The Chaffinch. 



109 



figure, but birds of much excellence may be obtained at prices 

 varying from £1 to £5, whereas a commonplace, newly- 

 caught specimen, may be bought from any dealer in the spring 

 or autumn for Is. 



The Chaffinch possesses the power of imitation in an ex- 

 traordinary degree ; hence, it is difiicult to find two birds that 

 sing precisely the same song, as they often intersperse the 

 artificial song which they have been taught with notes of 

 their own, or others subsequently acquired. Hand-reared 

 birds may be taught the song of almost any bird, providing 

 they hear no other. They have been known to imitate the 

 song of the Nightingale, Woodlark, Linnet, Goldfinch, Canary, 

 and other birds, when kept in daily company with them. 

 There is, however, a marked difference in this respect, as 

 some birds learn very readily, and acquire a variety of notes, 

 whilst others learn slowly, and never seem capable of master- 

 ing more than a few set phrases. 



In confinement, and when properly acclimatised, the Chaf- 

 finch will sing for eight months in the year ; but out of 

 doors, three, or at most four, months is as much as can be 

 reckoned upon. 



They record or mutter, almost incoherently, their song for 

 several weeks before giving full utterance to it, and the 

 less time they occupy in these preliminary performances the 

 more they are esteemed by their admirers, as this is con- 

 sidered a hopeful sign, for such birds are generally the pos- 

 sessors of superior merit. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Chaj0Snches selected 

 and kept for exhibition should be at least one year old. 

 Choose those that are well-shaped, sprightly, well-con- 

 ditioned and agile, brilliant in colour, smooth and tight in 

 feather, of good carriage, and in full and perfect plumage. 

 Newly-caught birds moulted in the open air are preferable 

 to house, or even aviary moulted birds, for such purpose, but 

 it requires much care and patience to get them sufficiently 

 tame and steady, which can only be done by hunger and 

 constant handling, and accustoming them to strangers. If 

 convenient, they ought to be hung in a public place, or 

 where people are constantly passing to and fro. Children, if 

 not too rough, have a wonderful way of familiarising and 

 taming them. Judges are very apt to pass by a good bird 



