. Cassell's book of birds . pe extremely well, but these do not approach the Bullfinch in thepurity, flexibility, and fulness of its notes. It whistles in such flute-like tones that the listeners ear PASSERINE BIRDS. 105 is never weary. A friend of ours possessed a bird of this species, which he had reared and trainedhimself. The cage was hung quite low, so that visitors could approach. When its owner wished it tosing a tune that it had learnt with great exactness, he went to the cage, called his favourite by name,bowed three times, and each time was answered by the bird with great liveliness
. Cassell's book of birds . pe extremely well, but these do not approach the Bullfinch in thepurity, flexibility, and fulness of its notes. It whistles in such flute-like tones that the listeners ear PASSERINE BIRDS. 105 is never weary. A friend of ours possessed a bird of this species, which he had reared and trainedhimself. The cage was hung quite low, so that visitors could approach. When its owner wished it tosing a tune that it had learnt with great exactness, he went to the cage, called his favourite by name,bowed three times, and each time was answered by the bird with great liveliness and joy. After thethird salute the little creature commenced its exquisite song, singing it perfectly, and then pausing toreceive its masters bow of satisfaction, exhibiting at the same time signs of much delight if praised forits efforts. One circumstance in this performance was remarkable : it would respond to and perform,after receiving the necessary salutes from any man, but utterly refused to obey the signs or commands. THE GIRLITZ (Scrinus /iortit/anm). of a lady. A female relation of its owner tried to entrap the bird, by putting on its masters hatbefore approaching the cage; but this device was useless, the ungallant little songster proved asobstinate as ever. To such a point of cultivation as this the Bullfinch seldom attains, except takenvery early from the nest, and placed where no other sounds are heard until the desired air is acquired,as it can imitate many noises with facility. We ourselves have heard one whose song was com-pounded of a portion of a tune, the chirp of a sparrow, and the crowing of a cock. Few birds are to be found so suitable for our drawing-rooms as the Bullfinch ; it shows greatattachment to those whom it likes, and is evidently conscious of either reproof or praise. Leuiymentions a Bullfinch of his own, that testified great pleasure whenever a poor man out of the neigh-bouring village where it had lived entered the room, and was quite uneasy i
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Keywords: ., bookauthorbreh, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectbirds
