FINCHES. 



157 



work with this last article. The nest when com- 

 pleted was somewhat larger than is usually made 

 by this bird, but retained the pretty roundness 

 of figure, and neatness of workmanship which is 

 proper to the Goldfinch. The nest was completed 

 in the space of three days, and remained unoccu- 

 pied for the space of four days, the first egg not 

 being laid till the seventh day from beginning the 

 work." * 



NEST OP GOLDFINCH. 



The Goldfinch raises but one brood in the sea- 

 son. The eggs are four or five in number ; of a 

 pale bluish hue, marked with red spots and frec- 

 kles, mingled with streaks and dashes of purplish 



* Harmonia Ruralis, Pref. vi. 



