82 
Wild Birds Useful and Injurious. 
The nest is neatly formed of small twigs with a lining of 
fibrous roots, and is commonly built in thick woods protected by 
game-preservers. This fact accounts for the comparative abund- 
ance of the species in the face of continued persecution. 
The Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans, fig. 12), Thistlefinch, Flinch, 
Goldie, Grey-pate, Proud Tailor, King Harry Redcap, or Sheriff’s- 
man, as it is variously styled, is most deservedly a general 
favourite. In length it measures about five inches. Its crimson 
mask set off by the white cheeks and black crown, the white 
breast suffused with brown, and the brilliant yellow of the 
wings, form a lovely picture in the sunshine. The actions 
Fig. 12. — Goldfinch, Carduelis elegans. 
and twittering notes of this bright finch are equally pleasing, 
and it renders good service to agriculture. As ifc is entirely 
harmless, it is evident that no bird has a greater claim to pro- 
tection throughout the year. Yet such apathy prevails that 
no steps are taken to prevent its extermination. Not only 
are quantities of goldfinches illegally captured during the 
close time, but after August 1 any birdcatcher may ply his 
abominable trade with the full sanction of the law. Though 
the lamentable decrease in the number of goldfinches, so 
noticeable throughout the country, is partly due to the 
enclosure of waste land and the comparative scarcity of thistles 
and similar weeds, it is without doubt largely dependent on 
