iv Preface. 



to take the places they prefer for the convenience of 

 division, and group them as far as possible in the 

 districts the}' usually frequent. 



The following chapters have, therefore, been so 

 arranged as to correspond in some degree with the 

 contour of the country. Commencing at the highest 

 spot, an ancient entrenchment on the Downs has 

 been chosen as the starting-place from whence to 

 explore the uplands. Beneath the hill a spring 

 breaks forth, and, tracing its course downwards, 

 there next come the village and the hamlet. Still 

 farther the streamlet becomes a broad brook, flowing 

 through meadows in the midst of which stands a 

 solitary farmhouse. The house itself, the garden and 

 orchard, are visited by various birds and animals. In 

 the fields immediately around — in the great hedges 

 and the copse — are numerous others, and an ex- 

 pedition is made to the forest. Returning to the farm 

 again as a centre, the rookery remains to be ex- 

 amined, and the ways and habits of the inhabitants 

 of the hedges. Finally come the fish and wild-fowl 

 of the brook and lake ; — finishing in the Vale. 



R. J. 



