NIGHTINGALE. 51 



Yorkshire distribution of the Nightingale may throw some 

 light on the conditions which determine the singular range 

 of the bird in England. 



On the fringe of its range in Yorkshire, the Nightingale 

 is not at all constant to one particular haunt, but would seem 

 to divide its affections between several in the neighbourhood, 

 and this, too, when it has succeeded in rearing its young in 

 safety, and without receiving that undesirable attention from 

 the " madding crowd " so often attracted by its song. In 

 some seasons it is more abundant in Yorkshire than 

 in others. Thus in 1876 it was noted as absent from its 

 accustomed haunts in the East Riding ; while in 1879 it 

 was particularly abundant in the county. This varying 

 abundance may to some extent account for its intermittent 

 appearance in the more northern and outlying districts 

 within its range. 



Regarding the dates of the bird's arrival and departure in 

 the county, we have but few reliable data, for the species has 

 hitherto escaped notice during the periods of its migrations. 

 Its appearance may be expected in the last week in April, but 

 the average date of arrival for South Yorkshire has been 

 given as the 8th of May. A pair nesting at Brough, in 1880, 

 departed with its young in August. 



We will now proceed to discuss the distribution of the 

 Nightingale in the county, historically and in detail, com- 

 mencing with the localities on the Yorkshire Coalfield. In 

 the Barnsley district, Thomas Allis mentioned, in his report 

 already quoted, that a few pairs are met with every year ; 

 and Thomas Lister wrote : "I scarcely remember a year 

 since 1842 that I have not heard one or two pairs of Nightin- 

 gales. In the valleys of Dearne and Dove, in Cliff Wood, 

 Day House, and Keresforth Woods all three within a mile 

 of Barnsley they have been heard in various years." 

 He also mentioned Oscar Wood, Cobcar Wood, Kitroyd 

 Jump, Ethersley Wood, Needle Eye Wood, Dodwoth 

 Bottom, Sunny Bank, New Hall, Dark Lane, and Tivy 

 Dale at Cawthorne, Norroyd and Thornhill, as localities 



