l6'2 VIRGINIA NIGHTINGALE. 
There is a furprifing ftrength in the bill of 
this little creature, as is Teen from its cracking 
the hones of fruit with the utmofteafe and ex- 
pedition, fuch as almonds, olives, & c. the ker- 
nels of which they are very fond of. 
Thefe birds are found chiefly in Virginia, 
New England, and feveral parts of North- Ame- 
rica, from whence they are frequently brought 
over into England, and very highly valued for 
their tinging, as well as for the elegancy of 
their colours, which makes them fometimes felf 
at a great price. 
They ling very agreeably, and fome of their 
notes are much like thofe of the Nightingale, 
from whence it is fuppoled to derive the name 
of the Virginia Nightingale. 
The hen, as in all other birds, is not fo 
beautiful in her colours as the cock, being 
more brown, with only a tinfture of red ; yet, 
when in cages^ fhe lings along with the cock* 
and is brought over with him. 
They catch them in the fame manner as 
we do all our other fmall birds, by removing 
the fhow, and baiting the places where they 
frequent, with fuch food as they ufually feed 
upon. 
The breeding of them has been attempted, 
but never could as yet be brought to any per- 
feflion. 
