in.ACKBIRl). 
3 
the moss from the stones while searching for grubs, tliat at least a couple of harrow-loads of fragments, torn 
down from the upper parts, were lying at tlie foot of tlie rocks. Though it was possible the work at which 
he was engaged would have to he undertaken at some future time to cheek the ravages of the insects, it was 
necessary to put a stop to his proceedings. In order to administer a lesson, a small trap baited with one of 
the grubs of which he had been in quest was carefully set, the teeth being wrapped round with flannel to 
prevent severe injury. In spite of the precautions, a couple of toes were unfortunately broken when the 
bird was captured. That he did not suffer greatly, however, was evident, as on the following mornin^ he 
was noticed singing, balancing himself on one leg, the crippled foot being slightly raised. The lesson 
concerning the moss was nevertheless sufficient, as for the future it remained unmolested. 
^ In the choice of a site for its nest the Blackbird greatly resembles the Tlirush, though perhaps the 
position, as a rule, is more carefully concealed. According to my own experience it is seldom, if ever, seen at 
the elevation to which the Grcybird * aspires to place its cradle in some of the covers of the southern and 
eastern counties. Early in March 1883, I examined a Blackliird’s nest built on a pot, hanging in a fernery, 
containing a fine root of ic./cm FiUx-mas ■. the nest, which was one of the largest and most substantially 
constructed I ever saw, completely filled the pot, being placed on the crown of the fern, and causin- the 
fronds to droop over the edges. ° 
^ I hough tins species IS decidedly more hardy, and consequently able to hear exposure to frost and cold 
wit 1 far greater ease, than the Thrush, a protracted gale at times causes them to suffer excessive hardships, 
lowardstheendof January 1881, I noticed numbers of Blackbirds tliat were searching for food so severely 
cut up as to be incapable of making the slightest use of their feet or legs. Early in the followin- April 
the long-continued and cruel east winds greatly affected the survivors of the winter storms; many'broods 
also perished through want. The old birds might be watched by the hour seeking carefully tliough hopelessly 
over the dried grass for worms and grubs for their starving young, the parched turf being at" the time as 
ikely to supply a meal as the surfaee of a turnpike-road. Notwithstanding the straits to which they were 
driven, they declined to make use of strips of meat (both raw and cooked) placed out on the spots they 
frequented. ^ ^ 
The disposition of the Blackbird is decidedly noisy and demonstrative. Throughout the broad country 
m the east of Xorfolk they may commonly he seen '‘mobbing” some of the numerous Cuckoos frequentin- 
that watery district. Their well-known alarm-note in the coverts as soon as the sun disappears also 
proclaims the departure of the Long-eared Owl from tlie shelter in which it has rested during the day Jlany 
a prowling member of the cat family owes its death to my attention having been attraLd while covirt 
shooting by the warning “chuck chuck” of two or three old birds e.vasperated at the sight of their natural 
enemy. There is no doubt that a wandering pussy is the worst of poachers, and few suffer more from its 
attacks than our familiar friend the Blackbird; the parent birds are often killed on the nest, the youm> bciii'r 
iTt» /-ni-V /■ I ^ ^ my. y J .1 _ /Y? •» ( 7 ^ 
dragged out and carried off. 
Xo complaint can, with justice, be brought against the Blackbird by either the farmer or -ardener 
Like Its constant companion the Thrush, this species will doubtless prey on wall-fruit and berries if left 
unprotected; very simple precautions, however, render its attempts at robbery utterly futile Their 
partiality for insects, maggots, and such like frequently leads the unfortunate birds into trouble manv 
being taken in vermin-traps while exploring the fly-blown baits in search of food. Thoimh dozens of 
Blackbirds have come under my observation captured in this manner, I never noticed a Thrush in a like 
predicament. 
In my opinion the song of the Blackbird is decidedly superior to that of the Thrush Though the 
' note is by no means so striking in the depth of winter, it may frequently he heard at that season. 
The countn people in the east of Sussex almost invariably term the Song-Thrush the “ Greyhird ” 
