OF SELtiORNE. 49 



informed, that have made many pounds in a season by 

 catching them in traps. And though such multitudes are 

 taken, I never saw (and I am well acquainted with those 

 parts) above two or three at a time : for they are never 

 gregarious. They may perhaps migrate in general; and, 

 for that purpose, draw towards the coast of Sussex in 

 autumn; but that they do not all withdraw I am sure; 

 because I see a few stragglers in many counties, at all times 

 of the year, especially about warrens and stone quarries. 1 



I have no acquaintance, at present, among the gentlemen 

 of the navy ; but have written to a friend, who was a sea- 

 chaplain in the late war, desiring him to look into his 

 minutes, with respect to birds that settled on their rigging 

 during their voyage up or down the Channel. What Has- 

 selquist says on that subject is remarkable; there were 

 little short-winged birds frequently coming on board his 

 ship all the way from our Channel quite up to the Levant, 

 especially before squally weather. 2 



What you suggest, with regard to Spain, is highly 

 probable. The winters of Andalusia are so mild, that, in 

 all likelihood, the soft-billed birds that leave us at that 

 season may find insects sufficient to support them there. 



Some young man, possessed of fortune, health, and 

 leisure, should make an autumnal voyage into that king- 

 dom; and should spend a year there, investigating the 

 natural history of that vast country. Mr. Willughby 3 

 passed through that kingdom on such an errand ; but he 

 seems to have skirted along in a superficial manner and an 

 ill humour, being much disgusted at the rude dissolute 

 manners of the people. 



I have no friend left now at Sunbury to apply to about 

 the swallows roosting on the aits of the Thames ; nor can I 



1 On this subject the reader may be referred to Knox's " Ornitho- 

 logical Rambles in Sussex," p. 194 ; and Professor Newton's edition of 

 YarreU's " Hist. Brit. Birds," vol. i. pp. 350, 351. ED. 



2 This statement has been confirmed repeatedly by subsequent 

 observers. ED. 



3 See Ray's " Travels," p. 466. G. W. 



