12 
MERULID.E. 
thrushes of our country, and in severe weather either flock 
to sheltered situations, where plenty of food can be pro¬ 
cured, or pass on towards warmer countries, from whence 
they return in March or April; and again leave us, to pro¬ 
ceed northward towards their summer breeding stations. 
Very few instances of the Fieldfare remaining to breed 
in England have been authenticated, the greater part re¬ 
treating northward to Sweden, Norway, and Russia. 
In those countries Fieldfares have been found rearing their 
young in large numbers, and, contrary to the habits of other 
thrushes, living in society. 
The nest of the Fieldfare is described as resembling very 
much those of the blackbird and ring ouzel, composed exter¬ 
nally of coarse grass and weeds, plastered within with mud, 
and lined with grasses of a finer texture. The eggs are from 
four to six in number, and much resemble those of the 
blackbird. 
Fieldfares are considered a great delicacy in Gennany 
during autumn, where they are taken in great numbers by 
means of horse-hair springes, and sent as presents to other parts 
of the Continent, where they are scarce. The chief cause 
of their fine flavour is to be attributed to their being obliged, 
by severe frosty weather, to live upon juniper berries, Avhich 
grow in very great abundance along the Rhine and other 
wooded districts. When these birds are packed up for the 
purpose of transport, they are half-plucked, and packed in 
fresh-gathered juniper berries, which also contributes greatly 
to increase the flavour. The German name of this bird is 
Wachholder Drossel, which signifies Juniper Thrush. 
It may be acceptable to persons living in the country to 
know how, on the Continent, we set traps for taking these 
buds, and consequently we give the description as fol¬ 
lows :— 
A twig, about a yard long,—willow is the best wood for 
