viii PREFACE. 



friendly sheep upon whose backs it sometimes rides. Since 

 the subjects are so closely connected, it is best, perhaps, 

 to take the places they prefer for the convenience of 

 division, and group them as far as possible in the districts 

 they usually frequent. 



The following chapters have, therefore, been so arranged 

 as to correspond in some degree with the contour of the 

 country. Commencing at the highest spot, an ancient en- 

 trenchment on the Downs has been chosen as the starting- 

 place from whence to explore the uplands. Beneath the 

 hill a spring breaks forth, and, tracing its course down- 

 wards, there next come the village and the hamlet. Still 

 farther, the streamlet becomes a broad brook, flowing 

 through meadows, in the midst of which stands a solitary 

 farmhouse. The house itself, the garden and orchard, are 

 visited by various birds and animals. In the fields im- 

 mediately around in the great hedges and the copse 

 are numerous others, and an expedition is made to the 

 forest. Returning to the farm again as a centre, the 

 rookery remains to be examined, and the ways and habits 

 of the inhabitants of the hedges. Finally come the fish 

 and wild-fowl of the brook and lake finishing in the Vale. 



R.J. 



