THE BULL-FINCH. 159 



the families unite, and form large associations, feed- 

 ing and moving in company as one united house- 

 hold; and, resorting to the head of some sunny 

 tree, they will pass hours in the enjoyment of the 

 warmth, chattering with each other in a low and 

 gentle note ; and they will thus regularly assemble 

 during any occasional bright gleam throughout all 

 the winter season, 



" and still their voice is song," 



which, heard at some little distance, forms a very 

 pleasing concert, innocent and joyous. The linnet 

 is the cleanliest of birds, delighting to dabble in the 

 water and dress its plumage in every little rill that 

 runs by. The extent of voice in a single bird is not 

 remarkable, being more pleasing than powerful ; yet 

 a large field of furze, in a mild sunny April morn- 

 ing, animated with the actions and cheering music 

 of these harmless little creatures, united with the 

 bright glow and odour of this early blossom, is not 

 visited without gratification and pleasure. 



The bull-finch (loxia pyrrhula) has no claims to 

 our regard. It is gifted with no voice to charm us ; 

 it communicates no harmony to the grove : all we 

 hear from it is a low and plaintive call to its fellows 

 in the hedge. It has no familiarity or association 

 with us, but lives in retirement in some lonely 

 thicket ten months in the year. At length, as spring 

 approaches, it will visit our gardens, an insidious 



