G R A K L E. 463 



Q^thoufands, and are fo bold, that if difturbed in one part of a field 

 they only go to another *. 



In New Jerfey and Penfylvania three pence per dozen was once 

 given for the dead birds ; and by means of this premium they 

 were fo nearly extirpated in 1750, as to be few left; but it was 

 obferved that the worms in the meadows encreafed fo, that they 

 abated in the perfecution of them, as it was obferved that they 

 fed on thefe worms till the maize was ripe f. 



Thefe build in trees, and are called by fome the purple Daw*. 

 They now and then mix in company with the red-winged Maize- 

 thieves \ and blue Jays, though for the rnofl part are by them- 

 felves. They are faid to pafs the winter in fwamps, which are 

 quite overgrown with wood, from' thence only appearing in mild 

 weather j and after the maize is got in, are content to feed on, 

 other things, as the aquatic tare grafs ||, and, if pufhed by hun- 

 ger^ buck-wheat and oats, and even wheat, barky, and rye ; they 

 are faid alfo to deftroy that pernicious infect the bruchus pifi %. 



We are told that their note is pretty and agreeable ; but their. 

 Selh is not good to eat, as it is black and unfavoury. 



* Kalm. Tra<v. i. 291. 



t In 1 749 the worms left fo little hay in New England, that it was forced to- 

 be imported from other parts. Kalm. 



t Oriolus Phaeniceus. Lin. U Zizania acjuatica, Lin, 



§ Lin. Sjji. i. p. 165. 



Gracilis 



