88 The Chaffinch. 
those people who call themselves “ bird-fanciers,” for 
the purpose of prolonging and strengthening its song, 
then we hear its notes with pain, and they are no ionger 
~ sweet to our mind. Mr. Bewick makes a mistake in 
‘saying that “they are seldom kept in cages.” These | 
charming choristers of the woods and fields are said to 
do damage in horticultural districts; but if they take 
a few radish-seeds, or visit newly-sown fields of corn 
later in the year, they, on the other hand, clear away 
from our fruit trees and bushes many very injurious 
insects which would spoil a great amount of fruit, like- 
wise they feed their young on caterpillars and seeds 
of weeds, doing a great deal of good; and therefore 
they are the gardener’s best friend, repaying him for 
the little damage they had done before. 
The Chaffinch is an active bird, flitting here and 
there, staying no length of time in one place ; and in 
spring it always wears a holiday appearance. In severe 
weather Chaffinches take to farm-yards, where, in 
company with sparrows, buntings, and other birds, 
they partake of all they find suited to their taste ; 
and where beech forests are, these birds may be seen 
in large flocks in company with the brambling, the 
beech-nut being a very favourite food of this bird. 
