50(J NOETH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



eggs from tliat country, where its identification was apparently complete. 

 Whether this bird is resident in, regularly migratory to, or only accidental 

 in, Europe, is as yet a question by no means fully settled. Deglaud gives 

 it as resident in Greenland only, and as accidental in Germany, Belgium, 

 and the north of France. He states that it is known to nest in shrubs 

 and in low trees, and that, in all essential respects, its manners are identical 

 with the common lied-Poll. One of these birds was taken ali\'e in a snare 

 in the \-icinity of Abbeville, and kept in a cage, making part of the collec- 

 tion of M. Baillon. 



Yarrell thought that sufficient evidence existed of its specific distinctness, 

 but ]\Ir. Gould regarded it as a matter of doubt whether the birds found in 

 Europe were natives, or only arri\als from northern America. He states that 

 among the London dealers this bird, called by them the Stone Eed-Poll, is 

 well known, and is considered distinct, but that its occurrence is very rare. 

 Occasionally, at great intervals, tliey are said to have been abundant. 



Mr. Doubleday, of Epping, procured several specimens of this bird in Col- 

 chester, in January, ISHlj, and afterwards obtained a living pair, which he 

 kept for some lime. Their notes were much shariier than tlmse of the linn- 

 ruis. Its occurrence was most frequent in winter, many specimens having 

 been obtained in England, and some al.so in .'Scotland. Its habits tliroughout 

 the year are supposed to be very similar to those of the common Eed-Poll. 

 Its I'ood is said to be chiefly the seeds of various forest trees. 



Mr. Temminck descrilies wliat is undoubtedly this species, under the title 

 of horealis. If this supposition be admitted to be correct, its geograpliical 

 distribution becomes much more clearly defined. He states that it is foimd 

 during the summer in Norway and Sweden, and is resident of the Arctic 

 Circle througliout the year, and is also found in Northern Asia, as well as in 

 America and in other parts of Europe. He has received specimens from 

 Greenland, and also from Japan, difi'ering in no respect from those found in 

 Europe. 



Audubon states that he procured four specimens of tliis bird in Newfound- 

 land. In their haljits he could see no difference between them and tiie com- 

 mon Eed-Poll, but did observe a noticeable difference in their song. He 

 also states that one was shot by Mr. Edward Harris near Moorestown, N. J. 



Mr. John Wolley, in his expeditions to Lapland, found tliere only one 

 species of this genus which was clearly referrible to the Mealy Eed-Poll, anil 

 was a common resident bird. One of these eggs from Lapland is larger 

 and a much lighter-colored egg, than any of the common linarius. The 

 gr(jund is a greenisli-white, sparingly spotted with dark reddish-brown about 

 tlie larger end. Its measurement is .80 by .58 of an inch. An egg from 

 Greenland is not perceptibly different in size, color, or markings. 



HolboU, in his papers on the i'auna of Greenland, demonstrates very dis- 

 tinctly the specific differences between this bird and the linurius. These 

 are its stronger and broader bill, the difference in colors at every age, its 



