CHAPTER XVI. 



Siskin. 



I His pretty little northern Finch makes about the nicest 

 pet I have ever come across. Tamer and more 

 confiding in disposition than almost any other little 

 bird, it combines intelligence with docility, and can be 

 taught a number of tricks with very little trouble, and 

 especially to fly out and return to its cage, which it 

 will do sometimes of its own accord without any train- 

 ing. It is very hardy, too, and frugal in its diet, but it 

 cannot stand artificial heat, which soon disorganises the 

 liver and brings about a premature ending of its days. 

 In appearance (black, green and yellow harmoniously 

 combined) it is very handsome, and the male can be 

 readily distinguished from his mate by his greater 

 brilliancy, by his superior size, and bolder and more 

 masculine bearing. Although the nest has been occa- 

 sionally found in Scotland and even in the north of 

 England, the Siskin does not, as a rule, breed in this 

 country. 



