593 
a hybrid between the ^lissel Tbrusb and Blackbird, llie upper parts 
being similar to those of a young Missel Tbrusb, while on the 
lower black is the predominant colour, as it also is on the head, 
and although there arc irregular light-coloured markings on the 
neck and breast, tliere are none of the triangular or roundish spots 
seen in the Missel 'I'hrush. The individual may possibly be a 
melanistic variety, but the tw'o cases of matrimonial union between 
the Blackbird and Song Thrush recorded in this work authorize us 
to suppose tliat similar unions maj'^ take place between the Black- 
bird and Missel Thrush.” However this may be, aii instance of 
a somewhat similar nature has been observ^ed and recorded by 
iNIr. J. II. Gurney, * who states that in April, 1869, a pair of Missel 
1 brushes built a nest near Tottenham, and incubation Avas proceed- 
ing Avhen, on May 3rd, the cock bird disappeared, having probably 
been shot. On the morning of the oth or Gth the hen bird, 
who had continued to sit, Avas seen in company Avith a Song 
Thrush. They Avere often afterwards seen together, and once 
the Song Thrush Avas observed to tiy into the tree Avith food. Up 
to the 9th of June, Avhen the young had llown, they Avere still 
obsoi'ved together'. 
XVII. The instance already referred to (instances VI. and XVI.) 
as mentioned by Macgillivray f is as folloAvs : — “ Mr. "Wier has 
favoured me Avith the folloAving notice respecting a matrimonial 
union betAveen a Blackbird and a Thrush. < * # * liussell, 
ot Moss-side, my next neighbouring proprietor, and his brother 
informed mo that about the conclusion of the Avinter of 1836 a male 
Blackbird and a female Thrush fed occasionally together Avithin 
a short distance of their house. At the commencement of Spring 
their attachnrent increased, and they carried on a regular course of 
llirtation aa hich eventually ended in matrimony. After a good deal 
of consultation the pair at length determined to build their nest in 
a bush Avhich hung ov'er Avhat our Scotch folk call a “ farret brae.” 
I did not see their eggs, as they had four young ones before 
their nest Avas discovered, so cunningly had they concealed it.’ ” 
X^ III. Several years ago I saAV in the bird gallery of the old 
British Museum a nest Avithout any mud lining, and apparently 
•Article “.Missel Thrush,” ‘Zoologist,’ 1S69, p. tS74, and ‘Birds of 
Europe,’ vol. ii. p. 13. 
t ‘ History of British Birds,’ vol. ii. p. 91. 
