THE FINCHES. 99 
bred, but very commonly crossed with the Canary, the 
two birds being kept together for some time to accustom 
them to each other. The Goldfinch will also cross in cap- 
tivity with several other Finches. 
Goldfinches are most easily got in Bombay, but a few 
may now and then be obtained in Calcutta too. It is a 
curious fact that they bear the heat of the Indian climate 
better than many of the native tropical birds; at any 
rate they do not pant for breath as the latter may often 
be seen to do. The only other species of Goldfinch known 
(Carduelis caniceps), occurs in India as a denizen of the 
Himalayas at considerable heights ; but it is less regularly 
obtainable in our markets than the European bird. It is 
very like this, but less handsome, having no black or 
white behind the red of the face, and being of a drab 
colour instead of brown. 
It is, however, stated by some to be a better songster. 
Where this bird meets the European Goldfinch they in- 
terbreed and become confused. 
THE RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria cucullata)* of 
South America is the last Finch I shall notice. This ex- 
ceedingly pretty and graceful bird, Fig. 1 on Plate VI, 
is often to be had in Bombay and less commonly 
in Calcutta. Both male and female have the same bright 
colouriug, and the young only differ in having the head dull 
orange instead of scarlet. The cock has a stouter and less 
tapering bill than the hen, but the difference is very slight ; 
the red on the breast also extends further down in him. 
Although several of these Cardinals may be seen packed 
together in one cage, and apparently agreeing very well, 
