,,the ,,natural ,,history ,,of ,,cage ,,birds3 ,,their ,,management1 ,,habits1 ,,food1 ,,diseases1 ,,treatment1 ,,breeding1 ,,and ,,the ,,methods ,,of ,,catching ,,them4 ,,by ,j4 ,m4 ,,bechstein1 ,m4,d41 c4 c41 ,,of ,,waltershausen1 ,,in ,,saxony4 ,illustration ,a ,,new ,,edition4 ,,london3 ,,groombridge ,,and ,,sons1 ,,paternoster ,,row4 ,illustration3 ,,golden ,,oriole4 ,,author',s ,,preface4 ,the ,natural ,history of ,,cage ,,birds1 which ,i now lay before the public1 is a work ,i have long been solicited to write4 ,there are many people who like to keep birds1 who neither know their habits nor the proper treatment or food requisite for them4 ,even those who are not altogether ignorant of these1 often have but very limited1 superficial1 and1 what is worse1 sometimes erroneous ideas on the subject4 ,it is for such readers ,i have given the following ,introduction2 for professed naturalists will find nothing there but what they have already learnt1 either from my own works or from those of other authors on natural history4 ,if long experience and minute observation on the subject of his work is calculated to gain an author credit1 ,i flatter myself that this will not be denied me1 since from my earliest youth ,i have delighted in being surrounded with birds1 and am so accustomed to them that ,i cannot write at my desk with pleasure1 or even with attention1 unless animated by the warbling of the pleasing little creatures which enliven my room4 ,my passion is carried so far1 that ,i always have about thirty birds around me1 and this has naturally led me to consider the best and easiest mode of procuring them1 as well as of feeding and preserving them in health4 ,few amateurs1 therefore1 are better fitted than myself to write on this subject2 and ,i hope ,i have done it to the satisfaction of the public4 ,i ought also to notice in this place the plan of my work1 as my book may fall into the hands both of those who might feel a wish to learn more particulars1 and of those who may think much less would have sufficed4 ,i have described all the indigenous ,european birds with which ,i am acquainted that are capable of being tamed1 and are pleasing in the house4 ,as to foreign ones1 ,i have only spoken of those ,i have occasionally seen in ,germany1 and which can be procured without much difficulty4 ,i have followed the same plan in their natural history which ,i have pursued in my other works on birds4 ,,description4--,under this head ,i have entered into particular details1 in order that the amateur may the better satisfy himself in discriminating the species and the sex of the bird before him4 ,this knowledge is exceedingly necessary1 as the bird-dealers are not very scrupulous in deceiving their customers1 either by selling one species for another1 or a female for a male4 ,these descriptions may likewise have the advantage of inspiring a taste for ornithology in the bosom of a mere amateur1 who may1 by repeated observations1 afterwards enrich this branch of natural history with his own remarks4 ,,habitation4--,on forming a wish to possess any particular bird1 it is natural to try to discover what situations it frequents in order to find it1 and when it has been found and secured1 a desire to know the best place to keep it in follows as a matter of course4 ,,food4--,in keeping tame birds it is most important to know what food is best adapted to each species2 that is to say1 what approaches nearest to its natural aliment4 ,i have therefore divided the directions on this point into two parts2 showing in the first the natural food of the bird in its wild state1 and in the second what is best for it in confinement4 ,,breeding4--,many birds succeed best when reared from the nest1 which makes it necessary to speak of their manner of being hatched1 and the like4 ,,diseases4--,birds being very tender creatures1 on passing from a state of liberty to slavery1 in which they lose the means of exercise and proper food1 are soon afflicted with many diseases occasioned by this change alone1 without reckoning others that naturally follow in their train4 ,under this head ,i endeavour to point out these1 and their proper treatment2 but ,i confess that this is the most imperfect part of my work1 and ,i wish some clever experienced medical man would take the trouble to render it more correct4 ,,chase4--,on going into the country a wish often arises to procure a bird1 and therefore under this head ,i have described the method of catching such species as may be desired4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,under this head ,i have stated the properties which render a bird worthy of our notice1 and of being tamed and kept in the house4 ,the volume ends with an alphabetical index1 which will enable a person instantly to find the birds whose history he requires4 ,may my work be as useful as it is my wish to make it1 and my intentions will be accomplished4 ,,second ,,edition4 ,the call for a second edition is no inconsiderable proof to me that ,i accomplished my purpose in the first4 ,none of my works have had a more flattering reception1 from all classes of readers2 but particularly from some of the most distinguished1 who have given me repeated proofs of their satisfaction4 ,i have also had the pleasure of assisting many amateurs with my experience1 who have honoured me with questions4 ,this pleasure is now increased by being able to render these instructions general1 and to perfect this new edition by later observations1 some communicated by others1 which ,i judged it right to introduce4 ,if any reader is surprised at not finding in this work many foreign birds seen in ,france1 ,holland1 or in some of the maritime towns of ,germany1 it is because ,i have never had an opportunity of observing them myself3 in a word1 it is very pleasing to me to feel that my work has increased the number of the lovers of natural history2 and ,i hope to see them still increasing4 ,it is1 indeed1 my earnest wish that it may contribute more and more to the love of that class of attractive creatures with which the ,creator has adorned the earth1 and which sing ,his praises so melodiously and unceasingly6 ,,third ,,edition4 ,a new edition of my ,natural ,history of ,cage ,birds having been called for1 ,i have made many additions and improvements in the work1 as will appear on comparison4 ,some have alleged that ,i have been too diffuse in my descriptions1 and others find fault that ,i have introduced birds difficult to tame1 such as the gold-crested wren and the common wren4 ,in the latter case1 at least1 the most ample details are excusable1 as the birds require more care2 yet ,i know several amateurs who always have one or two wrens flying about a room1 or in a cage1 and to let loose so delicate a little bird as the gold-crested wren always gives great pleasure4 ,besides1 the minutest detail can never1 in such cases1 do any harm4 ,i have likewise added some foreign birds1 several of which have been but recently introduced in this country by bird dealers4 ,,dreissacker1 ,november1 #ahab4 ,,notice ,,by ,,the ,,translator4 ,the work of ,dr4 ,,bechstein upon ,,cage ,,birds has been so highly esteemed on the ,continent that it has passed through several editions1 both in the original and in translations4 ,besides rendering as faithfully as care could effect1 the interesting details of the author1 numerous notes have been added1 as well as several species introduced1 which have recently been kept with success in this country by the ,hon4 and ,rev4 ,mr4 ,herbert1 ,mr4 ,sweet1 ,mr4 ,blyth1 and others4 ,the mode of management also peculiar to these1 and so different in some points from that recommended by ,dr4 ,bechstein1 has been given in detail4 ,it is to be hoped that this translation may have similar success1 and produce similar effects in increasing the taste for ,natural ,history1 which the original has had on the ,continent4 ,it is proper to add1 that the drawings of cages1 which illustrate this edition1 were selected by permission of ,mr4 ,cato1 ,holborn ,bridge1 from the numerous elegant specimens which his stock contains4 ,,london1 ,november #ahcg4 ,illustration ,,natural ,,history ,,of ,,cage ,,birds4 ,,introduction4 ,by cage birds1 ,i mean those kept by amateurs1 for amusement1 in their apartments1 generally selected for sweetness of song or beauty of plumage2 but the naturalist has other reasons for surrounding himself with these pleasing creatures3 they enliven him1 and he delights in studying their habits and characters4 ,to attain these objects it is necessary1 in the first place1 to be able to distinguish readily between the males and females1 since the former are generally superior in their powers of song1 and therefore preferable4 ,i have1 for this reason1 made a point1 in the following sketch of the history of house birds1 of showing the colours and other marks which characterise the two sexes2 and1 as all birds cannot be tamed1 whilst many others offer no inducement to make the attempt1 it follows that those about to be spoken of must necessarily be but a small proportion of all the known species of birds4 ,,songs ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,what is most prized and admired in house birds is undoubtedly their song4 ,this may be natural or artificial1 the former being as varied as the species of the birds1 for ,i know of no two indigenous species quite similar in their song2 ,i ought1 perhaps1 to except the three species of shrike ,i have given1 which1 from their surprising memory1 can imitate the songs of other birds so as to be mistaken for them3 but a naturalist would soon perceive a slight mixture of the song natural to the imitator1 and thus easily distinguish between the shrike that copied1 and the titlark or red-breast copied from#a4 ,it is so much the more important to be well versed in the different birds' songs1 as to this knowledge alone we are indebted for several curious observations on these pretty creatures4 ,an artificial song is one borrowed from a bird that the young ones have heard singing in the room1 a person's whistling1 a flageolet1 or a bird-organ4 ,nearly all birds1 when young1 will learn some strains of airs whistled or played to them regularly every day2 but it is only those whose memory is capable of retaining these that will abandon their natural song1 and adopt fluently1 and repeat without hesitation1 the air that has been taught them4 ,thus1 a young goldfinch learns1 it is true1 some part of the melody played to a bullfinch1 but it will never be able to render it as perfectly as this bird2 a difference not caused by the greater or less suppleness of the organ1 but rather by the superiority of memory in the one species over that of the other4 ,we distinguish in birds a chirping and warbling1 or song1 properly so called2 besides this1 several species1 with a large1 fleshy1 undivided tongue1 are able to repeat articulate sounds1 and they are then said to talk1 such as parrots and jays4 ,it is remarkable1 that birds which do not sing all the year1 such as the red-breast1 siskin1 and goldfinch1 seem obliged1 after moulting1 to learn to warble1 as though they had forgotten2 but ,i have seen enough to convince me that these attempts are merely to render the larynx pliant1 and are a kind of chirping1 the notes of which have but little relation to the proper song2 for a slight attention will discover that the larynx becomes gradually capable of giving the common warble4 ,this method of recovering the song does not then show deficiency of memory1 but rigidity occasioned by the disuse of the larynx4 ,the chaffinch will exercise itself in this way some weeks before it attains its former proficiency1 and the nightingale practises as long the strains of his beautiful song1 before he gives it full1 clear1 and in all its extent#b4 ,the strength and compass of a bird's voice depend on the size and proportionate force of the larynx4 ,in the female it is weak and small1 and this accounts for her want of song4 ,none of our woodland songsters produces more striking1 vigorous1 and prolonged sounds than the nightingale2 and none is known with so ample and strong a larynx3 but as we are able to improve the organisation of the body by exercise and habit1 so may we strengthen and extend the larynx of several birds of the same species1 so as to amplify the song in consequence1 by more nutritive food1 proper care1 sounds that excite emulation1 and the like2 chaffinches1 bullfinches1 canaries1 and other birds reared in the house1 furnish daily examples of this4 ,i should not omit mentioning here an observation of ,mr4 ,daines ,barington#c1 which tends to prove the possibility of improving the song of wild birds1 by rearing linnets1 sparrows1 and others1 near some good warbler1 such as a nightingale or canary1 and then setting them at liberty2 but1 though there is some truth in this assertion1 yet it is subject to certain restrictions4 ,i only know of two ways of carrying this idea into execution2 one by suspending the cages of the best warblers in the orchard where the birds which they are to teach breed2 the other1 to enclose these warblers in a large aviary of iron wire1 in the open air4 ,there let them teach their young ones1 which may be set at liberty as soon as they are able to fly3 but birds taken very young from the nest1 and reared1 formed1 and educated in the house1 would not have instinct to find their food when set at liberty1 and must perish of hunger1 or at least die in the winter4 ,the same remarks are applicable to a work published by ,m4 ,gambory at ,copenhagen1 in the year #ahjj4 ,i think1 indeed1 it is better to be contented with possessing in our houses artificial songs than to take so much trouble to alter and spoil the very delightful music of nature#d4 ,,habitations ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,the space assigned to tame birds varies according to their nature and destination4 ,all are less at ease in a cage than when at liberty in a room1 where young pine branches1 cut in winter or early in spring1 should be placed for their accommodation#e4 ,several1 however1 never sing unless confined within narrow limits1 being obliged1 as it would appear1 to solace themselves1 for the want of liberty1 with their song2 consequently1 birds only prized for the beauty of their plumage or their pleasing actions1 are best placed in a room4 ,rather large birds1 such as thrushes1 should have a room appropriated to them1 or be kept in a large aviary1 as they give a very unpleasant smell to the place which they occupy1 unless carefully cleaned2 but their young ones may be allowed the range of any apartment1 placing in a corner a cage or branch to rest and sleep on1 where they may run and hop freely1 seeking a roosting-place for themselves in the evening1 on the fir branches placed for that purpose2 or in a cage with several divisions1 into which they soon learn to retire4 ,some birds1 such as the dunnock and the blue-breast1 sing best in this state of liberty4 ,it is necessary to avoid placing them with shrikes or tits1 as these often1 in the midst of plenty of food1 will kill smaller birds1 for the sake of eating the brain or intestines4 ,those that are confined that we may better enjoy the beauty of their song1 should have a cage proportioned to their natural vivacity3 a lark1 for example1 requires a larger cage than a chaffinch4 ,the habits of the birds must also be considered1 whether they rest on the ground or perch on sticks4 ,thus1 the nightingale must have perches1 while the sky-lark never makes use of these4 ,illustration3 ,,ornamental ,,water ,,cage4 ,in the account of each bird ,i shall point out what shaped cage ,i have found most suitable4 ,in every case cleanliness is absolutely necessary1 in order to keep birds a long time1 as well as healthy and active4 ,in general it is better not to disturb the birds very often2 but if not every day1 yet every week at furthest1 it is necessary to clean even the perches of those that roost1 and strew sand where they keep at the bottom4 ,negligence in this entails many inconveniences1--unpleasant smells from sick birds1 gouty feet to some birds1 loss of the use of their limbs or all their claws2 such sad experience may at length cure the negligent amateur4 ,we love birds1 they say2 ,no1 ,i reply1 you love yourselves1 not them1 if you neglect to keep them clean4 ,in washing the feet of birds they must first be soaked in warm water1 or the dirt will be so pasted on the skin that in removing it the bird will be wounded1 and the irritation thus excited may soon occasion dangerous ulcers4 ,house birds are generally subject to sore feet1 and great attention is therefore necessary to examine them often if they are not attacked2 a hair wound round them will sometimes become drawn so tight that in time the part will shrivel up and drop off4 ,another proof of the necessity of care in cleaning is1 that few birds preserve their claws after having been kept some years in the house4 ,it must be confessed1 however1 that among birds of the same species there is a very marked difference in this respect1 some being always extremely clean1 whilst others are for ever dirty1 and seldom clean themselves4 ,there are also some species in which cleanliness seems an innate quality2 among these are yellow hammers1 reed buntings1 and linnets2 the latter especially have always appeared to me patterns of neatness1 and though ,i have had many1 ,i do not recollect being obliged to clean the feet of any1 whilst larks and fauvettes have them always dirty1 and let them fester with ulcers rather than take the trouble to clean them#f4 ,many amateurs amuse themselves with taming their birds so completely that they can let them fly out of a window and recall them at pleasure4 ,a friend of mine1 who tamed not only birds1 but also adders1 otters1 weasels1 foxes1 and the like1 knew how to render them so familiar that at the least sign they would follow him anywhere4 ,this method was as easy as it was sure1 and ,i can judge of it from having been an eye-witness to the effect2 it is as follows3 ,when he wishes to accustom a bird to fly out and return1 or go out of doors perched on his hand or shoulder1 he begins by opening the cage and teazing the bird with a feather4 ,the bird soon pecks at it1 then at the finger1 and at last ventures outside the cage to fly on the finger presented to it4 ,my friend then caresses it1 and gives it something nice to eat1 so that it soon becomes accustomed to feed on the hand4 ,when this is attained1 he begins to teach it to come at a certain call1 and as soon as it will allow itself to be taken1 he carries it on his hand or shoulder from room to room1 the doors and windows being at first well closed2 he also lets it fly about a little1 making it return when called4 ,at last1 when the bird comes at his call1 without hesitation or fear of men or animals1 he tries it with precaution out of doors4 ,it thus by degrees becomes so accustomed to him that he can take it into the garden1 even in the midst of a large company1 without any fear of