The Greenjinch. 61 


emusic, | line outside is not so compact and close as the 
chaffinch’s, doing away with the level appearance so 
common to that bird’s, the framework being composed 
of light twigs and roots, bound to the middle part of the 
nest with wool, intertwined with moss and lined with 
hair. The female lays five eggs: I have seen six, but 
five is more often the number. If it is kept in a cage 
and allowed to hear the song of another bird, it- will 
often imitate it, and, by that means, do away in part 
with its harsh sounds. It is a great eater, and if per- 
mitted to be in company with other feathered friends, 
is generally allowed the first choice of the seed-box 
on account of its strong beak. The greenfinch may 
be easily taught to fly and settle on the finger that 
supplies its daily wants, and then it may be seen to 
crush a grain of barley with an air of great pleasure. 

