250 77^1? Scottish Naturalist. 



acetosel/a), Creeping Persicaria [Polygonum aviculare)^ and other 

 vegetable pests of the farmer. On fine winter evenings, when 

 not so employed, they may be seen densely crowded on the top 

 of some solitary tree, twittering out their songs in a full chorus 

 of voices. This same sociable habit of singing in chorus is 

 also peculiar to the Redwing (see Scot. Nat., v. p. no). 



71. LiNOTA MONTiUM, Bonap. (Mountain-Linnet.) 



During the autumn and winter months, these birds assemble 

 in small flocks on the braes of the Carse and other high grounds, 

 but are mostly composed of young birds. I have no notice of 

 their breeding in the district, and suspect that their nesting-places 

 are much farther north, as I have found them abundant in 

 Orkney in the summer months. Mr Horn does not mention 

 having seen the Mountain-Linnet in Strathtay. Though much 

 resembling the Common Linnet, it is easily to be distinguished 

 by its yellow bill, its difference of note, and being rather more 

 lengthy, as it were, in appearance. 



^GIOTHUS LiNARiA, Baird. (The Mealy Redpole.) 



Though alluded to by Mr Horn as mentioned in the new 

 * Statistical Account of Scotland,' I do not think there is suffi- 

 cient evidence to warrant its insertion here as a bird of the 

 district. I have obtained it in Shetland, but have never heard 

 of it in Perthshire, or had any notice of its being found in any 

 part of the adjoining counties which may be considered as 

 falling within the limits of the basin of the Tay. 



72. ^GiOTHUS RUFESCENS, Gould. (Lcsser Redpole.) 



This is not a common bird in this district. They are occa- 

 sionally seen in winter, either singly or in small parties of three 

 or four individuals, feeding on the ground. The only notice I 

 have of them in summer is from Mr Malloch, Perth, who has 

 observed them breeding about Methven nearly every season. 



73. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. (Starling.) 



The Starling, like the Missel-Thrush, everywhere so numerous, 

 was, within my own recollection, unknown to the district ; and 

 Sir John Ogilvy of Baldovan has mentioned to me having noticed 

 the same fact in Forfarshire. Now, in the present day, on some 

 fine autumn evening, should you be enjoying a pull upon the 

 river, many thousands of Starlings may be seeU; united in one 



