GROSBEAK. 
485 
of gold, called ticas, slightly fixed by way of orna- 
ment, between their eye-brows ; and when they 
pass through the streets it is not uncommon for the 
youthful libertines, who amuse themselves with 
training these birds, to give them a signal which 
they understand, and send them to pluck the pieces 
of gold from the foreheads of their mistresses, which 
they bring in triumph to the lovers.” 
