THE GOLDFINCH. 



The " sheriflF's man," or " seven-coloured linnet," as 

 this bird is sometimes called, is one of the most brilliant 

 of the feathered tribes. It is docile in confinement, has a 

 pleasing song, is fond of society, and when a little mirror 

 is placed in the cage, may be seen taking its food, grain 

 by grain, to eat it at the glass, supposing, doubtless, it 

 is feeding in company. But to see it in its prime, it 

 must be beheld as the poet has described it : — 



' Goldfinch, pride of woodland glade, 

 In thy jet and gold array'd. 

 Gentle bird, that lov'st to feed 

 On the thistle's downy seed; 

 Freely frolic, lightly sing. 

 In the sunbeam spread thy wing: 

 Spread thy plumage, trim and gay, 

 Glittering in the noontide ray ; 

 As, upon the thorn-tree's stem 

 Perch'd thou sipp'st the dewy gem. 

 Fickle bird, for ever roving, 

 Endless changes ever loving; 

 Now in orchards gaily sporting, 

 Now to flowery fields resorting ; 



