GOLDFINCH. 115 



Ireland. It was once much more common with us 

 than it is now ; this decrease no doubt is due to the 

 large numbers which have been netted of late years 

 by bird fanciers. A considerable number of these 

 birds remain with us throughout the winter, though 

 many are migrant. The Goldfinch is one of the most 

 beautifully plumaged of our British birds, and is a 



GOLDFINCH. 



general favourite everywhere on account of its sweet 

 and pleasing song. It must be familiar to all of us 

 as a cage bird. It is very easily reconciled to cap- 

 tivity, and may in this state be taught many interest- 

 ing tricks. Meyer relates : " We ourselves possessed 

 a bird which had been taught to lay itself down in its 

 master's hand at command, as if dead, which it per- 



