PLATE CCXL. 



Chaffinch var. A. Lath. Gen. Sj/n. 258. 10. 



Fringilla coelebs /S. An fcminae varietas? Lath. [)uL Orn. 437. 12. 



We are not entirely convinced that we are proceeding with fufficient 

 caution in feparating the Greenfinch from the Chaffinch, as two dif- 

 tinft fpecies. Such a feparation is contrary to the opinions of very 

 able writers upon the fubject of Ornithology, but notwithftanding this 

 we are much inclined to believe that future obfervations may juftify 

 the accuracy of our concluiion, or at leaft afford a prefumptive 

 evidence in its favour. 



Every pra6lical Ornithologift will admit of this diftin6tion between 

 the two birds, and be prepared to point out the difference that pre- 

 vails between the two fpecies, aud the fexes of each ; and hence arifes 

 an obvious difficulty in endeavouring to determine whence this differ- 

 ence of opinion between tiie practical and fcientific Ornithologiil has 

 originated. The naturahfl affirms that the Greenfinch is a variety of 

 the female Chaffinch, but in reply to this, the {>ra6f:ical obferver points 

 out the two fexes of each kind. It requires, therefore, more than 

 ordinary caution in attempting to combine the two opinions, and we 

 mull finally conclude that the Greenfinch is a mere variety of the 

 Chaffinch, or reject the opinions of the fcientific naturalift as not fully 

 authorized by the facts of nature. 



That the varieties of the Chaffinch are numerous, as indeed are 

 thofe of many common birds will be conceded, but when as it appears 



that 



