APPENDIX. 465 



at either side towards tlie base, but the shaft is more frequently black 

 than white in feathers displaying any of the former coloiu*. 



The notes here given, and more particularly those on Lcunis ridi- 

 bimdus, are opposed to Mr. Yarrell's view. The difference, however, is 

 not positive, but in degree only, excepting in the case of the species 

 last named, which that gentleman, in the one instance detailed by him, 

 describes as attaining the black head of summer without the addition of a 

 new feather. Certaiidy in the preceding instances the change of plumage 

 in those parts varying in summer and winter was chiefly owing to new 

 feathers, in some of them wholly so. 



AGE OF BIRDS. 



This chapter is introduced to record the age attained by a redbreast 

 and cockatoo. The other instances are noticed simply as positive facts, 

 coming under the observation of persons whose correctness can be 

 relied on, without any reference to their being of unusual occurrence. 



To the Rev. J. Scott Porter I am indebted for the following com- 

 munication. 



" Belfast, March 3rd, 1845. 

 " My dear Sir, 



" I sit down, at your request, to put in a written form a circum- 

 stance which I lately mentioned to you in conversation, tending to 

 show that some of the small birds may attain a much greater age than 

 has commonly been suspected. 



" At Hill-head, near Ballymena, I repeatedly saw a very decent-looking 

 man, who lives in Ballymena, but who has some land near the entrance 

 to Mr. Gihon's grounds, feeding a robin-redbreast, which was so tame 

 and familiar that he came whenever he was whistled for, and ate his 

 food from the extended hand of his friend ; even though a stranger, as 

 1 was, might be present within a few yards. 



" This is remarkable, but not wonderful : for the robin is wxll known 

 to be a courageous bird, easily tamed, and capable of attachment ; but 

 on entering into conversation, Mr. Logan surprised me not a little by 

 stating that this identical bird has lived in these habits of intimacy 

 with himself, for upwards of thirty years. 



"He said it was in the year 1812 or 1813, that their familiarity 

 commenced. He was employed in leveUing an old ditch, when the 



VOL. III. 2 K 



