62 NATURAL HISTORY IBirds. 



The hind-claw of these was much longer than in Mr Pen- 

 nant's figure, but whether specifically different I am uncer- 

 tain. • , - C J ,.^. : 



The above author tells us, a few of them build on the sum- 

 mits of the highest mountains, with the ptarmigans, but from 

 what I can be informed, none of them remain with us. Of the 

 ptarmigans we have none, I suppose for want of proper food. 



GENUS XI.— FINCHES. 



Gen, Char,— Bill perfectly conic, sharp towards the end, and very sharp pointed. 



Species 1. — The Chaffinch. 



Wil. Om, 25S. Rati Syn. Av. 88. Fringilla Coelebs, Lin Sys. 818. Brit. 

 Zool, S07. Ore. (often mistakenly), Snowfleck. 



Chaffinches are seen with us m spring, but whether they 

 continue I am uncertain ; perhaps a few may build in Hoy 

 among the shrubs and in the gardens, but this species is un- 

 frequent in summer. 



