GOLDFINCH., 149 
tle ways and sweet disposition are never-failing antidotes 
for discontent. One can not be long near a flock of 
these birds without being impressed by the refinement 
which seems to mark their every note and action. They 
show, too, a spirit of contentment from which we may 
draw more than a passing lesson. Hear me, hear me, 
dearie, they call as they feed among the weeds or on the 
birch buds, and, no matter how poor the fare, they seem 
thankful for it. The seeds of the dandelion, thistle, and 
sunflower are among their favorites; and if you would 
attract Goldfinches as well as some other birds, devote a 
corner of your garden to sunflowers. 
_ The meal finished, the birds launch into the air, and to 
the tune of a cheery per-chic-o-ree, per-chic-o-ree, go 
swinging through space in long, bounding undulations. 
In April the males regain their bright colors, but they 
are evidently believers in prolonged courtship, and, al- 
though the nuptial dress is acquired so early, housekeep- 
ing is apparently not thought of until June. Then a neat 
home of bark and fine grasses, thickly lined with plant 
down, is placed in a bush or tree, five to thirty feet from 
the ground, and in it are laid three to six pale, bluish- 
white eggs. 
Now the song season has reached its height. Chorus 
singing has been abandoned. Each bird has become an 
inspired soloist, who, perched near his home or flying in 
broad circles about it, pours forth a flood of melody. It 
is an exceedingly attractive song, sweet and varied and 
suggesting a Canary’s, but still is no more like it than a 
hothouse is like a tropical forest. 
Creak, creak, the notes are clear but faint, and may 
Purple Finch,  ©Ome from any place beyond arm’s reach. 
Carpodacuspurpwrevs. They are the Purple Finch’s flight- 
Piste LIM, calls ; one might think his wing-joints 
needed oiling. Alighting on the topmost twig of a 