its flying away4 ,great precaution is necessary in spring1 and during the pairing season1 when taking out old birds that have been thus trained2 for1 upon hearing the call of their own species1 they soon fly off to resume their wild state4 ,young linnets1 bullfinches1 and canaries1 are the species with which this method succeeds best4 ,illustration3 ,feeding-box for small birds4 ,,food ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,it is very necessary to procure for house birds food which is like1 or at least which nearly resembles1 what they would procure for themselves in their wild state4 ,this is rather difficult1 and sometimes almost impossible1 for where can we find in our climate the seeds on which the ,indian birds feed in their own country8 ,our only resource then is to endeavour1 with judgment1 to accustom these birds to that food which necessity obliges us to give them4 ,there are some birds1 such as chaffinches1 bullfinches1 thrushes1 and the ,bohemian chatterer1 which are so manageable in this respect1 that as soon as they are brought into the house they eat without hesitation anything that is given to them2 but others1 which are more delicate1 will absolutely eat nothing1 either through disgust of their new food1 or despair at the loss of their liberty2 with these great precaution is necessary4 ,dr4 ,meyer1 of ,offenbach1 writes to me on this subject as follows3 ,the following is the best method of accustoming newly-taken birds to their change of food1 a thing which is often very difficult to accomplish with some species4 ,after having put the bird in the cage it must be left quiet for some hours1 without disturbing it at all2 it must then be taken and plunged into fresh water1 and immediately replaced in the cage4 ,at first it will appear faint and exhausted1 but it will soon recover1 arrange its feathers1 become quite lively1 and will be sure to eat whatever is given to it4 ,it is a well known fact that bathing gives an appetite to birds1 for the same reason that it does to men4 ,if1 as an exception1 one of these delicate birds1 among which are most of the songsters1 eats with eagerness as soon as it is brought into the house1 it is a sign of death1 for it seems like an indifference which is not natural1 and which is always the consequence of disease4 ,those birds which retire into a corner1 moping for some hours1 are the most likely to live2 it is only requisite to leave them alone1 and by degrees they recover from their sullenness4 ,in order to give some general rules for the best food for house birds1 ,i have divided them into four classes3-- ,the first comprehends those birds which live only on seeds1 such as canaries1 goldfinches1 and siskins4 ,the second are those which feed on both seeds and insects1 such as quails1 larks1 chaffinches1 and bullfinches2 some of these also eat berries and the buds of trees4 ,the third are those which seek only berries and insects1 such as nightingales1 red-breasts1 thrushes1 and fauvettes4 ,the fourth are those which eat insects only1 such as wagtails1 wheatears1 stonechats1 and blue-breasts4 ,the species in this last class are the most difficult to preserve2 but most of them1 having nothing particular in their song1 offer no compensation for the trouble and care which they require2 but the following is the best method for success4 ,after having collected the flies1 which in spring may often be seen in great numbers on the windows of old buildings1 they must be dried1 and preserved in a jar4 ,when live insects can no longer be found1 these flies must be mixed with the paste1 hereafter described1 which may be regarded as a general or universal food1 and given to the most delicate birds1 such as nightingales1 provided ants' eggs or meal worms are now and then mixed with it4 ,,recipe ,,for ,,the ,,general ,,food4--,in proportion to the number of birds1 white bread enough must be baked to last for three months4 ,when it is well baked1 and stale1 it must be put again into the oven1 and left there until cold4 ,it is then fit to be pounded in a mortar1 and will keep several months without becoming bad4 ,every day a teaspoonful for each bird is taken of this meal1 on which is poured three times as much cold1 or lukewarm1 but not boiling1 milk4 ,if the meal be good1 a firm paste will be formed1 which must be chopped very small on a board4 ,this paste1 which is very nourishing1 may be kept a long time without becoming sour or sticky2 on the contrary1 it is always dry and brittle4 ,as soon as a delicate bird is brought in1 some flies or chopped worms should be mixed with the paste1 which will attract it to eat4 ,it will soon be accustomed to this food1 which will keep it in life and health4 ,experience teaches me that a mixture of crushed canary1 hemp1 and rape-seed1 is the favourite food of canaries2 goldfinches and siskins prefer poppy-seed1 and sometimes a little crushed hemp-seed2 linnets and bullfinches like the rape-seed alone4 ,it is better to soak it for the young chaffinches1 bullfinches1 and others2 in order to do this1 as much rape-seed as is wanted should be put into a jar1 covered with water1 and placed in a moderate heat1 in winter near the fire1 in summer in the sun4 ,if this is done in the morning1 after feeding the birds1 the soaked seed will do for the next morning4 ,all of them ought to have green food besides1 as chickweed1 cabbage leaves1 lettuce1 endive1 and water-cresses4 ,sand should be put in the bottom of the cages1 for it seems necessary for digestion#g4 ,amongst those of the second class1 the quails like cheese and the crumbs of bread2 the lark barley-meal1 with cabbage1 chopped cress1 poppy-seed mixed with bread crumbs1 and in winter1 oats2 the chaffinches1 rape-seed1 and sometimes in summer a little crushed hemp-seed4 ,too much hemp-seed1 however1 is hurtful to birds1 and should only be given as a delicacy now and then1 for when they eat too much of it they become asthmatic1 blind1 and generally die of consumption4 ,yellowhammers like the same food as the larks1 without the vegetables2 the tits like hemp-seed1 pine-seed1 bacon1 meat1 suet1 bread1 walnuts1 almonds1 and filberts4 ,the birds of the first class are easily preserved in the house1 at least if not taken during the pairing season1 for then the loss of their liberty affects them so much that they become sullen1 and die of hunger4 ,although the notice of a universal remedy is generally rather suspected1 ,i cannot refrain from here recommending one or two sorts of paste which ,i have always used1 and which agreed so well with all my birds1 excepting those which ,i keep in cages on account of their beautiful songs1 that it may justly be termed general or universal food3 it is not only very simple and cheap1 but also prevents great loss of time to those who possess a great many birds4 ,,the ,,universal ,,paste4--,to make the first paste1 take a white loaf which is well baked and stale1 put it into fresh water1 and leave it there until quite soaked through1 then squeeze out the water and pour boiled milk over the loaf#h1 adding about two thirds of barley-meal with the bran well sifted out1 or1 what is still better1 wheat-meal2 but1 as this is dearer1 it may be done without4 ,for the second paste1 grate a carrot very nicely 7this root may be kept a whole year if buried in sand71 then soak a small white loaf in fresh water1 press the water out1 and put it and the grated carrot into an earthen pan1 add two handfuls of barley or wheat meal1 and mix the whole well together with a pestle4 ,these pastes should be made fresh every morning1 as they soon become sour1 particularly the first1 and consequently hurtful4 ,for this purpose ,i have a feeding-trough1 round which there is room enough for half my birds4 ,it is better to have it made of earthenware1 stone1 or delft ware1 rather than wood1 as being more easily cleaned1 and not so likely to cause the food to become sour4 ,the first paste agrees so well with all my birds1 which are not more than thirty or forty1 at liberty in the room1 that they are always healthy1 and preserve their feathers1 so that they have no appearance of being prisoners4 ,those which live only on seeds1 or only on insects1 eat this food with equal avidity2 and chaffinches1 linnets1 goldfinches1 siskins1 canaries1 fauvettes1 red-breasts1 all species of larks1 quails1 yellowhammers1 buntings1 blue-breasts1 and redstarts may be seen eating out of the same dish4 ,sometimes1 as a delicacy1 they may be given a little hemp1 poppy1 and rape-seed1 crumbs of bread1 and ants' eggs4 ,one of these is necessary for the birds of the third and fourth class4 ,every morning fresh water must be given to the birds1 both for drinking and bathing4 ,when a great many are left at liberty1 one dish will do for them all1 about eight inches long and two in depth and width1 divided into several partitions1 by which means they are prevented from plunging entirely into the water1 and in consequence making the place always dirty and damp#i4 ,a vessel of the same size and shape will do for holding the universal paste1 but then it must have no partitions4 ,quails and larks require sand1 which does for them instead of water for bathing4 ,some birds swallow directly whatever is thrown to them3 great care must be taken to avoid giving them anything with pepper on it1 or bad meat4 ,this must be a general rule4 ,i shall also remark1 that food sufficient for one day only must be given to birds kept in cages1 for they are accustomed to scatter it about1 picking out the best1 and leaving only the worst for the next morning2 this makes them pine1 and puts1 them out of humour4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,food ,,for ,,soft-,,billed ,,birds 7,,sylviad74--,the birds of this sort1 though the finest songsters and most interesting of all the feathered tribe1 have been less known or noticed than others1 probably owing to the greater number only visiting us in summer1 when the trees are so densely clothed with foliage that birds are not easily seen1 and when heard sing are generally considered by those who hear them to be either blackbirds or thrushes1 or some of the more common singing birds4 ,when they are seen the greater number of them receive the general appellation of white-throat1 without distinction1 though this is rather singular1 since they are all very distinct when examined1 and their songs are all very different4 ,if you speak to a bird-fancier or bird-catcher about any of them1 you might as well talk of a bird in the wilds of ,america1 for they know nothing of them4 ,many of them are therefore difficult to be procured in the neighbourhood of ,london1 though most of them are plentiful there4 ,with care1 the whole of them may be preserved in good health through the year1 and many of them will sing through the greater part of the winter if properly managed4 ,they require to be kept warm2 the room in which they are should never be allowed to be below temperate1 or they will suffer from it1 particularly the tender sorts2 at first the cold will make them lose their sight1 after which they seldom recover4 ,the redstart and nightingale are most subject to this2 it sometimes also happens to the fauvette1 and also to the whinchat4 ,when in a wild state1 the birds of this sort feed principally on insects or fruit1 and berries of various kinds4 ,none of them are seed birds1 so that they must be managed accordingly4 ,the general food which ,i give them is hemp-seed1 bruised up in boiling water1 as small as it can be made2 ,i then put to this about the same quantity1 or rather more of bread1 on which is also poured boiling water1 and then the whole is bruised up together into a moist paste1 particular care being required that there be very little or no salt in the bread2 for should there be rather much it will kill the whole of the birds4 ,the food should also be mixed up fresh every morning1 as it soon spoils and turns sour1 in which case the birds will not touch it1 and sometimes it will make them go off their food altogether4 ,when given to the birds1 some fresh1 raw1 lean meat ought to be cut up small enough for them to swallow1 and mixed with it ,i generally put about the same quantity of meat as paste1 and sometimes they will peck out the meat and leave the paste2 at other times they will eat the paste and leave the meat2 but in general they eat it all up together1 particularly where several different species are kept together in the same large cage1 a plan which ,i consider by far the best1 as they amuse each other1 and keep one another warm in cold weather4 ,besides the above food1 an egg should be boiled very hard1 the yolk taken out and crumbled or cut in small pieces for them2 the white they will not eat4 ,one egg ,i consider enough for twenty birds for one day1 with their other food1 it being only intended as a change of diet1 which they will not continue well in health without4 ,the sorts1 which feed on insects when wild1 should have some of these preserved for them through the winter1 except where they can be procured at all seasons4 ,at a baker's shop1 for instance1 there are always plenty of meal-worms1 crickets1 and cockroaches1 of which most of these birds are very fond3 when those are not to be procured1 a good substitute is the large white grubs that produce the cockchafers1 which in some years are very plentiful1 and may be kept in pots of turfy earth through the winter1 as may also the maggots of the bluebottle fly1 if procured late in the autumn2 and they may be generally had as late as ,december4 ,a quantity of these1 kept in a pot of turfy earth in a cellar1 or any other cool place1 where they may not turn into flies too soon1 is1 ,i think1 one of the best sorts of insects1 and easiest kept and procured1 for such birds through the winter4 ,they will not touch them until they are well cleaned in the mould1 but are then very fond of them1 and a few every day keeps them in excellent health1 and provokes them to sing4 ,,hon4 ,,and ,,rev4 ,w4 ,,herbert',s ,,food ,,for ,,soft-,,billed ,,birds4--,milk1 which ,mr4 ,sweet recommends1 ,i have found very fatal to many of the soft-billed birds1 and ,i never give it2 but the blackcaps do not seem to suffer from it4 ,they are very fond of a boiled carrot mashed and moistened1 or beet-root boiled and mashed4 ,a boiled carrot will keep fresh many days1 in a basin of cold water1 and is an excellent substitute for fruit in feeding them4 ,boiled cabbage1 cauliflower1 green peas are good for them2 all sorts of puddings2 a very little roast meat minced1 ,i give them every day1 and a little yolk of egg when it suits1 but it is not necessary4 ,the standard food is hemp-seed ground in a coffee-mill1 and bread crumbs scalded and mashed up together1 and fresh every day4 ,they are very fond of ripe pears and elderberries 7but elderberries stain the cage very much71 currants1 cherries1 honeysuckle1 and privet-berries4 ,professor ,rennie says1 ,i have more than once given the blackcap and other birds a little milk by way of medicine when they appeared drooping or sickly1 and with manifest advantage#aj4 ,,breeding ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,house birds1 being most of them reared like canaries1 can only be made pair with great difficulty4 ,when this object is accomplished1 all of them require a large quiet place1 a whole room if it can be had1 in which branches of pine should be put1--a place1 in fact1 as much as possible resembling their natural abodes4 ,but should you succeed in this respect1 as you can never procure the materials which form the general base of their nests1 it is better to give them artificial ones1 made of the bark of the osier1 straw1 or even turnings of wood1 in which it is only to put the soft stuff for lining1 such as wool1 the ravelings of silk1 linen1 or cotton1 and the birds will take possession of it4 ,it is of consequence that the food for paired birds1 and for the different ages of their young ones1 should be chosen with judgment4 ,i shall mention what must be done in this respect1 in the articles relating to the different species of birds which ,i am going to describe in this work4 ,i must not omit two interesting observations which were communicated to me by a lady of my acquaintance4 ,it sometimes happens1 during a dry season1 that the young birds are not hatched on the proper day1 or are in danger of not being hatched at all2 if1 in this case they are plunged for one minute in water about their own warmth1 and then replaced under the bird1 the effect will be as quick as it is successful#aa4 ,for the same reason1 sometimes the young birds remain without their feathers beyond the proper time2 a tepid bath removes with such success the dryness of their quills1 that in twenty-four hours after replacing them damp in their nest they are in general covered with feathers4 ,i shall end this paragraph with showing at what time it is best to remove young wild birds from their nest when intended to be reared4 ,it is when the quills of the tail feathers are come out1 and the other feathers are begun to grow1 the eyes not being quite open4 ,if removed earlier1 their stomach will be too weak to support their new food2 if taken later1 it will be very difficult to make them open their beaks to receive a food which is unknown to them4 ,there are some species1 however1 that are so easily reared1 that any time will answer4 ,,disorders ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,all tame animals are much more subject to disease than wild ones2 and birds so much the more1 as they are often shut up in very small cages1 where they can take no exercise4 ,it is often supposed that birds1 in their natural free state1 have no diseases2 but people who will take the trouble to observe1 will soon perceive the falsehood of this assertion4 ,i have often found hedge-sparrows full of pimples1 particularly in the naked parts1 the feet1 and round the beak4 ,their diseases are often increased by the delicacies of all kinds which are given them1 such as biscuits and sugar1 which injure the stomach1 and cause a slow decay4 ,the principal diseases and their cures1 according to my experience1 are as follows2 not1 however1 that different birds do not require1 according to their food1 different treatment4 ,i shall mention1 under each bird1 what must be done to cure those diseases which are peculiar to it1 when general remedies fail4 ,,the ,,pip4 ,this is a catarrh1 or cold1 by which the nostrils are stopped up1 and the membrane covering the tongue is hardened by inflammation4 ,in large birds it is common to remove this skin1 taking it off from the base to the tip3 by this means this part can again perspire1 the saliva necessary for digestion can flow1 and the taste and appetite returns4 ,a mixture of fresh butter1 pepper1 and garlic1 generally cures this catarrh4 ,it is a good thing1 also1 for the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of speedwell2 and the nostrils may be opened by passing up a small feather4 ,the ruffling of the head1 the beak often open and yellow at its base1 and the tongue