BULL-FINCH. 129 



much attached to his mate, that their 

 connection endures for the life of the 

 parties. In the cage, he, however, be- 

 comes wonderfully docile if reared from 

 the nest; will breed in confinement; may 

 easily be taught to articulate words; while 

 his musical powers and imitative talents 

 are turned to the highest account by the 

 bird-fancier. He whistles tunes of consi- 

 derable length and variation, with all the 

 accuracy of an accomplished musician, 

 and in so surprising and so sweet a man- 

 ner, as to transcend the strength of the 

 most high-flown description. In fact, in 

 this branch of acquirement, he is entirely 

 unrivalled; for no musical instrument pos- 

 sesses a thousandth part of the depth and 

 entrancing harmony of his clear and deli- 

 cious voice. He has likewise been taught 

 to sing duets in company with other 

 birds of his kind, taking up his part, 

 finishing it, waiting for the response of 

 his companion, and then again proceeding 

 until the entertainment is finished. 



