THE GOLDFINCH. 123 



for her future progeny. The nest is composed 

 of roots, fine moss, the down of plants, and 

 lichens, and it is lined with horse-hair, wool, 

 and downy feathers. Here the hen bird deposits 

 five or six white eggs, spotted with brown to- 

 wards the thick end. While she is hatching, her 

 companion never leaves her except to procure 

 food; but sits on a neighbouring tree and cheers 

 her with his song. If disturbed, he flies away ; 

 but it is only as a feint to prevent the nest from 

 being discovered, and he soon returns. On her 

 part, she devotes herself with the utmost pa- 

 tience and constancy to her maternal cares. As 

 the time approaches when the young ones will 

 make their appearance, she is evidently increas- 

 ingly interested in their preservation, and will 

 brave every thing to defend them from injury : 

 the stormiest gales of wind, the drenching rain, 

 or the pelting hail-storm, do not drive her from 

 her nest; there she remains, and her faithful 

 mate continues in attendance on her. At last, 

 the little birds pierce the shell, and faint cries 

 proclaim their wants to their parents; then 

 there is full employment to procure food suffi- 

 cient to supply five or six craving little creatures. 

 The tender seeds of groundsel, lettuce, and 

 other plants, are its favourite food ; but especially 



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