ROBERT POCOCK. 169 



" Saturday, 25th. The frost has now lasted from 

 the 9th instant, and is very severe. 



" Sunday, 26th. River filled with ice right across 

 to Tilbury. 



" Tuesday, 28th. Had two scarce birds brought 

 me, called bramblings, shot at ClifFe, about the size of 

 chaffinches. A few visit Kent yearly, from the 

 eighteenth to the end of the month. 



" Wednesday, 29th. Earl Darnley's troop dine at 

 Gravesend. Received I Ib. of printer's ink (two shil- 

 lings) from Pewtress and Co. 



" Thursday, 30th. Received a hare from Frances, 

 and a napoleon. Had a bald-coot given me by Mr. 

 Hawkins. Coals are one shilling and sixpence per 

 bushel, they having risen six shillings per chaldron 

 since the frost ! Had in half a chaldron from 

 Toinlin's. 



" Saturday, February 1st. Read in the paper that 

 a snow bunting had been shot this last week in Sussex. 



" Tuesday, 4th. Bright sun, which is a glorious 

 sight after such severe weather. Walked to Southfleet 

 and Green Street Green to take home one hundred 

 club articles, 31. 14s., which were paid for. Heard 

 that two uncommon birds were shot at Southfleet, 

 about three weeks since, with strong beaks; one the 

 Rev. Mr. Rashleigh had, the other Mr. Garland had. I 

 suspect them to be bramblings. Bullfinches are plenty 

 in orchards, the old birds having the finest colours. 



" Wednesday, bth. Heard a wild swan was shot, 

 and that Mr. Hugget had bought it for ten shillings. 

 A merganser or sheldrake shot by Mr. Gladdish. 



" Thursday, 6th. Miss Fuller called and had some 

 books. Mr. Simmons the stationer's rider called, and 



