150 By Leafy Ways. 



The ptarmigan is with us a Highland bird, not 

 being found in England at all. In other countries, 

 where not strictly Arctic in its range, it frequents 

 mountainous districts, generally at a great height above 

 sea-level. 



The white birds so conspicuous in our winter 

 markets are chiefly willow grouse. They are larger 

 than ptarmigan, and are without the black stripe which 

 crosses the eye of that bird. 



Although there are but few species whose garb is 

 thus completely altered in the winter season, there are 

 many in whose plumage a marked change takes place, 

 generally in the direction of more sombre tones and 

 less conspicuous colouring. The linnet, for example, 

 loses the vivid touch of crimson from his glossy crown ; 

 the flush of carmine from his delicate breast. And 

 the twittering companies which fly over the winter 

 stubble are dull indeed compared with their appear- 

 ance early in the year, when the rival songsters, each 

 on the top of his favourite fyrze bush, fill the air with 

 sweet snatches of most ethereal song. 



It is, indeed, in the spring, in the pairing-time, that 

 birds are at their best and brightest : 



' In the spring a fuller crimson comes upon the robin's breast, 

 In the spring the wanton lapwing gets himself another crest.' 



When the broods have flown begins the annual 

 moult, often accompanied by some change in appear- 

 ance. 



