THE PET FINCHES. 317 



which converted the sixpence paid for it in New Orleans to 

 three guineas in London. 



" The pugnacious habits of this species are common, in a 

 great degree, to the whole family of Sparrows. Like the 

 most daring, the common House Sparrow of Europe, they 

 may be observed in spring time, in little groups of four, five, 

 or six, fighting together moving round each other so as to 

 secure an advantageous position, pecking and pulling at each 

 other's feathers with all the violence and animosity to which 

 their small degree of strength can give effect." 



