THE MOUNTAIN LINNET. 305 



tainoiis districts all the year, placing its nest on 

 the ground among the furze and heather, weaving- 

 sprigs of the heath with the dried grasses, and 

 lining the little dwelling with wool and grass 

 fibres. The eggs are of a light bluish green, 

 spotted witli brownish orange colour. 



The song of the mountain linnet, though not so 

 sweet as that of the common species, is very simi- 

 lar. The notes are very rapid, and not clear and 

 llute-like ; sudden bursts of song coming forth at 

 intervals, so that, as Mr. Blyth has observed, it 

 resembles the sound of several birds singing to- 

 gether. This naturalist adds, " I have never 

 heard the sound, ' twite,' which it is alleged to 

 utter; but its usual notes upon the furze much 

 resemble those of the common linnet, being either 

 a low ' Tsu-tsu-tsu,' or a loud ' Chat-chat.' " This 

 bird experiences the same seasonal changes of 

 plumage as the common linnet, and like that 

 leaves in winter the moorlands which are its sum- 

 mer residence, and comes in flocks to the fields. 

 It is very abundant in Norway and Sweden, and 

 among the Scottish mountains, and in those which 

 contribute to the magnificent scenery of the north 

 of England. 



