406 BRITISH BIKDS. 



becomes rare, and is unknown in Devon and Cornwall. In 

 Wales it is very rare, whilst it is quite unknown in "West- 

 moreland, Cumberland, Northumberland, Durham, Scotland, 

 and Ireland. This noted singing bird comes to us about 

 the middle of April ; but I have notes of its appearance in 

 Sussex and Kent as early as April 3. It leaves us again in 

 the autumn, either singly or in small ilocks. Insects form the 

 chief food; but fruit, berries, and worms are also devoured. 

 The old birds migrate later in the year than the young. 



The Turdinse are mostly beneficial, although at times they 

 rob us of our fruit ; but the vermin that they kill would do far 

 more damage than they do. These birds have the most highly 

 developed voice, and their general structure places them at the 

 apex of bird organisation, the brain especially being well formed. 



