SEPTEMBER. 247 



white flowers instead of the usual violet-coloured ones. I am informed 

 that there is a tendency to albinism in many wild flowers, and a 

 friend has found pure white specimens of Herb Robert at various 

 times), Agrimony, Corn Sow Thistle, Ox Tongue, Forget-me-not. 

 Goosegrass, Hedge Stachys, Mugwort, Field Scorpion Grass, Daisy, 

 Corn Mint, and Enchanter's Nightshade (a solitary piece found in 

 flower only). We have to mourn the loss of several species of flowers 

 because the mower's scythe has been along and cleared the hedge 

 banks and ditches of their flora. 



Birds singing : Robin , Skylark (quite a number have resumed 

 song again now, and I am so pleased, because this is my favourite 

 musician. I looked and listened at the feathered musicians to-day 

 with admiration, and hope now that the song will be uttered for many 

 weeks to come. I have ascertained that the Lark I wrote of a few 

 days since as "might have been a captive" is such), and Common 

 Wren (not at all sustained, but occasionally). 



Birds seen or heard : Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow (very noisy), 

 Rook (also very noisy now), Starling, Chiff Chaff (heard and seen, 

 probably the last time of inclusion for 1900), Fieldfare (a couple 

 seen), Coal Titmouse, Greenfinch, Willow Warbler (I saw several 

 Warblers to-day, and think they must have been this species. They 

 were so restless I could not get a good view of them. I cannot think 

 what else they could have been ; they were quite mute) ; Yellow 

 Bunting (in fine fettle now), Chaffinch, Ring Dove (one fluttered off 

 its nest as we rambled through a copse to-day; what late and early 

 breeders these birds are to be sure), Jay, Jackdaw, Nuthatch (again 

 very prominent. These birds seem to be increasing in the district. 

 Came across five or six altogether; they started calling, and one or 

 two more immediately joined them from the wood on the opposite 

 side of the road), Blackbird, Marsh Titmouse, and Song Thrush. It 

 should be noted that no Swallows or Martins are included in our list. 

 We looked for them in vain to-day. 



The light green of the Ash is very noticeable. Many leaves are 

 now fluttering to the ground, especially when the wind blows. Wood 

 Lice crawling across the path of the wayfarer. Bird life much more 

 apparent to-day than for some weeks past, and when a company of 

 Titmice are lighted upon quite a pandemonium is heard. Partook of 

 many luscious Blackberries, and observed a good many Snowberries. 

 Both are well named. The Black Nightshade has finished flowering, 

 and some of the berries are now jet black ; the dark red leaves of the 

 Dogwood noticeable, and how interesting to survey the landscape 



