PASSERINE BIRDS. 



105 



is never weary. A friend of ours possessed a bird of this species, which he had reared and trained 

 himself. The cage was hung quite low, so that visitors could approach. When its owner wished it to 

 sing a tune that it had learnt with great exactness, he went to the cage, called his favourite by name, 

 bowed three times, and each time was answered by the bird with great liveliness and joy. After the 

 third salute the little creature commenced its exquisite song, singing it perfectly, and then pausing to 

 receive its master's bow of satisfaction, exhibiting at the same time signs of much delight if praised for 

 its efforts. One circumstance in this performance was remarkable : it would respond to and perform, 

 after receiving the necessary salutes from any man, but utterly refused to obey the signs or commands 



THE GIRLITZ (Scrinus /iortit/anm). 



of a lady. A female relation of its owner tried to entrap the bird, by putting on its master's hat 

 before approaching the cage ; but this device was useless, the ungallant little songster proved as 

 obstinate as ever. To such a point of cultivation as this the Bullfinch seldom attains, except taken 

 very early from the nest, and placed where no other sounds are heard until the desired air is acquired, 

 as it can imitate many noises with facility. We ourselves have heard one whose song was com- 

 pounded of a portion of a tune, the chirp of a sparrow, and the crowing of a cock. 



Few birds are to be found so suitable for our drawing-rooms as the Bullfinch ; it shows great 

 attachment to those whom it likes, and is evidently conscious of either reproof or praise. Leuiy 

 mentions a Bullfinch of his own, that testified great pleasure whenever a poor man out of the neigh- 

 bouring village where it had lived entered the room, and was quite uneasy if it heard a voice at the 

 door which it knew and recognised ; indeed, we have known instances where these birds have died 

 14 



