Finches. 1 6 1 



once reconciled to captivity. It should be fed on rape 

 p id hemp-seed, beech-masts, haws, juniper, ash, and 

 maple-berries, cherries, and peas. It is not a safe 

 inmate of an aviary, as it has been known to kill a 

 weaker companion. 



The BULLFINCH (Pyrrluda vulgaris] is called also 

 the Coal Hood, Alp, Nope. The Bullfinch is a very 

 engaging bird, because it is very happy in captivity, 

 and entirely devoted to the person on whom it bestows 

 its affection. It is somewhat capricious, perhaps, in 

 its likes and dislikes, and is addicted to jealousies if 

 the favour of its master or mistress is claimed by any 

 one but itself. A friend of mine had a pet Bullfinch, 

 who was extremely attached to her, but took so violent 

 a dislike to her husband that he would ruffle up his 

 feathers, scold, and scream whenever he came into the 

 room ; and if he offered him any dainty, would try to 

 peck and bite his fingers. This bird pined so much 

 during a long illness of hers that she gave him to a 

 friend, to whom he eventually transferred his affection. 

 Instances have been known, however, of Bullfinches 

 dying when separated from the person on whom they 

 had bestowed their faithful attachment. They are 

 easily trained to perform amusing feats, to pump up 

 water for their bath, or to draw it up from a well, etc. 

 The natural song of the Bullfinch is harsh and poor ; 

 but, when trained, he is capable of whistling or " pi- 

 ping " airs to perfection. He must be taken from the 



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