GOLDFINCH. U*J 



tie wavs and sweet disposition are never-failinp: antidotes 

 for discontent. One can not he loni^ near a tiock of 

 these l)irds witliout heinu: impressed bj the refinement 

 which seems to mark their every note and action. They 

 show, too, a spirit of contentment from which we may 

 draw more than a passing lesson. Hear me, hear me, 

 dearie, they call as they feed among the weeds or on the 

 birch bnds, ani], no matter how poor the fare, they seem 

 thankful for it. The seeds of the dandelion, thistle, and 

 suntlower are among their favorites ; and if you would 

 attract Goldtinches as well as some other birds, devote a 

 corner of your garden to suntlowers. 



The meal finished, the birds launch into the air, and to 

 the tune of a cheery per-eJilc-o-ree, jjer-cJeic-o-ree, go 

 swinging tlirougli space in long, bounding undulations. 



In April the males regain their bnght colors, but they 

 are evidently believers in prolonged courtshij), and, al- 

 though the nuptial dress is acquired so early, housekeep- 

 ing is apparently not thought of until June. Then a neat 

 home of bark and fine grasses, thickly lined with plant 

 down, is placed in a bush or tree, five to thirty feet from 

 the ground, and in it are laid three to six pale, bluish- 

 white eggs. 



Now the song season has reached its height. Chorus 

 singing has been abandoned. Each bird has become an 

 inspired soloist, who, perched near his home or fiying in 

 broad circles about it, pours forth a flood of melody. It 

 is an exceedingly attractive song, sweet and varied and 

 suggesting a Canary's, but still is no more like it than a 

 hothouse is like a tropical forest. 



Creak, creak, the notes are clear but faint, and may 



Purple Finch come from any place beyond arm's reach. 



Carpoii,uiisinir/nir,>iH. Tlicy are the Purple Fincirs flight- 



Plutf Liii. calls; one might tliiidv his wing joints 



needed oiling. Alighting on the topmost twig of a 



11 



