ROSE-BREASTED. GROSBEAK. 37 
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bird in question is undoubtedly the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak ( Gonzaphea 
ludoviciana). The description given by your correspondent applies to 
this species, and the habit to which he calls attention has been noted in 
this locality by the writer and others for several years past. I have 
seen a number of these handsome birds in and about a single potato 
patch at once, and during the period, when the bugs are at work, the 
Grosbeaks are regular frequenters of the potato field.” 
_ “But the bugs are legion, and the Grosbeak's task becomes a mighty 
one. Yet he seems willing to do his part, and should be awarded the 
hearty thanks and firm friendship of the farmers he befriends.” 
‘ST So ROBE RES. 
“Titinots—NVormal, Nov. 22¢.—The bird referred to in the interest- 
ing note of your correspondent at Coralville, Iowa, is doubtless our 
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak ( Guzraca ludovictana), the only bird which, in 
the critical examination of the contents of several hundred stomachs of 
birds, I have found to make a practice of eating the Colorado potato 
beetle. In fact, with the exception of a single specimen found in the 
stomach of a Robin, I have not found this beetle in the stomach of any 
other bird.” 
‘This beautiful bird, as attractive for its clear, rich, and striking 
song as for its showy plumage, is increasing rapidly in numbers in this 
vicinity ; but, hitherto, I have credited it with good intentions respect- 
ing the potato pest rather than with any effective service. I am glad 
to learn that it is capable of becoming a real protection to the farmer's 
crop. Unfortunately, it offers temptations to the taxidermists—the 
pot hunters of ornithology—and is becoming too common in sets of 
fancy skins for the good of agriculture.” cS cA PORBES. 
— State Lab. Nat. Hist., Normal, Ul. /ézd. Vol. XIII, p. 907, Dec. 1879. 
