AN AUTUMN RAMBLE IN SURREY 107 



passing ; they are not unpleasant and are considered 

 wholesome. The ring-ouzel is very fond of them. 

 Some years this bird is not seen on the moors ; 

 sometimes only a pair or two pay them a visit, and 

 another season they are very common. They do not 

 tarry long, but seem to be resting to regain strength 

 for a long journey. 



A note something like that of a blackbird, only 

 harsher, near at hand, makes me conceal myself. The 

 hen shows herself ; the cock will not be far away ; 

 there he is, sitting twelve yards in front of me, 

 feeding on the berries ; I can see him as I peer 

 through the branches. His gorget is a pure white ; he 

 is very like the blackbird in many respects, but is a 

 stronger bird, and his actions are wilder. His quick 

 eyes have caught me, and his suspicious nature is 

 aroused. Giving the alarm to his mate, he is off and 

 away. I now turn towards the fir woods at the edge 

 of the moor. On my way there I come across a 

 hollow at the side of the bog, thick with fern, rushes, 

 and tangle. A sound of water trickling catches my 

 ear. This is just the place for blackcock, if there are 

 any about. Drawing up very quickly I begin to poke 

 about with my stick. There is nothing here. Stay, 

 right from under my feet there is a rush, with a 

 clap ! clap ! Whirr ! gluck ! gluck ! gluck ! and a 



