184 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
thoroughly his great skill in climbing, and often, in searching 
the crannies of the bark, hung with his head dowrtwards. He 
soon became silent, and I remained motionless until five min- 
utes after six. I then observed another ‘ Red-poll,’ who flew 
over at some distance, and at a considerable height from the 
ground, apparently about to ‘take perch’ in a neighboring 
pine-grove. My friend, a moment later, took to flight and 
seemed (it was then dusk) to alight in a pine.” 
**March 13th. This morning I went out at twenty minutes 
before six, when Crows were already beginning to fly over. 
Quarter of an hour later, a ‘Red-poll,’ who was in the pines 
which border ——-—— street, awoke and gave his call, which 
was answered by two or three of his companions, who were 
near him, likewise in the pines. These birds then warbled for 
about five minutes and afterwards flew away.” 
‘*March 22d. This morning * * * * the ‘Red-polls’ awoke 
at quarter of six among the pines, but not those in which they 
were before, and at once sang. I next observed a solitary 
one, who flew over at a great height, but the rest gathered 
into flocks and set about the business,of the day, flying to a 
distance. The Goldfinches showed much the same habits. At 
six I found one in a pine, singing very sweetly, but he soon 
flew away, after uttering a few twitters.” 
‘*March 28th. This morning I left the house at half-past 
five, but spring has made the birds rise very early, for on 
going out, I saw the Crows and ‘Red-polls’ flying over. At 
six two of the latter, who have lately been very common, 
alighted near me, to rest in their early rambles.” 
“April 6th. A few ‘Red-polls’ flew over to-day, but they 
are becoming scarce.” 
“April 24th. This afternoon a ‘Red-poll’ (4giothus Lin- 
arius), who shows no wounds, nor as yet any signs of decom- 
position, was picked up in the barn-cellar, the doors of which 
were shut.” 
(d). The ‘*Red-polls” have a sweet call-note, like that of 
the Goldfinch or Siskin, and a simple “chit,” often so repeated, 
especially by a flock, as to resemble the twitterings of the 
