116 Proceedings of the Boijal Physical Society. 



House Sparrow (Pctsser domesticus). 

 Abundant about farm steadings and in the surrounding 

 fields, evidently greatly on the increase of late years, much 

 to the annoyance of the farming community, whose grievances, 

 if we can credit their own statements, are " legion." 



Greenfinch (Coccothraustes chloris). 

 Very numerous. Builds about the gardens of Balmacaan 

 House, also in the fir plantations, and towards evening in 

 the spring time it comes in flocks to roost among the shrubs 

 and laurels of the former place. One of their notes is not 

 unlike that of the crossbill, especially noticeable when a 

 number suddenly rise off" a tree ; and another similarity that 

 attracts attention is to be seen in individuals only, viz., a 

 solitary bird frequently sitting on the highest point of a fir 

 tree, basking in the sun, with puffed-out feathers — a common 

 habit among crossbills also. Some show the yellow on the 

 wings and breast much brighter than others. One extra- 

 ordinarily brilliant specimen that used to frequent the road 

 side near Templehouse, was believed by the country people 

 to be a cross between an escaped canary and a greenfinch, 

 which, however, was a mistake. 



Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans). 



By no means rare fifteen or twenty years ago, but now 

 extinct, the reason of which may be attributed to two causes 

 — bird catchers on the one hand, and on the other the im- 

 proved style of farming having eradicated thistles and various 

 weeds, on the seeds of which they fed to a certain extent. 

 The disappearance of the birds has been gradual. 



Siskin {Carduelis spimcs). 



Some years this species abounds, in others again it is rare, 

 although a few are always in the district. Great numbers 

 breed at times in the fir plantings, especially in those near 

 the parish church; but the nest is not often found, being 

 well concealed by the dense foliage of the spruce trees. 

 In May 1880 I saw a pair beginning to build on a fir close 



