one specimen, however, has fallen under my observation during the whole winter, and that a female, killed on the 1st of December: about the same time a bittern was captured upon the peat-mosses, and soon afterwards I heard of three others occurring in the district. Bitterns are by no means annual visitors, nor is their appearance among us at all indicative of a severe winter; but when we are favoured with the company of this bog-hunter, a flock of eight or ten is generally scattered over the mosses and adjoining country. The only bird really new to our fauna was the hooded crow, a specimen of which was killed far inland in the early part of November. I am not aware that this species of Corvus has ever been seen before in this district, and this is the only fresh specimen which I have had an opportunity of examining. The woodcock arrived about its accustomed period. The same observations may be made respecting redwings and fieldfares. During the whole season a tolerably sized flock of these thrushes has never come under my observation. The jack-snipe appeared early; but our most experienced sportsmen complained that they never remember snipes and woodcocks being so scarce.
The 27th of December was one of the most delightful days that I ever remember in autumn. The redbreast sang with the freedom of his vernal song: the hedge-warbler and common wren were also very merry and musical, while the chaffinch, as if forgetful of what was to come, and apparently ready to join his partner in the choice of a nesting-place, repeated his twink-twink-twink so often and with such energy, that for some time I listened with trembling ears lest he should break forth into his sprightly song of February.
January, 1843, was much like December, very mild, with the exception of one week's frost. The habits of a few birds afford me a scale of comparison between the January of this and other years: of these the grey wagtail offers an interesting illustration. This species is a permanent resident with us; at least its migrations are confined to a distance of five or six miles upon the banks of our river. In summer it may be met with about two or three miles above the town, in its breeding places, upon the more rugged and wooded parts of the rivers Kent, Mint and Sprint. In autumn the birds, old and young, draw nearer the town; and perhaps, as winter approaches, part may leave us entirely, but the majority remain the year round. Should the winter be mild, its autumnal quarters are never forsaken; but if a severe frost set in, and cover over all its usual haunts with ice, after having for some days vainly endeavoured to gain sustenance about the sluices and bridges, these birds retire to a deeply sheltered part
