CROSS-BILL. 
We are not told, how many eggs they lay ; but 
we may presume, from their size, and their 
resemblance to the Grosbeak, that the nuniher 
is four or live, and that they hatch only once 
a year. 
This curious bird is the Loxia, of Gesner. 
Aldrovandus, and Brisson ; the Loxia Curvi- 
rostra, of Linnaeus and Gmelin ; the Shell- 
Apple, of Willughby ; and the Cross- Bill of 
Edwards, BufFon, and most other naturalists. 
In Germany, it is called Kreutz-Schnabei, arjd 
lireutz-Vogel ; in Poland, Rzywonox ; and, 
in Sweden, Korsnaef, and Kiaegelrifware. It 
lias the same size, figure, and instincls, as the 
Grosbeak ; and so nearly are they conceived, 
by Frisch, to be allied, that he is of opinion 
they would breed together. Willughby savs, 
that the Cross- Bill weighs an ounce and a 
halt;' but Edwards assures us, that one which 
he kept alive in a cage weighed two ounces arid 
a sixteenth. In summer, durijig which season 
it is mute, the flesh is said to be good eating. 
It's feeble notes are only heard in winter. 
Like the Grosbeak, it is stupid, inactive, and 
secure, and falls an easy viilim to all the 
Lirds of prey. 
