PLATE I. 
The Chaffinch. 
This bird is here drawn as large as the life. The male, like many others, Is not until the third 
year in the full luftre of its plumage. They build in elm or apple trees, and their nefts have more 
art and fymmetry than thofe of any birds in this country; as defcribed in the plate. They lay from 
three to five eggs, and feed chiefly on hay and fmall feeds, and are deftruaive enemies to gardens. 
In the winter, they vifit the farm yards in great numbers, and are fo familiar and domeflic as to fing 
fitting on the finger : they are alfo frequently purchafed as finging birds, although their note is Ihort, 
but conflantly repeated. A barbarous cuftom prevails of putting out their eyes, to make them fing 
during the night. They are very docile, and are taught to eat out of the mouth. While young, 
this bird refembles the female, but gradually improves until the third year in richnefs and brilliancy 
of colour. 
No. I. 
C 
