4176 The Zoologist — October, 1874. 



their ordinary avocations. But now let us observe these delicately 

 tinted yet hardy little creatures in the open, when captivity is a state 

 of which they are in happy ignorance. 



" In rough or wet weather they are not often seen upon the wing ; but, 

 unlike many other birds, they do not usually seek enclosed feeding grounds 

 for the sake of shelter from the wind. During the heaviest gales I have 

 watched them closely, and have then seen that the stubble afforded them 

 quite as much protection as they cared for. At such times they are un- 

 willing to rise, and often permit a very near approach ; but when in the 

 spring a severe storm drives them from the open grounds, they gather in 

 very large flocks and assemble in the fields, the walls of which afford them 

 protection and the means of feeding in peace. In March, 1871, I met with 

 the largest assemblage of snow buntings I have ever seen, all under shelter 

 of a four-foot wall, and certainly covering some acres of ground. A very 

 heavy sleety gale was blowing from the north-east, and wishing to obtain 

 even a partial shelter, I too kept to the lee-side, walking through the midst 

 of the broad line of birds. So unwiUiug were they to rise that I could have 

 reached many of them with my stick, and as I advanced the sight became 

 perfectly confusing, the birds fluttering up as I approached and immediately 

 settling in front, behind and upon either side, never venturing to rise as 

 high as the top of the wall. It seemed as though I were literally wading 

 through them, the continual shimmering of white producing an effect 

 altogether indescribable. In fine weather they are more disposed for flight, 

 and then it is that their well-known notes may be heard far overhead almost 

 uninterruptedly from sunrise until after sunset. I have only upon one 

 occasion heard them late at night, and that was at about eleven o'clock one 

 clear starlight night in autumn. Even in open weather one or two may 

 occasionally be seen upon a stack of oats ; hut it is only during heavy snow or 

 severe frost that they visit the farmyard in any great numbers. When engaged 

 among the stubble they are not easily perceived, often affording the first indi- 

 cation of their presence by rising suddenly within a few paces of the intruder. 

 When thus disturbed a few nearly always remain upon the ground ; but the 

 main body, rising in a compact mass, fly off to some quiet spot if they have 

 frequently been molested. If otherwise, they arc nearly sure to return to the 

 same field after the cause of alarm has disappeared. They seldom alight 

 with the first intention. The flock descends with a gradual sweep, suddenly 

 contracts its dimensions as the ground is approached, wheels rapidly when 

 within a few feet of the surface, aud rising again, flies off to a considerable 

 distance before venturing to return, and these manceuvres may be repeated 

 a score of times before it will settle upon the chosen spot. When the birds 

 have finally resolved to alight, the flock wheels repeatedly and rapidly, then 

 dropping rather suddenly. 



