22 BIRDS OF THE GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 



been laid in it, and using the materials to make a new 

 nest in another place. When I was a student I repeat- 

 edly observed this operation in some Loinbardy poplars 

 that grew before my study windows. I thought the male 

 bird only addicted to this habit, and that it might be his 

 method of amusing himself before his mate is ready to 

 occupy the nest. This is made of cotton, the down of 

 the fern, and other soft materials woven together with 

 threads or the fibres of bark, and lined with cow's-hair. 

 It is commonly placed in the fork of the slender branches 

 of a maple, linden, or poplar, and is fastened to them with 

 singular ingenuity. 



THE PURPLE FINCH OR AMERICAN LINNET. 



The American Linnet is almost a new acquaintance of 

 many people in Eastern Massachusetts. In my early days, 

 which were passed in Essex County, I seldom met one in 

 my rambles. It is now very common in this region, and 

 has been more generally observed since the custom of 

 planting the spruce and the fir in our gardens and enclos- 

 ures. The Linnet, though not early in building its nest, 

 is sometimes heard to sing earlier even than the Song- 

 Sparrow. I have frequently heard his notes in March ; 

 and once, in a mild season, I heard one warbling cheer- 

 ily on the 18th of February. But the Linnet does not 

 persevere like the Song-Sparrow and other early birds. 

 He may sing on a fine day in March, and you may not 

 hear him again before the middle of April. Soon after 

 that time he becomes a very constant singer. 



The notes of this bird are very simple and melodious, 

 delivered without precision, and different individuals dif- 

 fer exceedingly in capacity. It is generally believed that 

 the young males are the best singers, and that age dimin- 

 ishes their vocal powers. This is the supposition of Mr. 



