MIGRATION OF VARIOUS BIRDS AND INSECTS. 



467 



melodia*), whin-chats (Rubetra migratoriat) , and a single female red- 

 start (Rtibecula arboreal). 



On the following day, (September 17th,) other species made their 

 appearance; several wheatears (Saxicola (Enantke) , robins (Rubecula 

 familmris), and one male stonechat [Rubetra rubicola). All these 

 birds migrate by night ; and they all left the vessel on the first night 

 after their appearance, excepting two robins, which remained for some 

 time, being fed by the passengers, and which, with the characteristic 

 effrontery of their species, stationed themselves, the one at the front of 

 the vessel, the other at the stern, and fought on the least intrusion into 

 each other's territory. The robin is constantly migratory in all parts 

 of the Continent, and, I believe, in the Orkney and Shetland isles, 

 but stationary throughout Britain. 



On returning southward, however, the greatest number of species 

 was seen. When off Whitby, about fourteen miles from land, on the 

 7th of October, a flock of gold-crests (Regulus auricapillus-minof§), 

 settled on the ship's tackle ; the little creatures, being much exhausted, 

 suffered themselves to be taken with the hand ; as did also a solitary 

 chiff-chaff {Sylvia loquax\\), which, together with nine gold-crests, it 

 was attempted to bring alive to London ; but they all died on the 

 passage. On the same day two female chaffinches (Sjriza leucoptera^ ,) 

 two song-thrushes {Tardus musicus), some field-fares (T. pilaris), 

 starlings ( Sturnus variiis), and tree-pipits ( Anlhus arboreus), alighted 

 on the vessel, many of which were taken alive. An eve-jar (Nychti- 

 chelidon Europaus), also followed the ship for some time, and settled 

 more than once upon the bowsprit: perched lengthwise, (as is its con- 

 stant habit,) its wings drooping, its head lower than the body, and 

 panting with fatigue, it presented, I am told, a very curious and inter- 

 esting spectacle. A woodcock (Rusticola Europcea), likewise flew 

 about the vessel for some time on this day, and alighted twice on the 

 deck. 



October 8th. A flock of tree sparrows (Passer arboreus), settled 

 on the ship, and others of this species continued to arrive during the 

 whole day as the vessel passed the Norfolk and Suifolk coast, particu- 

 larly when off Haisborough, Yarmouth, and Harwich. Their numbers 



* MotacWa Trochifus, Lin. f Mdtacilla rubetra, Lin. 



% MotaciUa Phcenicarus, Lin. 

 § MotacWa regulus, Lin. || Sylvia hippo/a"* of British authors. 



FringiUa caelehs, Lin. 



N N 2 



