THE MOUNTAIN LINNET. 273 



this species annually breeds, and from its occurrence there at 

 mid-winter, I am disposed to believe that severity of weather 

 only, drives it to the lower grounds. In the north of Ireland 

 it is distinguished from the other linnets (Linaria) by the 

 name of " Heather-grey." These birds may be seen every winter 

 in large flocks about Clough, in the county of Antrim, where they 

 chiefly frequent the stubble-fields in the neighbourhood of the 

 mountains .* They are said to be common about Armagh in winter; 

 I have had specimens from the county of Fermanagh; they 

 have been obtained in Kerry ; t and have been shot in the middle of 

 February in company with the grey linnet on an island in Wex- 

 ford harbour, where "they seemed partial to the vicinity of high- 

 water mark, and had taken up their quarters among the grassy 

 banks."J In the north they frequently resort to the sea-side in 

 winter, and associate with the grey linnet. 



A person to whom the species is well known, has often had its 

 nests on the heathery top of the Knockagh mountain near Car- 

 rickfergus. They were generally placed in the heath, but in some 

 instances were built near to the ground in dwarfed whins, which 

 grew among the heath. 



A venerable sporting friend has always observed these birds 

 about their nests (placed in "tufts of heather"), when breaking 

 Ins dogs on the Belfast mountains preparatory to grouse-shooting. 

 The Rev. G. Eobinson has met with them breeding in bogs about 

 Stewartstown, county of Tyrone ; in the parish of Tullaniskin ; 

 and around Churchill, county of Armagh ; — also, at the base of 

 the Dublin mountains. It is common and breeds in the counties 

 of Cork § and Tipperary.|| 



The Mealy Eedpole (Idnota canescens, Gould, sp.) has not come 

 under my notice in Ireland, but probably, visits, this island. Little 

 attention has yet been directed to it as a species distinct from the 

 lesser redpole. The localities named by Mr. Yarrell, in which it has 



* Mr. J. R. Garrett. f Mr. 1m. Andrews. X Mr. Poole. 



§ Mr. Robert "Warren, juiir. This gentleman found a nest containing eggs in a 

 furze-bush, within a few feet of a much frequented public road at Carrigalina. He 

 placed one of the eggs under a canary, that brought it out, at the same time with her 

 own brood. She took the greatest care of the young linnet, which acquired the note 

 of its foster-parent. || Mr. Davis. 



VOL. I. T 



