FINCH. 83 



The female has the crown of the head grey and black mixed, and 

 a whitish chin ; otherwise like the male, but much less bright. 



The Siskin is pretty common throughout Europe, and not unfre- 

 quent in England in the winter ; but in some years much more scarce 

 than in others ; during the time it stays here, it may be seen mixed 

 with the lesser Redpole, on alder trees, and sometimes in great 

 numbers, often running on the under part of the branches, and 

 hanging with the back downwards, like the Titmouse, feeding on 

 the seeds of those trees : it departs in spring. Tn other countries they 

 frequent hop gardens,* where they eat the seeds, and no doubt many 

 other kinds of seeds also.f The nest, as figured by Sepp, is com- 

 posed of dry bents and leaves, lined with feathers of various colours, 

 and pretty full ; the eggs are three in number, of a longish form, and 

 dull white. Those figured by Bolton are white, marked with purple 

 spots at the larger end ; in other parts with small purple spots or 

 points ; these were five in number, and sent to him from Berlin. But 

 he has been assured, that they sometimes breed in Westmoreland ; 

 and Mr. Lewin once informed me, that he has now and then seen 

 them throughout the summer, and put into my possession two birds, 

 male and female, shot in his garden, in Kent, in the summer months ; 

 however, we believe, this is not a common circumstance.^ 



In Sussex it is called Barley Bird, being seen in that seed time. 

 About London known by the name of Aberdevine. 



In the western and southern parts of Russia this bird is found in 

 plenty, but not met with towards the Uralian Chain, or in Siberia.§ 

 It is reckoned by some among the song birds, though far inferior to 

 many ; is often kept, and paired with the Canary Bird ; with which 

 it breeds freely. || It is a very tame and docile species. 



* This they are said to do in Germany, to the great detriment of the owners. 

 + On Juniper Berries. Habitat in Europas juniperitis.— Lin. 



X Mr. Markwick never saw this in winter, having only met with it from the 10th to the 

 30th of April, in 1780.— Lin. Trans, i. p. 120. 



§ Mr. Pennant. || Twice in a season. — R. P. Bouget. Hist. des. Ois. p. 227. (g.) 



M 2 



