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PERCHING BIRDS. 

 CHAPTER IX. 



The BULFINCH This bird in its wild state Its great des- 

 tructiveness Amusing letter on the subject Mode of 

 training piping bulfinches Four anecdotes illustrative of 

 the strong attachment these birds are capable of SPAEEOWS 

 The Tree Sparrow The House Sparrow Habits of 

 this bird, its nest and food London Sparrow Anecdote 

 of the Cockney Sparrow and the keeper of the "Early 

 Breakfast Shop" "Are not two sparrows sold for one 

 farthing ?" 



THE BULFINCH is ranked between the grosbeaks 

 and the crossbills. Though called in popular 

 language a finch, it has none of the habits of 

 the finches. With its form and manners as a 

 cage bird we are well acquainted, but as a wild 

 inhabitant of the woods it is comparatively un- 

 known ; for it is of rather shy and retiring habits, 

 and is seldom seen associated with any but its own 

 species. The natural song of the bird is a plaintive, 

 softly modulated whistle, and so low that it cannot 

 be heard but in its close vicinity. It inhabits 

 all thickly wooded places, and also brakes and 

 hedges, when not in exposed situations. Its shape 

 is most compact and neat, and very expressive of 



