. 



It is not easy to progress far along this road, because 

 every bird suggests so many reflections and recollections. 

 Upon approaching the rising ground at Ewell green 

 plovers or peewits become plentiful in the cornfields. In 

 spring and early summer the flocks break up to some 

 extent, and the scattered parties conduct their nesting 

 operations in the pastures or on the downs. In autumn 

 they collect together again, and flocks of fifty or more 

 are commonly seen. Now and then a much larger flock 

 comes down into the plain, wheeling to and fro, and 

 presently descending upon an arable field, where they 

 cover the ground. 



