176 NATURAL HISTORY 



running under the stables and out into the 

 fields on the other side of the road : in this 

 water are many carps, which lie rolling 

 about in sight, being fed by travellers, who 

 amuse themselves by tossing them bread : 

 but as soon as the weather grows at all 

 severe these fishes are no longer seen, be- 

 cause they retire under the stables, wh^re 

 they remain till the return of Spring. Do 

 they lie in a torpid state ? if they do not, 

 how are they supported ? 



The note of the white-throat, which is 

 continually repeated, and often attended 

 with odd gesticulations on the wing, is 

 harsh and displeasing. These birds seem 

 of a pugnacious disposition ; for they sing 

 with an erected crest and attitudes of rivalry 

 and defiance ; are shy and wild inbreeding- 

 time, avoiding neighbourhoods, and haunt- 

 ing lonely lanes and commons ; nay, even 

 the very tops of the Sussex-downs, where 

 there are bushes and covert ; but in July 

 and August they bring their broods into 

 gardens and orchards, and make great 

 havock among the summer-fruits. 



