SERIN. 115 



are utilized more especially to bind the structure to the 

 branches, which is most effectually and strongly done, one of 

 the branches being 'encircled at least a dozen times with a 

 long piece of tolerably stout woollen thread. The lining 

 consists merely of somewhat finer grass-stems than those 

 used in the construction of the exterior portion." 



The eggs, said to be four or five in number, measure from 

 63 to *6 by *49 to '45 in., and are of a pale greenish- white, 

 or suffused with light reddish-brown so as to appear of a 

 yellowish cream-colour, on which are blotches, spots and 

 specks of a dark reddish-brown sometimes nearly black. 



This species is but rare in Belgium* and as yet does not 

 seem to have bred nearer to us than Luxemburg. A single 

 example has been obtained in Heligoland and two in 

 Sleswick ; but it is rarely if ever to be met with in North 

 Germany, and it does not become common till we ascend 

 the Rhine to Mainz. In that neighbourhood however and 

 around Frankfort-on-the-Maine, it is in summer pretty 

 plentiful. Passing over Thuringia and most part of 

 Saxony, where it does not seem to appear, it has of late 

 years shewn itself abundantly in Lusatia and Silesia. 

 Thence to the south-east it is common in Bohemia and 

 Galizia, but rare in Transsylvania ; nor is it very frequent 

 in Bulgaria, though it becomes more plentiful in Bessarabia 

 and Roumelia, and in Greece where it is said to be resident 

 it is common, as it also is in Asia Minor and Palestine 

 but in the last it is only found in winter and near the sea, 

 while a nearly allied species, S. aurifrons, takes its place as a 

 resident. It has, however, been observed in Sinai and in 

 Egypt as far as Cairo. In North- Western Africa from 

 Tunis to Morocco, it is much more abundant, and at 

 Tangier immense flights cross the Strait of Gibraltar in 

 spring and autumn. Nevertheless a considerable number 



* Temminck's assertion as to its occurrence in Holland is probably (as Mr. 

 Labouchere suggests to the writer) explained by the fact that in his time the 

 name of that country in common speech included what is now known as Belgium. 

 The bird, which Faber killed at Husavik in Iceland and referred to this species, 

 was most likely a young Redpoll, yet there have been ornithologists who recog- 

 nized in the specimen, which they never saw, a new species ! 



