154 THE LINNET. 



the innocent, blithesome gaiety of the linnet (frin- 

 gilla linota.) But this songster is no solitary 

 visiter of our dwellings : it delights and lives 

 in society, frequenting open commons and gorsy 

 fields, where several pairs, without the least rivalry 

 or contention, will build their nests and rear their 

 offspring in the same neighbourhood, twittering 

 and warbling all the day long. This duty over, 

 the families unite, and form large associations, 

 feeding and moving in company, as one united 

 household ; 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 power- 

 ful ; yet a large field of furze, in a mild sunny 

 April morning, 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 



