THE GOLDEINCH. 271 



ever, of about two hours it returned, and entered 

 the cage, when it was again shut in, and again 

 liberated ; and these visits were repeated daily, 

 for a considerable time. She was then missing for 

 some few days, but then returned, accompanied 

 by a male bird ; she entered the cage, and fed as 

 usual ; but her companion, after perching on the 

 outside of the cage, retired to a neighbouring tree, 

 until she joined him. They then quitted, and 

 were no more thought of; but at the end of seven 

 or eight weeks she again made her appearance, 

 and accompanied, not by her fonner companion, 

 but by four young ones, when she again entered 

 the cage and fed as usual; but as she could not 

 induce her brood, for such they were presumed to 

 be, to follow her example, she finally went off 

 with them, and has not since that time again made 

 her appearance." 



The goldfinch is a very affectionate little bird, 

 soon learning to love those who treat it kindly ; 

 making a low murmuring noise of pleasure when 

 its owner approaches its cage, and evincing great 

 delight at his return after an absence. Like many 

 affectionate natures, it is apt to desire the exclu- 

 sive love of the object of its regard, and shows 



