EUROPEAN LINNET. 93 



of this country as to those of Europe : the birds of this species which are usually 

 sent here are those which have been trapped, and are consequently wild and shy 

 when placed in an open cage. The best class of Linnets are the trained nestlings, 

 which are now regularly imported to this country in small numbers ; and it is safe to 

 say, that, when their many beautiful qualities are known, they will quickly displace 

 many of the now more popular songsters. 



The beautiful wild song of the Linnet is best described in Burns's popular 

 verse : 



" I wadna gie the Untie' s sang, 



Sae merry on the broomy lea, 

 For all the harps that ever rang 



In all the halls of minstrelsie. 

 Mair clear to me, where bush or breer 



Amang the pathless heather grows, 

 The lintie's wild, sweet note to hear, 



As on the ev'nin' breeze it flows." 



The Linnet is probably - the hardiest bird of any of the smaller class of 

 songsters. He is not apt to catch cold ; as his tough North-of-England, or Scotch, 

 constitution fits him to withstand many of the hardships which other cage-birds 

 could not undergo : in fact, his toughness may be compared to that of the song 

 Thrush or Blackbird. 



The Hybrids reared from a Linnet and Canary comprise, sometimes, most 

 beautiful varieties, varying from the clear milk-white specimen to the gray variety. 

 The birds of this class are very highly esteemed, on account of the ease with which 

 they learn to sing the Nightingale's song, or the trained notes of any other bird. 



In pairing birds for Hybrid-breeding, the male Linnet and a female Canary, 

 which are known to breed white Hybrids when mated, generally reproduce beautiful 

 specimens. 



Linnets may also be successfully paired in cages, and bred in the same manner as 

 Canaries. When Linnets of this class are obtained, they may be taught in the 

 same way as young Canaries, and will probably surpass them, after thorough 

 training, in purity and fine quality of the voice, owing to the natural, flute-like tone. 



If the Redpoll is moulted in the sunlight and fresh air, the beautiful crimson 

 on the head will in no way be diminished in depth of color. All birds of brilliant 

 colors, when moulted in dark rooms, are apt to lose the depth of color : pure air and 

 plenty of sunshine are essential in these cases. 



The cage which should be used for the Linnet is the regular Canary size. 

 Trapped Linnets should be placed in covered cages until they recover from their 

 shyness : otherwise they would be apt to pine away and die from the continued 

 efforts to escape, and exposure to unaccustomed objects. 



The food, care, and treatment of Linnets are the same as given for the Canary. 



If properly cared for, the Linnet will thrive in a caged state, and remain in 

 constant song from twelve to fifteen years. 



