A Tame Bullfinch.



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and I have a fine lot of ducklings, many full-grown, composed of

the following —Ruddy Shell-duck, Ruddy-headed Bernicle Goose,

Carolina, Mandarin, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted, Pochard, Red-

crested Pochard, White-eyed Pochard, Rosyhill, Bahama, Common

Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Chilian Teal, Ringed Teal,

American Wigeon, Chiloe Wig'eon, Common Pintail and Chilian

Pintail. The Garganey Teal unfortunately had her nest flooded out

and destroyed.



A TAME BULLFINCH.


By Katharine Currey.


My pet Bullfinch, “ Cherry,” is so clever and tame that I

think a little account of him might be interesting. If he were sure

to remain I would release him and let him clear the rose-bushes of

invisible (to us,' insects and blight, but I cannot risk losing him.

He soon made himself at home in a ‘ waggon ’ cage, that has done

duty for many predecessors, with a wooden shelter at one end, and

here he pipes and whistles in the sunshine till I let him out in the

lawn cage to fly among boughs and enjoy his large shallow bath.

On cold wet days I let him out in the room to fly about and tease

the Red Tanager to his heart’s content, who, in his turn, when loose

in the room, ‘ goes for ’ the Bullfinch who is in his cage.


Cherry soon became tame, and came flying' into my hand for

a hemp-seed, and if in a naughty mood (for he is very wilful) he

refuses to go to bed, he hides under a chair or in the folds of a

curtain, where he crouches quite still, but letting me catch him.

One day he flew out into the hall, but soon returned. From that

day he watches for the door of the room to open, and has been

several times all over the house, doors and windows having hastily

to be shut. The house has two wings connected by an old landing

lit by a skylight. This is a world of delight and mystery to him,

and calling joyfully he explores every corner, perching on old presses,

hiding in china bowls and cups when he hears my footsteps, and

sitting up on a ledge in the skylight where it is impossible to

reach him. If he was lost pro. tern, all I had to do was to call



