166 



THE BULFINCH. 



their nest as they annually increased in numbers ; still, from the 

 many trees which I have seen borne down by the weight, and others 

 which I have observed with the boughs completely covered over, it 

 would appear that this is really the case. When the tree, which ia 

 the support of this aerial city, is obliged to give way to the increase 

 of weight, it is obvious that the birds are no longer protected, and are 

 under the necessity of rebuilding in other trees. One of these 

 deserted nests I had the curiosity to break down, for the purpose of 

 informing myself of the internal structure of it ; and found it equally 

 ingenious with that of the external. There were many entrances; 

 each of which formed a regular street, with nests on both sides about 

 two inches distant from each other. The grass with which the birds 

 build is called the Bushman's grass; and I believe the seed of it to be 

 their principal food ; though on examining their nests, I found the 

 wings and legs of different insects. From every appearance, the nest 

 which I dissected had been inhabited for many years ; and some 

 parts of it were much more complete than others. This, therefore, I 

 conceive to amount nearly to a proof, that the animals added to it at 

 different times, as they found necessary, from the increase of their 

 family, or rather of the nation or community." 



THE BULFINCH. 



In a state of nature the Bulfinch has but three cries, all of which are 



unpleasant : but if 

 instructed methodi- 

 cally, and accustomed 

 to finer, mellower, 

 and more lengthened 

 strains, it will listen 

 with attention ; and 

 the docile bird, 

 whether male or 

 female, without relin- 

 quishing its native 

 airs, will imitate 

 exactly, and some- 

 times even surpass, 

 its master. " I know 

 a curious person, 

 (says the author of 

 the jffidonolgie,) who 

 having whistled 

 some airs quite plain 

 to a Bulfinch, was 

 agreeably surprised 

 to hear the bird adcl 

 such graceful turns, 

 tbat the master could 



Tlit LUA.KNCU. 



