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and having the sides of the breast and flanks 
very decidedly marked with longitudinal streaks 
of brownish black. In some specimens we have 
seen the upper parts of a much grayer tint, and 
the under surface of the body streaked entirely 
over with dull black. 
From the Goldfinches we pass to the True 
Linnets, the genus Linaria of Brisson, composed 
of birds of unobtrusive plumage during the 
winter, but which, on certain parts of their dress 
during the breeding season, acquire tints of con- 
siderable brilliancy. The bill is short and tumid, 
but in many other parts of their form they re- 
semble the last. They are gregarious in winter, 
and are migratory, or partially so ; they inhabit 
countries of temperate climate, rather inclining 
to those of a northern latitude. Europe and 
America chiefly possess them. A bird very 
nearly allied to Linaria , but perhaps entering 
into Crithagra, belongs to South Africa. On the 
boundaries, or alpine districts of Asia, one or two 
species, common also to Europe, may be found, 
while, according to Temminck, Japan can boast 
of them also. 
Linaria, Briss . — Generic characters. — Bill 
short, gibbous at the base, sharp pointed ; 
wings lengthened and pointed, first quill 
longest ; tail forked ; tarsus and feet rather 
short, claws very slender, that of the hind 
