THE BULLFINCH. 129 



who deems them his inveterate enemies. On the 

 other hand, naturalists assert that they assail no 

 buds, save those in which the destructive worm 

 is embedded ; and that far from destroying the 

 embryo plum or cherry, they protect our gar- 

 dens and orchards from much more destructive 

 enemies of the insect race. 



This bird sometimes changes its plumage, and 

 becomes wholly black when in confinement. This 

 has been observed to be especially the case when 

 it is fed with hempseed. We well recollect an 

 instance in which such a change occurred, appa- 

 rently from another cause. A pair of bullfinches 

 had long lived together in captivity, and ap- 

 peared to have become quite reconciled to their 

 loss of freedom, and to sojourn happily in their 

 little wire-bound dwelling. At length the female 

 bullfinch sickened and died. Her mate seemed 

 to feel her loss deeply. From that time his 

 plumage lost its brightness, and he was soon 

 most appropriately clothed in a mourning suit, 

 which he retained till his death, about two years 

 after. Perhaps the unhappiness occasioned by 

 the death of his companion affected his health, 

 and by this means the change of colour was pro- 

 duced. 



We have yet another bullfinch to introduce 

 to your notice, who exhibited a degree of intelli- 



G 5 



