THE GOLDFINCH. 11 



that birds can, and do take notice of some things, 

 and collect information which may be useful when 

 needed. In. this case, it required some time and 

 attention, to teach the Goldfinch the use of the 

 handle for holding up the lid of the box; but the 

 Redpole had watched the operation, and learned by 

 observation how to do it as well as his friend*. 



The following is another instance of sagacity in a 

 pair of Goldfinches. These little birds had built 

 their nest on a small branch of an olive-tree; after 

 hatching their brood, the parents perceived that the 

 weight of the growing family would soon be too 

 great for the strength of the branch which supported 

 the nest; in fact, it was beginning to give way. 

 Something was to be done, or the nest would fall, 

 this was evident to beholders, and equally so to the 

 Goldfinches; accordingly, they were observed to 

 fasten, by a small string they had picked up, the 

 bending twig, to a stronger and higher branch of the 

 tree, and thus their nest was saved. 



Another pair happened to build in the garden of 

 a naturalist, who w r as fond of observing the manners 

 and habits of birds. They had formed the ground- 

 work with moss and dried grass as usual, but on 

 his scattering small pieces of wool, they, in a great 

 measure, left off the use of the first materials, and 

 employed the wool. He next provided them with 

 cotton, which they immediately collected; the third 

 day he supplied them with down, on which they 

 forsook both the others, and finished their work 

 with it. 



It is surprising, too, with what rapidity, in cases 

 ,* Phrcn. Journal, No. 34, p. 72. 



