256 THE LINNET. 



troughs for the sheep, in such a manner as to entrap the Lin- 

 nets, which come to pick up the scattered grains. Their cry 

 is Gecker. 



Attractive Qualities. The song of the Linnet is loud and 

 flute-like, and exceedingly agreeable. It consists of several 

 connected passages, and is esteemed in proportion to the fre- 

 quency with which certain clear, sonorous notes, called the 

 Linnet's crow, recur. It sings throughout the year, with the 

 exception of the moulting season. When taken from the nest, 

 it should be fed on a mixture of soaked bread crumbs, rape- 

 seed, and hard-boiled egg ; on which diet it may be taught not 

 only the song of other birds, e. g. the Nightingale, Chaffinch, 

 Lark, &c., but also to repeat various airs and meloolies, if con- 

 stantly whistled in its hearing. It has even been known to 

 learn to talk, though not very distinctly. In whistling airs, it 

 excels all other birds, on account of the peculiar flute-like 

 tones of its voice. The trouble of teaching the Nightingale's 

 song to a young Linnet is also well repaid. One in my pos- 

 session has acquired it very perfectly, and delights us with it 

 during the greater part of the year, when the Nightingales are 

 silent. 



The Linnet may also be taught to fly in and out of the win- 

 dow ; though, in all attempts to train it, peculiar care is neces- 

 sary on account of its shyness. The proper period for this ex- 

 periment is either in winter, or while the birds are still very 

 young. The best method is to confine them for a considerable 

 time in a large cage, which should be hung at a window look- 

 ing into a garden, and to feed them with crushed hemp seed. 

 The effect of this food, of which they are very fond, is to take 

 away from them the love of liberty, especially at a time when 

 the means of subsistence are scarce. 



The hybrid between the Linnet and the Canary is well 

 known. It is hardly to be distinguished from the Grey Canary, 

 and has not only a very excellent voice, but is quick in learn- 

 ing to whistle. 



ADDITIONAL. The variations of plumage which occur in this 

 bird at different seasons and periods of life, have caused it to be 

 known by the various names of the Brown, Grey, and Rose Lin- 

 net ; it is alse called the Whin Linnet, the Greater Eedpole, and 

 the Lintie or Lintwhite, the last two being terms applied to it in 

 Scotland, more particularly j in the poetry of Burns, and other 



