The moss preferred is that growing on and round stoles.
The melting of the snow and the rains in February cause the ditches to overflow and form shallow pools in the level meadows.

Into these sometimes the rooks wade as far as the length of their legs allows them, till the discoloured yellow water almost touches the lower part of the breast.

The moucher searches for small shell snails, of which quantities are sold as food for cage birds, and cuts small 'turfs' a few inches square from the green by the roadside.

These are in great request for larks, especially at this time of the year, when they begin to sing with all their might.
Large flocks of woodpigeons are now in every field where the tender swede and turnip tops are sprouting green and succulent.

These 'tops' are the moucher's first great crop of the year.