Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/434

406 but the habits and song are totally distinct. The Meadow-Pipit was plentiful enough in the lower portions of this valley, and was in song; but I found this bird only amongst the trees, and did not once see it on the ground. While searching, I came across a very curious nest, and deeply regret now that I did not bring it away with me; but I could not determine at the time whether it was an unfinished one, or disused. It was constructed entirely of grass-stems, and was placed about a foot from the ground, on the top of a tangled mass of twisted birch-scrub. The only other small birds breeding in this forest were Hornemann's Redpoll and the Redwing-Thrush. The nest did not belong to either of those birds; indeed, it looked like nothing but a Pipit's nest, although in such a singular situation. At this place I found a very intelligent young man, who appeared to take great interest in the birds, and he gave me, through Sigurdur, some very interesting notes about Hornemann's Redpoll. He took me to see a nest of young Pipits; it was placed on the side of a bank just as were other Meadow-Pipits' nests I had found; he was very anxious for Sigurdur to make me understand that it was the nest of the ground Titlingur, which led me to think that he knew of some other kind of Titlingur. I was forced to hurry away from this valley, but arranged to return and thoroughly investigate the question of this interesting little bird; but, alas! my plans miscarried, and I had not the opportunity to follow up my inquiries.

I have recently submitted the only two specimens of this bird which I brought back to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, who, after much consideration, was inclined to regard them as new, but wished me to convey his views to Dr. Hartert at Tring, and ascertain whether there were any specimens in the Brehm collection like them. We went through the collection, and certainly found some wretched old specimens which did approach them in some features, but, just as certainly, we found nothing quite like them. However, Dr. Hartert determined that the external characteristics of my birds were not sufficiently distinct to form a good diagnosis. I admit this, and admire Dr. Hartert for his caution; but in a class of birds like the Pipits, which so closely resemble each other in plumage, surely something else must be taken into consideration; and I was certainly surprised that he attached no importance to the difference in song and habits, I always thought this was of vital importance; if it is not, how can we separate Marsh-Warbler from Reed-Warbler, or Chiffchaff from Willow-Wren? I have set forth these facts fully, as I am far from being convinced; and if I, or others, again penetrate to the remote spot in Iceland where