te MAME II CAN GOLDEINCELT. 59 
“The flight of the American Goldfinch is exactly similar to that of 
the European bird of the same name, being performed in deep curved 
lines, alternately rising and falling, after each propelling motion of the 
wings. It scarcely ever describes one of these curves without uttering 
two or three notes whilst ascending, such as its European relative uses 
on similar occasions. In this manner, its flight is prolonged to con- 
siderable distances, and it frequently moves in a circular direction 
before alighting. Their migration is performed during the day. They 
seldom alight on the ground, unless to procure water, in which they 
wash with great liveliness and pleasure, after which they pick up some 
particles of gravel or sand. So fond of each other’s company are they, 
that a party of them passing on the wing will alter its course at the 
calling of a single one perched on a tree. This call is uttered with much 
emphasis. The bird prolongs its usual note, without much alteration, 
and as the party approaches, erects its body, and moves it to the right 
and left, as if turning on a pivot, apparently pleased at showing the 
beauty of its plumage and the elegance of its manners. No sooner has 
the flock, previously on the wing, alighted, than the whole party plume 
themselves, and then perform a sweet little concert. So much does the 
song of our Goldfinch resemble that of the European species, that 
whilst in France and England, I have frequently thought, and with 
pleasure thought, that.they were the notes of our own bird which I 
heard. In America, again, the song of the Goldfinch recalled to my 
remembrance its transatlantic kinsman, and brought with it, too, a 
grateful feeling for the many acts of hospitality and kindness which I 
have experienced in the ‘old country.’ ” 
“The nest also is perfectly similar to that of the European bird, 
being externally composed of various lichens fastened together by 
