A HISTORY OF KENT were allowed to remain and rot where they died, and their carcases afforded ample food for these carrion-eating birds. But now farms have sprung up over the whole land, the pasture fields are well kept, and all cattle that die are carefully buried ; an observation which applies to the raven, now a rare bird in the county. Next in order of rarity may be mentioned the honey buzzard and common buzzard, both in danger of becoming lost to Kent, while at the present time the only two hawks still fairly numerous are the kestrel and sparrow-hawk. Regarding the owls — the tawny owl and long-eared owl, once in danger of becoming scarce, have rallied, owing to the present protection afforded to them. Before leaving our world of woods another bird is worthy of men- tion — that is the golden oriole. This bird has not unfrequently occurred in Kent, and may be looked upon as rather more than a passing visitor, since there are at least three authenticated instances of its having bred in the county. There is not a doubt that this handsome species would become an annual breeder with us, provided it were protected from persecution ; and apart from the pleasure to be derived from seeing it in our woods and gardens and hearing its flute-like notes, its presence in the garden would be valuable, since it devours all kinds of caterpillars and other harmful insects. In mentioning the large woods, we must not omit the part the smaller ones play in the fostering of our wild birds. We refer to the young plantations of larch, fir and chestnut that have sprung up in the county within the last few years. Owing to these warm coverts, with their beds of thistles and plenti- ful undergrass, the number of small finches has greatly increased. Flocks of goldfinches hanging about the thistle-down are now common sights ; siskins too, at the fall of the year, put in a brave appearance, while the clear strings of musical notes from a host of linnets and redpolls will often strike upon the ear. Another interesting fact about the up-growth of these plantations is that they have induced the woodcock to breed in the suitable localities. Our hop land, which furnishes one of the most conspicious features of Kentish scenery, influences to some extent our bird life. In September, before the poles are pulled, swallows and martins throng the gardens, gathering a harvest from the hop-fly and other insects attracted by the bine ; while at a time when insect life is becom- ing scarce, this supply of food makes all the difference to these departing migrants, and hence our county offers an attractive high road to the Hirundinidce on their migration southward. Then in winter, when hard frost binds the ground and the farmer enriches the hop gardens from the farmyard, flocks of larks and finches invade them from time to time to gain a living. The next important features of the county to be considered are the shore-line and marshland. The high chalk cliffs about Dover offer a safe 268
