290 FRINGILLID^E : FINCHES. 



and rootlets. The eggs are usually four or five in num- 

 ber, measuring about 0.95x0.70; the ground color is 

 white, but thickly and uniformly freckled in fine pattern 

 with reddish-brown. Two broods, I believe, are usu- 

 ally reared, the first set of eggs being often found in 

 May. As to the manners of the bird, says Dr. Coues : 

 " As we walk along the weedy old ' snake ' fences and 

 thick hedges, or by the briary tracts marking the course 

 of a tiny water-thread through a field, scores of hum- 

 ble gray Sparrows flit before us ; while ever and again 

 the jaunty Towhee, smartly dressed in black, white, 

 and chestnut, comes into view, flying low, with a saucy 

 flirt of the tail, and dashes again into the covert as 

 quickly as it emerged, crying ' toiu-hee^ with startling 

 distinctness. In the spring it is less conspicuous, and 

 more likely to be found in low tangled woods, amid 

 laurel brakes and the like, on the ground rustling and 

 busily scratching the matting of last year's leaves that 

 covers the earth, doubtless in search of insects. Its 

 notes are then louder, and oftener heard." 



NOTE. 



The following species of the Finch family have been artificially 

 introduced : 



1. THE PARASITE. Passer domestictis. The House Sparrow, which 



was unfortunately introduced some years ago, has become thor- 

 oughly naturalized, and by repeated importations and unchecked 

 natural increase, now abounds in most parts of New England, 

 with great prejudice to native birds, with injury to the orchard, 

 garden, and farm, and with annoyance to most persons ; without 

 rendering the services expected of it in the way of destroying 

 noxious insects. A premium on their heads would be wise legis- 

 lative action. 



2. MOUNTAIN FINCH. Passer montanus. This European species 



has also been introduced. 



