PINE GROSBEAK. m 



young and one ^^,% taken by Cox on the Restigouche, in latitude 

 47°. But excepting in these three instances, and a fourth where 

 young birds were seen on the Tobique River, the species has 

 been unknown as a summer resident in New Brunswick. Cox 

 saw several examples along the Restigouche in July, i8S8, but I 

 have hunted for them up and down the same river, from the 

 Wagan to the Metapedia, both in July and September, without 

 seeing or hearing so much as one. 



It is said that the southern limit of its breeding area is in the 

 vicinity of the 50th parallel, though in the West it is somewhat 

 farther north, as Thompson reports the bird a winter visitor only 

 at Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie. From thence it ranges far 

 north — to the Yukon and beyond. In winter the flocks spread 

 over the country in varying abundance, as far south as Kansas and 

 Maryland. 



Some years ago I kept a male in confinement, and found him a 

 delightful pet. He was healthy and happy in his cage, was easily 

 tamed, being confiding and affectionate, and added to his other 

 good qualities a sweet voice and pretty melody. 



The song differs with the season. In winter it is strong and 

 cheery, as befits a stalwart fellow who laughs at Jack Frost and 

 makes merry when the north wind blows. But when the spring- 

 time comes he tells the old, old story in most gentle tones, — a 

 whispered love song, sweet and tender, yet with a wild plaintive- 

 ness that makes it peculiarly pleasing. 



