... bullfinches you so much wanted, and I recommend the bullfinches to your imitation. Bullfinches, yoa must know, have no natural note of their own, and never sing, unless taught; but will learn tanes better than any other birds. This they do by attention ...

... attuned to the full compass and power of the nightingale. The effect was most pleasing, although of course not equal to the natural notes of this bird, not one of which he retained. Indeed many birds are almost, if not entirely, imitative, and, in default of ...