THE GOLDFINCH. 47 



spring is robed in splendor, and has chosen his mate quite 

 as soon as other birds, not until July is there the slightest 

 indication of domestic cares. Then you no longer see them 

 in large, noisy parties, but each couple has found a quiet 

 nook, and become as steady as any other pair of birds. 

 Quite commonly the site chosen is in the orchard, some- 

 times in the top of a tall shade-tree which stretches its 

 boughs over the house-roof, often in the thicket which bor- 

 ders the forest, and not infrequently in a cosy clump of 

 elders. In the latter kind of place, late in July, was found 

 a very gem of a nest, now before me. True to the favorite 

 plant, it is mostly composed of thistle-down, interlaced and 

 wound into position by fine shreds of the bark of the grape- 

 vine and bass-woods, all of which materials give it a some- 

 what bulky, but neat, gray appearance, beautifully in har- 

 mony with the branch on which it is saddled. This nest is 

 finished alike within and without, and even on the under 

 side. It is not merely built on the limb, but neatly finished 

 arotmd it. Evidently it was not constructed in a hurry. 

 The bottom, sides, and rim are thick, and firm, and finely 

 felted together. The inside is an elegant bed of white, 

 silky down. In every respect it is perfect. But oh, the 

 eggs! What gems they are! Some half-dozen, the size of 

 a Wren's egg, .65 X .51, clear white, tinged with green, they 

 render the nest perfect in beauty. Many a time has the sight 

 of it thrilled me with pleasure, and nevermore than to-night, 

 as I review all its beauties for an accurate description, and 

 recall the many kindnesses of the dear friend who compli- 

 mented my tastes in saving it for me. 



Like some others of the smaller birds, the Goldfinch sits 

 only about a week. 



It ranges through North America generally, breeding as 

 far south as Kentucky. 



