vicinity are used. Occasionally the nest 

 is built in a tall tuft of coarse grass. 



In North America this affectionate 

 little associate of the junco, tree sparrow 

 and sometimes of the crossbill has a 

 number of common names. Some of 

 them are, the Redpoll Linnet, the Red- 

 capped Chippy, the Dusky Redpoll and 

 Snowbird. Its habits are similar to 

 those of the goldfinch. Its note is ut- 

 tered while flying. 



The Redpoll is easily tamed and has 

 been taught to perform tricks. Mr. 



Langille writes of an interesting in- 

 stance, that came under his observation, 

 of several Redpolls in captivity. He 

 says : "One had a soft belt around his 

 body, mider his wings, to which was 

 fastened a small chain and a bucket 

 about as big as a thimble, with which 

 he drew water out of a deep dish and 

 drank. Another had a tiny car on a 

 platform outside the cage, and as this 

 little vehicle was fastened to the inside 

 of the cage by a chain and contained his 

 food, he would draw it in whenever he 

 wished a repast." 



SNOW BUNTINGS. 



Tawny coats and white we wear, 

 Whirl and waver to and fro 



In our flight, and fill the air 

 With our music as we go. 



Fairies are we, fairy-bells 



Sound for us to time our play ; 



Now the rippling measure swells, 

 Now it sinks and dies away. 



Ever as we rise on wing, 



Wavering, whirling far and near. 

 All our bells begin to ring 



In a merry chime and clear. 



Sweet and silvery is the sound 

 Of the tinkling notes they pour, 



Ringing, ringing round and round. 

 Chiming, chiming o'er and o'er. 



Strangers from the Land of Snow, 

 Here we sojourn till the spring 



Calls us hence, and northward ho! 

 Back we ply on merry wing. 



Henry Johnstone. 



6.5 



