THE FINCHES. 275

of his appearance in flight. The summer residence of this
agreeable bird is universally among the habitations of man,
who, having no interest in its destruction, and deriving
censiderable advantage as well as amusement from its
company, is generally its friend and protector.

The Martin inhabits America as well as Europe, and isa
particular favourite wherever it takes up his abode. “I never
knew but one man,” says Wilson, “who disliked the Martins,
and would not permit them to settle about his house: this
was a penurious, close-fisted German, who hated them, be-
cause, as he said, ‘they eat his peas.’ I told him he cer-
tainly must be mistaken, as I never knew an instance of
Martins eating peas; but he replied with coolness, ‘that he had
many times seen them himself é/aying near the hive, and going
schuip schnap,’ by which I understood that it was his bees that
were the sufferers; and the charge could not be denied.”

The Sand The Sand Martin is the smallest of the British

Martin. swallows and it is the first to arrive. It bores
horizontal holes two or three feet deep into the sides of
sand-pits, at the end of which it builds its nest of grass
and feathers.

The Chafinch, the Finches are beautiful and interesting
The Goldfinch. birds. The Chaffinch is famous for the vivacity
The Greenfinch. of its song and the beauty of its nest. * The
forks of a thorn, or wild crab tree,” says Mr. Wood, “are
favourite places for the nest, which is composed of mosses,
hair, wool and feathers, covered on the exterior with lichens
and mosses so exactly resembling the bough on which the
nest is placed that the eye is often deceived by its appear-
ance.” The Goldfinch is a favourite pet, and is capable of
being trained to perform tricks. It has been called the
Thistlefinch from its use of the down of the thistle in the
construction of its nest. It is bright of appearance, cheery
of song, and affectionate of disposition. The Greenfinch has
a coat of rich olive green, and a waistcoat of greyish-yellow.