THE FINCHES. 99 



bred, but very commonly crossed with the Canary, the 

 two birds being kept together for some time to accustom 

 them to each other. The Goldfinch will also cross in cap- 

 tivity with several other Finches. 



Goldfinches are most easily got in Bombay, but a few 

 may now and then be obtained in Calcutta too. It is a 

 curious fact that they bear the heat of the Indian climate 

 better than many of the native tropical birds ; at any 

 rate they do not pant for breath as the latter may often 

 be seen to do. The only other species of Goldfinch known 

 (Carduelis caniceps), occurs in India as a denizen of the 

 Himalayas at considerable heights ; but it is less regularly 

 obtainable in our markets than the European bird. It is 

 very like this, but less handsome, having no black or 

 white behind the red of the face, and being of a drab 

 colour instead of brown. 



It is, however, stated by some to be a better songster. 

 Where this bird meets the European Goldfinch they in- 

 terbreed and become confused. 



THE RED-CRESTED CARDINAL (Paroaria cucullata)* of 

 South America is the last Finch I shall notice. This ex- 

 ceedingly pretty and graceful bird, Fig. 1 on Plate VI, 

 is often to be had in Bombay and less commonly 

 in Calcutta. Both male and female have the same bright 

 colouring, and the young only differ in having the head dull 

 orange instead of scarlet. The cock has a stouter and less 

 tapering bill than the hen, but the difference is very slight ; 

 the red on the breast also extends further down in him. 



Although several of these Cardinals may be seen packed 

 together in one cage, and apparently agreeing very well, 



