10 FOOD. HABITS OF THE GROSBEAKS. 
tified as of the bristly or bamboo greenbrier (Smilax bona-noz), 
which are almost as hard as wood, were taken by 2 individuals. It 
would be well for humankind if more birds were fond of the seeds 
of these detestable vines. One cardinal ate seeds of Solomon’s seal 
(Polygonatum biflorum). 
Cherries also are on the redbird’s bill of fare. One correspondent 
states that redbirds filch cultivated varieties, but as none appeared in 
any of the stomachs examined, the occurrence probably is exceptional. 
Chokecherries are consumed, however, and Dr. A. K. Fisher has 
observed a cardina] eating the fruit of a seedling cherry (Prunus 
avium). 
Wilson says cardinals feed upon the seeds of apples, but this habit 
also must be rare; in the course of the present investigation no culti- 
vated fruit of any kind was found. ; 
Six cardinals devoured blueberries (Vaccinium spp. including V. 
virgatum), three ate the aromatic berries of spice bush (Lindera 
benzoin), and 6 took the purple fruit of the pokeberry (Phytolacca 
decandra, Pl. II, fig. 4). The seeds of the succulent fruit of the 
prickly pear (Opuntia opuntia, Pl. II, fig. 9) were found in the 
stomachs of 3 cardinals, taken near the District of Columbia, where 
the plant abounds on the rocky banks of the upper Potomac. Six 
redbirds fed upon the drupes of sumac, including those of the poison 
ivy (Rhus radicans) and of the skunk bush (Rhus trilobata). These 
fruits are sometimes eagerly sought. The writer once in winter 
observed a scattering flock of 50 or more redbirds feeding on the 
berries of scarlet sumac. 
The elderberry, which is so relished by the rose-breasted grosbeak, 
is rather neglected by the cardinal, only 2 having selected it. Two 
also ate ground cherries and black haws, while but 1 stomach con- 
tained rose hips, though the bird has often been observed devouring 
these fruits. Juneberries (Amelanchier canadensis,-Pl. II, fig. 3) 
and others of the same genus are eaten; both holly (lew opaca) and 
inkberry (J. glabra) are occasionally secured, as well as red cedar 
berries (Juniperus virginiana), the fruit of the knockaway tree 
(ELhretia elliptica), and red haws (Crategus sp.). In a stomach col- 
lected in South Carolina in January were more than 12 seeds of the 
berry of the passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). To the above list 
of fruits eaten by the cardinal, various authors add the wahoo berry 
(Euonymus sp.), Mexican mulberry (Cullicarpa americana), and 
drupes of the cabbage palmetto (Subal palmetto) and saw palmetto 
(Serenoa serrulata). ; 
Among many items of vegetable food to be classed as miscellane- 
ous are some of particular interest. Acorns were eaten by a few 
cardinals and one bird even selected a hickory nut. The strength of 
bill necessary to shear into such hard seeds may be imagined, and it 
