THE LINNET 221 



the quills are brownish-black, margined with white 

 on the outer edi^e ; the tail is brownish-black, 

 margined with white, broadest on the inner webs. 

 The breast is crimson, the belly and under tail- 

 cove^ ts are white, the flanks brownish -buff. The 

 female is much duller than the male, having no 

 crimson on the crown or breast. The nestling 

 plumage resembles that of the female. Newly 

 moulted birds have pale margins to the feathers, 

 which in the cocks conceal much of their beauty, 

 until abraded away in spring. The total length of 

 the Linnet is about five inches and a half. 



