88 ZOOLOGY. 



6. Curvirostra. Crossbill. Bill as in the last genu?, ex- 



cepting that the mandibles cross each other at the tips ; 

 tongue entire ; feet as in the preceding genus. 



The species contained in this genus, have been removed 

 from the Grosbeaks with which they were associated, on 

 account of the differences above enumerated ; the only two 

 recorded species, have been met with in this country, the C. 

 vulgaris, is a frequent visitor, and often commits consider- 

 able depredations in our apple orchards. See British Orni- 

 thology ^ vol. 1. They feed on seeds, berries, and insects. 



7. Emberiza. Bunting. Bill strong, conical, the edges of 



both mandibles curving inwards ; the roof of the upper 

 mandible furnished with a hard protuberance or knob j 

 feet and toes as in the last genus. 



The Buntings are numerous and widely dispersed, from 

 the cold and inhospitable shores of Iceland and Greenland, 

 to the hottest parts of Africa and South America. They usu- 

 ally feed on seeds and berries ; the knob in the roof of the 

 iipper mandible greatly facilitates their breaking the stones 

 or shells, to get at the kernels. The usually frequent plan- 

 tations of low underwood ; some, reedy spots on the banks 

 of rivers, and lakes ; others, open campaign countries, parti- 

 cularly such as are in a state of cultivation. Eight or nine 

 species have been observed in this country, see British Orni- 

 ihology^ vols. 1, 3. 



8. Tanagra. Tanager. Bill conical, pointed, notched 



