13 tHE WHiNCttAf 



ceal themselves, and construct a multitude ©f simple but efficacious 

 traps in which they capture large numbers. The method which 

 they adopted was to cut out from the sward an oblong piece of 

 turf about the size of a brick, which they inverted over the hole 

 from which it was taken so as to form a cross. Beneath this are 

 placed two running nooses of horsehair, in which the poor bird, when 

 it takes refuge in one of the open ends of the hole for concealment, 

 is easily snared. The birds being in fine condition at this season — 

 having, in fact, fattened themselves previously to undertaking 

 their long sea voyage — are highly prized as a dainty article of 

 food. It was formerly the custom for persons who wanted a dish 

 of Wheatears to supply themselves from the traps, placing a penny 

 in every hole from which they took a bird ; but afterwards the influx 

 of visitors to the neighbouring watering-places so much enhanced 

 their value, that the shepherds allowed no such interference. We 

 once tried the experiment of releasing a bird and depositing the 

 penny-piece in the trap, when, from a neighbouring eminence, we 

 were assailed with such a torrent of abuse, that we declined repeat- 

 ing the experiment. In September, all who have escaped the 

 sportsman and fowler wing their way to southern lands. It is 

 thought that the autumnal flocks are partially composed of birds 

 on their way from high latitudes, which stop to recruit their strength 

 on the South-downs previous to final emigration. 



THE WHINCHAT 



Pratincola Rubetra 



Upper plumage dusky brown, edged with reddish yellow ; over the eye a broad 

 white streak ; throat and sides of the neck white ; neck and breast bright 

 yellowish red ; a large white spot on the wings and base of the tail ; 

 extremity of the latter and the whole of the two central feathers dusky 

 brown ; abdomen and flanks yellowish white. Female — yellowish white 

 wherever the male is pure white ; the white spot on the wings smaller ; 

 the red parts dingy. Length five inches ; breadth nine inches. Eggs 

 bluish green, often minutely speckled with light brownish red. 



A GREAT deal that we have said of the Stonechat, wUl apply equally 

 to the Whinchat, as the two birds much resemble each other in 

 character, size, and habits. There is this difference, however, 

 between them, that a considerable number of Stonechats remain 

 in Britain during the winter, whereas the Whinchats, almost to 

 a bird, leave our shores in the autumn. The latter is by no means 

 so common, and is rarely seen except in wild places where the shrub is 

 abundant from which it derives its name of Whinchat, or Furzechat. 

 For a small bird to have black legs is, it seems, considered in France 

 an indication of peculiar delicacy of flesh. Both of these birds, 

 therefore, notwithstanding their diminutive size, are much sought 

 after for the table. Both are of restless habits, delighting to perch 

 on the summit of a furze-bush, where they keep the taU in constant 



