BE AMBLING. 
bird (a male) being at that date, of course, in winter plumage. This variety has previously been alluded 
to by several writers. 
A very large flock of Bramblings took up their quarters for several weeks from the end of March 
187o in a beech-plantation on the hill near Palmer in Sussex. Some scores of Chaffinches were among 
their numbers ; and a few Tree-Sparrows also kept company with them. During the day they resorted 
to the arable land for lood, retiring when disturbed to the adjoining beech-woods. Many of the males were in 
fine plumage ; and I secured two or three early in April that showed the perfect breeding-dress ; the 
beaks had also assumed a blue tint. I noticed this gathering, though in considerably reduced numbers, 
still frequenting the district at the end of the month ; a week or so later I learned they had all taken 
their departnre. By May it is probable that all except a few stragglers have left our shores. 
I have met with this species during the summer months on but one occasion. While fishing in the 
west of Perthshire, in June 18GG, I was forced to ascend a beech tree to release the line, which had 
become entangled in the branches ; and while so engaged a female Brambling was disturbed from her ■ 
nest, containing three eggs, which was placed close to the stem of the tree. Being anxious to px-ocure 
the newly fledged young as specimens, I left her in peace ; and on again visiting the spot in about ten 
days or a fortnight the nest was empty; and, judging by its appearance, I should be of opinion that 
the young birds had been dragged out by a cat. 
This is the oixly instance I am acquainted with of the Brambling attempting to rear its young in Great 
Britain. During subsequent years I have both carefully searched the same locality and made many inquiries, 
but invariably without success, though the bird was well known by those to whom I applied for information. 
