vill Preface. 
starling it cannot be separated from the farmhouse in 
the thatch of which it often breeds, the rooks with whom 
it associates, or the friendly sheep upon whose backs 
it sometimes rides. Since the subjects are so_ closely 
connected, it is best, perhaps, to take the places they 
prefer for the convenience of division, and group 
them as far as possible in the districts they 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 immedia 
around—in the great hedges and the copse—are 
numerous others, and an expedition is made to the 
forest. Returning to the farm again as a centre, the 
rookery remains to be examined, and the ways and 
habits of the inhabitants of the hedges. Finally 
come the fish and wild-fowl of the brook and lake i 
finishing in the Vale. 
R. J. 
