THE LINNET. 169 



occasion is remembered, the bird quitely suffers itself to be caught, 

 and lies patiently in my hand until the operation is over. During 

 this operation it sometimes eats sugar out of my mouth ; and when 

 so indulged, it forgets its position so far as to sinej a few notes." 



OF THE FINCH TRIBE IN GENERAL. 



THE Finches are easily distinguished from other birds, by their 

 having a bill very conical and sharp pointed, and somewhat slender 

 towards the end. They are a numerous and active race, dispersed 

 widely over the world, and feeding principally on insects and grain. 



THE LINNET. 



The length of the Linnet is about five and a half inches. The bill is 

 bluish grey. The eyes are hazel : the head and back are of a dark 

 reddish brown, the breast is of a deeper color, and m spring changes to 

 a beautiful crimson ; the quills are dusky, edged with white; the tail is 

 brown, and with white edges. 



Fur the sweetness of its song the Linnet is much admired: its notes 

 are considered little inferior to those of the most musical of our birds. 

 The Linnet may also easily be taught to imitate the song of any other 

 bird, if brought up with it from the nest. 



Linnets have young-ones about the month of May. They usually 

 form their nest in a thick bush or hedge. This is small : the outside 

 is composed of bents, dried weeds, and straw; and the inside of horse- 

 hairs, and wool or cotton, mixed with downy materials collected from 



