around the eye. Throat and breast yellowish-white, the latter and the fore part of the cheeks streaked with dark brown. Sides and abdomen very pale yellowish-brown, the former sparsely streaked with dark brown; the posterior abdominal region and under tail-coverts white.
There is no perceptible difference as to colour or size between the male and the female.
Length 53⁄4 inches, extent of wings 10; bill 1⁄3 along the ridge, 1⁄2 along the gap.
This species has been variously classed, some considering it as a Fringilla, others as an Emberiza. It seems to me to be more in its true place in the former genus, while in its habits, colouring and form, it also approaches closely to some species of Alauda.
The Prickly Pear, or Indian Fig.
Cactus Opuntia, Willd. Sp. Pl. vol. ii. p. 943. Pursh, Fl. Amer. p. 323.—Icosandria Monogynia, Linn. Cacti, Juss.
This species has an articulated fleshy stem, with ovate, compressed joints, sparsely covered with setaceous prickles; large yellow flowers, and red, acidulous, eatable berries. It flowers in June and July, and grows in sandy fields and dry barren soil.
