THE GOLDFINCH. 
11 
tliat birds can, and do take notice of some things, 
and collect information which may he useful when 
needed. In this case, it required some time and 
attention to teach the Goldfinch the use of the 
handle for holding up the lid of the box; but the 
Redpole had watched the operation, and learned by 
observation how to do it as well as his friend*. 
The following is another instance of sagacity in a 
pair of Goldfinches. These little birds had built 
their nest on a small branch of an olive-tree; after 
hatching their brood, the parents perceived that the 
weight of the growing family would soon be too 
great for the strength of the branch which supported 
the nest; in fact, it was beginning to give way. 
Something was to be done, or the nest would fall, — * 
this was evident to beholders, and equally so to the 
Goldfinches; accordingly, they were observed to 
fasten, by a small string they had picked up, the 
bending twig, to a stronger and higher branch of the 
tree, and thus their nest was saved. 
Another pair happened to build in the garden of 
a naturalist, who was fond of observing the manners 
and habits of birds. They had formed the ground- 
work with moss and dried grass as usual, but on 
his scattering small pieces of wool, they, in a great 
measure, left off the use of the first materials, and 
employed the wool. He next provided them with 
cotton, which they immediately collected; the third 
day he supplied them with down, on which they 
forsook both the others, and finished their work 
with it. 
It is surprising, too, with what rapidity, in cases 
* Phren . Journal , No. 34, p. 72, 
