56 THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
difficulty to repeat airs from the flageolet, or other 
bird's songs, and in this respect is inferior to canaries 
and linnets; but it is remarkable for its docility. 
Goldfinches have been seen to let off a small cannon, 
and imitate death. When properly instructed, they 
will draw up their food and water. They are taught 
this by means of a miniature chain or pulley, fur- 
nished with a soft leather band, pierced with holes, 
through which the feet are to be placed." 
THE GOLDFINCH. 
But mark the pretty bird himself! how light 
And quick his every motion, every note ! 
How beautiful his plumes ! his red-ringed head ; 
His breast of brown ; and see him stretch his wing,-— 
A fairy fan of golden spokes it seems ; 
Oft on the thistle's tuft, he, nibbling, sits, 
Light as the down ; then, 'mid a flight of downs. 
He wings his way, piping his shrillest calL 
Grahame. 
" I have seen, also, (continues this experienced 
writer,) goldfinches and siskens placed in different 
cages that have little bells fixed to the seed-drawer 
in such a way that the bird cannot take its food 
