20 HISTORY OF 



birds obtained by himself in the winter of 1812 13, which I 

 have little doubt were Mealy Redpoles. 



The practical bird-catchers near London, Mr. Gould informs 

 us, have been always in the habit of regarding the Mealy 

 Redpole as distinct from the lesser one. But Mr. Gould, not- 

 withstanding what has been stated above, does not consider 

 the species as established ; for, at the conclusion of his account, 

 he says, that a further knowledge of this bird, and especially 

 of the changes which it undergoes, will, at a future period, 

 determine whether or not the specific name of Canescens must 

 eventually stand or fall. 



The bird is not very uncommon about London, and other 

 places. It has occurred to ourselves in Shropshire. Its habit 

 is similar to that of the Lesser Redpole. 



