HABITS OF BIRDS. 



Aberdevine and nest. 



semble them the nearest in size and habits ; and as 

 we possessed two such cocks in a goldfinch and a 

 siskin (Carduelis spinus, BRISSON), we put them both 

 into a large breeding-cage along with a hen canary. 

 It was not a little amusing to observe the exertions 

 of these two birds in trimming their feathers, singing 

 at the utmost pitch of their voices, as if each were 

 determined not to be out-sung by his rival ; and more 

 than once, before any nest was begun, we observed 

 them bringing her food in their bills by way of pre- 

 sent. From the first, however, she showed a marked 

 dislike to the goldfinch, though the finest beau of the 

 two, being the brightest-coloured bird even of this 

 beautiful species we ever saw ; while the siskin, inde- 

 pendently of his less gay colours, had lost his tail, 

 and was besides quite bald, from the habit he had of 



