32 HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. 
while the Savannas, like tinkling cymbals, and the 
Hudsonians, the triangles, made the accompaniment. 
May 1.—The purple finches, or American linnets 
(Carpodacus purpureus), are somewhat irregular in their 
spring migrations. A few usually put in an appear- 
ance early in March, but most of them come several 
weeks later. Before the leaves start, or the early trees 
blossom, they are just as irregular in their habits of 
singing. There are few birds endowed with greater 
musical capabilities than the linnets; yet, like other 
eminent artists, their singing is often variable and capri- 
cious. There is something very queer and interesting 
about their varied musical performances. Hidden in 
the leafy branches of the trees by the roadside, or near 
dwellings, their low warbles are as sweet and peaceful 
as those of the warbling vireos, which they much 
resemble; but, perched conspicuously on the topmost 
twig of a tree, they indulge in a much more ambitious 
carol, louder and of several bars. The two songs are so 
entirely different in theme and execution that one not well 
acquainted with their songs might easily believe them 
to emanate from birds of different species. Sometimes 
one will chant the song for an hour without moving 
from his perch. On the wing, and especially at mating 
time, these birds have a still finer song, more brilliant, 
vehement and rapturous. I remember one of these 
remarkable performances, and at its best. I heard the 
two or three call notes of the finches, and immediately 
two birds flew from a tree near which I was standing, 
