linnet (1), lyne

[Fr. linotte a linnet, from lin, Lat. linum flax, so called from its feeding on the seed of flax and hemp; Ger. leinfinke =a flax finch.] [LINTWHITE.] Ornithology: 1. Sing .: Fringilla cannabin a (Linn.), the Linota cannabin a of more recent ornithologists, a very common and well-known song-bird, frequenting all Europe south of 64°, and in Asia extending to Turkestan It is a winter visitor to Egypt and Aby in i a, and is found in great numbers in Barbary, the Canaries, and Madeira. It frequents open places, preferring commons and fields of furze, In autumn and winter the plumage is brown; in the breeding season the breast and head of both sexes becomes a crimson-red, varying only in degree. The (later) generic and specific names have reference to the fondne of the bird for the seeds of flax and hemp. It is popularly known, according to its sex and the season of the year, as the Red, Gray, or Brown Linnet. "Perchance the patron of his vow Some artle linnet sings." Shenstone: Valentine's Day. 2. Pl .: The genus Linota (q. v.). Chem. The seed of the flax-plant ( Linum usita ti imum). It is grown in various countries, but chiefly in the North of Europe. Its composition varies considerably, but the following is the average proportion in which the principal constituents are present: Albuminous substances, 30 per cent.; fat and oil, 32 per cent.; mineral matter, 4 per cent.; water, 10 per cent. It also contains a large quantity of mucilage in the outer layers of the cells of the epidermis, which swells up when the seed is macerated in water. One part of linseed in sixteen parts boiling water yields a mucilage thick enough to be drawn into threads. The chief ash constituents are lime, potash, and iron, partly as phosphates and partly united in the ash with carbonic acid. The residue obtained after expre ing the fixed oil forms the principal oil-cake of commerce.