182 TJTE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



bation of fifteen days. As a rule the slightest disturbance will canse 

 the nest to be deserted; but it is recorded in "The Naturalist," by 

 W. H. R. Read, Esq., of Frickley Hall, in Yorkshire, that a Bullfinch, 

 which had built in a laurel bush near the house, allowed herself to be 

 caressed while sitting on her young ones, and would feed from the 

 hand without exhibiting the least fear. The nestlings are at first fed 

 upon insects, but afterwards on seeds, the hard coverings of which have 

 been removed by the parents. 



One of the most interesting traits in the character of the Bullfinch 

 is its strong attachment to its species. A naturalist states that when 

 one of a small flock is killed, the others cannot endure leaving their 

 companion on the ground, and will make every effort to take the body 

 with them. 



The male is from six to six and a half inches in length. The bill, 

 which is very short and thick, is shining black. The irides are dark 

 brown; the legs, toes, and claws purple brown. The whole of the top 

 of the head and a band at the base of the beak are jet black. The 

 back is delicate bluish grey, and white towards the tail. The tail and 

 wings are black, the latter crossed by a bar of white. The cheeks, 

 throat, and breast are a beautiful red between lake and vermilion. 

 The female is considerably smaller than the male, and of a similar 

 colour, but less bright. The young resemble the female, but are 

 without the black head. 



In some parts of Germany hundreds of young Bullfinches arc captured 

 for the purpose of training them, and teaching them to whistle different 

 airs. They undergo a nine months course of instruction, and are then 

 exported to London, Paris, and other great cities, and sold at prices 

 varying according to their proficiency. Some will whistle two or even 

 three tunes without missing a note, and are worth several pounds. 



IN CONFINEMENT. 



THE Germans value the Chaffinch so highly that we are told a cow 

 has been given in exchange for a particularly fine singer. Probably 

 few of our readers would be willing to make such an exchange if they 

 had it in their power to do so, especially as a well-trained bird caii 

 be purchased at any time from the dealers for from six to eight 

 shillings. In confinement Chaffinches should be fed chiefly on rape- 

 seed that has been well soaked in water. "A little hemp in spring," 



