BIRD-LIFE IN FIELD AND HEDGEROW. 147 



fields for worms and grubs, but the larger species 

 almost invariably do so to feed upon some garbage 

 or another. When fields have been manured with 

 fish or other offal the Gulls congregate in force, 

 coming from various parts of the coast, and when 

 disturbed or filled with food it is interesting to 

 remark how the large company will separate into 

 several smaller parties, each betaking itself to the 

 accustomed haunts upon the shore. The Herring 

 Gulls in Tor Bay generally assemble on the fields 

 near a slaughter-house midway between Torquay 

 and Paignton, more especially on "killing days," 

 when an abundance of scraps and offal may be 

 obtained. Sometimes we have seen them soaring 

 at a great height above this gruesome spot as if 

 waiting for the feast, reminding us of the flocks 

 of Vultures we met with years ago in Northern 

 Africa. 



Grain fields are by no means plentiful in Devon, 

 especially in the South Hams district, but wherever 

 corn is grown, great numbers of Sparrows and 

 other birds congregate, just as the grain is ripen- 

 ing, to feed upon it. Greenfinches and Sparrows 

 are the greatest depredators, and whether corn, 

 barley, or oats, considerable damage is wrought 



