564 On the Nesting of Birds in Wiltshire. 



103. Mute Swan (see p. 472). 



104. Wild Duck. 



105. Teal Occasionally, though rarely, a nest has been found in 

 Wiltshire ; but more frequently in the neighbouring counties 

 of Hants and Dorset. 



106. Little Grebe. 



In addition to those enumerated above, there is a strong pro- 

 bability of the correctness of the information in regard to the breed- 

 ing of two other species in Wiltshire ; but the evidence seemed 

 scarcely strong enough to warrant their insertion in the list of those 

 which have undoubtedly bred within the county. These are : 



Great Grey Shrike (see p. 120). 



Golden Oriole (see p. 140). 



Before I conclude this chapter, I would say a few words on the 

 subject of bird-nesting, for I maintain that if a man should be 

 defined as a ' reasoning animal,' in order to distinguish him from 

 all the rest of the living creatures around him, then with equal 

 aptitude should a boy be designated as a 'bird -nesting animal,' 

 so universal, so innate, so all absorbing is the passion in the mind 

 of a boy for seeking after and finding the nests and eggs of birds. 

 Now, to attempt to prevent boys from bird-nesting altogether would 

 be about as hopeless a task as to try to dissuade the birds them- 

 selves from nesting, migrating, or following out any other instinct 

 of their nature. It would be like trying to turn back the rushing 

 stream towards its source. I, at all events, am not about to 

 attempt any such impossible work ; but still I hope that this 

 chapter may not be without profit, as well as interest, to the 

 youthful part of the inhabitants of Wiltshire, if I try to point out 

 to my younger friends how their hobby may be most advanta- 

 geously as well as pleasantly ridden, not indiscriminately, nol 

 cruelly, not recklessly, but how it may be carried on with the 

 greatest delight to themselves and the least injury to the birds 

 they love so well. For it is not, be it remarked, the more intelli- 

 gent collector of eggs who does the mischief, for he requires no 

 more than four or five of a species for his collection, which are all 



