WAITE: VERTEBRATES OF THE WESTERN AINSTY. 93 
It still occurs at Wetherby, and breeds at Boston Spa. My 
father tells me that many years ago Oglethorpe Whin Covert 
used to be a favourite haunt of Goldfinches, whence the birds 
visited a spring at Boston Spa, a mile distant. 
Chrysomitris spinus (Linn.). Siskin. An irregular winter 
visitant ; when it occurs, it is generally during severe weather, 
usually in small, but sometimes in larger numbers, as, for 
example last winter; I saw some near Boston Spa on Jan. 4th. 
They generally frequent the alder trees. ; 
Passer domesticus (Linn.). House Sparrow. Resident and 
extremely abundant. ‘The persistent persecution by the farmers. 
does not, on the whole, appear to lessen its numbers ; it is, 
however, kept well within bounds at Wilstrop Hall by 
Mr. Harrison. Breeds in all parts of the district where human 
habitations exist (see Chelidon urbica). 
Passer montanus (Linn.). Tree Sparrow. Resident, but 
ocal ; common where it occurs, as at Walton, Thorp Arch, and 
Wilstrop. Mr. James Backhouse has a note in ‘ The Naturalist,’ 
1890, p. 355, on this species at Wilstrop, and I may add that it 
occasionally breeds there in low thick bushes. JI have never 
known two broods to be reared in a season, nor have I found 
P. montanus interpairing with P. domesticus. 
Fringilla celebs Linn. Chaffinch. Usually called Bullspink,. 
or simply Spink, in the district. Resident, and, next to 
P. domesticus, the most abundant Finch. It is passionately fond 
of radish-seed, and unless prevented, will assemble in shoals. 
where it is sown and soon do considerable damage. I have 
not noticed that any separation of the sexes takes place in 
autumn or winter, as recorded by writers in other districts. 
Fringilla montifringilla ]inn. Brambling. Better known in 
- the district by its second trivial name of Mountain Finch ; 
a regular winter visitant, very common in severe seasons, when 
it associates with flocks of Chaffinches and Greenfinches. It 
Was especially numerous last winter (1890). 
Linota cannabina (Linn.). Linnet. Resident and very 
common where it occurs ; breeds regularly in those parts of the 
district where Pratincola rubetra is to be met with. It is 
usually seen in small flocks in the autumn. 
Linota rufescens (Vicill.). Lesser Redpoll. Locally called 
Chevy-linnet. Resident; not very common, but s mewhat 
variable in this respect, in some places being fairly * si gmeiedabaeata 
while in others it is seldom seen ; it breeds in the district. 
i 
March 1 8or. 
