354 BACKHOUSE : AVI-FAUNA OF UPPER TEESDALE. 



there is a native deciduous wood, probably the remnant of what was, 

 200 years ago, ' Teesdale Forest.' Unmistakable proof has been given 

 that the whole, or at any rate the greater part, of the region about 

 which I write was at one time covered by forest. 



It was probably cut down ultimately, partly no doubt for its 

 timber, and partly on account of the very questionable individuals 

 who made it a safe retreat, from which they pillaged the surroundmg 

 country. 



My most sincere thanks are due to Mr. W. T. Scarth of Staindrop, 

 for his kindness in permitting me to collect specimens upon the Duke 

 of Cleveland's Teesdale estate ; also for the hearty co-operation of 

 his head-keeper, Mr. Hood, and for that of Mr. W. Raine, head-keeper 

 to Mr. Fawcett. 



I have likewise gained much valuable information from my friend 

 Mr. N. Wearmouth of Newbiggin, who is himself an ardent ornitholo- 

 gist, and whose beautiful collection of birds, chiefly found in the 

 district, contains much of value and of interest. 



The nomenclature of the following list is in accordance with the 

 British Ornithologists' Union List of British Birds. 



1. Turdus viscivorus. Missel Thrush. 



Resident, fairly abundant, and breeding up to about 1,000 feet. 



2. Turdus musicus. Song Thrush. 



Resident. Common in the lower parts of the valley, and 

 breeds regularly. 



3. Turdus iliacus. Redwing. 



Appears during hard winters. 



4. Turdus pilaris. Fieldfare. 



Regular winter visitant. 



5. Turdus merula. Blackbird. 



Resident and breeding. Generally and abundantly distributed 

 throughout the lower portion of the valley. It has also been 

 found nesting as far as Harwood Plantation (1,300 feet). 



6. Turdus torquatus. Ring Ousel. Local 7iame — Rock Ousel. 



Summer visitant, nesting throughout the valley. This species 

 has been specially numerous during the past two years ; last year 

 (1884) a pair nested under Cross Fell, at an elevation of over 

 2,000 feet. , 



7. Cinclus aquaticus. Water Ousel. Local name — Water Crow. 



One of the commonest species in the valley, nesting regularly 

 on most of the tributaries of the Tees. 



Naturalist, 



