Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/91

Rh the parish in the rocky bank of a stream formed by the waste water of Hurst Mill Pond.

The Wood Lark (Alauda arborea), whose song is more highly esteemed by many persons than that of the Sky Lark, is not uncommon in the district, but is much less numerous than the latter species, and much more local. "Scarcely a season passes," says Mr. Weaver, "but we meet with its nest on the ground among grass in Uppark and Lady Holt Park, at which time the bird may, of course, be frequently seen and heard; but we have particularly noticed that although in its musical soarings it not unfrequently passes and repasses the boundaries of the parks, it seldom strays far from either in the breeding season. On the other hand, large flocks of them may be seen towards the end of winter, before they have selected their several summer homes" (p. 278).

The Hawfinch, which is generally found in small parties in severe weather, has on a few occasions been found nesting in the parish; while at no great distance, in an easterly direction, it is said to be "permanently resident" (p. 282). The increase in the numbers of this bird of late years, and its extended distribution, has been noticed by observant naturalists in many different localities.

In the year 1776 the late Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh imported from France several sittings of the eggs of the Red-legged Partridge, and in the subsequent correspondence between him and his mother we learn that the hatching was perfectly successful; several coveys were bred in the walled gardens attached to "Harting Place" and in the park; but the experiment to establish them here permanently seems to have failed. Mr. Weaver says:—

The Black Grouse is briefly alluded to as rare, "one or two