THE NATURALIST ON THE THAMES

BY

C.J. CORNISH, F.Z.S.

PREFACE

Having spent the greater part of my outdoor life in the ThamesValley, in the enjoyment of the varied interests of its naturalhistory and sport, I have for many years hoped to publish theobservations contained in the following chapters. They have beenwritten at different intervals of time, but always with a view topublication in the form of a commentary on the natural history andcharacter of the valley as a whole, from the upper waters to themouth. For permission to use those which have been previouslyprinted I have to thank the editors and proprietors of theSpectator, Country Life, and the BadmintonMagazine.

C.J. CORNISH.

ORFORD HOUSE,
CHISWICK MALL.

CONTENTS

THE THAMES AT SINODUN HILL

THE FILLING OF THE THAMES

THE SHELLS OF THE THAMES

THE ANTIQUITY OF RIVER PLANTS

INSECTS OF THE THAMES

"THE CHAVENDER OR CHUB"

THE WORLD'S FIRST BUTTERFLIES

BUTTERFLY SLEEP

CRAYFISH AND TROUT

FOUNTAINS AND SPRINGS

BIRD MIGRATION DOWN THE THAMES

WITTENHAM WOOD

SPORT AT WITTENHAM

SPORT AT WITTENHAM(continued)

A FEBRUARY FOX HUNT

EWELME--A HISTORICAL RELIC

EEL-TRAPS

SHEEP, PLAIN AND COLOURED

SOME RESULTS OF WILD-BIRDPROTECTION

OSIERS AND WATER-CRESS

FOG AND DEW PONDS

POISONOUS PLANTS

ANCIENT THAMES MILLS

THE BIRDS THAT STAY

ANCIENT HEDGES

THE ENGLISH MOCKING BIRD

FLOWERS OF THE GRASS FIELDS

RIVERSIDE GARDENING

COTTAGES AND CAMPING OUT

NETTING STAGS IN RICHMOND PARK

RICHMOND OLD DEER PARK

FISH IN THE LONDON RIVER

CHISWICK EYOT

CHISWICK FISHERMEN

BIRDS ON THAMES RESERVOIRS

THE CARRION CROW

...