WHEATEAR (SPRING). 

 Case 146. 



This is one of the earliest of our spring 

 visitors, appearing frequently before the cold 

 weather has left us. It rapidly spreads itself over 

 the country, and during the breeding season is 

 quite as numerous on some of the northern moors 

 as on the Downs of Sussex. 



The specimens in the case were obtained early 

 in April, 1866, in the neighbourhood of Brighton. 

 See " Eough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 4. 



WHEATEAR. (LARGE VARIETY). 

 Case 147. 



A large variety of the Wheatear makes its 

 appearance every season about three weeks or a 

 month later than the first arrivals of the smaller or 

 common kind. 



The difference in size is very conspicuous, and 

 in addition to this the larger when disturbed almost 

 invariably, if possible, flies up and settles on a tree 

 or hedge, while the smaller under similar circum- 

 stances, generally contents itself with a large stone 

 or clod. 



Though both breed commonly in this country 

 I have never noticed them pair. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in 

 the neighbourhood of Brighton in April, 1870. 

 See " Rough Notes," Vol. II., Plate 4. 



NUTHATCH. 

 Case 148. 



This bird is generally found where large timber 

 is abundant. It is a near relative to the Wood- 



