200 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



various weeds, such as dandelions, thistles, ground- 

 sel and docks ; also the seeds of rape, hemp and 

 flax. 



The nest of the Linnet is generally placed in some 

 low bush, especially a furze-bush, on some open 

 common : it is, however, occasionally placed higher 

 up : a whitethorn and a fir-tree are both mentioned 

 by Yarrell. In Guernsey I have often found the 

 nest tolerably high up in the branches of a thick 

 Ilex and of a variegated holly. It is made of small 

 twigs and bents of grass, and lined with wool, 

 feathers and hair. 



This bird assumes a change of plumage in the 

 spring, or breeding- season, in a manner totally 

 different from any bird I have yet had occasion to 

 describe, though common to many others which are 

 to follow, especially amongst the Grallatores. When 

 the time arrives for these birds to put on their spring 

 dress or " habit des noces," as the French call it, 

 the change of plumage is not effected either by moult 

 or by the wearing-off of the margins of the feathers, 

 but some colouring secretion is put forth which gives 

 to the feathers a totally different colour ; in this case 

 the feathers on the breast assume a bright scarlet : 

 this colour is assumed in the spring gradually, but 

 rather rapidly. 



Though the Linnet is easily kept in confinement, 

 it is said never to assume this bright scarlet on the 

 breast, nor does it ever breed in confinement : both 



