162 SHRIKES. 



for the purpose of more conveniently feeding on it, there can 

 be no doubt ; for if confined in a cage, they evince a similar 

 propensity, and if not provided with a thorn, will invariably 

 fasten it to the wires before commencing their repast. It 

 has however been suggested, that as the quantity destroyed, 

 particularly of insects, so far surpasses the wants of the 

 destroyer, they may be placed on the thorns as baits. This 

 seems to be a prevailing opinion in America, where one 

 species of this bird, called the Nine-killer, is very abundant, 

 for on spots frequented by it, the thorn-bushes may be seen 

 furnished on the naked thorns with grasshoppers, transfixed 

 precisely in the same manner; all regularly, and in their 

 natural position as when on the ground, not one of them 

 having his back downwards. After the frost sets in, there 

 they still remain unconsumed ; the Shrikes, at the same time, 

 watching the smaller birds, and catching them near these 

 hedges. 



Of the two sorts visiting England, one only, we believe, 

 breeds here, namely, the Red-backed Shrike, (Lanius col- 

 lurio.) It is one of our latest birds of passage, probably 

 coming from a great distance, as it is found in the southern 

 part of Africa, as well as South America, and also probably 

 because the insects it prefers are not abundant till late in the 

 spring- season. There is another peculiarity worthy of notice ; 

 that it is, generally speaking, very rare in most parts, con- 

 fining itself to particular districts ; such as parts of Essex, 

 the Sussex downs, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, where it is 

 by no means uncommon. May not this be attributed to 

 something in the soil, or other local causes favourable to the 

 production of its favourite food? If so, it might be de- 

 sirable to ascertain to what species of insect it gives the 

 preference, which might lead to some curious inferences in 

 natural history, throwing light on the remarkable locality 

 observed so often in the animal as well as vegetable world ; for, 

 notwithstanding the greatest care and attention, although not 

 the slightest difference of soil, climate, or situation, can be 

 pointed out, it has been often remarked, that an insect, or a 

 plant, abundant in one place, is not to be found in another, 

 at no great distance. 



