CANARY-BIRD. 99 



sparrow," Fringilla melodia; "American 

 Gold-finch, or Thistle-bird," . tristis; 

 "Purple-finch, or American Linnet," F. 

 purpurea; "Indigo-bird, Blue Tit, or Blue 

 Linnet," F. cyanea; whose rich azure and 

 indigo plumage, crossed with a bright 

 yellow hen Canary, might produce birds 

 of a magnificent and exquisite character, 

 both as regards feather and song; and last, 

 though not least, the splendidly marked 

 "Painted Bunting, Nonpareil, or Pape" of 

 the Southern States, F. ciris; which may 

 frequently be obtained of our bird-fanciers, 

 or at the warehouses of our best seed-men. 

 Of each of these more will be said under 

 their respective chapters. 



The Gold-finch, however, is the most 

 esteemed in Europe as a breeder of mules, 

 and is the most common, and at the same 

 time most successful cross. The cock- 

 bird of this species should be placed with 

 a richly coloured hen Canary. From 

 these, on account of the rich colours of 

 the mule's plumage, the young birds are 



