LOXIADJE. 105 



constitute the materials of which it is built, the latter form- 

 ing the lining. The eggs are four or five in number, of a 

 light-bluish or greenish hue, marked with reddish or pur- 

 plish spots. The Bullfinch is capable of being taught to 

 sing in a very soft and flute-like tone, and a well-accom- 

 plished bird in this respect is worth several pounds. 



THE PINE BULLFINCH. Cory thus enucleator. The pre- 

 sent species, though rarely met with in Britain, is more fre- 

 quent in its occurrence in the northern parts of Europe and 

 America. The nest is described as placed not far from the 

 ground, and composed of small sticks, lined with feathers : 

 the eggs are reported to be white. It is said to be a beau- 

 tiful songster, and is occasionally kept in confinement on 

 this account, becoming soon very tame and familiar. 



BUCEEID^]. HOENBILLS. 



The Hornbills have no representative among British birds, 

 and hence we proceed to the next family. 



LOXIAD.E. CROSSBILLS. 



This family derives its name from the peculiar structure 



