THE BULLFINCH. 131 



expressing his dislike whenever it began. But the poor 

 bird did not live to complete its lesson ; and its end was 

 a sad one. Its master and mistress going from home, 

 left their favourite to the care of the maid. The gen- 

 tleman had a misgiving in his mind as he left the door, 

 that the bird would suffer, and actually returned after 

 having gone some distance, to reiterate his injunctions. 

 Of course, the servant promised attention ; but on his 

 return his presentiment was realized : the cage was 

 empty, and, on inquiring, he found the bird had died of 

 neglect. 



The forgetfulness thus displayed was, doubtless, cri- 

 minal. Inferior creatures lay claim to care on the part 

 of those to whom they are entrusted, or whose amuse- 

 ment they promote. An amiable feeling often leads the 

 young to wish for some little pet, and for a time, per- 

 haps, it is in danger of being killed by kindness. But 

 when the novelty has passed away, it is, in some cases, 

 noticed less and less, until, at length, were not some 

 more thoughtful person to interfere^ the little creature 

 would share the fate of this bullfinch. 



A school for bullfinches may sound oddly, and to 

 speak of their education may appear equally strange; 

 yet, what is the fact ? It appears that in the month of 

 June, the young ones, which are sought for in the nests 



