EUROPEAN FINCHES. 45 



capable of forming strong attachments to them. 

 There is a resemblance between it and the Ameri- 

 can Goldfinch in its manners and habits, and its 

 partiality for the same food, as has been ob- 

 served. It may be taught (the American also) 

 to draw their seed and water, and they are easier 

 taught this than any other birds I know of; they 

 use their feet so nimbly, in holding on to the chain 

 or cord to which their little buckets are suspend- 

 ed. The European is the aptest scholar; it is 

 also superior in the beauty of the plumage, and 

 likewise in its song, which, in some old birds, 

 is very fine. They will imitate the Canary's 

 notes, and also pair with them, the male Gold- 

 finch with the yellow Canary hen ; the produce 

 is sometimes marked with the fine colors of the 

 Goldfinch, and they make, I think, the most 

 beautiful and best singing mules that can be bred 

 from the Canary. The American will also pair 

 with a Canary, but I do not think there is any 

 improvement in the produce, either in the color 

 of the plumage or the song. 



FOOD. I have kept these birds in good health 

 and spirits, (drawing their seed and water, and 

 singing alternately,) on about half Canary and 

 half hemp seed, with lettuce, cabbage, or ripe 



