[44] The destruction of the sparrows has been so great an evil in the countries where the government had ordered it, that it has been found necessary to rescind the order. The injury they do to the corn is something certainly, but it may be exaggerated, besides, ought not these useful creatures to be paid?—Translator.
[45] It is known from experience that winter rape seed, which is not hurtful to them in a wild state, will soon kill them if they are fed on it in the house.—Author.
[46] We read in Buffon, that the Goldfinch feeds its young with caterpillars; this is not natural to the species, since we find farther on, that the parent birds disgorge the food into the crop of their little ones, and do not merely place it in the beak as those birds do that feed their young on caterpillars and other insects.—Translator.
[47] This is a mistake. See Architecture of Birds, p. 268.
[48] After having shown the skill and docility of the goldfinch, we cannot end our praise of the bird better than by giving an instance of his attachment. Mad. —— had one that never saw her go out without making every effort in his power to quit his cage and follow her, and welcomed her return with every mark of extreme delight; as soon as she approached, a thousand little actions showed his pleasure and satisfaction: if she presented her finger, he caressed it a long time, uttering a low joyous murmur. This attachment was so exclusive that if his mistress, to prove it, substituted another person’s finger for her own, he would peck it sharply, whilst one of his mistress’s, placed between two of this person’n, would be immediately distinguished, and caressed accordingly.—Translator.
[49] It only comes to England during winter.—Translator.
[50] It is not so often of epilepsy, and fat, that male birds die, as for the want of pairing. Perhaps this may be increased, thoughtlessly, by too heating and too succulent food. However this may be, if a male that has died thus in spring be dissected, its reproductive organs will be found exceedingly swelled. It can only be preserved by giving at the time refreshing and moderate food. Boiled bread and milk is very useful.—Translator.
[51] They are not natives of Britain.—Translator.
[52] They are not natives of Britain.—Translator.
[53] I have observed, says Adanson, that the canary which becomes white in France is, at Teneriffe, of a grey, almost as dark as that of the linnet.—Author.