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see or hear of one. Twice I have noticed pairs keeping together and apart from the flock. In January, 1893, when the snow had been on the ground since November, two pairs roosted nightly in a very thick honeysuckle. In the day the birds spent their time between an arbor-vite hedge and a group of pines. After an unusually severe snow they became very hungry and descended to the ground for food, and, while they refused to eat crumbs, relished some cracked corn which had been soaked in boiling water until it was partly softened.

Aside from their striking size and colour, and the fact that they eome in winter, a season at which any bird is a wel come excitement, these Grosbeaks are not very interesting. They have no playful ways, and here, at least, are silent to the verge of stupidity. They feed upon various small seeds and also upon tree buds, particularly those of the maple and hickory. Berries are also eaten, if other food fails.

Purple Finch: Carpodacus purpureus.

Length: 5.75-6.25 inches.

Male: Until two years old resembles a dull-coloured, heavy-billed sparrow; when mature, the head, shoulders, and upper breast have a wash of raspberry-red, lower parts grayish white, wings and tail dusky with some reddish brown tips. Bill and feet brown.

Female: Olive-brown, clearer on rump, and streaked above and below with dusky brown. Whitish beneath, and streaked on sides of breast with arrow-shaped marks. Song: Joyful and sudden, — "O, list to me, list to me, hear me, and I'll tell you, — you, you !"

Season: March to November; a common summer resident, individuals remaining sometimes all winter.

Breeds: From Middle States northward.

Nest: In a bush or tree, of grass and fibre, and lined with horsehair; a flat nest.

Eggs: 4-5, greenish white, scratched and spotted with black and lilac.

Range: Eastern North America, from the Atlantic coast to the Plains.

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