dry1 are the most decisive indications of this disease4 ,,the ,,rheum4 ,the symptoms of this disease are frequent sneezing and shaking of the head4 ,some drops of pectoral elixir in the infusion of speedwell1 which the sick birds must be made to take1 appears to me to be the most efficacious remedy4 ,i have given fowls even twenty drops of the elixir in a glass of the infusion4 ,when it is merely hoarseness1 ,dr4 ,handel1 of ,mayence1 gave to his birds for several days1 as their only drink1 a very diluted decoction of dry figs1 sweetened with a little sugar1 and afterwards purged them for two days following1 with the juice of carrots4 ,,asthma4 ,this is a very common disease among house birds4 ,those attacked with it have their breath short1 often open their beaks as if to gasp for more air1 and1 when agitated or frightened1 keep them open for a long time4 ,the cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the mode of life which these birds lead4 ,their food is generally too dry and heating1 being principally hemp-seed1 which is very injurious1 but liked by all2 and is the more hurtful1 as it inclines them to eat too much4 ,if to this be added the unchanged air of the rooms1 particularly those which have stoves instead of chimneys1 and the great heat which is kept up during winter1 it is plain that there is much to injure the delicate lungs of these birds4 ,a moist and refreshing regimen and some aperients1 more or less often1 according to the violence of the disease1 appears the most appropriate remedy4 ,a favourite linnet and goldfinch1 when attacked with very bad asthma1 were relieved and preserved for several years by the following method4 ,the first thing was to leave off hemp-seed entirely1 confining them solely to rape-seed2 but giving them at the same time abundance of bread1 soaked in pure water1 and then pressed2 lettuce1 endive1 or water-cresses1 according to the seasons1 twice a week1 giving them boiled bread and milk1 about the size of a nutmeg4 ,this is made by throwing a piece of the crumb of white bread1 about the size of a nut1 into a teacupful of milk1 boiling it1 and stirring it all the time with a wooden spoon till it is of the consistency of pap4 ,it must be quite cold before it is given to the birds1 and must always be made fresh1 for if sour it will prove injurious4 ,this paste1 which they are very fond of1 purges them sufficiently1 and sensibly relieves them4 ,in very violent attacks1 nothing but this paste ought to be given for two or three days following1 and this will soon give the desired relief4 ,when the disease is slight1 or only begun1 it is sufficient to give the bread and milk once in three or four days4 ,when employed under similar circumstances1 this treatment has cured several very valuable birds4 ,it may not be useless here to renew the advice of always giving the birds an opportunity of bathing every day1 by putting in their way a saucer1 or any other small shallow bath1 filled with water1 which should never be too cold1 and in winter always milk-warm4 ,one thing which is very injurious to the lungs of birds1 and which too often occurs1 is the fright occasioned by tormenting them1 or by seizing them too suddenly2 for the poor little things often rupture a blood-vessel in the breast while beating themselves about3 a drop of blood in the beak is the sign1 and a speedy death is the general consequence4 ,if this do not happen1 the breathing is not the less difficult and painful2 and recovery is rare1 at least without the greatest care and attention4 ,birds which eat insects and worms1 occasionally1 by accident1 swallow some extraneous substance1 which1 sticking in their throat1 stops their respiration1 and stifles them4 ,the only remedy is to extract the foreign body1 which requires much skill and dexterity4 ,when asthma is brought on by eating seeds which are too old1 spoiled1 or rancid1 ,dr4 ,handel recommends some drops of oxymel to be swallowed for eight days following4 ,but the best way is to change the seed1 and be sure there is none but good seed in the trough4 ,,atrophy1 ,,or ,,wasting4 ,this is caused by giving unnatural food to the bird1 which destroys the digestive power of its stomach4 ,in this case it disgorges1 ruffles its feathers1 and does not arrange them1 and becomes thin very fast4 ,the best thing is to make it swallow a common spider1 which purges it1 and put a rusty nail into its water1 which strengthens the intestines1 giving it at the same time its proper and natural food4 ,green food1 such as lettuce1 endive1 chickweed1 and particularly water-cresses1 is the safest remedy4 ,a very great appetite is a sign of this disease4 ,a siskin1 that was dying of atrophy1 had nothing but water-cresses for three days following1 and on the fourth he sung4 ,,consumption1 ,,or ,,decline4 ,this disorder may be known by the extreme thinness of the breast1 the swelling of the lower part of the belly1 the total loss of appetite1 and similar symptoms4 ,as a cure1 ,dr4 ,handel recommends the juice of the white turnip to be given to drink instead of water4 ,,costiveness4 ,this disease may be discovered from the frequent unsuccessful endeavours of the bird to relieve itself4 ,aperients will be of use4 ,if a spider does not produce the desired effect1 anoint the vent of the bird with the head of a pin steeped in linseed oil2 this sort of clyster generally succeeds2 but if the disease attacks a bird which eats meal-worms1 one of these1 bruised in sweet oil and saffron1 is the most certain remedy1 and the bird will swallow it without the least hesitation4 ,boiled bread and milk is generally of great use4 ,,diarrhoea4 ,this is a disease to which birds that have been caught recently are very subject1 before they are accustomed to their new food4 ,most of these die of it3 they continually void a white calcareous matter1 which sticks to the feathers round the vent1 and being very acrid causes inflammation in that part and in the intestines4 ,sometimes chalybeate water and the oil clyster produce good effects2 but it is better1 if possible1 to procure for the bird its most natural food4 ,some people pull out the feathers from the tail and vent1 and then rub these parts with fresh butter1 but this is a very painful and cruel operation4 ,they also mix the yolk of an egg boiled very hard with their food1 but ,i have never found this succeed very well4 ,if there be any hope of curing this disease it is by attacking it at the beginning1 before inflammation is violent2 boiled bread and milk1 a great deal of lettuce1 or any other similar green refreshing food1 in general completely cures them4 ,in a case of chronic diarrhoea1 which almost reduces the birds to skeletons1 ,dr4 ,handel prescribes chalybeate water mixed with a little milk for their drink1 which1 he says1 is an easy and certain cure4 ,,the ,,bloody ,,flux4 ,this is a disease with which some parrots are attacked4 ,the best remedy is to make the birds drink a great deal of boiled milk1 or even very fat broth2 for their intestines1 which are very much irritated1 require something soothing to protect them from the acrid discharges1 which1 at the same time1 must be corrected by healing food4 ,birds in this state generally do nothing but drink1 therefore plenty of boiled milk should be given them1 as it nourishes them1 as well as acts medicinally1 but should it appear to turn sour in the stomach it must1 at least for some time1 be discontinued4 ,,obstruction ,,in ,,the ,,rump ,,gland4 ,this gland1 which is on the rump1 and contains the oil necessary for anointing the feathers1 sometimes becomes hard and inflamed1 and an abscess forms there4 ,in this case the bird often pierces it itself1 or it may be softened by applying fresh butter without any salt2 but it is better to use an ointment made of white lead1 litharge1 wax1 and olive oil1 which may be had at any good chemist's4 ,the general method is to pierce or cut the hardened gland1 in order to let out the matter1 but if this operation removes the obstruction it also destroys the gland1 and the bird will die in the next moulting1 for want of oil to soften the feathers#ab4 ,the gland is known to be obstructed when the feathers which surround it are ruffled1 the bird never ceasing to peck them1 and instead of being yellow it becomes brown4 ,this disease is very rare among wild birds1 for1 being exposed to damp1 and bathing often1 they make more use of the liquor in the gland1 consequently it does not accumulate sufficiently to become corrupted1 sour1 or cancerous4 ,this confirms the necessity of giving them the means of bathing as often as instinct would induce them1 as nothing can be more favourable to their health4 ,dr4 ,handel1 after piercing the gland1 recommends a little magnesia to be mixed with the bird's drink4 ,,epilepsy4 ,this is a disease with which house birds are very often attacked4 ,what ,i have found to be most useful in this case is to plunge the sick birds every now and then into very cold water1 letting them fall suddenly into it1 and cutting their claws1 or at least one or two1 short enough for the blood to run4 ,from bleeding giving so much relief one would think that this disease is a kind of apoplexy1 occasioned by want of exercise and too much food4 ,bullfinches and thrushes are more subject to it than any other birds1 and bleeding always cures them4 ,i have seen this done with great success in the following manner1 but much delicacy and skill are required1 as there would be great danger of laming the bird3--a very small hole is made on the surface of the claw1 with a lancet or very sharp penknife2 it is then plunged in lukewarm water1 and if the operation be well done the blood runs like a thread of red silk2 when removed from the water the bleeding stops3 no bandage or dressing is required4 ,,tympany4 ,in this disorder the skin on one part of the body1 or even the whole body1 rises and swells to so great a degree that it is stretched like a drum4 ,it is generally sufficient to pierce it with a pin1 so as to let the air escape1 and the bird will be cured4 ,i had some larks attacked with this disease1 which began again to sing a quarter of an hour after the operation4 ,,disease ,,in ,,the ,,feet4 ,house birds are often subject to bad feet4 ,from the second year they become pale1 and lose their freshness4 ,they must be frequently cleaned1 taking care to remove the skin2 the thick loose scales ought also to be taken off1 but with all possible precaution4 ,the gout occasions the feet to swell1 they are also so scaly and painful that the poor little bird cannot support itself without resting on the points of its wings4 ,dr4 ,handel prescribes a warm fomentation with a decoction of soapwort4 ,if a foot should be bruised or broken1 he advises that the diseased bird should be shut up in a very small cage1 the bottom of which is very smooth and even1 without any perches1 or anything which would tempt them to hop1 and put in a very quiet and solitary place1 out of the way of anything which might produce agitation4 ,in this manner the bird will cure itself in a little time1 without any bandage or plaster of any kind4 ,i am persuaded that the principal cause of bad feet is want of bathing4 ,the scales1 contracting from dryness1 occasion great pain2 in order to remove them with ease1 and without danger1 the feet must be softened in lukewarm water4 ,i have seen the following method used with a bullfinch3--its cage was made with a moveable tin bottom1 which being half or three quarters of an inch deep1 could hold water1 which was put in tepid1 to bathe the bird2 the perches were then removed1 so that the bird was obliged to remain in the water1 where it was left for half an hour1 sometimes throwing it hemp-seed to amuse it4 ,after repeating the bath once or twice the bird became very fond of it2 and it was remarked that its feet became1 if we may say so1 quite young again4 ,the scales being sufficiently softened1 the middle of each was cut lengthways without reaching the flesh1 this made the sides easily fall off4 ,it is better to remove only two scales a-day1 that the bird may not be wearied4 ,by continuing the bath three times a week the feet become healthy and supple1 and the bird is easy4 ,,sore ,,eyes4 ,the juice of red-beet for drink1 and also as a liniment1 greatly relieves this disorder4 ,dr4 ,handel recommends washing the eyes1 when disposed to blindness1 with an infusion of the root of white hellebore4 ,,tumours ,,and ,,ulcers4 ,as to the tumours and ulcers which come on the heads of the birds1 ,dr4 ,handel touches them with a middling-sized red hot knitting-needle4 ,this makes the watery humour run out1 the wound afterwards dries and heals4 ,to soften the pain a little liquid black soap is used4 ,if1 from the softness of the tumour1 matter seems to have formed1 it should be rubbed with fresh butter until it is come to a head2 it may then be emptied1 and opened by a few drops of essence of myrrh4 ,during all this time the bird must have nothing but beet juice to drink4 ,ulcers in the palate and throat may be cured by making the bird drink the milk of almonds for several days1 at the same time lightly touching the ulcers several times a-day with a feather dipped in a mixture of honey and borax4 ,,moulting4 ,though natural1 is generally accompanied with disease1 during which the birds ought to be taken great care of4 ,their food should be changed1 but without giving any heating delicacies1 which are very injurious4 ,it has been observed that birds always moult at the time when their food is most abundant2 the forest birds may then be seen approaching fields and cultivated places1 where1 having plenty of insects and seeds1 they cannot suffer from want2 indeed1 the loss of their feathers prevents their taking long flights1 and the reproduction of them occasions a loss of flesh which must be repaired4 ,an abundance of food is therefore necessary1 and1 following this rule1 during moulting some additional food must be given to house birds1 appropriate to the different species--millet or canary seed1 a little hemp-seed1 white bread soaked in water1 and lettuce1 or endive1 to those which feed on seeds2 with a few more meal worms and ants' eggs to those that eat insects3 all should have bread soaked in boiled milk1 warmth1 and baths4 ,nothing has succeeded better than this regimen3 all the birds which ,i have seen treated in this manner have passed their moulting season in good health4 ,,giddiness4 ,this1 without being properly a disease1 is rather common1 and is occasioned by the trick which the birds of the first class have1 of turning their head and neck so far round that they fall head over heels4 ,they may be easily cured of this trick by throwing a covering over the top of the cage1 which prevents their seeing anything above them1 for it is with looking up that this giddiness comes on4 ,,pairing ,,fever4 ,a disease which may be called the pairing fever must not be forgotten here4 ,house birds are usually attacked with it in ,may1 a time when the inclination to pair is greatest4 ,they cease to sing1 become sorrowful and thin1 ruffle their feathers1 and die4 ,this fever generally first seizes those which are confined in cages3 it appears to arise from their way of life1 which is too uniform and wearying4 ,i cured several by merely placing them in the window1 where they are soon so much refreshed that they forget their grief1 their desire for liberty or for pairing1 and resume their liveliness and song4 ,i have observed that a single female in the room is sufficient to cause this disease to all the males of the same family1 though of different species4 ,removing the female will cure them directly4 ,the males and females at this season must be separated1 so that they cannot see or hear one another4 ,this perhaps is the reason that a male1 when put in the window1 is soon cured4 ,,age ,,of ,,tame ,,birds4 ,the length of a bird's life very much depends on the care which is taken of it4 ,there are some parrots which have lived more than a century2 and nightingales1 chaffinches1 and goldfinches have been known to live more than twenty-four years in a cage4 ,the age of house birds is so much the more interesting1 as it is only by observing it that we can know with any degree of certainty the length of birds' lives in general4 ,thus house birds are of importance to the naturalist1 as giving him information which he could not otherwise acquire4 ,it is worthy of remark1 that the quick growth of birds does not prevent their living much longer than quadrupeds4 ,the length of life with these is estimated to be six or seven times longer than the time which they take to grow3 while birds live fifteen1 twenty1 and even thirty times longer4 ,this length of life is sometimes attributed to the substance of which the bones are composed being much more loose and light1 and consequently remaining porous longer than those of quadrupeds4 ,some swans have lived three hundred years4 ,,bird ,,catching4 ,we are furnished with house birds by the bird catchers and bird sellers2 the latter procure foreign birds1 and teach them1 the former the indigenous ones4 ,a good bird catcher ought to know not only the different modes of taking birds1 but also all the calls for attracting the different species and sexes3 the call notes vary very much among house birds1 according to their passions and wants2 thus the common chaffinch1 when calling its companions1 often repeats iack1 iack2 when expressing joy1 fink1 fink1 which it also does when angry1 though louder and more quickly2 whilst its cry of sorrow is treef1 treef4 ,the science of bird catching consists in studying these different languages well1 and it will ensure success4 ,as each species of bird requires a different mode1 ,i shall mention the various methods in the course of the work1 and shall here only speak of bird catching in general4 ,the first thing to know is the proper time to take birds4 ,for birds of passage1 impelled by cold and want of food to change their climate1 nets should be spread in spring and autumn2 erratic birds1 which change their place merely in search of food1 may be taken1 some in winter1 some in spring1 and others in autumn2 those birds which never quit their native place may be taken at any season1 but more easily in winter1 when they assemble in small flocks4 ,autumn is the time for taking birds in nets2 some1 attracted by a call-bird1 or by food1 come of their own accord into the trap2 others1 as the different species of larks1 must be driven to the net2 but spring is the best season for employing the decoy1 or call-birds1 concealed in cages1 and also for catching the northern birds on their return from the southern countries to their own4 ,it is the best time for observing the different sexes of these birds1 for the males always arrive some days1 or even a whole week1 sooner than the females2 hence it happens that at first the bird catchers take only the former1 while the latter are caught afterwards4 ,march and ,april are the best months for this sport1 which should always be made in the morning from the