52 The fj^narxj. 



minds, and this or none we would have. Long had we 

 to wait, many a journey into the bird-market on a 

 Saturday morning, and many a look into the bird- 

 dealers' shop-windows did we take before we could 

 meet with one anything approaching to the idea we had 

 in our mind's eye. At length Mr. M — had a batch of 

 the description we were in search of, and we had the 

 first pick of the lot ; unfortunately there Avere no hens, 

 but all cocks. We soon, however, made our choice, for 

 our eye immediately fell on a bird which united in him- 

 self all the qualifications we required. Brilliant in 

 colour, snake-like in head, and lengthy and tapering in 

 body, as well as animated and lively in his movements, 

 we soon saw he would be all that we could desire. He 

 was as unlike the ordinary birds of his kind we had 

 hitherto seen offered for sale as it is possible for two birds 

 of the same species to be. There was not the slightest 

 resemblance to the linnet-like tribe we have described ; 

 but his elegant form and vivid colour at once proclaimed 

 his near alliance to the Belgian blood. Strutting about 

 in his bright green coat, interlaced with long dark 

 stripes down the back, and in his vest of saffion-yellow, 

 no sooner was he introduced to the palace of the sultan 

 than his high breeding was recognised at once, and he 

 became quite the exquisite of the court. On this 

 account we gave him the name of " Dandy," from the 

 somewhat foppish character of his gait, though he is by 

 no means effeminate ; on the contrary, he is robust and 

 energetic in all his actions, foremost in every fray, sings 

 a capital song, is very sociable in his disposition, and 

 quite a jovial character every way. Every one thought 



