THE LANGUAGE OF BIEDS. 187 
is added its clear and melodious note, continuing for 
some time in one breath without intermission, then 
raising it higher and higher, gradually, with great 
variety and sweetness, who is there that will not 
accord it a just share of admiration ? By many per- 
sons it is esteemed next tp the nightingale ; and^ 
from its singing throughout the year, its mild and 
docile nature, I think there are few birds^so desirable 
for the house. It is likewise capable of acquiring, 
not only the song of other birds, but also of learning, 
with great exactness, any simple tune that it hears 
played on an instrument in a room where it is kept. 
This interesting little foreigner is remarkably soci- 
able, readily pairing with the linnet, the goldfinch, 
and sometimes with the chaffinch ; and, in the build- 
ing of its nest, evinces the greatest taste and discri- 
mination in the selection of the various materials 
placed in its way for that purpose : and most de- 
lightful and amusing is it to see the workings of 
Nature exemplified by these little creatures in the 
choice of their mates, hatching and rearing their off- 
spring, and the impassioned ardour exhibited by the 
male bird, in assisting his mate in selecting materials 
for her nest, in arranging them for her accommoda- 
