THE CROSSBILL.* 



Linnaeus and Latham have placed the Crossbills with the grosbeaks, but the peculiarity 

 of (he bill indicates the propriety of a separation. 



They are found in the northern countries of Europe and America, and inhabit by 

 preference the large pine forests, the fruit of which constitutes their principal food. 

 These birds nestle in the most rigorous season of the year, and have a very variable 

 plumage. There are three autlienticated species, one of which inhabits North America. 



The Common Crossbill is extended from the north of Europe as far as Greenland. 

 Verj' numerous flocks of them appeared several years ago in the neighbourhood 

 of Havre de Grace. They did a vast deal of injury to the apples, whicli they tore 

 in pieces to come at the pips. The crossbill is not a distrustful bird, and will 

 allow itself to be approached pretty closely. It may even be taken by the hand when 

 fatigued, and it exhibits no symptoms of impatience in cajDtivity. It may tlien be fed on 

 hemp-seed, but that of the pine is its element in a state of liberty. It makes its nest in 

 January, of moss and lichen, and fastens it to the branches witli the resin of the pine, 

 and covers it with this matter. It lays four or five whitish eggs, picked out, spotted, 

 and striped toward the gross end with blood red. 



THE BULLFINCH. 



Tlie Bullfinch is found in most parts of Europe, frequenting woods and gardens ; 

 it biulds its nest cither in the fork of a tree, not verj' high, or in a bush, generally Iho 



Loxia Curvirostra. 



