INTRODUCTION. 
13 
spite in all his actions. In short, he was a 
thorough old bachelor bird ; for the dear little 
canary that was with him he kept at a most 
respectful distance, not allowing her to sit 
near him on the perch, or to eat or drink till 
he was satisfied ; and she, like all amiable 
females, submitted to this harsh treatment 
with the greatest good humour, hoping, no 
doubt, by her sweetness and amiability, to 
conciliate his affections, waiting with the 
greatest patience till he allowed her to feed, 
and shewing, by the most endearing little ac- 
tions, how much she wished to please. Often, 
while watching these birds, have I thought 
what a pattern was here exhibited for every 
female to imitate in their conduct to those 
partners assigned them by fate. 
This apartment I denominated my concert 
room, the performers consisted of the follow- 
ing birds : — two goldfinches, two bullfinches, 
one lark, one thrush, three canaries, two lin- 
c 
