28 



NEST AND EGGS OF THE LINNET. 



PLATE XXVIII. 



The Linnet inhabits dry, barren, and hilly grounds, 

 where there is plenty of heath, furze, and other low- 

 bushes, in which she makes her nest. The specimen 

 before me was built in a low branch of the * black-thorn, 

 or sloe-tree, which was at that time in blossom. 



The outside of the nest is formed of dry stubble 

 mixed with hay. The middle coat is formed with 

 finer hay, mixed with hair, very firmly and neatly 

 platted together. The inner coat or lining consists 

 of hair, wool, and the down of the seeds of willow, over 

 which is a lay of fine fibres of roots. The whole is 

 a neat piece of work, round, well finished, and very 

 handsome. 



The eggs are white, with a cast of blue, spotted more 

 or less with purple spots. 



The Linnet gives place to few birds in point of song. 

 His tone is mellow, and his notes sprightly, artfully 

 warbling into the plaintive strain, and returning again 

 to the sprightly, with the greatest address, and most 

 masterly execution. 



The Linnet, in his wild state, feeds on the downy 

 seeds of rag-worts, thistles, &c. When kept tame, on 

 hemp, rape, or poppy seeds. The cock is one of the 

 most common birds kept in cages, and the method of 

 treating him so well known, that nothing needs be said 

 of it here, only I would at all times recommend clean- 

 liness, pure water, and sweet sound seeds for food. 



* Prunus insititia. 



