THE GOLDFINCH. 



the thistle-seed ; from its fondness for this plant 

 it is sometimes called thistle-finch in England, 

 and chardonneret in France. 



The young goldfinches cannot provide their 

 own food wholly, even when they have quitted 

 the nest : it is therefore long before they cease 

 to require the attendance of the parent birds, 

 and yet they contrive to raise three broods in a 

 year. The goldfinch is easily reconciled to loss 

 of freedom, and may be taught a variety of tricks, 

 and rendered very familiar with its attendant. 

 It is said to be so fond of the society of its own 

 species, that even the resemblance of another 

 goldfinch is sufficient to console it in captivity. 

 If a glass is placed near the cage, it is evidently 

 pleased to look at its own image reflected in it, 

 and is often seen to take its hemp-seed, grain by 

 grain, and go and eat before the mirror, thinking, 

 no doubt, that it is feeding in company. Poor 

 little bird ! how much more delightful to see it 

 flying gaily among its feathered mates of the 

 field and the orchard, than thus cheated with 

 the semblance of society. Among the black- 

 caps the male, as we have noticed, selects the 

 spot for the summer residence ; with the gold- 

 finches, on the contrary, it should appear that 

 this is the business of the lady, though the gen- 

 tleman decides the point at last by his casting 



