THE LINNET. 219 



Gentleness Familiarity. 



black, they are of a grey, or dusky ash-colour, 

 when compared to those of the cock ; he is browner 

 on the back and sides of the breast; the red, yel- 

 Jovv, and, in short, all his colours are much 

 brighter than those of the hen ; these are con- 

 stant, infallible marks, by which the cock may 

 be known from the hen, either old or young. 



These birds are of so mild and gentle a nature, 

 that, after they are caught, without using any art 

 or care, they will fall to their meat and drink : 

 nor are they so affrighted at the presence of a 

 man as most other birds generally are, nor very 

 much troubled at their imprisonment in a cage; 

 for after some little continuance therein, they 

 become so familiar that though let loose, they 

 will not go away, but if frightened, fly directly 

 to their cage for shelter. It is a long-lived bird, 

 that will sometimes reach to the age of twenty 

 years: Mr. Willoughby makes mention of one 

 that lived twenty-three years. They fly in flocks, 

 or companies; and when at liberty, delight to 

 feed upon the seeds of thistle, teasel, hemp, 

 dock, 8cc. 



In some places they are called draw-waters, 

 from their aptness to learn to draw their water 

 when they want to drink, in a little ivory bucket, 

 fastened to a small chain, made for that purpose; 

 they will pull up their bucket, drink, and throw 

 it down again; and many of them are taught to 

 lift up the lid of a small box or bin, with their 

 bill, to come at their meat, 8cc. They are won- 

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