THE BULLFINCH. 



193 



tall thistles, clinging to the stalks in a hundred pretty 

 attitudes, scattering abroad their gossamer-like down, and 

 apparently entering with much enjoyment into their vari- 

 ous pursuits. Suddenly, at some alarm, they interrupt 

 their labours, pause for a moment, and then take to their 



The Bullfinch is remarkable for its intelligence and 

 docility, and for the ease with which it can be tamed. Its 



BULLFINCH. 



natural song is not remarkable, but it possesses an extra- 

 ordinary faculty of imitation, and is capable of being 

 taught even difficult airs. It feeds chiefly upon insects, 

 but also commits extensive depredations upon the young 

 buds of the cherry and other fruit-trees. Its plumage is 

 very fine : a rich velvety black on the head and throat ; 

 deep gray on the upper part of the body, and the under 

 part of a warm vermilion, paling towards the tail ; the 

 (710) 13 



