The Goldfinch ( Carduelis carduelis ) near Boston, Mass. In Brook- 
line, Massachusetts, in May, 1892, I noted a bird of this species feeding in 
a pine tree in company with a few American Goldfinches. It seemed 
peifectly at home and therefore I take it was not an escaped cage bird, 
rather one of the Goldfinches or their offspring that were imported to 
this country not long ago. — Reginald Heber Howe. Jr., Boston , Mass. 
Auk, XII, April, 1895, p. /V*. 
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The European Goldfinch ( Carduelis elegcins ) has been repeatedly taken 
in a wild state in Eastern Massachusetts ; so frequently, in fact, that it 
has been conjectured that this hardy species may have become established 
here through fortuitous introduction. It being a common cage-bird, it 
seems probable that numbers may escape each year, while their hardy 
nature would easily enable them to maintain an existence here for a con- 
siderable period. 
Mr. William Brewster informs me that he shot a pair, April 21, 1875, 
the female of which was found to contain eggs that would have been laid 
in a few days. They were very wild, and were not recognized till they 
had been shot. In addition to the many that doubtless escape every year 
from confinement, a considerable number were turned out, Mr. Brewster 
informs me, not long before this date/ by the “ Society for the Acclimatiza- 
tion of Foreign Birds.” 
j . a. a £ £^ . 
Bull, N, O.O, 5, April, 1880, p, / ' 2-0 
