76 WITHIN AN HOUR OF LONDON TOWN. 



to the greatest advantage, with the jet-black feathers 

 of his head raised, his breast puffed out, and his 

 white tail-coverts showing to perfection. 



In a captive state the bullfinch is affectionate and 

 intelligent, well repaying care and attention. The 

 timidity natural to him in his wild state vanishes 

 when once he has gained one's confidence. He 

 will follow any one about the house, up or down, 

 and will go into his cage of his own accord, when 

 he has had his range about. 



One fine fellow I presented to my wife would sit 

 on her shoulder and sing all breakfast-time. When 

 I held out my hand to take a cup of coffee, he would 

 fly off her shoulder, scuttle over the table, and, get- 

 ting in front of me, would scold his very loudest, as 

 much as to say, " How dare you bring your hand 

 near my mistress ! " This little performance over, 

 he would fly back to her shoulder and sing his song, 

 as if to assure her such behaviour would not be re- 

 peated. In keeping the bullfinch as a pet it is well 

 to keep no other creature in the same room, for his 

 sensitive, affectionate nature can bear no rival. He 

 gives you his whole affection, and his distress if he 

 sees you talking to another pet is painful to see. In 



