158 FRINGILL1D/E. 



this species as being known only in Holland as a bird of 

 accidental passage : it is, however, frequently taken there in 

 snares and nets with other finches, but is not so common 

 as many. We learn, also, from the authority just mentioned, 

 that the Bulfinch is widely spread over the northern parts of 

 the Asiatic continent, being found in Siberia, and as far east- 

 ward as Japan, where it appears to be common. In Ireland 

 this species is, as may be expected, abundant in favourable 

 localities. 



In England the Bulfinch is generally well known, but 

 abounds in some counties more than in others. In Kent it 

 is said to be particularly numerous, the many wooded parts 

 of that county being peculiarly favourable to its tastes and 

 habits. It is common in Suffolk ; and abounds in parts of 

 Surrey. In the Isle of Wight it is tolerably abundant, ac- 

 cording to the researches of the Rev. C. A. Bury. 



In many of their habits Bulfinch.es differ much from other 

 families of the finch tribe ; they are not, like the generality 

 of them, gregarious, even in winter, and are seldom seen in 

 larger parties than may be supposed to have constituted one 

 family. In winter and spring they are generally, if not 

 invariably, seen in pairs ; and so much is this the case, that 

 they are believed to pair for life. At these periods they visit 

 villages, orchards, and gardens, where their lively plumage, 

 seen to advantage when the trees are divested of their leaves, 

 is very conspicuous : they are, however, seldom looked upon 

 as welcome visitors, except by the ornithologist, since their 

 destructive habits in devouring the buds of trees are well 

 known. In this respect they are considered the most mis- 

 chievous of small birds ; and, if undisturbed, commit great and 

 irreparable ravages among fruit trees, especially the different 

 kinds of the cherry, plum, and gooseberry : some gardens are 

 so subject to the depredations of these birds that their owners 

 are obliged to defer the spring pruning of the latter fruit until 



