Haunts of the Peewit 251 



The peewits had nests year after year in this place, and 

 even when the nesting-time was over a few might often be 

 seen. The land for agricultural purposes was almost 

 valueless, there being so little herbage upon which cattle 

 could graze, and no possibility of mowing any ; so in the 

 end gangs of labourers were set to work and the ant-hills 

 levelled, and, indeed, bodily removed. Thus this last piece 

 of waste land was brought into use. 



Upon the downs there is a place haunted by some few- 

 peewits. In the colder months they assemble in flocks, 

 and visit the arable land where it is of a poor character, or 

 where there are signs of peat in the soil. By the shores 

 of the lake they may, too, be often seen. I have counted 

 sixty in one flock, and have seen flocks so numerous as to 

 be unable to count them accurately ; that, of course, was 

 exceptional, but they are by no means uncommon birds in 

 this district. In others it seems quite a rare thing to see 

 a lapwing. 



They often appear to fly for a length of time together 

 for the mere pleasure of flying. They rise without the 

 slightest cause of alarm, and sail about to and fro over the 

 same field for half an hour, then settle and feed again, and 

 presently take wing and repeat the whirling about over- 

 head. Solitary peewits will do the same thing ; you would 

 imagine they were going off at a great pace, instead of 

 which back they come in a minute or two. Other birds fly 

 for a purpose : the peewit seems to find enjoyment beating 

 to and fro in the air. 



Crows frequently build in oaks, and unless they are 

 driven away by shot will return to the same neighbour- 

 hood the following year. They appear to prefer places 

 near water, and long after the nesting-time is past will 

 visit the spot. Small birds will sometimes angrily pursue 



