THE GOLDFINCH. 263 



their nests in willows, sycamores, and pear-trees : in one of the last- 

 named of moderate size, the goldfinch and the thrush at the same 

 time reared their broods, both of which escaped in safety. One 

 correspondent had their nests in the elder, and another in apple- 

 trees, on the outer portion of the branches of which they were 

 generally placed. So early as the 9th of April, the eggs were once 

 found.* The goldfinch is common in the north-west of Donegal.t 

 In winter, flocks are seen in localities where the bird is quite 

 unknown in summer. Mr. Robert Patterson has favoured me 

 with the following interesting note : — 



"When at Limerick in August, 1843, I had the pleasure of meeting Randal 

 Burough, Esq., of Cappa Lodge, Kilrush, county of Clare, who communicated to me 

 the following particulars respecting an unusual assemblage of goldfinches, observed at 

 his residence in the winter of 1836. Mr. B. had two pet goldfinches, which were 

 allowed not only to fly about the room, but also through the open window. The 

 winter was beginning to be severe, and the food suitable for small birds consequently 

 scarce, when one day the two goldfinches brought with them a stranger of their own 

 species, who made bold to go into the two cages that were always left open, and re- 

 gale itself on the hospitality of his new friends, and then took his departure. He 

 returned again and brought others with him, so that in a few days half-a-dozen of 

 these pretty warblers were enjoying the food so bountifully provided for them. The 

 window was now kept up, and the open cages, with plenty of seed, were placed on a table 

 close to it instead of on the sill, as formerly. The birds soon learned to come into 

 the room without fear. The table was by degrees shifted from the window to the centre 

 of the room, and as the number of the birds had continued gradually to increase, there 

 was soon a flock of not less than twenty visiting the apartment daily, and perfectly un- 

 disturbed by the presence of the members of the family. As the inclemency of the winter 

 decreased, the number of birds gradually diminished, until at length when the severe 

 weather had quite passed away, there remained none except the original pair." 



After perusing the foregoing notes, Mr. Burough added : — 



" This account is perfectly correct ; and I have only to remark that it was the 

 innocent cause of making many idlers, for several strange gentlemen were in the habit 

 of stopping for hours in amazement at the novel scene. My house is situated im- 

 mediately on the banks of the Shannon, the road only separating it from the shore, 

 •and scarcely any timber growing nearer than a mile. 



" The two pet goldfinches must in their flight have gone a considerable distance to 

 make out new acquaintances, for they (goldfinches) are very scarce indeed close to 

 the sea — as Cappa Lodge is situated." — R. B. 



* Mr. Poole. t Mr. J. V. Stewart. 



