THE CHAFFINCH 
another several postage stamps had been used. The 
nest is cup-shaped and very elastic. Now arid then 
a Chaffinch builds in a slovenly manner, and it has 
been noticed that near towns the nests of Chaffinches 
are apt to be untidy and dingy. 
About a fortnight is spent in building, generally 
the third and fourth week in April. 
While sitting the mother is very courageous. 
One poor bird had all her tail feathers pulled out by 
a mischievous boy who tried to drag her off the nest, 
but even then she managed to rear her brood safely. 
Another Mother Chaffinch was found frozen to 
death while protecting her eggs. 
A pair of Chaffinches were noticed to be build- 
ing in a garden quite close to the window of a living 
room. They seemed not to mind the curious eyes 
of onlookers, and there they brought up their young 
in a most unconcerned manner. 
Two broods are generally hatched in a year, and 
the father helps to hatch the eggs. He generally 
sits at night, and Mrs. Chaffinch during the day. 
The fledglings are droll-looking little creatures, 
and may be seen after they leave the nest, sitting four 
or five perched on a branch, waiting for their mother. 
3S 
