144 OUR BIRD ALLIES. 
six in number, are bluish white, with a number of 
reddish spots and markings. 
THE well-known Linnet is another of the many 
beneficial finches, its services to the agriculturist in 
destroying wild seeds and insects far out-weighing the 
trifling robberies which alone can be brought in 
evidence against it. Gardeners in this neighbour- 
hood (Isle of Thanet) seem to unite in attributing to 
the bird the mischievous habit of stripping goose- 
berry-bushes of their buds in early spring. I cannot 
ascertain, however, whether this opinion rests upon 
actual observation or upon mere conjecture ; judging 
by the way in which gardeners and farmers usually 
leap to conclusions upon such subjects, I should say 
the latter. 
I quote the following from Prévost-Paradol’s 
FEpOr:—— 
‘January, seeds and berries; February—April, the 
same; May—September, the same and _ insects; 
October-December, berries, seeds, buds, and fruit.” 
Much confusion frequently arises with regard to the 
linnet owing to the difference between its plumage in 
summer and that which it assumes in winter. The 
most striking distinction les in the feathers of the 
head and breast, which during the spring and summer 
are reddish brown tipped with bright red, while, as 
winter draws on, this latter tint almost wholly dis- 
appears. The female is lighter in hue than her 
mate, and the red colour less pronounced. If the 
bird be kept in captivity the change is far less notice- 
