Eriglifli Singing-Birds. i.j 



Of the ChafEnchr 



The Defcription and CharaUeri 



THE Chaffinch is a ftout, hardy well 

 known Bird ; being common almoft in 

 every Tree or Hedge ; of the Bignefs of the 

 Btilljinchy lavifli in hisSong^and when brought 

 up troni the Neft, or Branchers, will fing fi)C 

 or feven Months in the Year ; the wild, not 

 above three Months ; and chiefly in breeding 

 Time. Son^e of thefe Birds prove good and 

 valuable, but the greater Part not worth 

 keeping. 



'Tis a Cufliom among the Bird-mcn, when 

 they want to learn the Chaffinch a Song, to 

 blind him when he is about three or four 

 Months old ; which is done by clofing up his 

 Eyes with a Wier made almoft Red-hot, be- 

 caufe, as they fay, he will be more Atten- 

 tive, and learn the better ; but I am fure it 

 would be much better never to confine them 

 in Cages, than Purchafe their Harmony by 

 fuch Ufage, I think it is enough to de- 

 prive thefe little innocent Creatures of Li- 

 berty for our Pleafure and Entertainment ; but 

 to put out their Eyes to cncreafe it, is ex- 

 ceedingly Barbarous. If what they aiiiga 

 ibr this, is true 5 yet the Pradice is crucJ^ 



£ and 



