AMONG THE BIRDS IN WINTER. 285 



Returning to more rural scenes, we find a stroll 

 along the hedgerows and through the shrubberies 

 by no means devoid of interest. To a casual 

 observer the hedges seem deserted, but ever and 

 anon the low complaining note of the Hedge 

 Sparrow will draw the attention to that sombre 

 little bird, as he glides shadow-like through the 

 branches. Our resident Hedge Sparrows are 

 increased in numbers every autumn by migrants 

 from the north, which reach this country by way 

 of Heligoland. Another point of interest in the 

 economy of this species is the manner of its 

 moulting. I am by no means certain whether the 

 bird moults once or twice in the year a very 

 important circumstance affecting the position of 

 this species in its scientific classification. Ac- 

 cording to the views held by present day natura- 

 lists, the Hedge Sparrow is an aberrant member 

 of the Parinae or Tits. But should it be proved 

 to have a spring moult as well as an autumn one, 

 its affinity with the Warblers would be established. 

 In its spotted young it resembles the Turdinae or 

 Thrushes. I have certainly observed this species 

 in the moult during February (February 22nd, 

 1879), and call attention to the fact so that field 

 naturalists may further investigate the matter. 

 Now and then a noisy Blackbird starts up from 

 the sunk fences and flies just above the ground to 

 a more secluded haunt, chattering all the way ; 

 and these situations are also a favourite retreat of 

 the garrulous and ever active little Wren. Here 



