THEBULL-FINCH. 71 



Europe. About a century ago they were fold at very high prices, and 

 kept only by the great; they have fince n-.ultiplied abundantly. In Italy 

 and Provence are fpecies of finches, nearly allied, and capable of breeding 

 together. 



In Its native iflands, the canary-bird is of a duik^' grey colour, and fo 

 different from thofe ufually feen in Europe, that fome have even doubred 

 whether it be of the fame fpecies : by their dcmefticity they are become 

 fome white, fome mottled, fome greenifii ; but are more efleemed for 

 their note than their beauty ; it is Ihrill and piercing, like all of the 

 finch tribe, continuing long in one breath without intermifllon, then 

 rifing higher and higher by degrees, with great variety'. The nightingale 

 is the fongiler of the woods, the canary-bird the mulician of the chamber j 

 of retentive memory and apt imitation, he exchanges his native notes for 

 the compofitions of art. 



More eafily reared than any of the foft-billed birds (but fubject to the 

 epilepfy) ; his fong continues throughout the year. In choofing the canary- 

 bird, thofe are beft that appear with life and boldnefs, ftanding upright 

 on the perch, and not apt to be frighted. 



Canary-birds fometimcs breed throughout the year, but ufually pair 

 in April, and breed in June and Auguft ; they are generally two or three 

 days in building their nefts ; the hen comm>onIy lays five eggs, and fits 

 fourteen days ; fometimes the female is ready to hatch a fecond brood 

 before the firfl quits the neft J then the male breeds up the young left 

 behind, and fits them for a (late of independence. The female canary- 

 bird pairs v/ith the linnet, or gold- finch, and produces a m.ixed breed, 

 like the canary-bird, and refembling it in fong. The fpecies has in- 

 creafed in the Weft Indies, and exifts in Abyffinia. 



THE BULL- FINCH 



IS remarkable for his aptnefs in acquiring, and m.emorv in retaining, 

 the leflbns taught him ; though his native notes are harfh, yet he is 

 capable of the molt melodiou.^, and this capacity is not reftridted to the 

 male, but belongs to both fcxes : not only he learns the airs which arc 

 taught him, but he often embeliilhes them by talte or expreffion, and 

 feems to fing as if prompted by fentiment. Is capable of attachment. 

 One that had efcaped from its cage, after a year's liberty, returned to its 

 Part IV. No. 26. N ' owner. 



