THE CHAFFINCH. 289 



Its oft-repeated ciy in our woods of '' fink, fink," 

 has obtained for our bird the name of Pink, Spink, 

 and Twink ; by one or other of which it is well 

 known, in various country places ; while its lively 

 manners and gay plumage gave rise to the old 

 proverb current in France, " As gay as a chaffinch." 

 As light-hearted as a bird, is indeed a common 

 comparison in every country, for of all creatures, 

 birds seem the gayest. The young lamb, frolicking 

 at times on the green meadow, is at other moments 

 staid and grave compared with them. And how 

 should the bird be otherwise than gladsome ? We 

 all know something of the influence of a pure 

 atmosphere both on mind and body. The bird 

 breathes continually the purest air, and, removed 

 by its soaring wing from the sm-face of earth, 

 which is surcharged with vapours and exhala- 

 tions ; taking perpetually by its flight the most 

 active exercise ; following its own impulses in 

 perfect freedom from every restraint, — how should 

 the untamed bird fail to be a creature of wild joy ? 

 Made too as it is for a tenant of air, it is ex- 

 quisitely fitted for facility of motion. Its whole 

 framework is penetrated by air. It has large 

 lungs, with appendages and prolongations, through 

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