MOUNTAIN LINNET. 113 



are, however, far from numerous ; and we should be inclined 

 to think the same must be the case in Holland and Ger- 

 many, since this species was not known to Temminck at 

 the time of the first publication of his Manuel ; neither is 

 it included in some editions of Bechstein's Cage Birds. It 

 appears, indeed, that in Germany and Holland this species is 

 not known either in summer or winter, being spoken of by 

 Temminck as a bird of passage only, passing and repassing 

 in spring and autumn. 



In their manners and movements these birds are very 

 lively and quick ; in lightness of flight and agility they are 

 surpassed by few. In character they are sociable, and 

 constantly unite in flocks, in company with other small 

 birds. Their song, consisting of a few hurried syllables, 

 is pleasing, especially when heard among the barren rocks 

 of the dreary north ; but is inferior to that of the linnet. 

 Their call-notes, which they frequently utter when on 

 the wing, are peculiar, and may readily be distinguished 

 from those of other linnets by a practised ear. 



This species, according to Mr. Edmonston, " is very 

 destructive to corn in winter, and to turnips, cabbages, 

 &c, in summer. As soon as the latter plants appear 

 above ground, the bird pulls them up, and nips off the 

 seed-leaves, and the field remains strewn with the frag- 

 ments of the young plants. I have often shot them in 

 this act, and found their crops stuffed with the seed-leaves 

 of cruciferae. This destructive property in the Twite 

 renders regular watching of the turnip -fields, during the 

 two or three days the plants are coming up, absolutely ne- 

 cessary. They collect in very large flocks in winter ; I 

 have killed," he continues, " eighty at three successive 

 shots : twenty at the first, sixteen at the second, and 

 forty- four at the third." 



Besides the leaves of plants, the food of this species 



VOL. III. I 



