GRASS FINCH. 475 



around the eye. Throat and breast yellowish-white, the latter and the 

 fore part of the cheeks streaked with dark brown. Sides and abdomen 

 very pale yellowish-brown, the former sparsely streaked with dark brown ; 

 the posterior abdominal region and under tail-coverts white. 



There is no perceptible difference as to colour or size between the 

 male and the female. 



Length 5i inches, extent of wings 10 ; bill ^ along the ridge, ^ along 

 the gap. 



This species has been variously classed, some considering it as a Frin- 

 giUa, others as an Emberiza. It seems to me to be more in its true 

 place in the former genus, while in its habits, colouring and form, it also 

 approaches closely to some species of Alauda. 



The Prickly Pear, or Indian Fig. 



Cactus Opuntia, Willd. Sp. PL vol. ii. p. 943. Pursh, Fl. Amer. p. 323 Icosan- 



OHiA MoNOGYNiA, Linn. Cacti, Juss. 



This species has an articulated fleshy stem, with ovate, compressed 

 joints, sparsely covered with setaceous prickles ; large yellow flowers, and 

 red, acidulous, eatable berries. It flowers in June and July, and grows 

 in sandy fields and dry barren soil. 



