THE BULLFINCH. 129 



Tame bullfinches have been observed to escape from the 

 aviary, and live at liberty in the woods for a year ; then 

 to recollect the voice of the person that reared them, and 

 return no more to leave her. Others, when forced to 

 leave their first abode, have been known to die of grief. 

 It was said of an eminent individual, that he could only 

 recollect the kindnesses of his friends, and was forgetful 

 of the conduct of his enemies ; but of injuries these 

 birds are said to have a clear remembrance. 



One pair of bullfinches proved very interesting to an 

 intelligent observer. They lived in a spacious and most 

 commodious cage, and were accustomed to leave it, and 

 partake of breakfast with their master and mistress. 

 These birds fed from their hands, hopped upon their 

 shoulders, and, turning their little heads round, looked 

 with their vivacious black eyes into the faces of their 

 benefactors : 



" strangers to liberty, 'tis true, 

 But that delight they never knew, 

 And, therefore, never missed." 



The cat and they lived on perfectly amicable terms. 

 It happened that the mistress was suddenly taken ill, and 

 confined to her bed. The cock bird directly missed her 

 from the breakfast-table, showed evident signs of un- 

 easiness, looking inquiringly on all sides, and, by very 



