THE MOUNTAIN LINNET. 
273 
this species annually breeds, and from its occurrence there at 
mid-winter, I am disposed to believe that severity of weather 
only, drives it to the lower grounds. In the north of Ireland 
it is distinguished from the other linnets [Unarm) by the 
name of “ Heather-grey” These birds may be seen every winter 
in large flocks about Clough, in the county of Antrim, where they 
chiefly frequent the stubble-fields in the neighbourhood of the 
mountains.* They are said to be common about Armagh in winter ; 
I have had specimens from the county of Fermanagh; they 
have been obtained in Kerry ;+ and have been shot in the middle of 
February in company with the grey linnet on an island in Wex- 
ford harbour, where “they seemed partial to the vicinity of high- 
water mark, and had taken up their quarters among the grassy 
banks.” { In the north they frequently resort to the sea-side in 
winter, and associate with the grey linnet. 
A person to whom the species is well known, has often had its 
nests on the heathery top of the Knockagh mountain near Car- 
rickfergus. They were generally placed in the heath, but in some 
instances were built near to the ground in dwarfed whins, which 
grew among the heath. 
A venerable sporting friend has always observed these birds 
about their nests (placed in “tufts of heather”), when breaking 
his dogs on the Belfast mountains preparatory to grouse-shooting. 
The Rev. G. Robinson has met with them breeding in bogs about 
Stewartstown, county of Tyrone ; in the parish of Tullaniskin ; 
and around Churchill, county of Armagh ; — also, at the base of 
the Dublin mountains. It is common and breeds in the counties 
of Cork § and Tipperary. || 
The Mealy Redpole (Linota canescens , Gould, sp.) has not come 
under my notice in Ireland, but probably, visits, this island. Little 
attention has yet been directed to it as a species distinct from the 
lesser redpole. The localities named by Mr. Yarrell, in which it has 
* Mr. J. R. Garrett. f Mr. Wm. Andrews. % Mr. Poole. 
§ Mr. Robert Warren, juur. This gentleman found a nest containing eggs in a 
furze-bush, within a few feet of a much frequented public road at Carrigalina. He 
placed one of the eggs under a canary, that brought it out, at the same time with her 
own brood. She took the greatest care of the young linnet, which acquired the note 
of its foster-parent. || Mr. Davis. 
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