Notes on the Purple Finch. — It has been a matter of remark that sev- 
eral of our once rare birds have largely increased in numbers within a few 
years, and I think in no case is this so apparent as in that of the Purple Finch 
( Carpodacus purpureus). At the same time its distribution extends over 
a much larger range. It was formerly considered a strictly northern mi- 
grant, but has recently become resident in Massachusetts, where it breeds 
quite plentifully in certain sections, and from the following instance would 
seem inclined to remain even farther south. Among some notes taken at 
Bayside, L. I., I find under date of April 21, of this year : “ Saw a Purple 
Finch (male) in full song and plumage and apparently resident.” In the 
early part of June I visited the same locality and again saw both male 
and female. Feeling sure they must have nested there, after diligent 
search I discovered the nest, located, as usual, some forty feet from the 
ground, near the top of a large spruce-tree, and contained only two eggs, 
well advanced in incubation. This was June 15 , and I am at a lossTto 
explain the reason of their late domestic arrangements, except with the 
surmise that their first nest was destroyed, or that they felt out of their 
latitude, as indeed their actions seemed to indicate. They remained in 
the vicinity but a short time after, and, I think, did not attempt another 
nest. Ihe construction of the nest, its situation, and the eggs, except in 
number, were almost identical with a set procured just previously at Grand 
Menan. This is, I believe, the most southern point at which the species 
has been found breeding. — It. F. Pearsall, New York City. 
Bull N. O.O. 4, April, 1879, p. /It. 
