OF SELBORKE, 
40 
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 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, especially 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 war, desiring him to look into his 
minutes, with respect to birds that settled on their rigging 
during their voyage up or down the Channel. What Has- 
selquist says on that subject is remarkable ; there were 
little short- winged birds frequently coming on board his 
ship all the way from our Channel quite up to the Levant, 
especially before squally weather.^ 
What you suggest, with regard to Spain, is highly 
probable. The winters of Andalusia are so mild, that, in 
all likelihood, the soft-billed birds that leave us at that 
season may find insects sufficient to support them there. 
Some young man, possessed of fortune, health, and 
leisure, should make an autumnal voyage into that king- 
dom ; and should spend a year there, investigating the 
natural history of that vast country. Mr. Willaghby^ 
passed through that kingdom on such an errand ; but he 
seems to have skirted along in a superficial manner and an 
ill humour, being much disgusted at the rude dissolute 
manners of the people. 
I have no friend left now at Sunbury to apply to about 
the swallows roosting on the aits of the Thames ; nor can I 
^ On this subject the reader may be referred to Knox's " Ornitho- 
logical Rambles in Sussex," p. 194 ; and Professor Newton s edition of 
Yarrell's " Hist. Brit. Birds," vol. i. pp. 350, 351. — Ed. 
2 This statement has been confirmed repeatedly by subsequent 
observers. — Ed. 
^ See Ray^s " Travels," p. 486.— G. W. 
E 
