STONECHAT, OR CHICKSTONE. 



In the early part of the spring it sings very 

 prettily, perched on the topmost spray of a furze 

 bush, and at times while suspending itself for a 

 short period on the wing a few yards above the 

 bush. It is one of the first birds that makes its 

 nest in the spring. Its song is heard but for a 

 short season. 



" In early spring," observes Mr. Mudie, " these 

 are very delightful birds. The furze brakes are 

 mostly upon the northern slopes, and above the 

 light fogs and exhalations of the spring ; so that 

 they are among the first places on which the sun of 

 the young year shines out. The green and gold of 

 the furze itself are exceedingly gay and cheering, 

 and the scent of it breathes a vernal exhalation 

 which never tires. The black, white, and brown of 

 the little bird contrast beautifully with the colours 

 of the furze, as he sits on the topmost and luxurious 

 branch, which is too elevated for being clipped and 

 rounded by the brow zing of sheep, or the nibbling of 

 hares and rabbits : and he is ever and anon flinging 

 himself a few feet into the air, hovering over the 

 bushes, flitting now here, now there, like a butterfly 

 over a bed of flowers, or a dragon-fly over the margin 

 of a brook, and chanting his little song, sweet 

 and persuasive, but low, and tuned to the short dis- 

 tance at which it may be heard by his mate under 

 the shade of the evergreen bower." 



In confinement, Mr. Sweet says, this bird will 

 sing all through the winter, and a great part of the 

 year : it will sing frequently by night as well as by 

 day. It requires the same food and treatment as 



