330 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



then the cries and flutterings are resumed. Some- 

 times a general uproar arises as the bold Sparrow- 

 hawk, hunting in the twilight for his supper, 

 carries off some terror-stricken bird ; or a clumsy 

 Owl floats out of the clustering masses of ivy on 

 his evening stroll in quest of food. 



From time to time this shrubbery is the 

 refuge of many distinguished and rare visitors, 

 which call here in their wanderings, stay a night, 

 and never return. Occasionally a small party of 

 Crossbills steal quietly into the yew trees ; and 

 Twites and Siskins find shelter in the hollies and 

 myrtles. Whilst standing carefully concealed 

 under the evergreens, you may frequently catch a 

 glimpse of these accidental visitors ; whilst many 

 of the regular sleepers here will pay you passing 

 calls, or even settle themselves around you for 

 the night. I have often had a Blackbird or a 

 Redwing fly hurriedly up into the holly under 

 which I was concealed, and, quite unconscious 

 of my presence, settle itself to sleep. Last night 

 a Blackbird came in this way, and after sitting on 

 a branch for a quarter of an hour, calling at 

 intervals to his companions near and far, I 

 watched him hop on to a slender twig near the 

 outside of the tree and settle down to rest. First 

 he cleaned his bill by rubbing it sharply from 

 side to side on the branch ; then he shook his 

 plumage, and listened intently for some moments, 

 during which time I scarcely dared to breathe, 

 and the beating of my heart was audible ; and 



