Finches and Sparrows. . 329 



they are very pretty additions to an aviary, where also their twittering may induce the more 

 favoured songsters to sing. If reared from the nest they may be taught the songs of other birds, 

 but can never be taught to pipe a tune. 



The Siskin should be fed upon canary-seed, flax, maw-seed, and oat-grits, adding a little 

 hemp-seed, of which the bird is very fond. This may also be used as a reward whilst teaching it 

 tricks. It becomes exceedingly tame in confinement, taking food readily from the hand. It will 

 also breed, and should then be provided with an old Goldfinch or Chaffinch nest, or the usual 

 nest-bag ; the young may be reared upon the food recommended for young Goldfinches. The 

 Siskin will also mate with the Canary, and the young of this cross make very nice and handsome 

 cage-birds. 



The Common or Lesser Redpoll (as may be seen upon reference to the Plate) is a very 

 pretty bird, and from its lively habits is a great attraction to the aviary, though it has not much 

 song to recommend it^ being merely possessed of a simple twittering note, which, however, being 

 continually uttered, acts as an incentive to the rest of the birds, and will often cause them to sing. 

 The Redpoll is a very affectionate bird, and may be very easily tamed and taught many tricks- 

 Its food is similar to the Siskin's, and it should be treated accordingly. 



The Mealy Redpoll is not so common a bird as the preceding, from which it is most 

 distinguishable by its greater size ; the breast is more distinctly spotted, and the lower part of the 

 back, rump, and upper tail-coverts are a mealy or greyish-white. It should be fed and treated as 

 the Siskin. 



The Crossbill is a handsome bird, especially noticeable for the peculiar formation of its 

 beak, from which feature it derives its name. It is subject to great variations of plumage, being 

 sometimes red and otherwise a yellowish-green. It is not a common bird in England, being found 

 only in certain favoured localities, where it generally frequents fir plantations. The cage for this 

 bird must be all wire, for it would soon destroy a wooden one. 



It should be fed upon canary, rape, hemp, and fir-cones, giving a piece of apple or its pips 

 occasionally, as also a few juniper-berries, of which it is very fond. The song is not pretty, as it is 

 somewhat harsh. 



The Tree Sparrow is a much more -handsome bird if closely inspected than is supposed 

 by those who only obtain a cursory view, the markings upon its head and throat being especially 

 noticeable ; the sex is not distinguishable. When caught, do not place immediately in an aviary, 

 as they would then invariably sulk and behave wildly, frightening the other birds, but rather keep 

 in a small cage until tame. It should be fed upon canary-seed and oats. 



The House Sparrow, like the preceding, is really a handsome bird, but being invariably 

 begrimed by the smoke and dirt of tbwns, the plumage is completely hidden. This bird is so well 

 known that it is unnecessary to dilate upon its habits ; and though not a desirable cage-bird, if it 

 is reared from the nest when quite young it will become a very interesting pet, and show great 

 attachment to its keeper. It should be fed as the preceding bird, though nothing seems to come 

 amiss to its voracious appetite. 



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