391 
has been my usual method. A tin pan is better than wood to put 
their food in, as the meat continues sweet and moist much longer. 
In hot weather it is necessary to feed them twice each day, as the 
meat soon spoils by the heat. In winter also it is the safest plan, 
if they arc kept in a warm room. Cleanliness is .also very necessary, 
or the bird will soon perish for want of this attention. The form 
of the net-trap, and the kind of cage proper to keep them in you 
have seen yourself. I have almost fatigued myself with writing 
down my observations, and I fear you will bo much more so with 
the perusal of them. Yours, &c. 
“ J. II.VRRISON. 
“P.S. Ilio hiightingalc is a solitary bird in its migi’ation; they 
depart singly, and return the same, not in pairs or flocks, like some 
other birds. In spring, the males are to be seen three or four days, 
and sometimes a week before the females make their appearance. 
AVhoover Avill observe, will find it the same with the Ivedsturt and 
most other summer or insectivorous birds. They return to their 
usual haunts in sjjring, and build often in the very same place, if no 
accident or misfortune befel them the preceding summer. — J.II.” 
I think the above letter cannot fail of meeting with your appro- 
bation and perhaps you Avill insert it nearly as it is— it is the 
completest monography of the Isrightingalc I ever read. It would 
seem that Kay’s Knot must have been in the plumage of the ash- 
coloured Sandpiper, for he describes it with green legs; but what 
puzzles me is the weight of his bird, only 2h oz. There has 
been a great dearth of birds on the banks of the Stour this 
summer. It was not till the latter end of August that I noticed 
any Blackbacked Gulls tho’ they were often to be met with 
in their wagel plumage. They bow to each other like pidgeons, 
fre<piently uttering Ilor, Hor in a hoarse tone. Is'ext month I hope 
to i>rocuro for Air. Sabine tho Tringa pusilla which has not yet 
arrived upon our shores. 
Kclievo ino very sincerely yours, 
KEVETT SIIEPKAKD. 
ll'rniwei?.'', 
2Wi Sept. 1819. 
