NATURAL HISTORY. 



203 



beoin to imitate the notes, and by degrees the whole tune is 

 learned. Some trainers substitute a small clarionet for the 

 bird-organ. 



When in captivity the Bullfinch is very sociable, and soon 

 learns to know his owners, and to come to them if called. 



The nest of this bird is made in thick bushes, or fir-trees. 

 The eggs are of a pale greenish white, spotted with orange 

 brown. The name of Bullfinch is given to it, on account of 

 the large proportionate size of its head and neck. "When in 

 captivity its plumage sometimes turns black, the result of 

 feeding it too profusely with hempseed. 



Sub-family //. Loxince. 

 LOXIA. (Gr. Ao^of, crosswise.) 



Curvirostra (Lat, Curved-bill), the Cross-bill. 



The genus LOXIA is instantly known by the crossed points 

 of the beak, and the horny scoop at the tip of the tongue. 

 The Crossbill uses these tools to open the fir-cones, on the 

 seeds of which it feeds. The bird inserts both its mandibles 

 under the scales of the cone, then by separating them the 

 scale is raised up, while the seed is scooped out by the horny 



