WRYNECK. 145 



suddenly rises, making at the same time a hissing 

 noise like a snake ; which has often been the means 

 of the nest not being plundered of the young, from 

 the supposition that they were advancing their 

 hands on a brood of that reptile. 



It is not uncommon in the southern and eastern 

 parts of England, but is not known to have been 

 taken far towards the north, and very rarely in 

 Cornwall. It chiefly inhabits woods, or thickly 

 inclosed countries, where there are plenty of old 

 pollard elm trees, or orchards : it is a bird of 

 passage, coming eight or ten days before the 

 Cuckow. Its food is chiefly ants, which the male 

 has been observed to carry to the female while 

 sitting, Buffon observes that this bird grows very 

 fat towards the end of summer, when it becomes 

 excellent eating. 



It is found throughout Europe and most parts 

 of the Old Continent : is known by the names .of 

 Long-tongue, and Emmet-hunter. 



v. ix. p. i. 10 



