RAII NOMINA.
Raven, _Corvus_. Hatches in February and
March.
Song-thrush, _Turdus_. In March.
Blackbird, _Merula_. In March.
Rook, _Cornix frugilega_. Builds the beginning of
March.
Woodlark, _Alauda arborea_. Hatches in April.
Ring-dove, _Palumbus torquatus_. Lays the beginning of
April.
All birds that continue in full song till after Midsummer appear to me to
breed more than once.
Most kinds of birds seem to me to be wild and shy somewhat in proportion
to their bulk: I mean in this island, where they are much pursued and
annoyed; but in Ascension Island, and many other desolate places,
mariners have found fowls so unacquainted with a human figure, that they
would stand still to be taken, as is the case with boobies, etc. As an
example of what is advanced, I remark that the golden-crested wren (the
smallest British bird) will stand unconcerned till you come within three
or four yards of it, while the bustard (_Otis_), the largest British land
fowl, does not care to admit a person within so many furlongs.