THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
169 
wish to deprive it of what nature has so lavishly 
bestowed upon it. 
The linnet usually builds in a thick bush or hedge, 
sometimes among gorse, making a pretty nest, com- 
posed of bents, dried weeds and stubble, closely 
matted together, and lined with fine soft wool, mixed 
with the down gathered from thistles and other 
plants, sewn together, as it were, witli horse-hair. 
In this nice warm nest the hen lays four or five 
eggs, the young ones making their appearance in 
April, or beginning of May. These lovely warblers, 
in their wild state, are exceedingly handsome,the crown 
of the head and the breast being of a fine crimson ; 
but in captivity they have only their music to re- 
commend them, as their plumage never acquires 
that brilliancy of colouring, but continues of a dull 
brown. They are by many considered difficult to 
tame, though one I have at this time will eat out of 
my hand, and sings perched on my desk, while I am 
drawing, and appears delighted when I talk to him, 
beguiling many tedious hours of the day by his 
melodious notes. This sweet bird came into my 
possession in rather a singular way, the relation 
