THE DARTFORD WARBLER 159 



The Dartford warbler should possess a very special 

 interest to British bird lovers, because it is a species 

 which was first discovered in this country. During 

 the spring of 1773 a pair were shot on a heath 

 near Dartford, hence the bird's name. It is a 

 resident in this country throughout the year, and 

 is nowhere of a migratory character. If it was not 

 for severe winters, which we sometimes experience, 

 this warbler would no doubt increase. I know that 

 it still breeds in several of our English counties, 

 but the exact localities must, for obvious reasons, 

 remain a close secret. 



