35 

 THE LINNET (GRAY). 



Li?iaria Cannabina. 



Description. Length, five inches; its color, in 

 the wild state, when one year old, grayish brown on the 

 back; wings, rather darker; breast, red; belly, light 

 gray. After they moult in cages the red breast turns 

 gray. 



This bird, though inferior in beauty of plumage to 

 the goldfinch, is yet very much kept in cages ; it being 

 of a hardy constitution, and a most lovely singer, utter- 

 ing many very sweet, flute-like notes, and singing al- 

 most throughout the year, which makes it a very pleas- 

 ing household companion.* 



*„What can be more interesting than the affection of the 

 two linnets we are about to mention ? A nest containingf four 

 young ones, scarcely fledged, was found by some children, 

 who resolved to carry them home, for the purpose of rearing 

 and taming the young birds. The old ones, attracted by their 

 chirping, continued fluttering round the children, till they 

 reached the house, when the nest was carried up-stairs to the 

 nursery, and placed outside the windows. The old birds 

 soon afterwards made their appearance, approached the nest, 

 and fed the family without showing alarm. This being no- 

 ticed, the nest was soon afterwards placed on a table in the 

 middle of the apartment, and the window left open. The 

 parent-birds came boldly in and fed their offspring as before. 

 Still further to put their attachment to the test, the nest and 

 young ones were placed within a bird-cage ; still the old one 



