Mr. Stillingfleet, in his Tracts, says that 'if the wheatear (oenanthe)
does not quit England, it certainly shifts places; for about harvest
they are not to be found, where there was before great plenty of
them.' This well accounts for the vast quantities that are caught
about that time on the south downs near Lewes, where they are
esteemed a delicacy. There have been shepherds, I have been
credibly informed, that have made many pounds in a season by
catching them in traps. And though such multitudes are taken, I
never saw (and I am well acquainted with those parts) above two or
three at a time: for they are never gregarious. They may, perhaps,
migrate in general; and, for that purpose, draw towards the coast of
Sussex in autumn; but that they do not all withdraw I am sure;
because I see a few stragglers in many counties, at all times of the
year, especially about warrens and stone quarries.

I have no acquaintance, at present, among the gentlemen of the
navy: but have written to a friend, who was a sea-chaplain in the
late war, desiring him to look into his minutes, with respect to
birds that settled on their rigging during their voyage up or down
the channel. What Hasselquist says on that subject is remarkable:
there were little short-winged birds frequently coming on board his
ship all the way from our channel quite up to the Levant, especially
before squatty weather.

What you suggest, with regard to Spain, is highly probable. The
winters of Andalusia are so mild, that, in all likelihood, the soft-
billed birds that leave us at that season may find insects sufficient
to support them there.

Some young man, possessed of fortune, health, and leisure, should