Note 48 — NATURAL HISTORY OF CAGE BIRDS. (continued 4)

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.