Rachel's linnets. 59 



brought up together^ and are both of the male sex. 

 They have now been kept several years^ and their 

 friendship appears to be strengthened by time. The 

 first tokens of their mutual regard were observed in 

 the early part of their acquaintance : when one sang, 

 the other joined it ; and;, at night;, each slept on that 

 side of the cage which was nearest his friend. At 

 length their attachment was more fully ascertained;, 

 when they were set at liberty whilst their cages were 

 cleaned. One of these affectionate birds took the op- 

 portunity of flying to the other's cage^, and they were 

 afterwards occasionally indulged with enjoying each 

 other's company in the same cage ; when they always 

 expressed their high gratification, by fluttering towards 

 each other, joining their bills together, and each gently 

 pecking the tongue of his friend by turns. After some 

 time, their young master ventured to allow one of 

 them to fly abroad in the open air, whilst the cage of 

 the other was hung on the outside of the window as 

 a pledge for the return of his friend. Rachel grants 

 this indulgence sometimes to one and soiiie^imes to 

 the other. They both appear gi'eatly delighte^. .vith 

 the company of the wild linnets, with whom the}- 

 sport for several hours together; but no temptation 

 can allure them to forsake each other. As soon as 

 the hour of rest approaches, they return to the empty 

 cage, which is placed near the other. Were both 



