A HISTORY OF KENT 



were allowed to remain and rot where they died, and their carcases 

 afforded ample food for these carrion-eating birds. But now farms have 

 sprung up over the whole land, the pasture fields are well kept, and 

 all cattle that die are carefully buried ; an observation which applies to 

 the raven, now a rare bird in the county. 



Next in order of rarity may be mentioned the honey buzzard and 

 common buzzard, both in danger of becoming lost to Kent, while at 

 the present time the only two hawks still fairly numerous are the kestrel 

 and sparrow-hawk. 



Regarding the owls — the tawny owl and long-eared owl, once in 

 danger of becoming scarce, have rallied, owing to the present protection 

 afforded to them. 



Before leaving our world of woods another bird is worthy of men- 

 tion — that is the golden oriole. This bird has not unfrequently occurred 

 in Kent, and may be looked upon as rather more than a passing visitor, 

 since there are at least three authenticated instances of its having bred 

 in the county. There is not a doubt that this handsome species would 

 become an annual breeder with us, provided it were protected from 

 persecution ; and apart from the pleasure to be derived from seeing it 

 in our woods and gardens and hearing its flute-like notes, its presence 

 in the garden would be valuable, since it devours all kinds of caterpillars 

 and other harmful insects. 



In mentioning the large woods, we must not omit the part the 

 smaller ones play in the fostering of our wild birds. We refer to the 

 young plantations of larch, fir and chestnut that have sprung up in the 

 county within the last few years. 



Owing to these warm coverts, with their beds of thistles and plenti- 

 ful undergrass, the number of small finches has greatly increased. Flocks 

 of goldfinches hanging about the thistle-down are now common sights ; 

 siskins too, at the fall of the year, put in a brave appearance, while the 

 clear strings of musical notes from a host of linnets and redpolls will 

 often strike upon the ear. 



Another interesting fact about the up-growth of these plantations is 

 that they have induced the woodcock to breed in the suitable localities. 



Our hop land, which furnishes one of the most conspicious features 

 of Kentish scenery, influences to some extent our bird life. 



In September, before the poles are pulled, swallows and martins 

 throng the gardens, gathering a harvest from the hop-fly and other 

 insects attracted by the bine ; while at a time when insect life is becom- 

 ing scarce, this supply of food makes all the difference to these departing 

 migrants, and hence our county offers an attractive high road to the 

 Hirundinidce on their migration southward. Then in winter, when hard 

 frost binds the ground and the farmer enriches the hop gardens from 

 the farmyard, flocks of larks and finches invade them from time to 

 time to gain a living. 



The next important features of the county to be considered are the 

 shore-line and marshland. The high chalk cliffs about Dover offer a safe 



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