14 

 NEST AND EGGS OF THE GREENFINCH. 



PLATE XIV. 



The Greenfinch makes her nest in some close hedge 

 or bush, more frequently m an holly than any other 

 tree. 



She lays for the foundation a number of small sticks, 

 which cross each other every way, in the same manner 

 of those of the bullfinch. Upon these, in the nest be- 

 fore me, is laid a great quantity of coarse moss, mixed 

 with sticks, roots, and cow's hair ; and upon these, 

 immediately under the lining, is a thick coat of roots 

 firmly entangled together, and over these is a thick 

 coat or lining of red cow's hair. 



The diameter of the cavity is two inches, the depth 

 an inch and an half. The brim of the nest is ragged and 

 uneven, and the whole very roughly fabricated. 



In this nest was six eggs of a pale bluish white, or 

 milk and water colour. They are marked with brown 

 and purple spots. 



The Greenfinch feeds on grain, berries, the buds of 

 trees, and insects. 



The song of the Greenfinch is harsh and unpleasing; 

 but the beautiful colours and fine shape of the cock, 

 together with his docility and aptness to learn, renders 

 him well worthy the esteem of those who delight in this 

 branch of natural history. 



The Greenfinch is a stout and hardy bird, and not 

 subject to diseases, if you keep him clean. They are 

 sometimes kept in cages in order to ring a chime of 

 small bells. 



They should be fed with rape and canary seeds, for 

 that of hemp makes them grow fat and lazy. 