break of day till nine o'clock1 as afterwards the birds are too much engaged seeking their food to listen to the call of the decoy birds4 ,as most of the house birds of the first class1 are caught in the net1 ,i shall describe the simple manner in which it is done in ,thuringia4 ,some rather strong branches of oak and beech are chosen with their leaves on2 about the space of a foot is cleared of leaves1 a foot and a half from the top of the branches1 and in this space notches are made for fixing lime twigs3 the bush1 when thus prepared1 must be placed on an eminence in the most frequented part of the birds' path1 for birds of passage have fixed roads which they always follow1 and in which numbers may be seen1 whilst about four hundred paces distant not one can be met with4 ,these tracks generally follow the mountains which border on valleys4 ,it is on these mountains then that the decoy bush must be placed2 it must then be garnished with lime twigs1 placed in an inclined position1 and beneath on the ground must be put the decoy birds1 covering their cages with branches of fir or any other tree1 so that the birds cannot see one another1 as that would prevent the birds of passage from stopping1 and the others from calling4 ,decoy birds taken wild are preferred to those reared from the nest1 for these never know the call note well1 or at least do not repeat it often enough4 ,one of the best modes of catching is by what is called the water-trap2 all kinds of birds may be caught by it1 and there is always a choice4 ,this sport is very agreeable in the hot summer days1 for you have only to sit quietly under the thick shade of the foliage by the side of a running stream4 ,a net of three1 four1 or six feet long1 and three or four wide1 according to the size of the place1 must be spread over a trench made on purpose to receive the water4 ,some sticks of about an inch thick must be put into the trench level with the water1 to which hoops are fixed to prevent the net from getting wet by falling into the water2 the rest of this little canal must be covered with branches4 ,if the place be well chosen it will be surrounded during the day with numbers of different birds4 ,this sport may be carried on from the #bdth of ,july till ,october1 from the rising to the setting of the sun4 ,when the water-trap can be set near a forest1 in a grove of pines and firs1 near quickset hedges and gardens1 or in the middle of a meadow1 wood or field-birds may be caught at the same time4 ,for the sake of convenience1 small cages are made which can be folded up and put into the pocket4 ,they only serve1 however1 for the tamest kinds of birds1 such as goldfinches1 siskins1 and linnets2 those which are very wild and violent1 as chaffinches and larks1 should be put into a small bag made of linen1 the bottom of which must be lined with felt4 ,when brought to the house the violent species must be immediately put into a dark place1 and their cages covered with branches or anything else1 that they may not injure themselves1 or spoil their plumage4 ,a little attention to the birds' actions in such cases will point out what is best to be done1 for amongst birds of the same species there is nothing regular in this respect4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,brown ,,owl4 ,,birds ,,of ,,prey4 ,birds of prey are so called from feeding only on animals3 they have a hooked beak1 strong feet1 and very sharp claws4 ,some birds of this group are used in falconry1 so called because several species of falcon are employed in the sport3 others1 as the owls1 are used to attract small birds to the barn-floor trap1 and rooks to the decoy-hut4 ,there seems little probability that bird-fanciers should wish to keep such birds as these in the house4 ,two species1 however1 appear to merit distinction1 the kestril and the little owl4 ,,the ,,kestril4 ,falco ,tinnunculus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,cresserelle1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,thurmfalke1 ,,bechstein4 ,its size is that of a turtle-dove1 its length fourteen inches1 including the tail1 which measures six1 and two-thirds of which is covered by the folded wings4 ,the wax1 the irides1 and feet are yellow4 ,in general this is a handsome bird2 but the male1 as in all birds of prey1 differs from the female1 not less in the body being a third smaller than in the colours of his plumage4 ,the top of the head is of a fine light grey1 the back and the lesser wing coverts are of a red brick colour spotted with black2 the belly is reddish1 and streaked with black2 the feathers of the tail dark brown spotted with white1 ending in a broad black border4 ,illustration ,the back and wings of the female are of a rust red crossed with many black lines2 the head is of a light reddish brown streaked with black2 the tail of the same colour1 and terminated1 like that of the male1 with a broad black border2 the extremity1 however1 of each is pale#ac4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the kestril falcon may be found throughout ,europe1 preferring mountainous places1 where there are walls of rocks or ruined castles4 ,it is a bird of passage1 which departs in ,october with the larks1 and may then be seen hovering over them1 or pouncing at mice2 it returns in the following ,march4 ,in the house1 if taken when old1 it must be kept in a wire cage2 but if caught and trained when young it may be left quite at liberty1 provided its wings are kept clipped2 in that case it will neither quit the house nor lodging assigned it1 especially when become familiar with the dogs and cats4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it preys on small birds and mice1 pursues sparrows to the house-top1 and even attacks birds in their cages2 it is nevertheless contented with cockchafers1 beetles1 and grasshoppers4 ,in confinement it is fed on birds1 mice1 and a little raw meat2 when given only the fresh offal of pigeons1 or the lights and livers of sheep1 it becomes so tame1 that even if taken when old it never appears to regret the loss of its freedom4 ,,breeding4--,the kestril falcon builds its nest in the fissures of rooks1 high towers1 old castles1 or some aged tree4 ,it lays from four to six eggs of a reddish yellow colour1 spotted with red and brown4 ,the young ones1 which are at first covered with a simple white down1 may be easily reared on fresh mutton4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,lime twigs placed over the nest will easily secure the old ones when they come to feed their young2 or a bird of prey's basket1 with a lark or mouse put in it as a lure1 may be placed where these birds are most frequently seen4 ,this machine is raised on four stakes1 and somewhat resembles a common safe1 having a lower shelf as large as a moderate sized table1 with four upright posts1 to which are fastened the partitions of net or wire2 on the top and sides are fixed two iron rods2 on these1 by means of rings1 there runs a net which covers the whole4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its fine plumage1 its sonorous notes kle1 kle1 which it sometimes repeats in continued succession1 and its amusing actions1 must make it a favourite with most amateurs2 it cannot1 indeed1 like other species of falcon1 be trained to the chase2 but if taken when very young1 and fed with the food before mentioned1 it may be taught to fly to some distance and then return1 even in the midst of the largest cities4 ,,the ,,little ,,owl4 ,strix passerina1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,chevche1 ou ,petite ,chouette1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,zwergeule1 ,,bechstein4 ,the feathers of this bird make it appear larger than it really is4 ,its length is from eight to nine inches1 of which the tail measures at least three2 the folded wings almost reach the extremity2 the beak is ten lines in length1 brown at the base1 and yellow at the point2 the iris is yellow in summer1 and meadow green in winter2 the claws blackish2 the upper part of the body is light brown1 with round white spots1 which are largest on the back and shoulders2 the lower part is white1 spotted with dark brown and a little orange2 the quill feathers dark brown1 with white spots2 the tail lighter1 with red spots1 which may almost be taken for transverse bands4 ,the colours are less brilliant in the female4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state this small species of owl frequents old buildings1 towers1 and church walls1 where its nest is also found#ad4 ,in the house it must always be kept in a cage1 which may be hung in the window1 for if permitted to mix with the other birds it would kill them4 ,,food4--,when wild its general food is mice and large insects2 ,i have also found in the indigested remains which this1 like other birds of prey1 discharges from its stomach1 a considerable quantity of the fruit of the red cornel tree 7,cornus sanguinea1 ,linnus74 ,this proves that it also feeds on berries4 ,in the cage it may be kept for some time in good health1 without having its excrements tainted1 if fed on dried mutton3 the skin1 fat1 and bones must be removed1 and the meat left to soak in water for two days before it is eaten4 ,three quarters of an ounce a day of this meat dried will be sufficient1 particularly if now and then some mice or birds be given it1 which it swallows1 feathers and all2 it can devour as many as five mice at a meal4 ,it begins to wake up at about two in the afternoon1 and then becomes very lively1 and soon wants its food4 ,,breeding4--,the female lays two white eggs1 which the male takes his turn to sit upon2 the young ones may be very easily reared on fresh meat1 particularly on pigeons4 ,before the first moulting the head is of a soft reddish grey clouded with white4 ,the large round spots on the back become gradually more marked1 and the reddish white of the under part by degrees acquires long streaks of brown on the breast and sides4 ,,diseases4--,if great care be not taken sometimes to give it mice or birds1 the fur and feathers of which cleanse the stomach1 it will soon die of decline4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,when the place of its retreat during the day is discovered1 it cannot fail to be taken if a net in the form of a bag or sack be placed over the mouth of the hole1 for the bird will by this means entrap itself when endeavouring to come out for the evening4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this bird1 which is very cleanly1 always deposits its dung in one particular spot4 ,its singular motions are amusing1 but its harsh cry1 and restlessness1 particularly during the season of copulation1 are rather disagreeable4 ,it is much used on the continent as a decoy1 to entrap small birds4 ,,pies4 ,the birds of this group have the beak a little flat1 more or less hooked1 generally in the form of a knife1 and of a middling size4 ,the feet are in general strong and short2 the lower part1 being much divided1 may be used for walking or climbing4 ,their food consists of insects1 worms1 the flesh and remains of animals1 seeds and fruit4 ,in a few species the note is pleasing2 several may be taught to speak2 and some are admired for their handsome plumage4 ,,the ,,great ,,butcher ,,bird4 ,illustration ,lanius ,excubitor1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der gemeine ,wrger1 ,,bechstein2 ,la ,pie-,griche grise1 ,,buffon4 ,it is a little larger than the ,redwing 7,turdus ,iliacus1 ,linn47 ,its length is nine inches1 of which the tail measures three and three-quarters2 the wings1 when folded1 cover one-third of the tail4 ,the beak is eight lines in length2 the iris is very dark brown2 the shanks iron grey4 ,all the upper part of the body is of a fine ash colour1 shading off to white above the eyes1 on the forehead1 the shoulders1 and the rump4 ,the tail is wedge-shaped1 white at the point1 and black in the middle4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 this species generally frequents groves1 thickets1 and the borders of forests2 it is also found among brambles1 and on lonely trees1 always perched on the top4 ,it never quits the abode it has once chosen1 either in winter or summer4 ,when caught it must be kept in a large wire cage4 ,its liveliness and desire for prey prevent its being permitted to mix with the other birds4 ,,food4--,in its wild state1 it feeds in summer on grasshoppers1 crickets1 beetles1 and other insects1 even lizards1 and small adders1 and when those fail1 on mice and small birds2 these1 with mice1 moles1 and the like1 form its winter food4 ,when pursuing its prey1 the shrike makes a particular movement1 in order to seize it on the side2 but it does not always succeed1 as it cannot use its claws like birds of prey1 and often only carries off a beakful of feathers4 ,in the cage1 if the bird be taken when old1 some mice1 birds1 or living insects1 may be thrown to it1 taking care to leave it quite alone1 for as long as any one is present it will touch nothing2 but as soon as it has once begun to feed freely it will eat fresh meat1 and even become accustomed to the universal paste1 described in the ,introduction4 ,this shrike eats very much for its size1 at the least one ounce of meat at a meal4 ,it likes to have a forked branch1 or crossed sticks in its cage1 across the angles of which it throws the mouse1 or any other prey which has been given it1 and then darting on it behind from the opposite side of the cage1 devours every morsel1 let it be ever so large4 ,it bathes freely4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,although it flies very swiftly when pursuing its prey1 it may easily be taken if a nest of young birds1 crying from hunger1 be suspended to some lime twigs4 ,in autumn and winter1 it will sometimes dart on birds in cages which are outside the window4 ,it may then be easily caught1 if the cage be put into a sort of box1 having the lid so placed that the bird by the least touch would cause it to fall upon itself4 ,these means must be employed by those who wish to possess birds which they can let go and come at will4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its cry somewhat resembles the guir1 guir of the lark2 like the nutcracker1 it can imitate the different notes1 but not the songs1 of other birds4 ,nothing is more agreeable than its own warbling1 which much resembles the whistling of the grey parrot2 its throat at the time being expanded like that of the green frog4 ,it is a great pity that it only sings during the pairing season1 which is from ,march to ,may1 and even then often spoils the beautiful melody of its song1 with some harsh1 discordant notes4 ,the female also sings4 ,as some of its tones resemble the human voice1 it might probably be taught to speak4 ,,the ,,little ,,shrike4 ,lanius minor1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der graue ,wrger1 ,,bechstein4 ,it is about the size of the sky-lark1 being eight inches in length1 of which the tail measures three and a half1 the folded wings cover one-third4 ,the beak is black1 and seven inches in length2 the iris brown2 the legs of a lead-colour2 the forehead black2 a broad streak of the same colour passing from the beak across the eyes and over the cheeks2 the tail is wedge-shaped2 the exterior feathers are white1 with a black spot4 ,the female only differs from the male in being a little smaller1 the streak on the cheeks is shorter and narrower1 and there is generally only one white feather in the tail4 ,,habitation4--,wild1 it is a bird of passage1 departing the first of ,september1 and returning the beginning of the following ,may#ae4 ,it generally frequents woods1 orchards1 and the hedges of fields4 ,always perched on the tops of trees1 it rarely descends into the lower bushes4 ,it feeds on insects4 ,in the house1 it must have a large wire cage like the larks1 but with three perches4 ,it is not safe to let it mix with the other birds1 as it would soon kill them4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it feeds on beetles1 cockchafers1 crickets1 breeze-flies1 and other insects2 when these fail1 in consequence of a long continuance of rain1 it sometimes seizes young birds4 ,in the house1 if an old bird and lately taken1 as soon as it is put in the cage1 some living insects1 or a small bird just killed1 must be thrown into it4 ,after some time1 it will be satisfied with raw or dressed meat2 but it is not always an easy task to get it to eat this food1 for it will sometimes take eight successive days1 during which meal worms and other insects are added2 but as soon as it is accustomed to meat1 it becomes so tame that it will feed from the hand1 and if the cage door be opened it will even perch on the wrist to eat4 ,notwithstanding all my care1 ,i have only been able to preserve those two years1 which have been taken wild1 they have all died of decline#af2 those1 on the contrary1 which have been reared from the nest1 do not require so much attention1 being contented with any kind of common food4 ,,breeding4--,this bird generally builds in a tree on the edge of a wood1 or in a garden1 the nest being rather large and irregular4 ,the young are fed on beetles and grasshoppers4 ,in order to rear them1 they must be taken from the nest when the tail begins to grow1 and fed at first on ants' eggs1 and afterwards on white bread soaked in milk4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,when the particular brambles and branches have been observed1 on which this bird watches for its prey1 it is not difficult to catch it2 for notwithstanding its great quickness1 it is not the less imprudent1 for it allows itself to be caught in the bird-lime in the most stupid manner4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this species has no particular song3 the female has none at all2 but the male imitates1 with wonderful facility1 the songs of other birds1 not only the detached parts1 but the whole notes1 so correctly that it would not be difficult to mistake it4 ,thus it imitates exactly1 and in order1 all the variations of the song of the nightingale1 though more feebly1 and like an echo1 its notes not being so full and clear3 it imitates equally well the song of the lark1 and similar birds4 ,this wonderful power of imitation cannot fail to please amateurs1 and make them wish to possess this interesting bird4 ,i have observed that it likes best to repeat the call of the quail4 ,one of this species which ,i had among my collection1 always stopped its song1 however lively1 when it heard that of the quail1 for the purpose of imitating it2 the latter1 before it was accustomed to this1 became very jealous1 and as soon as it heard it1 ran about in every direction1 furiously endeavouring to fight its fancied rival4 ,,the ,,woodchat4 ,lanius erythrocephalus4 ,lan4 ,collurio1 rufus1 et pomeranus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,pie ,griche rousse1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothkpfige ,wrger1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is smaller and more delicate than the