THE BUNTINGS. 315 



where during his sojourn in Lapland, breeds on moors and 

 morasses high amongst the fjiills. The nest is built on 

 a tussock in marshy ground. It is carelessly constructed 

 of grass and moss, and lined with feathers. The eggs, five 

 to six in number, are of a dirty-yellow colour, resembling that 

 of tripoli, and marked with olive-brown spots and streaks. 



The Snow-Bunting (Sno-Sparf, or Snow-Sparrow, Sw. ; 

 E. nivaliSj Linn.). This bird was common with us during 

 the autumn more especially on the coast and adjacent 

 islands. As with the Lapland bunting, its proper home is the 

 far north, where it is found as high up as the North Cape itself. 

 It seems doubtful whether it migrates ; during mild winters, 

 at least, large numbers remain in the south of Sweden. 



Though the fact is known to naturalists, it may be proper 

 to mention that, somewhat contrary to the usual order of 

 nature, this bunting in the winter time is mostly brown and 

 hence, probably, its designation with us in England of tawny 

 bunting whereas in the summer, save its back, and parts of 

 the tail and wings, its plumage is of a snowy whiteness. 

 It is the most restless of birds. In the winter, when in 

 flocks, it is never quiet ; one minute it is seen swarming so 

 to say in the air, and the next, running or hopping along 

 the ground. 



During the breeding season one meets with this bird high 

 upon the fjalls, not only far above the limits of arboreal 

 vegetation, but in regions of perpetual snow. Its nest, 

 which is usually placed amongst stones, is formed of grass, 

 and lined with feathers, hair, and the like. The eggs, which 

 are four or five in number, are whitish, and marked with 

 brown and grey spots, especially towards the thicker end. 



