128 CURIOUS HOMKS AND THEIE TENANTS. 



be extended toward him, he will fasten upon it with 

 his strong beak and allow himself to be carried dan- 

 gling from the end, uttering a subdued little croak of 

 exultation as he is shown in turn to each one about 

 him. A distinguished ornithologist, writing of this 

 bird, says : 



" The dear little bird is so quaint and engaging, 

 and so fearless of human beings, whom it appears 

 never to have learned to regard as enemies, that it 

 seems as if its trustful, innocent ways should be its 

 protection, and that no sportsman could have the 

 heart to shoot it. It is only after repeated experi- 

 ences of the cruelty and treachery of mankind that 

 it becomes timid and wild. Should his little mate be 

 killed, the crossbill remains sorrowfully perched on 

 the branch from which she has fallen, and revisits 

 the spot again and again in hopes of finding her. He 

 seems to have so gentle and loving a nature that it is 

 almost impossible for him to understand evil or un- 

 kindness. The rapture of affection for his little 

 companion is such that he will flutter over the top of 

 the tree where she sits, never weary of pouring out 

 his whole heart in song, until he sinks to rest on his 

 perch by her side. Besides their song the birds 

 have three funny little words they say to each other. 

 These words are plainly enough ' Gop, gop,' ' gip, 

 gip,' and ' Yock, yock.' The last is uttered in con- 

 fidence to each other as they sit side by side, never 

 after they have taken fiight. The word 'gip,' re- 

 peated once or twice, is as much as to say, ' Look 

 out ! ' 