former species1 being only seven inches long1 of which the tail measures three and a half2 the folding wings cover one third2 the beak is eight lines in length1 and black2 the iris greyish yellow2 the shanks bluish black2 the forehead black1 from the base of which a band of the same colour extends over the eyes4 ,the tail feathers are also black1 but the outer ones only so to the middle1 the rest being white4 ,the female only differs from the male in its colour being less brilliant4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is a bird of passage1 arriving at the end of ,april1 and departing about the middle of ,september#ag4 ,it inhabits mountains1 forests1 and wooded plains1 but prefers enclosed pastures where horses are kept day and night4 ,in confinement it requires the same treatment as the preceding4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it prefers beetles1 the dung of cows and horses1 maybugs1 grasshoppers1 breeze-flies1 and other insects2 it often also darts upon lizards and young quails4 ,in a state of confinement it is fed like the preceding2 but being more delicate it is better to rear it from the nest1 feeding it on raw meat4 ,if an old bird be taken1 it is impossible to preserve it unless it be constantly fed on live insects4 ,,breeding4--,the woodchat commonly builds its nest on the thick and bushy branches of large trees1 and makes it of small sticks1 moss1 hogs' bristles1 wool and fur4 ,the female breeds twice1 laying each time six reddish-white eggs1 marked particularly at the large end with distinct red spots1 mixed with pale ones of a bluish grey4 ,the young ones are hatched in fifteen days2 their colour1 before the first moulting1 is on the upper part1 dirty white1 spotted with grey2 the under part is also dirty white1 clouded with pale grey2 the wing coverts are bordered with rust colour2 the quill feathers and tail are black4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,a cruel method1 but the surest1 is to place bird-lime on its nest1 this being the most wary species of shrike2 but as it bathes freely it may be taken about the middle of the day at its washing place1 if near hedges4 ,it is often found drowned in large ponds4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,although this species appears endowed with as good a memory as the preceding1 its notes are less agreeable1 not being so soft1 and it introduces some stanzas of its own shrill and harsh warbling into the songs that it imitates1 which are those of the nightingale1 linnet1 redstart1 and goldfinch4 ,but this bird is most admired for its beautiful plumage4 ,,the ,,flusher4 ,illustration ,lanius spinitorquus1 ,,bechstein2 ,lanius ,collurio1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ecorcheur1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothrckige ,wrger1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pretty species seems to form a connecting link between the pies and the singing birds1 so much does it resemble the latter in its different qualities4 ,its length is a little more than six inches1 of which the tail measures three and a quarter4 ,the wings1 when folded1 cover one third4 ,the beak is black1 and the iris of the eyes light brown2 the legs1 bluish black4 ,in the male1 the head1 the nape of the neck1 the tail coverts1 and the thighs1 are grey4 ,this colour is lighter on the forehead and above the eyes4 ,a black band extends from the nostrils to the ears4 ,the beak and wing coverts are of a fine red brown2 the rump and under part of the body white1 slightly tinged with pink on the breast1 sides1 and belly2 the centre tail feathers are entirely black1 the others white at the tip4 ,the colours in the female differ considerably from those of the male4 ,all the upper part of the body is dirty reddish brown1 slightly shading into grey on the upper part of the neck and rump2 there is a scarcely visible shade of white on the back and shoulders2 the forehead and above the eyes is yellowish1 the cheeks brown1 the throat and belly dirty white2 the under parts of the neck1 breast1 and sides1 are yellowish white1 crossed with waving brown lines2 the quill feathers are dark brown1 the outer ones edged with white1 the others to the four centre ones have only a white spot2 the tail dark brown1 with some shades of orange4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is one of the latest birds of passage1 as it does not arrive till ,may4 ,it is sometimes found in woody valleys where cattle graze1 more commonly in hedges1 and fields with bushes in them1 or in inclosed pastures where horses and cows are kept4 ,it is one of the first migratory birds to depart1 which it does in ,august1 in families1 even before the young ones have moulted4 ,in the house1 it must be treated like the former1 and kept in a wire cage1 for it would soon kill its companions1 as ,i experienced some years ago4 ,the bird ,i refer to had been three days without eating1 although ,i had given him a great variety of dead birds and insects4 ,on the fourth day ,i set him at liberty in the room1 supposing him too weak to hurt the other birds1 and thinking that he would become better accustomed to his new food if ,i left him at liberty4 ,hardly was he set free than he seized and killed a dunnock before ,i had time to save it2 ,i let him eat it1 and then put him back into the cage4 ,from this time1 as if his fury were satisfied1 he ate all that was given him4 ,,food4--,in its wild state1 it eats large quantities of beetles1 maybugs1 crickets1 and grasshoppers1 but it prefers breeze-flies1 and other insects which teaze the cattle4 ,it impales as many of these insects as it can catch for its meal on the thorns of bushes4 ,if1 during a long continuance of rain1 these insects disappear1 it then feeds on field-mice1 lizards1 and young birds1 which it also fixes on the thorns4 ,when confined1 its food is the same as the preceding species4 ,some insects1 mixed with the nightingales' paste1 make it more palatable for it4 ,a little raw or dressed meat may also be given it from time to time4 ,,breeding4--,when the season is favourable this species breeds twice1 and generally chooses a large hawthorn bush in which to build its nest1 roots and coarse stubble forming the base of it1 then a layer of moss interwoven with wool1 and the finest fibres of roots lining the interior4 ,the female lays from five to six greenish white eggs1 spotted all over1 especially at the large end1 and speckled with red and grey2 the male takes his turn with the female to sit during fourteen days4 ,before moulting1 the young ones resemble the female in colour4 ,the back and breast are greenish grey1 streaked with several waving brown lines2 the belly is dirty white4 ,they can be easily reared by feeding them at first with ants' eggs1 then with dressed meat1 and afterwards with white bread soaked in milk3 this last food it always likes if early accustomed to it4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,as soon as this bird arrives in ,may1 the bushes on which it most frequently perches must be observed2 these are very few1 and on them the lime twigs must be placed2 it is often entrapped within a quarter of an hour4 ,success is more certain if a beetle1 maybug1 or breeze-fly1 be fastened near the lime twigs with horse hair1 by two feet1 so that it can move its wings4 ,as soon as the bird is stuck in the bird-lime it is necessary when taking it to avoid its beak1 as it pecks very hard4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this bird does not rank low among the singers2 its song is not only very pleasing but continual4 ,while singing1 it is generally perched on a lonely bush1 or on the lower branches of a tree1 but always near its nest4 ,its warbling is composed of the songs of the swallow1 goldfinch1 fauvette1 nightingale1 red-breast1 and lark1 with which1 indeed1 it mixes here and there some of its own harsh notes4 ,it almost exclusively imitates the birds in its immediate neighbourhood2 it very rarely repeats the song or call of those which merely fly past it2 when it does1 it seems only in mockery4 ,there are1 however1 some songs which it cannot imitate3 for instance1 that of the chaffinch and yellowhammer1 its throat not seeming to be sufficiently flexible for these4 ,in the house1 its song is composed of the warbling of those birds whose cages are hung near it4 ,it is very lively1 and its plumage is handsome4 ,if a room is to be cleared of flies1 one of these birds set at liberty in it will soon effect it2 it catches them flying with great skill and agility4 ,when a thorny branch is given it1 it impales all its flies1 making at the same time the drollest and most singular movements4 ,this species easily and quickly learns to whistle airs1 but it forgets them with the same facility1 in order to learn new ones4 ,,the ,,raven4 ,illustration ,corvus ,corax1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,corbeau1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,kolkrabe1 ,,bechstein4 ,this and the three following species ought not to be reckoned among house birds2 but as they are easily taught to speak1 and are often reared for that purpose1 ,i must not neglect to mention them here4 ,the raven is well known4 ,its length is two feet1 of which the tail measures eight inches and three quarters4 ,the colour1 which is black1 in particular lights reflects a violet tint on the upper1 and green on the lower part of the body1 of the wings and tail4 ,the throat is of a paler black4 ,of all the birds of this genus1 distinguished by having the beak in the form of a knife1 and the base furnished with strong bristles which extend forward1 the raven1 on account of the size of its tongue1 is the best fitted to articulate words2 hence1 in ,thuringia1 people are often saluted1 on entering an inn1 with some abusive language from one of these ravens1 confined near the door1 in a large cage like a tower4 ,when it has been reared from the nest 7which must be done in order to teach it to speak7 it may be left at liberty2 it will come when called by name to receive its food4 ,everything which shines must be put out of its way1 particularly gold and silver1 as it does not fail to carry it off1 like the other birds of its kind4 ,one1 which was brought before ,augustus1 had been taught to repeat1 ,ave ,csar1 victor1 imperator1 in order to salute him on his return from victory4 ,some people are accustomed to cut what is called the nerve of the tongue1 supposing that it would make them better able to articulate sounds2 but it seems most probable that this cruel practice is of little use1 and1 like many others1 only a vulgar prejudice1 for ,i have heard ravens speak perfectly well without having the tongue touched4 ,this bird was very much prized at a time when divination made a part of religion4 ,its most minute actions1 all the motions of its flight1 and the different sounds of its voice1 were carefully studied2 in the latter1 people pretending to discover even sixty-four different modulations1 besides many shades still more delicate and difficult to determine4 ,this must certainly have required an excessively fine ear1 as its croaking is particularly simple4 ,every alteration1 let it be ever so slight1 had its particular signification4 ,impostors were not wanting1 who pretended to understand1 or dupes who easily believed1 these idle fancies4 ,some have carried their folly to such a pitch as to persuade themselves that by eating the heart and entrails of the raven they would acquire its gift of prophecy4 ,,habitation4--,this species only inhabits the wooded parts of a country2 it there builds its nest on the highest trees4 ,its eggs1 from three to five in number1 are of a dirty green1 streaked with olive brown4 ,if the young ones be taken in order to instruct them1 they must be removed on the twelfth day after bursting the shell1 when they have only half their feathers4 ,they are fed on meat1 snails1 worms1 and bread soaked in milk2 after a little time they will eat bread1 meat1 and any refuse from the table4 ,in its wild state the raven eats leverets1 birds' eggs1 mice1 young goslings1 chickens1 and snails1 and even pears1 cherries1 and other fruit2 this shows us that it is rather hurtful as well as useful4 ,,the ,,carrion ,,crow4 ,corvus corone1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,corneille1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,schwarze ,krhe1 ,,bechstein4 ,it only differs from the preceding in its size1 and in the tail being rounded instead of wedge-shaped4 ,its whole length is eighteen inches4 ,its plumage is black1 with some tints of violet on the upper part of the body4 ,,peculiar ,,qualities4--,the carrion crow is one of the commonest birds2 in the groves1 which it likes best1 it congregates in such numbers that twenty nests have been built on the same tree#ah2 the eggs are spotted with grey or olive brown on a green ground4 ,the young may be taken from the nest in the month of ,march1 or even earlier if the winter be mild they are treated and fed like the former species4 ,the carrion crow is even more easily tamed1 for ,i have seen old ones1 which have been taught to go and come1 and others in their wild state1 which have regularly fed in the yard going in the spring to breed in the woods1 and returning at the beginning of the winter to pass that season in a domestic state4 ,insects1 worms1 mice1 fruit1 and grain form its principal food in its wild state4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the easiest and most usual method is with paper cones1 at the bottom of which is put a bit of meat1 and bird-lime on the inner edges4 ,it may also be caught with lime twigs placed in the yard1 or before the house1 on horse dung and among scattered grain4 ,,the ,,hooded ,,crow4 ,corvus ,cornix1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,corneille ,mantele1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,nebelkrhe1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 a little larger than the preceding1 is grey1 with the head1 throat1 wings1 and tail black4 ,in the winter it is found over almost all ,europe1 but during summer it inhabits more northern parts1 where it builds in groves and orchards near open fields3 its eggs are bright green streaked and spotted with brown4 ,if taken young it is tamed and taught to speak more easily than the carrion crow4 ,,the ,,jack-,,daw4 ,illustration ,corvus ,monedula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,chocas1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,dohle1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is naturally half tame1 and if reared from the nest it will voluntarily remain in the yard with the poultry4 ,it makes its nest in old buildings1 houses1 castles1 towers1 and churches3 its eggs are green1 spotted with dark brown and black4 ,it is not so much to teach it to speak that people like to rear young jack-daws1 but to see it go and return at call4 ,even old ones that are taken in autumn may be accustomed to this1 cutting the wings at first1 and again in the spring1 so that as they grow again the bird learns by degrees to come to a certain call4 ,during winter it will always come into the yard4 ,the size of the jack-daw is that of the pigeon1 thirteen or fourteen inches in length4 ,the back of the head is light grey1 the rest of the body black4 ,when in winter it eats wild garlic1 in the fields it smells very strongly of it1 and does not lose the scent till it has been a week in the house4 ,,the ,,jay4 ,corvus glandarius1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,geai1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,holzeher1 ,,bechstein4 ,i have often1 during my youth1 seen this beautiful species of bird among the peasants of ,thuringia confined in cages1 and taught to speak4 ,it is about the size of the preceding bird4 ,its black beak is in shape like that of the carrion crow4 ,the feet are brown1 with a slight shade of flesh colour4 ,all the smaller feathers are soft and silky4 ,a purple grey is the most predominant colour2 the throat is whitish1 the eyes are reddish blue1 the rump white2 the large coverts have the outer side of the feathers ornamented with small but very brilliant bands1 alternately bluish white1 light blue1 and bluish black1 which softly blend one into the other1 like the colours in the rainbow1 and are a great ornament to the bird4 ,the only difference in the female is that the upper part of the neck is grey1 whereas in the male it is much redder1 and that colour also extends to the back4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 the jay frequents woods2 above all1 those in which there are firs mixed with other trees4 ,in the house it must be kept in a large cage in the form of a tower1 or in any other shape2 it is too dirty a bird to be let range at liberty4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it prefers worms1 insects1 and berries1 when acorns and beech-mast fail3 it makes great havoc among cherries4 ,in the cage1 it soon becomes accustomed to bread soaked in milk1 but it will eat almost any thing1 bread1 soft cheese1 baked meat1 and all that comes from table2 acorns and beech-mast however are its favourite food4 ,it must be kept very clean1 otherwise its soiled and dirty plumage would make it look to great disadvantage4 ,it is better to feed it entirely on corn2 it becomes by this means less dirty1 and its excrements are not so soft or foetid4 ,it may be preserved for several years on this food4 ,it must always have fresh water given it1 as much for drinking as for bathing4 ,,breeding4--,the jay builds in beech-trees1 oaks1 and firs4 ,its eggs are grey spotted with brown4 ,the young which are to be taught to speak must be taken from the nest after the fourteenth or fifteenth day1 and fed on soft cheese1 bread1 and meat3 it is easily taught and domesticated4 ,those which are caught when old cannot be tamed2 they are always frightened when any one approaches them1 hiding and fasting for several hours afterwards rather then reappear4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,should anyone wish to catch these birds1 he must seek in autumn for a lonely tree1 about five or six paces from the other trees of the wood1 which the birds frequent most2 on it lime twigs must be placed4 ,in order to effect this1 most of the branches are cut off in such a manner as to form a kind of spiral staircase1 commencing about ten or twelve feet from the ground1 and extending to within six of the top4 ,after having shortened and reduced the branches to five or six spans in length1 the lime-twigs are fixed to them2 under the tree must be placed a hut1 made of green branches1 large enough to contain as many persons as wish to conceal themselves2 on the top of this hut is placed a live owl1 or one made of clay2 even the skin of a hare arranged so that it may be moved1 will suffice4 ,nothing is now wanting to attract the jays but a bird-call1 which is made of a little stick with a notch cut in it and a little piece of the bark of the cherry-tree inserted1 