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BRITISH BIRDS 



above theory, — a noted collector of dried skins and empty 

 egg-shells, but possessing only a very limited knowledge 

 of live birds and their ways, — that his plausible theory 

 was untenable, for the Linnet breeds quite freely in the 

 house, with a mate of his own or of some kindred 



The Pine Grosbeak. 



species, but does not, for all that, resume his rosy vest in 

 confinement. 



No, the breeding instinct has nothing to do with the 

 phenomenon, though change of food, want of fresh air 

 and exercise and of light may have: but even in a large 

 garden aviary where the bird would be supposed to have 



