OF NEW ENGLAND. 169 
that which Wilson has spoken of in admirable language. That 
author says :—‘‘On first glancing at the bill of this extraordi- 
nary bird one is apt to pronounce it deformed and monstrous ; 
but on attentively observing the use to which it is applied by 
the owner, and the dexterity with which he detaches the seeds 
of the pine tree from the cone, and from the husks that enclose 
them, we are obliged to confess on this as on many other occa- 
sions where we have judged too hastily of the operations of 
nature, that no other conformation could have been so excel- 
lently adapted to the purpose ;” etc. (WILSON, VOL. IV, p. 44). 
The exact distribution, the regular breeding-habits, and the 
migrations of the Crossbills are not, at present, perfectly 
understood. These birds migrate (it is supposed and well- 
nigh proved), in accordance with the abundance of food in 
their usual habitat (northward of the 44th parallel of latitude). 
Hence they are sometimes not seen at all in Massachusetts 
during the year, and at other times appear as early as August, 
and remain until June (whence it has been assumed that they 
breed here). 
Though often here in autumn and spring, they are commonly 
driven to our latitudes in the winter-months; then, usually in 
flocks varying in number from three or four to hundreds, they 
are to be seen busily engaged in extracting seeds from the 
cones of our evergreens. ‘They are good climbers, moving 
much like parrots, but with more agility. They occasionally 
eat berries; and they also descend to the ground, having a 
fondness, it is said, for saline substances. It is somewhere 
stated that in Arctic countries they often become so engrossed 
in their feeding, when on the ground, that they can easily be 
caught with a net, or knocked over with a club. Whilst near 
Boston in winter, they exhibit neither shyness nor stupidity, 
but, when started from a tree, often return to it, after ma- 
neeuvring in the air in the manner of the “ Red-polls.” They 
generally fly at a considerable height, and sometimes at a very 
ereat elevation, at least great relatively to the powers of flight 
which belong to this family of birds. In spring, the Crossbills 
do mischief in attacking the buds of various trees; and Mr. 
