88 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



or colors of the plumage, and by breeding with other varieties of birds. The highest 

 prized of these varieties are the scarlet-headed, which has the entire head colored in> 

 rich scarlet or crimson : there are no other markings to mar the brilliancy of color 

 on the head. This is a very rare and beautiful variety. The white-breasted 

 Cheveral, or King Goldfinch, has a pure white breast, and clear white ring around 

 the neck. This variety is highly prized as a breeder of white or handsomely marked 

 Goldfinch-Canary Hybrids. The white-legged variety is esteemed for the readiness- 

 with which he mates with the female Canary. The black Goldfinch is a variety 

 which is obtained by keeping the bird in close confinement in a darkened room. 

 The Goldfinch Hybrids are in some cases very beautiful birds, and exhibit a won- 

 derful variety of markings and color. The pure white is the highest prized ; and 

 the colors range from that of the above specimen to the very dark, and are varied 

 by elegant spots of brilliant crimson or yellow throughout the plumage. The Gold- 

 finch is found throughout Europe, and in the summer season frequents gardens, 

 groves, and even mountainous districts which are not altogether uncultivated. It 

 is not a migratory bird, but collects in flocks in autumn, and makes excursions in 

 search of food ; forsaking districts where snow is too deep, for others where the- 

 climate is warmer. 



The nest of the Goldfinch, like the birds themselves, is a marvel of neatness 

 and beauty, and is usually built in an apple or pear tree. It is semi-spherical, 

 and composed of moss, lichen, and fine root-fibres, ingeniously woven together, and 

 lined with wool, hair, or thistle-down ; the whole structure being remarkable for 

 strength, and the skill with whiffli it is constructed. The female lays, once a year, 

 five or six pale-green eggs ; and the young, if taken before they are fully fledged, 

 are easily reared by hand, and make the most desirable class for teaching tricks, or 

 for easily acquiring the Canary-song, which is greatly admired when poured forth 

 from the throat of this debonnaire little stranger. 



Goldfinches are sociable little fellows with the strangers of the field, and never 

 quarrel among themselves, which can rarely be said of even the best-conducted 

 families of birds or men. They are of great service to the farmers and gardeners, 

 and, with the aid of their sharp, strong little beaks, do effective work in the- 

 destruction of innumerable insects. Their chief food in a wild state is thistle- 

 seeds, of which they are very fond. The Goldfinch is easily trapped by placing 

 a bundle of thistles in the vicinity of limed twigs. After capture they take very 

 readily to confinement ; and after some few flutterings, and ineffectual attempts to- 

 escape, they resign themselves to their fate, and in a few days eat the seed which 

 is offered, and contentedly give themselves up to the pleasures of civilized life. 



The Goldfinch, when caged, sings throughout the year, with the exception of the 

 moulting season. His song is on a high key, and real agreeable, and contains maijy 

 warbles, trills, and twittering notes, which are intermingled in a most charming 

 manner. The bird, during the continuance of his song, is in constant motion ; and 

 these lively movements, combined with his graceful form, delicately blended colors, 

 and sprightly song, make him one of the most attractive bird-objects with which a 

 home can be adorned. A flock of flashing, dazzling-coated Goldfinches, when seen 

 disporting themselves among the trees, combining their sweet voices into a great 

 chorus, free to go whither they will, brightens the most dreary scenes of nature. 



