10 



OUR IRISH SONG BIRDS. 



with regard to the songs of birds ; as, for instance, what 

 birds sing at night, and what birds sing whilst flying ; 

 which are the earliest risers, and which the latest to 

 take rest. In order to determine one of these problems, 

 I kept ward and watch with my dear friend, the late 

 'Mr. Samuel Bewley, J.P., on the top of his house at 

 Sandford Hill, on the morning of Tuesday, May 3ist, 

 1 88 1. At 1.45 a.m., we took our places on the slope of 

 the roof, and looked and listened with all our eyes and 

 ears. 



The result was as follows. We noted the exact time 

 at which we heard the song or saw the bird. 



Here we drew the line, and adjourned to a sumptuous 

 breakfast which awaited us. 



It was remarkable that no Sparrows or other small 

 birds were heard or seen on this occasion. Sparrows, I 

 believe, talk often until 5 a.m. before they issue forth, 

 waiting, doubtless, as Beau Brummel used to do, " until 

 the world is aired." 



The Corncrakes, who had been " rasping " all round 

 the house from about 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., sank down sleepy 

 and abashed as the Lark began his morning song. 



Now, in this case, the old proverb, " Up with the lark," 

 was verified ; and there was something very striking in 

 the ascent of the bird to greet the first blush of dawn in 



