7 
March, 1885.] history society of Wisconsin. 
The Finch family have held their own generally, and at least 
two species have increased in numbers since the country has 
been settled. 
The Grass Finch (. Pocecetes gramineus ) was extremely rare 
for several years, say till 1855, since which time it has increased 
in numbers. Now more nests of this species are taken than of 
any other of this family. 
The Field Sparrow ( Spizella pusilla ) is another of the seed- 
eaters which has increased in numbers since the country has 
been largely appropriated by man. 
Three specimens of the Golden-crowned Sparrow ( Zonotrichia 
coronata) were taken at Racine in the autumns of 1853 and 1854 
and the spring of 1856. It is probable that this is not so rare a 
bird as we have supposed, for its resemblance to the M hite- 
crowned Sparrow may deceive us unless we have a close view. 
I shot a pair of Cardinal Grosbeaks ( Cardinalis virginianus) 
May 20, 1847, and one the next spring. These were the last 
seen here. They probably inhabited this section in early days. 
Formerly the Evening Grosbeak ( Hesperiphona vespertina ) 
was not uncommon in the maple forests, on the seeds of which 
they feed, spending much time on the ground seeking them. 
They were more numerous in late fall and early spring. I pro¬ 
cured a dozen pairs, some taken in spring when they visited the 
orchards and ate the cherry-blossoms. I have seen them as late 
as the 10th of May. None have been seen here for the last 
twenty years. The sugar-maple groves are nearly all converted 
into cord-wood, and wheat occupies the site once visited by this 
northwestern bird. 
Formerly wild Pigeons ( Ectopistes migratorius) were so abun¬ 
dant that any pot-hunter could shoot all he could carry in a 
half day. 
Mr. Cox, in Caledonia, used to catch them in a net by the 
five hundred at a time. Fie sold them for from six to ten cents 
a dozen. He used to take a great number, put them in a cage 
and feed them with salted wheat, boiled. After a month the 
breasts became light-colored and much improved, commanding 
double price. 
