ORDER PASSERES. 225 



This bird seems common to almost the whole of Europe, 

 though Dr. Flemming excludes it from Orkney. In spring 

 and summer, it is found in the hedges and borders of copses, 

 rarely penetrating far in woods ; and in autumn, they may 

 be observed passing in small flocks toward the south. 



The Foolish Bunting frequents the warmer situations of 

 Europe, and lives solitarily in mountainous districts. It is 

 said to have gained, deservedly, its epithet, from the ease with 

 which it falls into every kind of snare. 



The Cirl Bunting may be considered a British species, as 

 it is not uncommon in company with the yellow bunting and 

 the chaffinch on the southern coast of Devonshire. A straggler 

 has, indeed, been killed in Scotland. 



The Reed Bunting (E. Schceniculus) is about the size of 

 the yellow bunting, and is common in this country. It con- 

 structs its nest in grass or furze, near the ground, and has 

 been said to attach it to three or four reeds above the water, 

 whence its name. The eggs are four or five in number, 

 bluish white, spotted, and varied with brown. " I have now 

 and then," says Dr. Latham, " seen this bird in the hedges, or 

 the high roads ; but the chief resort is near the water ; and 

 that it, among other things, feeds on the seeds of the reed, is 

 clear, as I have found them in the stomach."" Though not 

 uncommon, they are not found in large flocks. Though this 

 species is said to be the best songster of the genus, its musical 

 pretensions seem by no means to be boasted of. It is peren- 

 nial in this country, though said to migrate in other parts of 

 Europe. 



The Common Bunting (E. Miliaria). This species is 

 rather larger than the yellow bunting, and is much less 

 common here. While in France, they are merely occasional 

 residents, and arrive there in the spring, from the south, 

 shortly after the swallows, and quit that country again in the 

 beginning of autumn, they are found here during the 



VOL. VII. Q 



