342 SYLVIAD^E. 



known to do in Devonshire." In a paper in the Maga- 

 zine of Natural History, by Rusticus of Godalming, near 

 which place this bird appears to be plentiful, it is stated, 

 that " its habits are very like those of the little Wren ; 

 and when the leaves are off the trees, and the chill winter 

 winds have driven the summer birds to the olive gardens 

 of Spain, or across the Straits, the Furze Wren, as it is 

 there called, is in the height of his enjoyment. I have 

 seen them by dozens skipping about the furze, lighting 

 for a moment on the very point of the sprigs, and instantly 

 diving out of sight again, singing out their angry impa- 

 tient ditty, for ever the same. Mounted on a tall horse, 

 and riding quietly along the outside, while the fox-hounds 

 have been drawing the furze-fields, I have seen the tops 

 of the furze quite alive with these birds. They prefer 

 those places where the furze is very thick, high, and diffi- 

 cult to get in." During the last winter I have seen two 

 specimens that were killed near Alton in Hampshire ; and 

 I knew of another that was shot on Wimbledon Common, 

 where the nest with three young birds has also been ob- 

 tained. Mr. Gould mentions having obtained specimens 

 at all seasons of the year. These little birds fly with short 

 jerks, and feed principally on small insects, which they 

 capture on the wing, returning to their place on the furze. 

 They are very shy, and though sometimes to be seen on 

 the topmost branches of the brake, they conceal themselves 

 in the thickest part on the least alarm, and creep about 

 from bush to bush. Their note is weak and shrill, but 

 frequently repeated ; and sometimes this bird may be ob- 

 served on the uppermost spray in vocal strain for half an 

 hour afterwards. 



In Devonshire, Colonel Montagu says, " The Dartford 

 Warblers were generally found in valleys, within two miles 



