Xlll.] 
OF SELBORNE. 
{ccnantlie) does not quit England, it certainly shifts places ; for 
about harvest tliey are not to be found, where there was before 
great plenty of them." This well accounts for the vast quan- 
tities that are caught about that time on the South downs near 
Lewes, where they are esteemed a delicacy. There have been 
shepherds, I have been credibly informed, that have made many 
pounds in a season by catching them in traps. And though 
such multitudes are taken, I never saw (and I am well acquainted 
THE WHEATEAR. 
with those parts) above two or three at a time : for they are 
never gregarious. They may perhaps migrate in general ; and, 
for that purpose, draw towards the coast of Sussex in autumn : 
but that they do not all withdraw I am sure : because I see a 
few stragglers in many counties, at all times of the year, espe- 
cially about warrens and stone-quarries. 
I have no acquaintance, at present, among the gentlemen of 
the navy : but have written to a friend, who was a sea- chaplain 
in the late w^ar, desiring him to look into his minutes, with 
