98 The Common Linnet. 
Iiggs greenish-white, spotted at the larger end ie 
rust-colour. 
The Linnet varies in its plumage with the change 
of year, and through this it has been supposed to be 
quite a different bird in winter to what it was in sum- 
mer, and according to these different changes it bore 
a name suited to its colour of dress: in winter it was 
called a Grey Linnet, and in summer a Red Linnet. 
Early ornithologists erred in supposing this; many 
country people now believe the Brown, Red, and Grey 
Linnet to be different birds; such, however, is not the 
case, they are all one. When kept ina cage the crim- 
son does not make its appearance either on the fore- 
head or on the breast, and the plumage is altogether 
less bright; but although confinement may do away 
with the brilliancy of plumage, it does not lessen its 
musical powers, which, when once learned from the 
parent bird, are never forgotten. If taken from the © 
nest while young, they can be easily taught many 
pretty little airs and clever tricks. These birds are 
more frequently seen on or near wild pieces of land, 
such as commons or any farm abounding with weeds 