another bit serving for a cover4 ,on this instrument the voice of the owl1 the great enemy of the jays1 may easily be imitated2 and as soon as they hear it they come from all sides1 while their cries must be repeated by the people in the hut1 which makes them assemble in still greater numbers4 ,they are soon entangled in the bird-lime1 and fall pell mell into the hut1 their weight easily dragging them through the slight covering4 ,many other birds also collect on hearing the deceitful call1 and1 wishing to assist their brethren1 are themselves entrapped4 ,thus1 in a few hours many jays and a great number of other birds may be caught1 such as magpies1 thrushes1 woodpeckers1 red-breasts1 and tits4 ,twilight is the best time for this sport4 ,in the month of ,july jays may also be taken in the water-trap1 where young ones1 with their tails only half grown1 are most frequently caught2 these may yet be taught and tamed4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,although it is easy to teach the jay to speak1 it will in general only repeat single words2 but it imitates passably well little airs on the trumpet and other short tunes4 ,its beautiful colours are a great attraction4 ,it may also be taught to go and come1 if in the country3 but in the city it is not so easily taught this as crows and ravens4 ,,the ,,nut-,,cracker4 ,corvus ,caryocatactes1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,casse-noix1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,tannenbeher1 ,,bechstein4 ,its length is twelve inches1 of which the tail measures four and three quarters2 the wings1 when folded1 reach the middle4 ,the beak and feet are black2 the iris is reddish brown4 ,though speckled like the starling1 its general colour is blackish brown1 lighter above1 and darker underneath the body4 ,the tail feathers are black1 but white at the tip4 ,the general colour of the female is a redder brown than that of the male4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state it inhabits1 during summer1 the depth of woods1 near which there are meadows and springs1 and it does not quit this retreat till autumn1 when it frequents those places where it can find acorns1 beech-mast1 and nuts4 ,during hard winters it may sometimes be seen on the high road1 seeking its food amongst the horse-dung4 ,in the house it is kept like a jay4 ,,food4--,in its wild state1 having a very strong beak1 it can open the cones of the pine and fir1 peel the acorns and beech-mast1 and break the nut-shells4 ,it also eats different sorts of berries1 but prefers animal food and insects1 in short1 any thing it can get4 ,in confinement it must be fed like the jay2 but it is more easily tamed1 and accustomed to use different words4 ,it is so fond of animal food1 that if a live jay were thrown into its cage it would kill it and eat it in a quarter of an hour2 it will even eat whole squirrels which have been shot1 and which other small birds of prey fly from with disgust4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 placed in a hollow tree1 generally contains five or six eggs1 with transverse brown streaks scattered on a dark olive grey ground4 ,the young are reared on meat4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,it may be taken in autumn by a noose1 hanging service berries to it2 success is more sure if some nuts be put near4 ,it may also be taken in the water-trap4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its actions are as amusing as those of a shrike2 it imitates the voice of many animals1 and chatters as much as the jay4 ,to judge from the form of its tongue1 it seems possible to teach it to speak1 if attempted when young4 ,,the ,,magpie4 ,illustration ,corvus ,pica1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,pie1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,elster1 ,,bechstein4 ,as the magpie generally frequents places near the abode of man1 it is well known4 ,it is eighteen inches in length1 of which the tail alone measures ten4 ,it may be called a handsome bird1 although its plumage is only black and white1 for these colours are perfect in their kind1 and the tail1 near the end1 shines with a purple tint1 gradually shading into steel blue4 ,,habitation4--,the magpie builds its nest on trees which are near towns and villages2 its eggs are pale green1 speckled with grey and brown4 ,in autumn the young ones assemble together in small parties4 ,,food4--,when wild1 the magpie lives on worms1 insects1 fruits1 or roots1 and sometimes eats eggs and young birds in their nest4 ,in the house1 it likes bread1 meat1 and anything that comes from table2 in short1 when once tamed it does not fail to enter by the window at meal times to take its share4 ,if it obtain too much1 it hides what it does not eat for another time4 ,this propensity is seen in young ones as soon as they can feed alone4 ,,peculiar ,,qualities4--,although in its wild state the magpie is so suspicious that it is difficult to catch it1 it is1 however1 more easily tamed than any other bird2 it will let itself be touched and taken in the hand1 which even the most docile of other birds will seldom suffer4 ,when reared from the nest it learns to speak even better than the raven1 and becomes as domestic as the pigeon4 ,it gets so fond of raw meat1 bread1 and other refuse of the table1 that it does not wish any other food2 this is the cause of its frequenting dwelling-houses3 if it find any worms or insects it only eats them as dainties4 ,the time of taking magpies in order to bring them to this point is fourteen or fifteen days after coming out of the shell3 this is the principal thing to remember with respect to any bird which is to be taught to go and come4 ,it must be given at first bread soaked in milk or water2 by degrees a little chopped meat is added1 afterwards it will eat anything from the kitchen1 even apples and baked pears1 and any refuse4 ,as soon as the young birds begin to fly high enough to rise to a neighbouring tree they may be let do so when they have had a good meal1 soon calling them back again to the place fixed for their habitation2 this practice may be repeated till they have all their feathers1 and can fly well1 when some of their wing-feathers must be cut1 till the winter1 a season in which they may be pulled out4 ,whilst the feathers are growing again1 they become so well accustomed to the house and their master that they may be let go for several hours together without any danger of their wandering or not returning4 ,if they speak they will only be the more agreeable4 ,old magpies1 which may easily be taken in winter with lime-twigs placed near some bits of meat1 can be taught to remain in the yard by keeping the wings cut till the following autumn1 when they may be let grow2 from this time there is no fear of their not coming with the poultry1 and in spring they will not fail to build near the house1 and seek food for their young in the kitchen4 ,i must repeat again that nothing shining must be left in the way of these birds1 as they will carry it off immediately1 and hide it with great care1 let them have as much food as they like besides4 ,i have lately received a letter from one of my friends1 in which he expresses himself thus3--,i have reared a magpie which comes like a cat to rub itself against me until ,i caress it4 ,it has learnt of itself to fly into the country and return4 ,it follows me everywhere1 even for more than a league1 so that ,i have much trouble to rid myself of it1 and when ,i do not wish its company in my walks and visits ,i am obliged to shut it up3 though wild with any other person1 it marks in my eyes the least change in my temper4 ,it will sometimes fly to a great distance with other magpies1 without however connecting itself with them4 ,,the ,,roller4 ,coracias ,garrula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,rollier d',europe1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,mandelkrhe1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird resembles the jay in size and form1 and is twelve inches in length1 of which the tail measures four and a half2 the beak is blackish1 before and behind the eyes is a blackish triangular spot1 formed by the naked skin2 the iris of the eye is grey2 the whole of the head1 the neck1 the throat1 the breast1 the belly1 the large wing-coverts1 and all the under-coverts1 are of a beautiful bluish green2 the tail is of a dusky blue green near the base1 becoming gradually lighter towards the end4 ,the female and young ones of the first year have the head1 neck1 breast1 and belly of a reddish grey tinged with bluish green2 the back and the last quill-feathers are of a light greyish brown2 the rump is green1 tinged with indigo2 the tail blackish with a tint of blue green2 the rest like the male4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the roller may be found in ,europe and the northern parts of ,africa2 it only frequents a few spots in ,germany1 and prefers forests and sandy plains to high mountains3 elsewhere it is only seen during the time of its passage#ai4 ,in the house it may be let range at will after the wings are clipt4 ,,food4--,when wild1 its principal food is insects and worms2 it also eats small frogs1 bulbous roots1 acorns1 and grains of corn4 ,,breeding4---,the nest1 placed in the hole of a tree1 is made of small twigs1 hay1 feathers1 and bristles4 ,it lays from four to seven white eggs1 on which the male takes his turn to sit during eighteen or twenty days4 ,the young ones do not acquire their fine colours till the second year2 previous to this period the head1 neck1 and breast are of a whitish grey4 ,i had till lately thought that this bird was untamable2 but ,dr4 ,meyer of ,offenbach has convinced me to the contrary1 having himself reared them several times1 and kept them in his room4 ,this is his method3 ,the young ones must be taken from the nest when only half grown1 and fed on little bits of cow's heart1 or any other meat which is lean and tender1 till they can eat alone2 small frogs1 worms1 and insects may then be added4 ,the means which it takes to kill and swallow these insects are curious enough2 it begins by seizing and crushing them with its beak1 and then throws them into the air several times1 in order to receive them in its throat1 which is very capacious4 ,when the piece is too large1 or the insect still alive1 it strikes it hard against the ground1 and begins again to throw it in the air1 till falling not across1 but so as to thread the throat1 it may be easily swallowed4 ,after having been fed thus long enough1 a little barley-meal may be mixed with the meat4 ,i have even brought it to eat bread1 vegetables1 and softened oatmeal1 but it always prefers cow's heart4 ,i have never seen it drink4 ,it knows the person who takes care of it1 comes at his call to eat from his hands1 without however letting itself be caught3 but it never becomes quite tame1 and often defends itself with its beak4 ,it makes very few movements unless to seek its food1 and generally remains quite still in the same place4 ,if it ever hops about the room it is in an awkward and cramped manner1 on account of its short feet2 on the other hand1 it flies very well2 but it must not be left completely at liberty in the room1 or quite shut up in the cage1 because it is so easily startled1 and in its fright gives itself such violent blows on the head as would soon kill it4 ,the best way is to clip one wing1 and then let it range the room4 ,these birds quarrel with one another1 particularly in the evening1 for their places on the perch4 ,i have kept them for some time in a large aviary with small and great birds1 and once with my pigeons which ,i kept shut up2 generally ,i have them in my room1 where they mix with several other birds3 but whether alone or with companions they appeared equally healthy and active4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,they have few other attractions besides their beautiful plumage1 for their voice is only a harsh croaking crag1 crag1 craag#bj4 ,,the ,,golden ,,oriole4 ,oriolus ,galbula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,loriot1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,pirol1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 the male of which is very beautiful1 is about the size of a blackbird4 ,its length is nine inches1 of which the tail measures three and a half1 and the beak one4 ,the head1 neck1 back1 breast1 sides1 and lesser wing-coverts1 are of a brilliant golden yellow2 the wings and the tail are black1 with yellow gradually increasing to the outer feathers4 ,the female is not so brilliant1 the golden yellow is only visible at the tip of the olive feathers in the tail1 and in the lesser and under wing-coverts4 ,all the upper part of the body is of the green colour of the siskin1 the lower part greenish white with brown streaks1 and the wings grey black4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 it generally frequents lonely groves1 or the skirts of forests1 always keeping among the most bushy trees1 so that it is rarely seen on a naked branch2 it always frequents orchards during the time of cherries4 ,it is a bird of passage1 departing in families in ,august1 and not returning till the following ,may#ba4 ,in the house1 if it cannot be let range at pleasure1 it must be confined in a large wire cage4 ,,food4--,when wild1 its food is insects and berries4 ,in confinement1 and if an old one be caught by means of the owl1 like the jays1 it must be kept at first in a quiet and retired place1 offering it fresh cherries1 then adding by degrees ants' eggs1 and white bread soaked in milk1 or the nightingale's food4 ,but ,i confess there is great difficulty in keeping it alive1 for with every attention and the greatest care1 ,i do not know a single instance of one of this species having been preserved for more than three or four months4 ,illustration3 ,,nest ,,of ,,the ,,golden ,,oriole4 ,,breeding4--,the scarcity of the golden oriole arises from its breeding but once a year4 ,its nest1 hung with great art in the fork of a small bushy branch1 is in shape like a purse1 or a basket with two handles4 ,the female lays four or five white eggs1 marked with a few black streaks and spots4 ,before the first moulting1 the young ones are like their mother1 and mew like cats4 ,if any one wishes to rear them they must be taken early from the nest2 fed on ants' eggs1 chopped meat and white bread soaked in milk1 varying these things as their health requires1 and as their excrements are too frequent or too soft4 ,in short1 they may be accustomed to the nightingale's food4 ,i must here remark that a very attentive person alone can hope to succeed#bb4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,i have seen two golden orioles that were reared from the nest1 one of which1 independent of the natural song1 whistled a minuet1 and the other imitated a flourish of trumpets4 ,its full and flute-like tones appeared to me extremely pleasing4 ,unfortunately the fine colours of its plumage were tarnished1 which almost always happens1 above all if the bird be kept in a room filled with smoke1 either from the stove or from tobacco4 ,one of my neighbours saw two golden orioles at ,berlin1 both of which whistled different airs4 ,its note of call1 which in the month of ,june so well distinguishes the golden oriole from other birds1 may be well expressed by ye1 puhlo#bc4 ,,the ,,hoopoe4 ,illustration ,upupa ,epops1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,huppe1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,wiedehopf1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is twelve inches1 of which the tail measures four1 and the bill1 which is black1 two and a half4 ,the iris is blackish brown4 ,the feet are black and very short4 ,there is a tuft on the head like a fan1 formed of a double row of feathers1 all of them tipped with black4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state1 the hoopoe remains1 during summer1 in woods near meadows1 and pasture land4 ,in the month of ,august1 after hay-harvest1 it goes in flocks into the plains2 it departs in ,september1 and does not return till the end of the following ,april4 ,it is more frequently seen on the ground than perching#bd4 ,in the house1 it is not kept in a cage1 but let range at will2 it is very chilly1 at least it is so fond of warmth that it is constantly on the stove1 and would rather let its beak be dried up than come away from it4 ,,food4--,when wild1 it may be continually seen in fields1 searching for its favourite insects among cow dung and the excrements of other animals4 ,some people put it into their granaries to clear them of weevils and spiders2 this has succeeded very well1 but to say that it also eats mice1 is certainly an error4 ,in the house1 it may be easily reared on meat1 and white bread soaked in milk1 to which meal worms must be added from time to time4 ,,breeding4--,the hoopoe lays from two to four eggs2 its nest1 placed in the hole of some tree1 is a mixture of cow dung and small roots4 ,the young are easily reared on the flesh of young pigeons2 but they cannot pick it up well1 because their tongue1 about the size of half a bean1 and heart-shaped1 is too short to turn the food into the throat4 ,they are obliged to throw their food in the air1 holding the beak open to receive it4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in the month of ,august1 when a field has been observed which the bird frequents most1 a small well-limed rod of about eight inches in length must be placed on a mole-hill1 having two or three meal worms fastened to it by means of a thread about three inches long4 ,as soon as the hoopoe sees the worms it darts upon them1 and thus makes the lime twig fall upon itself1 which embarrasses it4 ,but these birds1 whether taken young or old1 can very rarely be preserved4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,independently of its beauty1 its droll actions are very amusing4 ,for instance1 it makes a continual motion with its head1 tapping the floor with its beak1 so that it seems as if it walks with a stick1 at the same time shaking its crest1 wings1 and tail#be4 ,i have had several of them in my house1 and have always been diverted by their singular grimaces4 ,when any one looks at them steadily1 they immediately begin their droll tricks4 ,the following is an extract from a letter written by ,m4 von ,schauroth on the hoopoe1 which ,i think it is well to insert here3 ,with great care and attention1 ,i was able last summer to rear two young hoopoes1 taken from a nest which was placed at the top of an oak tree4 ,these little birds followed me everywhere1 and when they heard me at a distance showed their joy by a particular chirping1 jumped into the air1 or as soon as ,i was seated climbed on my clothes1 particularly when giving them their food from a pan of milk1 the cream of which they swallowed greedily2 they climbed higher and higher1 till at last they perched on my shoulders1 and sometimes on my head1 caressing me very affectionately3 notwithstanding this1 ,i had only to speak a word to rid myself of their company1 they would then immediately retire to the stove4 ,generally they would observe my eyes to discover what my temper might be1 that they might act accordingly4 ,i fed them like the nightingales1 or with the universal paste1 to which ,i sometimes added insects2 they would never touch earth-worms1 but were very fond of beetles and ,may-bugs1 these they first killed1 and then beat them with their beak into a kind of oblong ball2 when this was done1 they threw it into the air1 that they might catch it and swallow it lengthways2 if it fell across the throat they were obliged to begin again4 ,instead of bathing1 they roll in the sand4 ,i took them one day into a neighbouring field1 that they might catch insects for themselves1 and had then an opportunity of remarking their innate fear of birds of prey1 and their instinct under it4 ,as soon as they perceived a raven1 or even a pigeon1 they were on their bellies in the twinkling of an eye1 their wings stretched out by the side of their head1 so that the large quill feathers touched3 they were thus surrounded by a sort of crown1 formed by the feathers of the tail and wings1 the head leaning on the back1 with the beak pointing upwards2 in this curious posture they might be taken for an old rag4 ,as soon as the bird which frightened them was gone they jumped up immediately1 uttering cries of joy4 ,they were very fond of lying in the sun2 they showed their content by repeating in a quivering tone1 vec1 vec1 vec2 when angry their notes are harsh1 and the male1 which is known by its colour being redder1 cries hoop1 hoop4 ,the female had the trick of dragging its food about the room1 by this means it was covered with small feathers and other rubbish1 which by degrees formed into an indigestible ball in its stomach1 about the size of a nut1 of which it died4 ,the male lived through the winter2 but not quitting the heated stove1 its beak became so dry that the two parts separated1 and remained more than an inch apart2 thus it died miserably4 ,i once saw1 says ,buffon1 one of these birds which had been taken in a net1 and being then old1 or at least adult1 must have had natural habits3 its attachment to the person who took care of it was very strong1 and even exclusive4 ,it appeared to be happy only when alone with her2 if strangers came unexpectedly it raised its crest with surprise and fear1 and hid itself on the top of a bed which was in the room4 ,sometimes it was bold enough to come from its asylum1 but it fled directly to its beloved mistress1 and seemed to see no one but her4 ,it had two very different tones2 one soft1 as if from within1 and seemed the very seat of sentiment1 which it addressed to its mistress2 the other sharp1 and more piercing1 which expressed anger and fear4 ,it was never kept in a cage by day or night1 and was permitted to range the house at pleasure3 however1 though the windows were often open1 it never showed the least desire to escape1 its wish for liberty not being so strong as its attachment4 ,this pretty bird accidentally died of hunger4 ,its mistress had kept it for four months1 feeding it only on bread and cheese4 ,,the ,,cuckoo4 ,illustration ,cuculus canorus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,coucou1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,kukuk1 ,,bechstein4 ,although it is not larger than the turtle-dove1 its length is fourteen inches1 but seven of these are included in the tail1 three quarters of which are covered by the folded wings4 ,the beak1 black above1 and bluish beneath2 the feet have two claws before and two behind4 ,the head1 the top of the neck1 and the rest of the upper part of the body are of a dark ash colour1 changing like the throat of the pigeon on the back and wing-coverts4 ,in the female1 which is smaller1 the upper part of the body is of a dark brown1 with dirty brown spots1 which are scarcely visible4 ,the under part of the neck is a mixture of ash grey and yellow1 crossed with dark streaks4 ,the belly is of a dirty white1 with dark transverse lines4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 it is a bird of passage1 which arrives in ,april and departs in ,september1 and even much sooner1 according to an ,english observer4 ,in the house1 it may be let run about1 or confined in a large wooden cage4 ,,food4--,when wild1 it eats all sorts of insects1 particularly caterpillars on trees4 ,when confined1 it is fed with meat1 insects1 and the universal paste made of wheat-meal4 ,,breeding ,,and ,,peculiarities4--,every one knows that the female cuckoo never sits upon her eggs1 but intrusts that care to other birds1 particularly those which feed on insects1 laying one or two eggs in their nest4 ,in order to tame a cuckoo1 it must be taken from the nest3 ,i never tried myself1 but several of my friends have4 ,as this is a curious bird1 and most bird-fanciers like to have it in their room or aviary1 ,i shall here insert some observations on this subject1 by ,m4 von ,schauroth1 who was before quoted4 ,the cuckoo possesses hardly any qualities which would render it fit to be a house bird3 if old1 it is too obstinate and voracious1 generally it is furious1 sullen1 and melancholy4 ,i have reared several2 the last was taken from the nest of a yellowhammer3 its eyes were not opened when ,i took it1 yet it darted at me with fury4 ,before ,i had had it six days it would swallow in a passion everything that came near it4 ,i fed it on bird's flesh1 and was obliged to continue this food for a long time before it could feed itself4 ,its motions were so quick in jumping or moving that it would overthrow any cups of food which happened to be in its way4 ,its tail grew very slowly4 ,it was never entirely tamed2 it would dart at my hands and face1 attacked every thing which came too near it1 and even the other birds4 ,it ate the poultry paste in great quantities1 and discharged in proportion1 which made it very dirty2 ,i have even seen it1 like the ostrich1 eat its own excrements4 ,its short and climbing feet are so awkward that it cannot walk2 it makes two or three jumps1 but flies very well4 ,though cunning and solitary1 says ,buffon1 the cuckoos may be given some sort of education4 ,several persons of my acquaintance have reared and tamed them4 ,they feed them on minced meat1 either dressed or raw1 insects1 eggs1 soaked bread1 and fruit4 ,one of these tamed cuckoos knew its master1 came at his call1 followed him to the chase1 perched on his gun1 and if it found a cherry tree in its way it would fly to it1 and not return till it had eaten plentifully2 sometimes it would not return to its master for the whole day1 but followed him at a distance1 flying from tree to tree4 ,in the house it might range at will1 and passed the night on the roost4 ,the excrement of this bird is white1 and in great quantities2 this is one of the disagreeables in rearing it4 ,great care must be taken to keep it from the cold from autumn till winter2 this is the critical period for these birds1 at least it was at this time that ,i lost all which ,i had tried to rear1 besides many other birds of a different species4 ,,the ,,minor ,,grakle4 ,graccula religiosa1 ,,linn,,us2 ,mino ou ,mainate1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,mino oder ,plauderer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of a blackbird1 ten inches and a half long1 of which the tail measures three1 and the beak one and a half4 ,the feathers on the side of the head are short1 like velvet1 but on the top1 descending towards the back of the head1 they are the general length2 on both sides of the head there is naked skin1 which begins under the eyes1 and extends to the back of the head1 but without uniting2 its breadth is uneven1 near the eyes it is wide and yellow1 but when the bird is pleased or is angry this colour varies4 ,black is the predominant colour of the body1 with some tints of purple1 violet1 or green1 according to the different light it is in2 the feathers of the tail have a white streak4 ,,observations4--,the minor grakle is found in both the ,indies1 in ,jamaica1 as well as in the islands beyond the ,ganges1 as far as ,java4 ,their food is vegetable3 those which are brought to ,europe willingly eat cherries and raisins2 if these be shown them without being given directly they begin to cry and weep like a child4 ,they become exceedingly tame and confiding2 they whistle exceedingly well1 and chatter better than any parrot4 ,the ,chinese ladies are very fond of them2 they are sold very dear in ,java4 ,in the inland parts of ,germany nothing is so rare as one of these birds4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,the ,,maccaw4 ,,large ,,beaked ,,birds4 ,the general characteristics of this group are1 a beak large1 but varying in size1 very hollow1 light1 raised above1 and hooked before2 in the species immediately following1 the legs are short1 strong1 and the feet formed for climbing2 they are furnished with a tongue1 thick1 fleshy1 and rounded like the human tongue1 which renders articulation easy to them4 ,all these birds are foreign1 and ought to be reared from the nest when intended for speaking4 ,,the ,,red ,,and ,,blue ,,maccaw4 ,psittacus ,macao1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ara ,rouge1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothe ,aras1 ,,bechstein4 ,the beauty of their plumage1 and the facility with which they repeat words1 are the two principal reasons for the introduction of parrots into parlours4 ,some imitate the songs of other birds and warble very sweetly4 ,we have observed1 that in order to speak distinctly the tongue must be thick1 rounded1 and the muscle loose enough to permit the requisite motion2 hence it happens that parrots1 above all those with a short tail1 pronounce so very distinctly4 ,the ravens1 jack-daws1 and jays come next to them2 but the starlings and blackbirds surpass them in the formation of the larynx4 ,the red and blue maccaw is one of the largest of the parrot tribe1 being two feet eight inches in length4 ,the hardest stones of the peach cannot resist the strength of its beak1 the upper mandible of which is very much hooked4 ,the claws are directed forward1 and two backward4 ,the naked cheeks are covered with a wrinkled whitish skin4 ,the head1 neck1 breast1 belly1 thighs1 top of the back1 and the upper wing-coverts are of the finest vermilion4 ,the lower part of the back and the rump are light blue4 ,the scapulars and large wing-coverts are a mixture of blue1 yellow1 and green4 ,the colours sometimes vary1 especially in the wings and tail1 but the species will not be the less easily known on that account4 ,the female very much resembles the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it inhabits ,south ,america1 and may be found in ,brazil and ,guiana1 in damp woods1 and always in pairs4 ,in the house it may be let range at will1 giving it a roost with several rings placed across4 ,like its fellows1 it may be kept in a very large strong wire cage1 high and wide enough to let it move with ease1 and preserve its handsome tail in all its beauty4 ,,food4--,in its native country the fruit of the palm tree is its principal food2 our fruit it also likes1 but white bread soaked in milk agrees with it better2 biscuit does not hurt it2 but meat1 sweetmeats1 and other niceties are very injurious2 and though at first it does not appear to be injured1 it becomes unhealthy1 its feathers stand up separate1 it pecks and tears them1 above all those on the first joint of the pinion1 and it even makes holes in different parts of its body4 ,it drinks little--this is perhaps occasioned by its eating nothing dry4 ,many bird-fanciers say that the best food for parrots is simply the crumbs of white bread1 well baked1 without salt1 soaked in water1 and then slightly squeezed in the hand4 ,but though this appears to agree with them pretty well1 it is however certain that now and then something else ought to be added4 ,i have observed1 indeed1 that parrots which are thus fed are very thin1 have hardly strength to bear moulting1 and sometimes even do not moult at all2 in that case they become asthmatic1 and die of consumption4 ,it is clear that feeding them only on this food1 which has very little if any moisture in it1 is not sufficient to nourish them properly1 at least during the moulting season1 and while the feathers are growing again4 ,i never saw a parrot in better health than one which belonged to a lady1 who fed it on white bread soaked in boiled milk1 having more milk than the bread would absorb1 which the parrot drank with apparent pleasure2 there was also put into the drawer of its cage some sea biscuit1 or white bread soaked in boiling water2 it was also given fruit when in season4 ,it is necessary to be very careful that the milk is not sour4 ,some young maccaws are fed on hemp-seed1 which must always be of the year before1 as the new would be too warm and dangerous4 ,yet they must not be fed entirely on this food1 but there must be added white bread soaked in milk or water1 as has already been mentioned1 some fruit and nuts1 but never bitter almonds1 as they will infallibly kill all young animals4 ,in all cases the excrements of the bird will indicate the state of its health1 and whether the food ought to be changed or not4 ,although maccaws rarely want to drink1 as their food is very moist1 yet they must not be left without water1 which is generally placed in one of the divisions of their tin drawer4 ,it is also a good thing to entice them to bathe1 nothing is more favourable to their health1 or better facilitates the painful operation of moulting1 or keeps their feathers in better order4 ,a little attention to these favourites1 deprived of their liberty1 their natural climate1 and food1 cannot be too much trouble to amiable persons who are fond of them1 and to whom these pretty birds become greatly attached4 ,,breeding4--,the red and blue maccaws build their nests in the holes of old decayed trees2 they enlarge and make the hole even with their beak1 and line it with feathers4 ,the female1 like that of the other ,american parrots1 breeds twice in the year1 laying two eggs each time1 which are exactly like those of the partridge4 ,in ,europe the females also lay well1 but the eggs are generally unfruitful2 when they are not so it is very difficult to make the mother sit2 there are1 however1 a few examples of the female maccaw being so well inclined to perform this office1 that she will sit on pigeons' and hens' eggs1 which are hatched in due time4 ,the maccaws which we have in this country have generally been reared from the nest1 particularly those which speak1 for the old ones would be too savage and untractable1 and would only stun one with their unbearable cries1 the faithful interpreters of their different passions4 ,,diseases4--,amongst those to which maccaws are particularly subject1 declines are the most frequent4 ,some cures for this are mentioned in the ,introduction1 which it would be well to employ4 ,during the moulting season attention must be redoubled1 not only to keep them in health but to preserve their beautiful plumage4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,as maccaws are very dear they are generally only found in the possession of rich bird-fanciers4 ,in the centre of ,germany one costs from fifty to a hundred rix dollars1 and in the maritime cities thirty or forty4 ,their beautiful plumage forms their principal attraction4 ,they also learn to repeat many words1 to go and come1 and also to obey the least signal from their master4 ,i confess1 however1 that their awkward walk1 their heavy movements1 and their constant inclination to help themselves along with their beak1 added to their great uncleanliness1 does not appear very agreeable4 ,they are sometimes very wicked1 taking dislike to some people1 and may do great injury to children if left alone with them4 ,owing to their dung being very liquid1 abundant1 and foetid1 they must be cleaned regularly every day4 ,illustration3 ,,aviary ,,for ,,drawing ,,room4 ,,the ,,blue ,,and ,,yellow ,,maccaw4 ,psittacus ,ararauna1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ara ,bleu2 ,der ,blaue ,aras1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 which is about the size of the former1 appears to me much more beautiful1 though the colours of its plumage are not so striking4 ,its beak is black1 the feet dark grey2 the cheeks flesh-coloured1 streaked in the form of an ,s1 with lines of short black feathers4 ,the iris is light yellow2 the throat ornamented with a black collar2 the forehead1 to the top of the head1 the sides1 and small wing-coverts are of a dark green2 the rest of the upper part of the body is of a fine blue2 all the colours are apt to vary4 ,,habitation4--,being1 like the preceding one1 a native of ,surinam1 ,guiana1 and ,brazil1 its way of living and qualities are much the same4 ,it does not1 however1 learn to speak so easily1 and cannot pronounce the word maccaw so distinctly2 but it imitates perfectly the bleating of sheep1 the mewing of cats1 and the barking of dogs4 ,its custom of only drinking in the evening seems extraordinary4 ,,the ,,illinois ,,parrot4 ,psittacus pertinax1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche ,illinoise2 ,der ,illinesische ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is a species which almost all bird-sellers have4 ,its length is nine inches and a half4 ,the beak is light grey1 the eyes surrounded with a naked greyish skin1 the iris is deep orange4 ,the feet are dark grey4 ,the principal colour on the top of the body is green1 that under is yellowish grey4 ,the forehead1 cheeks1 and throat are of a brilliant orange2 the top of the head is dark green2 this colour is lighter and yellowish on the back of the head2 the top of the neck is greenish grey2 there are some orange spots on the belly4 ,in the female1 the forehead only is deep yellow1 and there is no other mixture of yellow either on the head or belly4 ,,habitation4--,this parrot is also a native of the hottest parts of ,south ,america1 frequenting savannas1 or any other open places1 and building its nest even in the holes of the ,termites 7,termes fatalis1 ,,linn,,us47 ,these birds are so sociable that they may be seen in flocks of five or six hundred4 ,in the house1 they must always be kept in pairs1 and generally in cages4 ,they show the tenderness of their attachment to each other by their continual caresses2 this is in fact so great1 that if one die the other soon languishes from grief4 ,,food4--,when these birds go forth to steal chestnuts1 acorns1 peas1 and similar fruits1 which form their food1 they always place a sentinel to warn them of the approach of an enemy3 at the least alarm1 they fly away1 uttering loud cries4 ,when confined1 they are fed with nuts1 and bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,their handsome plumage1 their affectionate and confiding ways1 and the tenderness of attachment which these pretty birds have for