102 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



increasing. They are of the greatest service to 

 the farmer and gardener, as they feed principally 

 on the seeds of thistles, where such are procur- 

 able. It may be said that wherever thistles are 

 abundant, goldfinches may be found. Johns, 

 Ji| c hi*work on British Birds, states that the 

 Freticfo 'name for the goldfinch is chardonneret, 

 &* 3. /frequenter of thistles,' and that the ancient 

 Creek arid Latin name, acanthis, has a similar 

 meaning. The true acantkiis (the globe arti- 

 choke) is a thistle. The song of the goldfinch, 

 if not remarkable for its variety, is sweet and 

 lively. Its nest is one of the most beautiful of all 

 birds.' 



The siskin rarely breeds in England, though 

 some few instances have been recorded, but it is 

 said to do so regularly in Scotland and Ireland. 

 Like the bullfinch and goldfinch, it congregates in 

 flocks, and, like the latter bird, it feeds very much 

 on the seeds of the thistle ; but it loves those of 

 the alder best, and wherever alder-trees are fre- 

 quent the siskin may be looked for. It is a 

 lively little bird, and clings to the branches 

 in every conceivable attitude, after the manner 

 of the tits ; like the latter, as often back down- 

 wards as not, and ceaselessly jumping from one 

 twig to another. The song of the siskin is 

 by no means remarkable ; but it is a bright, 

 happy little bird, sociable in its habits and very 

 easily tamed. The prevailing colour of its 

 plumage is a yellowish-green. It is a smaller 



