so 
IMERULID.E. 
iicitlicr are they rccorilctl to breed in the vast extent of 
Russia. Following up these views, we naturally look for 
the Mountain Blackbird in the most mountainous and hilly 
parts of England, Scotland, and Wales; and we are not 
disappointed in the search. In Argyleshire, in the range 
of the Cheviot Hills, in Durham, Cumberland, and York¬ 
shire ; in Derbyshire, and in the mountainous parts of Wales 
and of Ireland they are well known during the summer 
season. 
The partiality of this species for hilly districts, to which 
it entirely confines itself during the greater part of the sum¬ 
mer, causes it to appear more rare at that season than 
perhaps is really the case, since there is every probability 
that the numbers that are seen in autumn upon certain 
parts of our southern coast have, in fact, been bred in 
England or Wales, or at most, not farther distant than 
Scotland. 
As soon as the first chills of autumn begin to be felt upon 
these elevated districts the Ring Ousels descend to the plains 
surrounding their native hills, and feed upon insects and 
worms, juniper, mountain ash, and other berries. In France, 
at this season, they frequent vineyards in like manner, where 
they commit great depredations. About October these birds 
commence their journey of retreat towards the south; and 
it is believed that the greater part of them retire beyond 
the Mediterranean, and Avinter in the countries of Africa 
that border on that sea. Some are seen, however, to remain 
during this season in Italy. Their migrations are generally 
performed in pairs, or singly, this bird being of solitary 
habits and disposition ; small flocks are, nevertheless, seen 
collected, at the period of migration, on the southern coast of 
our island, as if waiting for a favourable opportunity to pass 
the Channel; but they do not associate or breed in large 
companies, like some other members of the thrush tribe. 
