280 BULLFINCH.
after the first moult, namely, in about two months, their distinctive
garb is assumed, but it is not till the second, or even the third year
that the fullness of the bright tints is gained.
The red is much deeper in some individuals than in others.
A specimen has been known entirely white, and others have been
met with pied black and white, some, too, cream-coloured, and also
yellowish white. Caged birds not unfrequently turn black, of a duller
or deeper tint—the result of their having been fed on hemp-seed.
One is figured by Professor Nillson, which was pure white on the back,
wings, and tail; but the bead and all the lower parts of a delicate
rose-colour. Captain, afterwards Admiral, Mitford, shot one of which
both the wings were white. John Marshall, Esq., of Relmont, near
Taunton, has written me word of another, a young bird, perfectly white.
