64 COUNTRY RAMBLES. 



whole systematic working of this wonderful collection, is a credit to 

 those responsible for its control. 



30th. Another white frost last night, but a lovely morning. A very 

 fine bitch Badger was accidentally trapped at Ware Park, Herts, a few 

 days ago. The animal had a magnificent coat, and weighed 181b. 



READY FOR THE PLOUGH. 



31st. The Sparrows are pecking off the leaf buds of my Plum 

 trees, but are not touching the bloom buds as yet! The Furze is in 

 bloom. Mr. T. Bamford, head keeper to Earl Clarendon, that good 

 sportsman and wild-bird protector, writes me to-day from Rickmans- 

 worth, Herts, as follows: "I have shot several Ring Doves Jately, 

 and found in each of their crops Ivy berries and Barley. I have also 

 examined the crops of two House Sparrows, one of which contained 

 nothing but Wheat, most likely picked up from my chicken coops, the 

 other a few Oats, a small grain of Maize, and some green grass 

 blades." 



