170 THE LINNET. 



(Sinapis arvensis), — called "Shirts" in Berwickshire, — and 

 of the Eunch (Raphanus raphanistrum). In waste and 

 uncultivated places it finds the seeds of the burdock 

 {Arctium) and knap-weed or horse-knops {Centaurea nigra) ; 

 and in summer those of the dandelion form part of its 

 food. Great numbers are attracted to fields of ripening 

 turnip-seeds. 



In ordinary seasons the Linnet remains with us through- 

 out the year, but when very severe weather sets in, such as 

 we experienced in the terrible winters of 1878-79 and 1880- 

 81, it usually leaves the county for a milder climate. It 

 has been observed on migration at the Isle of May in spring 

 and autumn,-^ when probably our Berwickshire Linnets may 

 receive additions to their numbers from migratory flocks. 

 It was observed to be scarcer in the county for some time 

 after the severe winters above mentioned. 



On the arrival of settled weather in spring the birds 

 which have kept together in flocks during the winter, break 

 up into scattered pairs, and — 



When whiny braes are garlanded with gold, 

 And blithe the Iamb pursues in merry chase 

 His twin around the bush ; the Linnet then, 

 Within the prickly fortress, builds her bower, 

 And warmly lines it round with hair and wool 

 Inwove. 



Gkahame, Birds of Scotland. 



On the 21st of June 1888, Mr. Compton Lundie of Spital 

 and I found several nests of this species in isolated whin 

 bushes on the rough pasture ground at St. Abb's Head. 

 They contained eggs, which varied from four to five in 



1 The Linnet has been observed on migration at the Isle of May : — Spnng 

 1880.— 18th May. Autumn liil.—lith. AxLg. ,S>rmgr 1882.— 3rd March and 

 22nd May. Autumn 1882.— 23rd Aug. to 8th Dec. ; vast rush, 9th to 23rd Oct. 

 Spring 1884.— 25th March. Autumn 1884.— 25th to 27th Sep. — ijepor^s on 

 Migration of Birds, 1879-85. 



