SISKIN. 281 



and having the sides of the breast and flanks 

 very decidedly marked with longitudinal streaks 

 of brownish black. In some specimens we have 

 seen the upper parts of a much grayer tint, and 

 the under surface of the body streaked entirely 

 over with dull black. 



From the Goldfinches we pass to the True 

 Linnets, the genus Linaria of Brisson, composed 

 of birds of unobtrusive plumage during the 

 winter, but which, on certain parts of their dress 

 during the breeding season, acquire tints of con- 

 siderable brilliancy. The bill is short and tumid, 

 but in many other parts of their form they re- 

 semble the last. They are gregarious in winter, 

 and are migratory, or partially so ; they inhabit 

 countries of temperate climate, rather inclining 

 to those of a northern latitude. Europe and 

 America chiefly possess them. A bird very 

 nearly allied to inaria, but perhaps entering 

 into Crithagra, belongs to South Africa. On the 

 boundaries, or alpine districts of Asia, one or two 

 species, common also to Europe, may be found, 

 while, according to Temminck, Japan can boast 

 of them also, 



LIXARIA, 13riss. Generic characters. Bill 

 short, gibbous at the base, sharp pointed ; 

 wings lengthened and pointed, first quill 

 longest ; tail forked ; tarsus and feet rather 

 short, claws very slender, that of the hind 



