26 
CAGE-BIRDS. 
The young may be easily domesticated, and thrive well upon the seeds 
for canaries. 
He will quickly learn the notes of the canary, and, by breeding together, 
produce a fine songster. 
THE YELLOWBIRD. 
The “yellowbird,” or “ American goldfinch,” is one of the few birds 
we have with us all the year round. It feeds on oily seeds, particularly of 
the sunflower, lettuce, thistle, &c. His nest is made on small trees or tall 
bushes. The plumage of the male is quite brilliant. He can be easily 
domesticated, and takes readily to the food of the canary, and being capable 
of learning many tricks, is an agreeable pet. 
In confinement, the yellowbird soon becomes familiar and reconciled, its 
song being nearly as animated and sonorous as its transatlantic congener. 
According to Mr. Audubon, it is extremely hardy, often remaining the whole 
winter in the Middle States, and, when deprived of liberty, will live to a 
great age in a room or cage. “ I have known two instances,” says he, “ in 
which a bird of this species had been confined for upwards of ten years. 
They were procured in the market of Hew York, when in mature plumage, 
and had been caught in trap cages. One of them having undergone tlio 
severe training, more frequently inflicted in Europe than America, and 
known in France by the name of galerien , would draw water for its drink 
from a glass, it having a little chain attached to a narrow belt of soft 
leather fastened round its body, and another equally light chain fastened 
to a little bucket, kept by its weight in the water, until the little fellow 
raised it up with its bill, placed a foot upon it, and pulled again at the chain 
until it reached the desired fluid and drank, when, on letting go, the bucket 
immediately fell into the glass below. In the same manner, it was obliged 
to draw towards its bill a little chariot filled with seeds; and, in this dis¬ 
tressing occupation, was doomed to toil through a life of solitary grief, 
separated from its companions wantoning on the wild flowers, arid procuring 
their food in the manner in which Mature had taught them.” 
