CARDINALIS VIRGINIANA : CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 287 



ward construction, but may be called six inches across 

 outside, by four deep ; the cavity three inches wide, 

 by one and a half deep. The nest contained three 

 eggs, which I think is the usual number in this lati- 

 tude ; four I have found only once. The eggs are 

 usually rather elongate, but obtuse at the smaller end. 

 Different specimens measure i.oo by 0.75, 1.08 by 

 0.70, 1.03 by 0.75, 1.02 by 0.72, 0.96 by 0.76; by 

 which dimensions the variation in shape is denoted. 

 The average is about that of the first measurement 

 given. They are of a light and rather pale green 

 color, profusely speckled with dull reddish-brown, usu- 

 ally in small and also rather diffuse pattern, but some- 

 times quite sharply marked ; the sharper markings are 

 usually the smallest. There is sometimes much con- 

 fluence, or at least aggregation, about the greater end, 

 but the whole surface is always marked." 



This Grosbeak possesses all the qualifications for a 

 cage-bird, including the readiness to submit to con- 

 finement, and the vigor to stand it. It may easily be 

 tamed if properly treated, and sometimes displays real 

 affection for those who minister to its wants, together 

 with a variety of interesting traits. 



CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 

 CARDINALIS VIRGINIANA Bj>. 



Chars. Male : Vermilion red, obscured with ashy-gray on the back, 

 the region about the base of the bill black, including an exten- 

 sive throat-patch ; bill reddish ; feet brown ; head conspicuously 

 crested. Female much more subdued in color, being ashy-brown 

 or drab color, paler below, with evident traces of red on the 

 crest, wings, tail, and under parts. Length, 8.00 or more ; ex- 

 tent, 11.25 ; wing, 3.50 ; tail about 4.00. Female rather smaller. 



