C II I F F C II A F F 
PIIILLOSCOPUS COLLYBITA. 
We are informed by several writers that the Cliiffchaff occasionally winters in the British Islands. This, 
liowever, has entirely escaped my notice. Tlie majority of these birds, I believe, arrive on our shores shortly 
in advance of the Willow-Wren, though I have seldom detected their presence at the early date frequently 
assigned to them. The latest straggler that ever came under iny observation in the autumn was seen in a 
plantation near Brighton about the middle of October. A Hedge-Sparrow (usually the most retiring of the 
feathered tribe) evidently considering the small visitor, who Avas certainly cut up by a drifting rain and a 
cold Avind, somcAvliat out of place at this season, attacked it Avith the utmost fury and forced it to seek 
the shelter of some evergreen shrubs. 
In the southern counties this species appears very generally distributed. I have remarked it more 
abundant to the south of London than in any other ])art of the British Islands. In tlie north of England I 
met Avith but fcAV, and up to the present date entirely failed to identify the Chiffchatf in Scotland. Tavo 
or three close observers of birds assured me that in certain localities it may be found every summer. In 
order to satisfy myself that this species advanced so far north, I undertook some years ago, Avhile collecting 
specimens in the Itighlands, a journey of several miles across the hills ; and although the object Avas not 
accomplished, a short and condensed extract from my notes concerning the expedition may not be out of 
place, as it will serve to indicate the style of country the bird is stated to resort to in that district. 
“ Shortly after pulling up at the Inn, I recognized an old acquaintance from the braes of Rannoch, 
frequently encountered during iny Avanderings in the Highlands. The man Avas a good authority on the birds of 
this district ; and Avhile giving an account of the rarities lately seen, he happened to mention the fact that a pair 
or tAVO of Chiffehaffs were this season nesting in a Avild glen to tlie north. ]\Iy informant Avas a curious character ; 
but I Avas Avell aAvare Duncan Avas perfectly acquainted Avith the species Avhen he once made an assertion to that 
effect, as he had formerly assisted me on several occasions in Scotland, and had also visited the south of England, 
Avhere he had picked up his knoAvledge of the bird as Avell as its note. Being anxious to satisfy myself as to the 
presence of this Warbler so far north, I determined to search the locality. To reach the spot it Avas necessary 
to make our Avay over some thirty miles of rough hill-roads, in places almost impassahle to any ordinary 
vehicle. The conveyance in Avliich I Avas travelling Avas a large and heavy four-wheel Avaggonette, and 
utterly useless for this purpose ; so I alloAvcd Duncan to borroAV a machine from some accommodating friend 
in which Ave could perform the journey. I must confess I Avas someAvhat doubtful as to hoAV far Ave might 
be carried on our Avay Avhen the rickety old shandridan Avas first pulled up at the door for my inspection. 
As my attendant, however, Avas able and Avilling to bear the Avhole amount of baggage in the event of a 
breakdoAvn, I decided to make the attempt on the folloAving morning. The sky, at daybreak, Avas gloomy 
and overcast ; there was, however, every prospect of fine Aveather Avlien Ave started from the inn. A stock 
of provisions and liquor had been laid in, as I anticipated that the bill of fare at the shealing to Avhich we 
