316 WILD SCENES AND SONG-BIRDS. 



supplied with this beautiful Sparrow. But no sooner does it 

 make its appearance than trap-cages are set, and a regular 

 business is commenced in the market of that city. The me- 

 thod employed in securing the male Painted Finch is so 

 connected with its pugnacious habits, that I feel inclined to 

 describe it, especially as it is so different from the common 

 mode of alluring birds, that it may afford you, kind reader, 

 some amusement. 



"A male bird in full plumage is shot and stuffed in a 

 defensive altitude, and perched among some grass seed, rice, 

 or other food, on the same platform as the trap-cage. This 

 is taken to the fields or near the orangeries, and placed in so 

 open a situation that it would be difficult for a living bird to 

 fly over it without observing it. The trap is set. A male 

 Painted Finch passes perceives it, and dives towards the 

 stuffed bird, with all the anger which its little breast can 

 contain. It alights on the edge of the trap for a moment, 

 and throwing its body against the stuffed bird, brings down 

 the trap, and is made prisoner. In this manner thousands 

 of these birds are caught every spring. So pertinacious are 

 they in their attacks, that even when the trap has closed 

 upon them, they continue pecking at the features of the sup- 

 posed rival. The approach of man seems to allay its anger 

 in a moment. The live bird is removed to the lower apart- 

 ment of the cage, and is thereby made to assist in decoying 

 others. 



" They feed almost immediately after being caught ; and if 

 able to bear the loss of liberty for a few days, may be kept 

 for several years. I have known some instances of their 

 being kept in confinement for upwards of ten years. Few 

 vessels leave the port of New Orleans, during the summer 

 months, without taking some Painted Finches ; and through 

 this means they are transported probably to all parts of 

 Europe. I have seen them offered for sale in London and 

 Paris, with the trifling difference of value on each individual, 



