THE LESSER REDPOLE. 146 



the third moulting, of a fine golden yellow, and has retained 

 its brilliancy for six years. 



HABITATION. In its \vild state the lesser redpole is found in every part 

 of Europe ; yet we must consider the north as its native home, Scotland, 

 Sweden, Lapland, Norway, and Greenland. Great flights arrive amongst us 

 at the end of October, and leave us in March and April. In winter, they 

 frequent places planted with alders, the seeds of which they appear very 

 fond of. They are principally found in company with siskins. 



In the house, it shows off its beautiful plumage, which, alas ! does not 

 retain that beauty long, it is often placed in a pretty cage, but most com- 

 monly allowed to range through a room. 



FOOD. When at liberty, the seed of the alder is what these birds seek 

 most eagerly ; but they do not despise the seeds of flax, hemp, and even 

 fir, and many other kinds. Being entirely grain-eating birds, their crop 

 has the power of softening the food before it passes into the stomach. 



In the house, if in a cage, they eat poppy, rape, and hemp seed ; when 

 at large, the first universal paste. 



BREEDING. Occasionally a few stragglers breed with us, but this is rare. 



DISEASES. The disorders of this species are the same as those of the 

 siskin but their feet are oftener diseased, and the toes skin off one after the 

 other. They may be kept from eight to ten years. 



MODE OF TAKING. In the spring and autumn, the lesser redpoles may 

 oe taken in flocks in the area, or barn-floor trap, with a decoy of their own 

 species, or even with a siskin. Many may also be caught with such a de- 

 coy on a decoy-bush. They are so silly, or so confiding, that they will 

 even allow themselves to be taken close by the bird-catcher, who is col- 

 lecting their entrapped companions. This stupidity, or simplicity, is com- 

 mon in all birds that come from the more remote northern parts. Brought 

 up far from man, and out of reach of his pursuit, they know not that fear 

 and distrust which is felt by those that inhabit populous countries. Their 

 call is " peweet " and " era;, creek hewid." 



ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. The lesser redpole pleases the eye more than 

 the ear ; its feeble warbling being only, if I may thus express it, a low 

 continued clicking. It may be taught to draw water more easily than the 

 goldfinch, and it will also learn many other little manoeuvres, for it be- 

 comes very familiar, and will eat as soon as k is let loose after its capture. 

 The mutual tenderness of the male and female is very pleasing. They are 

 continually caressing each other with their bills, and even do the same to 

 siskins, linnets, goldfinches, and canaries, from which it appears very likely 

 that they would pair with these birds. 



