76 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



a double migration every year, and I may add 

 that repeated observation has tended to strengthen 

 me in this conviction. The numerous flocks of 

 certain species which pass in rapid succession 

 along the southern parts of this county in an east- 

 erly direction during the early autumn, when they 

 are captured in great numbers by professional 

 bird-catchers in the neighbourhood of our mari- 

 time towns, have apparently congregated from the 

 more distant parts of the island, and are evidently 

 bound for the continent, to which, like bipeds of a 

 nobler race, they have no objection to make a 

 short cut by the Straits of Dover; but whether 

 impelled to the performance of this pilgrimage by 

 a desire to take up their winter quarters in a more 

 genial climate, or by the apprehension of an in- 

 sufficient supply of the favourite food of the tribe 

 if its superabundant numbers were not relieved 

 by timely emigration, or by an irresistible instinct 

 of which they are unconscious, but which doubt- 

 less has been implanted in them by an all-wise 

 Providence ; certain it is, that during the period 

 occupied by the autumnal movement of these 

 flocks, a far greater number of the species which 

 they comprise pass along the shores of our county 

 in a single day, than would be found to occupy its 

 entire area at any previous or subsequent time of 

 the year. 



