20 
HISTORY OF 
birds obtained by himself in the winter of 1812 — 13, which I 
have little doubt were Mealy Redpoles. 
The practical bird-catchers near London, Mr. Gould informs 
us, have been always in the habit of regarding the Mealy 
Redpole as distinct from the lesser one. But Mr. Gould, not- 
withstanding what has been stated above, does not consider 
the species as established ; for, at the conclusion of his account, 
he says, that a further knowledge of this bird, and especially 
of the changes which it undergoes, will, at a future period, 
determine whether or not the specific name of Canescens must 
eventually stand or fall. 
The bird is not very uncommon about London, and other 
places. It has occurred to ourselves in Shropshire. Its habit 
is similar to that of the Lesser Redpole. 
