At the time of wheat-harvest they
begin to be taken in great numbers; are sent for sale in vast
quantities to Brighthelmstone and Tunbridge; and appear at the
tables of all the gentry that entertain with any degree of elegance.
About Michaelmas they retire and are seen no more till March.
Though these birds are, when in season, in great plenty on the
south downs round Lewes, yet at East-Bourn, which is the eastern
extremity of those downs, they abound much more. One thing is
very remarkable -- that though in the height of the season so many
hundreds of dozens are taken, yet they never are seen to flock; and
it is a rare thing to see more than three or four at a time: so that
there must be a perpetual flitting and constant progressive
succession. It does not appear that any wheat-ears are taken to the
westward of Houghton-bridge, which stands on the river Arun.
I did not fail to look particularly after my new migration of ring-
ousels; and to take notice whether they continued on the downs to
this season of the year; as I had formerly remarked them in the
month of October all the way from Chichester to Lewes wherever
there were any shrubs and covert: but not one bird of this sort came
within my observation.
Pages:
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265