266 CLASS AVES. 



The linnets intended to be intructed in foreign strains, should 

 be taken from the nest when the feathers begin to shoot. If 

 taken adult, they will seldom profit by their lessons, though 

 they will become both familiar and caressing. Different 

 modes of instruction have been pointed out for them — 

 such as whistling to them in the evening by candle-light, 

 taking care to articulate the notes distinctly. Sometimes, to 

 put them in train, they are taken on the finger, a mirror is 

 presented to them, in which they think that they see ano- 

 ther bird of their own species, which illusion is said to pro- 

 duce a sort of emulation, making them sing with more anima- 

 tion, and expediting their progress ; but these precautions are 

 not absolutely necessary, for the best instructed linnets are 

 often brought up by cobblers, who whistle to them without 

 interrupting their work. It has been remarked of the linnets, 

 and it is true of many other singing birds, that they sing 

 more in a small cage than a large one. 



This bird lives a long time in captivity, if well taken care 

 of. Sonnini quotes an instance of one that lived forty years, 

 and might have lived longer had it not perished by accident. 

 This was a bird of the most extraordinary amiableness and 

 docility. It was in the habit of calling many persons of the 

 house by their name, and very distinctly. It whistled five 

 airs, perfectly, from the bird-organ. 



The linnets have the advantage of singing all the year 

 round, and they may be taught a variety of tricks, like the 

 siskin, and the goldfinch. 



When it is intended to educate young linnets, the males 

 must be chosen; for the females neither sing, nor can be 

 taught to sing. The males may be known by the white 

 colour on the wings, which is more pure and extended in 

 them than in the females. They are fed at first with oatmeal, 

 and rapeseed bruised in milk or water ; some use crumb of 

 bread instead, and the yolk of a hai'd egg. They are given 



