\ I 
BRITISH BIRDS. I 29 
OF THE GROSBEAK. 
This genus is not numerous in thefe kingdoms , 
and of thofe which we call ours, moft of them are 
only vifitors, making a fliort ftay with us, and lea- 
ving us again to breed and rear their young in o- 
ther countries. They are in general fliy and foli- 
tary, living chiefly in woods at a diftance from the 
habitations of men. Their vocal powers are not 
great ; and as they do not add much to the general 
harmony of the woods which they inhabit, they 
are confequently not much known or fought after. 
Their moft confpicuous chara&er confifts in the 
thicknefs and ftrength of their bills, which enables 
them to break the ftones of various kinds of fruits, 
and other ha d fubftances on which they feed. 
Their general appearance is very fimilar to birds 
of the Finch kind, of which they may be reckoned 
the principal branch. 
