162 
SHRIKES. 
for the purpose of more conveniently feeding on it, there can 
he no doubt ; for if confined in a cage, they evince a similar 
propensity, and if not provided with a thorn, will invariably 
fasten it to the wires before commencing their repast. It 
has however been suggested, that as the quantity destroyed, 
particularly of insects, so far surpasses the wants of the 
destroyer, they may be placed on the thorns as baits. This 
seems to be a prevailing opinion in America, where one 
species of this bird, called the Nine-killer, is very abundant, 
for on spots frequented by it, the thorn-bushes may be seen 
furnished on the naked thorns with grasshoppers, transfixed 
precisely in the same manner; all regularly, and in their 
natural position as when on the ground, not one of them 
having his back downwards. After the frost sets in, there 
they still remain unconsumed ; the Shrikes, at the same time, 
watching the smaller birds, and catching them near these 
hedges. 
Of the two sorts visiting England, one only, we believe, 
breeds here, namely, the Red-backed Shrike, (Lanins col- 
lurio.) It is one of our latest birds of passage, probably j 
coming from a great distance, as it is found in the southern 
part of Africa, as well as South America, and also probably 
because the insects it prefers are not abundant till late in the ; 
spring- season. There is another peculiarity worthy of notice ; 1 
that it is, generally speaking, very rare in most parts, con- 
fining itself to particular districts ; such as parts of Essex, 
the Sussex downs, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, where it is 
by no means uncommon. May not this be attributed to ! 
something in the soil, or other local causes favourable to the ! 
production of its favourite food? If so, it might be de- | 
sirable to ascertain to what species of insect it gives the 
preference, which might lead to some curious inferences in 
natural history,— -throwing light on the remarkable locality 
observed so often in the animal as well as vegetable world ; for, 
notwithstanding the greatest care and attention, although not ji 
the slightest difference of soil, climate, or situation, can be 
pointed out, it has been often remarked, that an insect, or a 
plant, abundant in' one place, is not to be found in another, 
at no great distance. 
