THE RETURN OF THE BIRDS 53 



roads one finds in out-of-the-way country districts, 

 where grass carpets the smooth surface, and where 

 trailing plants and brambles have taken up their 

 matted habitat. It is in such places localities 

 with abundance of cover that the white-throat 

 finds its food. This consists of a large range of 

 insects in their varying stages, together with aphides 

 and small green caterpillars ; of these it is extremely 

 fond, and destroys great quantities. It is only 

 during cold seasons, when insect food is not plenti- 

 fully developed, that the bird falls back upon the 

 numerous small fruits and berries on which it some- 

 times feeds in autumn. On account of the larvae 

 which the white-throat destroys, it is well worthy 

 of being protected and encouraged as the friend 

 of the gardener and agriculturist. Rapidly-flying 

 insects constituting its food, the movements of the 

 bird are naturally quick, and its vigilance is as 

 characteristic as its shyness. Always favouring 

 the thickest retreats, it is rarely seen. But some- 

 times in the intervals of its lookout for food it may 

 be observed to rise some yards above its dense 

 retreat, and, fluttering in the air, give out its song, 

 and then suddenly descend. If there are jarring 

 notes in the otherwise sweet song of the white- 

 throat, on the whole the performance is remarkably 

 pleasant. It is short and lively, must be heard 

 closely to be appreciated, and a near view will 



