

PINE-GROSBKAK. 183 



pearance there seems to be no constant difference between the 

 birds of the two continents, and in habits certainly none, but 

 such eggs of the American form (if that expression may here 

 be used) as the Editor has seen are invariably smaller than 

 those of the European, though according to some writers the 

 reverse is the case as regards the birds, which Mr. Dresser, after 

 comparing many specimens, regards as specifically identical. 

 North America, before Wolley's sojourn in Lapland, was 

 the country in which the habits of the Pine-Grosbeak had 

 been most attentively studied, and Audubon has given some 

 interesting details of those of the Transatlantic form 

 its smooth and undulating flight, its fondness of bathing, 

 its progression by short leaps and its tameness whether 

 at large or in captivity, but above all its rich, clear note, 

 none of which, however, point to any difference from the 

 European bird. Few naturalists or none have had better 

 opportunity for observing the manners of this species than 

 Wolley, who lived so long among its haunts that he became 

 thoroughly familiar with it, while most of those persons who 

 have written on the subject have only known the bird as a 

 winter-migrant or have even judged it from its behaviour in 

 a cage. Our regret must therefore be great that he did not 

 live to tell its history in his own graphic language as his 

 intention was. Possessing much of the retiring character of 

 the Bullfinch, the Pine-Grosbeak is, when at home, far less 

 often seen than heard, for its clear notes attract attention 

 while it is only to be descried after some search, since it does 

 not commonly shew itself on the outside of the tree on which 

 it is perched as do the Crossbills which hasty observers have 

 doubtless often mistaken for it ; and, almost always a tame, 

 unsuspicious bird, it has acquired a reputation, quite un- 

 deserved, for stupidity. The call-note of the two sexes is 

 much alike, yet an acute ear can unfailingly distinguish 

 them, and that of the hen is at times repeated with varia- 

 tions sufficiently often to attain the dignity of a song.* The 



* No naturalist seems to have given a clear description of the song of either 

 sex, and as the Editor has not heard it since the year 1855, he will not attempt 

 one from memory. 



VOL. II. B B 



