LETTER XXIV. 



To Thomas Pennant, Esq. 



The Scarabcciis fidlo I know very well, having 

 seen it in collections ; but have never been able to 

 discover one wild in its natural state. Mr. Banks 

 told me he thought it might be found on the sea 

 coast. 



On the 13th of April I went to the sheep-down, 

 where the ring-ousels have been observed to make 

 their appearance at spring and fall, in their way per- 

 haps to the north or south ; and was much pleased 

 to see three birds about the usual spot. We shot a 

 cock and a hen ; they were plump and in high con- 

 dition. The hen had but very small rudiments of 

 eggs within her, which proves they are late breed- 

 ers ; whereas those species of the thrush kind that 

 remain with us the whole year have fledged young 

 before that time. In their crops was nothing very 

 distinguishable, but somewhat that seemed like 

 blades of vegetables nearly digested. In autumn 

 they feed on haws and yew-berries, and in the spring 

 on ivy-berries. I dressed one of these birds, and 

 found it juicy and well-flavoured. It is remarkable 

 that they only stay a few days in their spring visit, 

 but rest nearly a fortnight at Michaelmas. These 

 birds, from the observations of three springs and 

 two autumns, are most punctual in their return; and 



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