GOLDFINCH. 
The GoidftHcb ov Thistlefineli, so called 
on account of its fondness for the down 
of the thistle, is one of the most beautiful 
l)irds of England. We ' thistles abound, 
small Hocks of Goldfinches may be seen 
living from hedire to hedge, and occasion- 
ally pecking the white tops of the thistles. 
The tufted seed of the dandelion, groiind- 
scl, and other plants is also eaten by the 
Goldfinch. 
In captivity it is very tame, and can be 
trained to perform a multitude of tricks, 
the most common of which ai‘e, drawing 
its own food and water with a chain and 
