350 
CONCORD AND DISCORD IN BIRDS. 
support this idea* for though Nightingales and 
Redstarts* are reported to be absent from Cornwall, 
and the Yellow Wren to be very scarce, the Nuthatch 
a stationary English bird, and some other species 
of the same habit, are, though not deficient in the 
Cornish Fauna, particularly local. Tree Sparrows, 
Reed Wrens, and several other birds common in 
many counties, are in Devon and Cornwall great 
raritities, and besides these cases indicative of pe¬ 
culiar likings, it should be observed that on a 
principle long recognised of “ adopted residences ” 
by animals, these species above named would ere 
this have become even plentiful inhabitants of ap¬ 
parently so desirable districts asDevon and Cornwall, 
did not some hidden circumstances interfere and 
regulate the limits of their range. A further instance 
of indisposition for, or incapacity to endure our 
climate (or whatever may be the obstacle) is seen 
in the Starling which breeds but sparingly in these 
counties. It is also likely that it is only in late 
years that this species has ever abided the summer 
with us. The choice of localities by animals is a 
subject altogether of the utmost obscurity. 
Concord and discord as observed in Birds. —In 
the class of birds, actions and feelings of very 
opposite characters are sometimes discovered, these 
for the most part are referrible to the difference of 
circumstances which present themselves at different 
seasons, and also occasionally through accident or 
unexpected emergencies, at the same season. I 
allude to those actions derived from jealousy and 
personal consideration on the one hand, and to those 
derived from concord and combined interests on 
* Redstarts have been seen in Cornwall, but only in their passage 
during migration. See Couch’s “ Cornish Fauna,” a most elaborate 
and for the most part scientific compendium. 
