OF NEW ENGLAND. 175 
less severe winters in Eastern Massachusetts, but in doing so 
usually frequent swamps of cedar-trees, or retired places where 
seeds and berries are sufficiently abundant. The “ Linnets” 
generally arrive here from the South on the first of April or 
earlier, but sometimes not until May, and then appear in the 
open country, when the males and females often congregate 
in small flocks, usually feeding upon the buds of various trees. 
The males are not at this time of the year in full dress, and 
perhaps on this account, if these birds may be supposed to 
have human vanities, are often alone or apart from the females. 
They are, however, in full song, and, perched on some high 
branch, sing loudly, as if under the delusion that winter dis- 
appears in April. 
When much startled, the ‘“‘ Linnets” usually fly for some 
distance at a considerable height. In May they usually be- 
come very abundant, and also mischievous, since they ‘“ feed 
on the stamina of various fruit-blossoms.” They also gather 
in large flocks on the ground, where, not unfrequently in com- 
pany with the Goldfinches or other members of their family, 
they pick up various seeds and perhaps other food. They are 
summer-residents throughout New England, though less com- 
mon to the northward, and frequent principally cultivated or 
open lands, though occasionally to be met with in woods. 
Their song may not unfrequently be heard in September, when 
most other birds do not sing. In October they become quite 
rare, and finally, usually before November, forsake their sum- 
mer-haunts. “Those seen here in the former month are very 
possibly migrants from the North. 
(d). The music of the Purple Finch is a warbled song, which 
would be monotonous, were it not sweet, mellow, and full- 
toned. Both sexes sing. In autumn they often give utter- 
ance to a few notes, which recall those of the Blue Bird. Be- 
sides their customary ‘“ chink,” which they utter particularly 
when on wing, they have a variety of less important notes. 
The most pleasing of these is their ‘“ pewee,” which is often 
softly repeated by the females, and the most striking a single 
whistle, to be heard chiefly or wholly in autumn, and which 
recalls that of the Great-crested Flycatcher. 
