BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
159 
every fancier’s store is made to rejoice with the dulcet strains of this 
beautiful and active little Finch. 
Coming back from this digression, let us view, for a few moments, 
the character of the sexes, and their behavior at the time of mating. 
Naturally pugnacious in the presence of a rival, the male is all gentle- 
ness and kindness when in the society of females, and exerts his best 
efforts to 2)lease and conciliate. The character of the female is the exact 
antithesis of his, and wins admiration by its sweetness and simplicity. 
Modest and plain in dress, she is equally artless and unassuming in 
demeanor. The courage which she sees displayed by her masculine pro- 
tector does not impress her with feelings of awe and timidity, but chal- 
lenges her admiration, confidence and esteem. Knowing that such conduct, 
so thoroughly devoid of civility as it seemeth, is but the outgrowth of 
jealous affection, she is drawn to him by an influence which she cannot 
control nor resist. Consequently, his road to happiness and bliss is one 
untrammeled by the cares and trials which beset the j^aths of less fortu- 
nate claimants for female favors. He has only to present his suit accom- 
panied by the usual i^rotestations of love, to have it honored with a 
promjDt and willing accej^tance. While these amours are being enacted, a 
rival dare not intrude upon the hallowed precincts. Such an act of 
temerity would but be the prelude to a bitter encounter, which must 
result in one or the other of the combatants being driven away discom- 
fited and disgraced. The females are never known to take part in these 
affrays, but maintain, at a safe distance, an attitude of passivity. So well 
known to the bird-dealers of New Orleans is this peculiar disposition about 
which we have been writing, that advantage is taken thereof for the jjur- 
jooses of the trade. It is on this wise : A mounted male-bird is placed in 
a position of defence upon the platform of a trap-cage. As soon as dis- 
covered, it is attacked by a male-bird with determined vigor, and even 
after the trap is sprung, and the assailant has become an unwilling- 
prisoner, these assaults are continued with zealous and unremitting per- 
tinacity. 
