02 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



to the wheat being in ear^ when it reaches us in the middle 

 of March, but must refer to the old meaning of ear, ' to 

 plough/ and unquestionably the Wheatear does arrive when 

 the ploughing and sowing of spring wheat is in operation." 

 The quantity of open grassland on the South Downs being 

 so much diminished of late years by ploughing, thg immense 

 number of these birds which rest upon them on their pass- 

 age from the inland counties must, from mere want of space, 

 be compelled to resort in considerable numbers to the 

 fallows, and they have thence obtained the name of Fallow- 

 chat. 



I have never met with the Wheatear in the Weald in any 

 number together, but only now and then two or three 

 isolated birds, on some common or some open meadow on 

 their first appearance, and again at the time of their de- 

 parture. I have occasionally observed on the South Downs, 

 though much more frequently in the birdstuffers' shops, a 

 considerably larger race of Wheatear than those ordinarily 

 met with. Though it has never been admitted as a distinct 

 species, it differs not only in size, but in its habit of perch- 

 ing in trees when disturbed. The best published account 

 of this race which I have met with is that of Mr. "Booth, 

 who, in his ' Rough Notes,' vol. ii. says thus : — " In addition 

 to the bird which arrives on our coast in March and early 

 in April, a larger variety makes its appearance at a some- 

 what later date. This form is seldom seen before the middle 

 of April, and continues to land till the end of the first or 

 second week in May. It is perfectly correct that the 

 common Wheatear seldom, if ever, perches on trees or 

 bushes, though the large form, if disturbed, usually makes 

 its way to a commanding position either on a twig or a 

 hedgerow, or even on the topmost branches of some lofty 

 tree. ... I never succeeded in discovering the nest of the 

 larger Wheatear. I have, however, been assured, by persons 



