546 



CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



the place, and found there were runs of the shrew mice, in different 

 directions through the bushes, like those made by rabbits, just large 

 enough to admit their bodies. On the same day I caught a young full- 

 fledged titlark among the furze, by running it down. I caught one the 

 year before in the same place, and if I had had a companion could have 

 captured several more: I soon tired them down, but they hid themselves 

 among the furze It may not, perhaps, be generally known that robins 

 can be hunted down in the same way by two or more persons, and it 

 forms most excellent exercise on a frosty morning, as it requires some 

 speed ; they are, however, soon confused and taken, if once surrounded. 

 The common brown wren, when hunted in the same manner, is very 

 easily outstripped, and attempts to escape by concealment more than 

 by flight : it will creep for a considerable distance along the bottom of 

 a hedge in the most stealthy manner. The hedge sparrow can also be 

 taken in the same manner, but it requires a good deal of exertion in 

 running, and therefore should not be attempted unless you wish for a 

 regular breathing. 



Stepney, Nov. 4, 1833. C. W. S. 



P. S. I should like to know whether it is possible to breed any par- 

 ticular sort of insect, such as earwigs, &c. for the purpose of feeding 

 the summer birds*. 



Wild haunt of the window swallow. — Two fine examples of 

 immense masses of basalt are afforded on the hills of Penmaen Bach 

 and Penmaen Mawr. The cap or summit of the latter, in appearance, 

 resembles much a volcanic crater. It is curious to observe that the 

 north-west front of this last hill is the favourite resort of multitudes 

 of many of the common house- swallow, whose clayey nest covers in 

 many places the rock. 



" This guest of summer, 



The temple-haunting martlet does approve 



By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath 



Swells wooingly here ; no jutty frieze, 



Buttress, nor coigne of vantage, but this bird 



Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle. 



Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, 



The air is delicate." — Shakspeare. 



J. Stuart Menteath. 



* Meal worms may be bred in thousands. — Ed. 



