THE BIRDS. 541 



Apollo, have been seen on two or three occasions, but in the neigh- 

 bouring- county of Kent they are very common, and breed. 



There are rookeries, and abundance of Rooks (Corvus frugilegus, 

 fig. 1163), all around us. There was once a large rookery in Bedding- 

 ton Park on large trees 



"Towns aerial on the waving trees "THOMSON'S Seasons. 

 which have since been cut down. One summer evening I was greatly 

 amused by a little incident which disturbed the equanimity of the rooks. 



Fir,. 1162. Head of Crow, Jrd nat. size. 



FIG. 1163. Rook, Jth nat. size. 



A balloon passed over their nests, and the birds set up such a chatter 

 at its approach as was never before heard. When, however, in spite of 

 their protests, it still approached and swept directly over head, the birds 

 thought it prudent to retire, when they flew away in two great columns, 

 one to the north and the other to the south, and after wheeling in circles 

 returned to their quarters when the balloon had passed. If we could 

 but have understood their language, we should doubtless have heard 

 many speculations as to what that uncouth monster could have been. 



The Starling (Sturnus vnlgaris, fig. 1164) breeds in the stumps of 

 the old trees around us. In autumn they assemble, and migrate in 

 large flocks from the marshes on the Thames. 



We have the Bullfinch (Pyrrhula vulgaris, fig. 1165). This bird 

 destroys the buds, but I do not think it has ever done us much harm. 

 It is a charming bird: the one I have at home, which has been 

 taught to pipe by an indefatigable German, delights me with his 

 rich melodious voice whenever I tell him to sing me his song. 



