272 THE MOUNTAIN LINNET. 



nests were found in the garden of Tallaniskin glebe ; one in a 

 currant bush, the other among the branches of a honeysuckle not 

 more than four feet from the ground : they go farther south in 

 winter." * 



During the season, the lesser redpole is dispersed very generally, 

 often in small flocks, consisting of about twenty birds, over planta- 

 tions from the highest on the mountain-side, to those which are but 

 little elevated above high-water mark. The late John Mont- 

 gomery, Esq., of Locust Lodge, near Belfast, at that season has 

 remarked it occupied in feeding upon the seeds of the tree-prim- 

 rose ((Enotliera) and crown-imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) in Ins 

 garden. A friend once noted his having on the 1st of February, 

 observed ten of these birds so busily engaged consuming the 

 seeds of the alder, that they were not disturbed by some horses 

 and carts passing close beneath them : they gave no attention to 

 his own presence, thus enabling him to perceive that two or 

 three of them had the pretty pinkish breasts and red foreheads of 

 spring, though all the others were deficient in that plumage. It 

 were idle to dwell longer on this interesting bird : — its partiality 

 to the seed of the alder; the varied and graceful attitudes so full 

 of animation and life assumed by a group when feeding ; and the 

 indifference shown to the close proximity of man at such times ; 

 all these traits having been fully expatiated on by Mr. Selby. 



THE MOUNTAIN LINNET. 



Twite. 



Linaria flavirostris, Linn, (sp.) 

 Fringilla „ „ 

 montium, Gmel. 



Is found from north to south of Ireland, and is resident. 



It is one of the least known of our indigenous Fringittida, and 

 was considered by Mr. Tempi eton as a "winter visitant" only. In 

 the heath-clad mountains of the more northern parts of the island 



* Kev. George Robinson. 