each other1 make them great favourites2 but they learn scarcely any thing1 and their continual cries are sometimes very annoying4 ,,the ,,long-,,tailed ,,green ,,parrakeet4 ,psittacus rufirostris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,sincialo1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothschnblige ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this species is twelve inches and a half1 but the tail alone measures seven inches and a half4 ,this bird is not larger than a blackbird2 the folded wings only cover one quarter of the tail1 the centre feathers of which are nearly five inches longer than the exterior ones4 ,the upper mandible of the beak is of a blood red1 with the point black2 the under one is entirely black4 ,the circle of the eyes1 the naked membrane of the beak1 and the feet1 are flesh-coloured2 the irides are orange4 ,the rest of the body is yellowish green1 with the wings bordered with light yellow4 ,there are varieties of different shades of green1 the tail feathers of which are blue at the extremity4 ,this species inhabits the hottest part of ,south ,america4 ,its cry is noisy and frequent2 it soon learns to speak1 whistle1 and imitate the sounds of most animals as well as birds4 ,in the cage1 where it cannot have much other exercise1 it chatters and squalls so incessantly1 that it is often very disagreeable4 ,it must be treated like the preceding species1 but does not appear so delicate4 ,,the ,,blue-,,headed ,,parrot4 ,psittacus cyanocephalus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche tte bleu1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,blaukpfige ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this beautiful species is not more scarce than the preceding1 and is about the size of a turtle dove1 although its length is eleven inches and a half1 six of which being included in the tail1 half of this is covered by the folded wings4 ,the naked skin round the eyes is yellow2 the upper part of the body is green1 the under part yellowish4 ,the forehead has some tints of red2 the head is blue2 the throat violet1 with a grey tint4 ,this parrot comes from ,india1 and is only prized for its beauty1 for it cannot learn to speak4 ,it must be treated like the preceding species4 ,,the ,,yellow ,,parrot4 ,psittacus solstitialis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche jaune1 ,,buffon2 ,der gelbe ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,the whole length of this bird is eleven inches and a half4 ,the tail is wedge-shaped1 and the folded wings cover one-third of it4 ,the beak and feet are green4 ,the throat1 the naked membranes of the beak1 and the circle of the eyes1 are light grey2 the iris is yellow4 ,the general colour of the body is orange1 with olive spots on the back and wing coverts4 ,this parrot comes from ,angola1 and easily learns to speak4 ,the food and treatment must be the same as the preceding4 ,,the ,,amboina ,,parrot4 ,psittacus ,amboinensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,lory ,perruche tricolor1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,amboinische ,sittich-,lory1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species somewhat resembles the ,ceram lory1 a variety of ,le ,lori ,noir of ,buffon 7,psittacus garrulus auror1 ,,linn,,us72 owing to this resemblance the ,french also call it l',aurore4 ,its length is sixteen inches1 of which the tail1 which is round1 measures half4 ,the beak is nine lines in length2 there is no naked membrane1 and the nostrils are in front2 the iris is of a golden hue4 ,the head1 the nape of the neck1 and all the lower part of the body1 are the colour of vermilion4 ,a ring of sky blue1 very indistinct1 surrounds the neck2 all the feathers on the top of the body are of a beautiful green1 with a fine edge of blue1 or some dark colour4 ,in the female1 the head is green2 the throat1 the under part of the neck1 and the breast1 are the same1 but having a reddish tint4 ,the small tail-coverts are dark green1 edged with red2 the tail itself is tinged with green4 ,the beak is horn brown1 with a reddish tint above and below4 ,,observations4--,a pair of this beautiful species were sold to his ,highness the ,duke of ,meiningen as coming from ,botany ,bay1 but they are really natives of ,amboina4 ,timid and wild1 this bird has a sharp whistle and a cry like gaick1 but cannot speak4 ,the feathers are so loose that they generally come off in the hand when touched2 but they grow again very quickly4 ,it is kept and treated like the others4 ,,the ,,purple ,,parrot4 ,psittacus ,pennanti1 ,,latham2 ,la ,purpure2 ,der ,pennantsche ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,in the male1 which very much resembles the sparrow-hawk1 the prevailing colour is a reddish purple1 from which it derives its name among bird-sellers4 ,the head and rump are dark crimson2 the throat1 as well as the small outer wing-coverts1 and the centre pen-feathers1 are of a most beautiful sky blue2 all the under part of the body is bright crimson1 shading to bluish on the thighs4 ,the tail is of a deep blue4 ,in the female1 which the bird-sellers pass as a different species1 under the name of the ,palm-tree ,parrot1 the prevailing colour is greenish yellow2 it resembles the male sparrow-hawk in make4 ,the head1 the sides of the neck1 and half the breast1 are of a bright crimson2 the throat pearl blue1 shading a little to sky blue on the edges2 the top of the neck1 the back1 shoulders1 and last quill-feathers1 are of a velvet black4 ,all the feathers are edged with greenish yellow1 except the scapulars and the feathers of the neck1 the edges of which are the colour of sulphur4 ,the rump and part round the vent are of parrot green1 the long lower coverts of the tail crimson1 edged with greenish yellow2 the knee bands have a shade of sky blue4 ,the under part of the body is of a brilliant yellow1 with some irregular red dashes and spots1 which show its relation to the former bird4 ,the base of the tail is green1 like the neck of the water-duck2 the rest of the wings and tail are like the male4 ,,observations4--,i have seen several of this superb species1 which belonged to his ,highness the ,duke of ,meiningen4 ,it is a great pity that they are so wild1 timid1 and difficult to teach4 ,their note is a kind of chirping1 which is rarely heard4 ,their feathers are as loose as the preceding species4 ,they come from ,botany ,bay1 and are very dear4 ,being more delicate1 they require more attention than the other parroquets4 ,,the ,,whiskered ,,parrot4 ,psittacus bimaculatus1 ,,sparrmann2 ,perruche ,moustache2 ,der ,zweyfleckige1 ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this very beautiful parrot is fourteen inches1 of which the tail measures more than half2 its size is that of the turtle-dove1 but very slender4 ,the beak is large1 orange-coloured1 or pale blood red2 the head of a fine ash colour1 tinted with green on the top1 and having a narrow black band on the forehead2 the part near the eyes is naked1 and pale flesh-coloured2 the forehead light yellow2 an almost triangular spot extends from the base of the beak across the cheeks to the throat2 all the top of the body is meadow green1 spotted with black4 ,the under part of the body is of a deep rose colour4 ,there is a variety of this species with a black beak4 ,in the female1 or what is supposed to be so1 the forehead1 the throat1 the sides of the head and neck are pale orange colour2 an oval black streak descends from the corners of the beak towards the throat2 the nape1 the top of the neck1 the shoulders1 back1 rump1 and upper part of the tail1 are meadow green4 ,the breast and belly1 to the extremity1 are of a fine green4 ,,observations4--,this bird is very docile1 amiable1 and talkative4 ,its mildness is very pleasing1 and it is extremely affectionate and caressing4 ,its cry is gaie1 gaie1 gaie4 ,it comes from the ,islands of the ,southern ,ocean and ,botany ,bay4 ,,the ,,cardinal ,,parrot4 ,psittacus erythrocephalus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche cardinale2 ,der ,cardinal ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this species is twelve inches1 of which the tail1 which is very wedge-shaped1 measures six and three quarters4 ,the beak is peach blossom1 and the naked membrane ash coloured1 the iris orange1 and the feet grey4 ,all the head is violet1 tinted with blue and red2 a black band surrounds the neck2 the throat is black1 the upper part of the body dark green1 the under part light green4 ,in the female1 the beak is yellow2 the head of a dark blue ash-colour1 without the ring round the neck2 but the place of it is marked by a slight yellow tint4 ,the young ones also have no ring1 and the colour of the head is not marked2 it varies from rose red to green4 ,,varieties ,,of ,,the ,,cardinal ,,parrot4 #a4 ,the ,blossom-headed ,parrakeet1 ,,latham2 ,psittacus erythrocephalus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,perruche tte rouge de ,gingi1 ,buffon2 ,der ,rothkpfige ,sittich aus ,gingi1 ,,bechstein4 ,the head is red1 having on the back a mixture of light blue4 ,a narrow black line passes from the chin to the nape of the neck2 another line1 of light green1 below the former1 forms with it a ring round the neck4 ,the rest of the plumage is green1 but the under part of the body has a tint of light yellow4 ,the tail is green above1 having the inner border light yellow4 #b4 ,the ,rose-headed ,ring ,parrakeet1 ,,latham2 ,psittacus erythrocephalus ,bengalensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,petite ,perruche tte couleur de rose longs brins1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,rothkpfige ,sittich aus ,bengalen1 ,,bechstein4 ,the upper mandible is light yellow1 the lower black1 the membrane brownish4 ,the top of the head and cheeks are rose coloured1 the back of the head blue1 the throat and ring like the preceding variety1 as well as the red spot on the wing-coverts2 the two centre feathers of the tail are blue1 the others green1 edged with blue4 #c4 ,the ,borneo ,parrakeet2 ,psittacus erythrocephalus ,borneus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,perruche tte rouge de pcher de ,borneo2 ,der ,rothkpfige ,sittich aus ,borneo1 ,,bechstein4 ,the upper mandible is red1 the under black1 the membrane ash-coloured1 the iris the same2 the whole head is peach-blossom1 with a green tint on the forehead2 there is a black line between the eyes1 near the membrane of the beak2 another extends from the lower mandible obliquely on each side of the neck1 widening on the back4 ,the upper part of the body to the tail is light green1 shading to light yellow towards the middle of the wing-coverts2 all the under part from the chin is peach blossom1 tinged with chestnut colour2 the feathers of the thighs1 the tail-coverts1 and the middle of the belly1 are green2 the feathers of the tail are the same1 but the centre ones are rather brown1 and all are spotted with white4 ,,observations4--,this parrakeet1 so easily distinguished by its plumage1 is lively1 fearful1 and its cry is frequent4 ,it learns nothing of itself1 and it is with great difficulty that it can be made to repeat a few words4 ,i have seen it1 with the preceding and following species1 among the beautiful collection of birds belonging to his ,highness the ,duke of ,meiningen4 ,,the ,,red-,,headed ,,guinea ,,parrakeet4 ,psittacus ,manillensis1 ,,bechstein2 ,perruche collier couleur de rose1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,manilische ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this beautiful species1 whose colours are soft and the feathers thick and silky1 is hardly larger than the thrush1 though its length is from fourteen to fifteen inches1 two-thirds of which are included in the tail4 ,the naked membrane is flesh-coloured1 the eyelids very red4 ,the plumage is1 in general1 light green4 ,from the black throat there extends a ring round the neck1 which is black at first1 and afterwards pale rose colour2 the back of the neck in old birds has a blue tint4 ,in the female the black of the throat is not so wide1 there is no rose-coloured ring1 and the under part of the body more nearly approaches yellow4 ,,observations4--,this species1 which is very mild1 tame1 and beautiful1 is a native of the ,philippines1 particularly ,manilla2 some say that it is also very common in ,africa4 ,it is very pleasing1 certainly1 but rarely learns to speak1 and then only a few words4 ,it must be treated like other delicate species4 ,,the ,,pavouan ,,parrot4 ,psittacus ,guianensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche ,pavouane1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,guianische ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is only twelve inches in length1 including the tail1 which measures six and a quarter1 and has the two centre feathers three inches longer than the others4 ,the upper part of the body is dark green1 the under lighter4 ,the cheeks are not spotted with bright red till the third year4 ,,observations4--,it is a native of ,guiana1 ,cayenne1 and the ,caribbee ,islands4 ,bird-sellers in ,germany are generally provided with them1 as they are not delicate or difficult to carry about4 ,they must be treated like the former species4 ,this1 says ,buffon1 is1 of all parrots from the new continent1 the most easily taught to speak2 nevertheless it is only tractable in this particular1 for even after a long captivity it still preserves a native wildness and ferocity1 and is sometimes stubborn and ill-humoured4 ,but as it has a lively eye1 is neatly and well formed1 it is admired for its shape4 ,,the ,,rose-,,ringed ,,parrakeet4 ,psittacus pullarius1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche tte rouge1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,rothkpfige ,guineische ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,bird-sellers give the name of ,guinea-sparrow to this little parrakeet1 which is not larger than the common crossbill4 ,the beak is red1 but pale at the tip1 the membrane at the base ash colour1 as well as the circle round the eyes4 ,the feet are grey1 the iris bluish2 the front part of the head and throat are red2 the edge of the wings and rump blue4 ,the upper side of the tail feathers is red1 the under has a black streak1 the tip is green2 the two centre feathers are entirely green1 like the rest of the body4 ,in the female1 the colours are the same1 though lighter1 and the lower part of the wing is yellow4 ,these birds may be found in any part of the torrid zone in the old world1 from ,guinea to ,india4 ,as most of them died on the voyage1 there were formerly very few of them in ,europe1 but as the means of preserving them is now better known1 most bird-sellers have them4 ,though they cannot learn to speak1 and their cry is rather disagreeable1 yet one cannot help admiring them as much for their beauty as their great mildness4 ,they are so much attached to each other that they must always be had in pairs1 and if one dies the other rarely survives it4 ,some people think that a mirror hung in the cage1 in which the survivor may imagine that it still sees its lost companion1 will console it4 ,the male remains affectionately near the female1 feeds her1 and gives her the most tender caresses2 she1 in her turn1 shows the greatest uneasiness if she be separated from him for an instant4 ,in the countries which this species inhabits1 it makes great havoc among the corn4 ,in ,europe it is fed on canary seed1 millet1 and white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,the ,,carolina ,,parrot4 ,psittacus ,carolinensis1 ,,linn,,us#bf2 ,la ,perruche tte jaune1 ,,buffon1 pl4 enl4 #dii2 ,der ,carolinische ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is about the size of a turtle-dove2 its length is thirteen inches1 of which the tail measures at least half4 ,the beak is as white as ivory1 the membrane and naked circle of the eyes1 as well as the feet and claws1 greyish white2 the front of the head of a beautiful orange1 the back1 the nape of the neck1 and the throat1 light yellow2 the rest of the neck1 the back1 breast1 belly1 and sides1 are green2 the tail is green1 and very wedge-shaped4 ,,observations4--,a native of ,guiana2 this pretty parrot also breeds in ,carolina1 and sometimes even penetrates into ,virginia in large flocks during the fruit season1 making great ravages among the nuts1 of which it only eats almonds1 rejecting all others4 ,it is frequently brought to ,europe2 and in ,paris it is the species of parrot which costs the most4 ,it is fed1 says ,buffon1 on hemp seed2 but it is better to add white bread soaked in water1 or boiled milk which is not sour1 wheat1 ,indian corn1 and the like4 ,its cry is frequent2 it is rather wicked1 and does not speak2 but it well makes up for this by its beauty1 the elegance of its form1 its graceful movements1 and its strong and almost exclusive attachment to its mistress2 it likes to hang by the beak1 even while sleeping1 and will let itself be carried thus every where without moving for a very long time4 ,,the ,,little ,,blue ,,and ,,green ,,parrakeet4 ,psittacus passerinus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche passerine t1 ou ,toui t1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,sperlingsparkit1 ,,bechstein4 ,its size very little exceeds that of the sparrow4 ,a beautiful light green is the predominant colour of its plumage2 but the rump is blue1 the large wing-coverts are the same2 the small ones1 again1 are green4 ,the beak1 the membrane at the base1 the circle of the eyes1 and the feet1 are often orange2 it sometimes varies1 however1 to yellow1 ash colour1 and flesh colour4 ,,observations4--,this species is as social and affectionate as the preceding1 but much more rare and dear4 ,it is a native of ,brazil1 and cannot speak4 ,it must be fed on canary seed1 millet1 and hemp4 ,,the ,,grey-,,breasted ,,parrot4 ,psittacus murinus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche poitrine grise1 ,,buffon2 ,der grnbrustige ,sittich1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pretty parrot1 distinguished by its silvery grey colour1 is about the size of a turtle-dove4 ,its ruffling the feathers of its head1 particularly on the cheeks1 added to the smallness and peculiar way in which it holds its bill1 which is always buried in its breast1 gives it somewhat the appearance of a small screech owl4 ,its length is ten inches1 of which the wedge-shaped tail measures half4 ,the beak is three-quarters of an inch in length1 pearl grey1 or whitish4 ,the forehead1 to about the middle of the top of the head1 the cheeks1 throat1 breast1 and half the belly are of a light silvery grey1 with shades appearing like grey stripes2 the upper part of the body and tail are of a brilliant siskin green4 ,,observations4--,this species is very mild1 speaks but little1 and even seems to be of a melancholy turn4 ,its call1 which is keirshe1 is loud and sonorous4 ,it is the same species which is mentioned in the ,travels of ,bougainville1 by ,pernetty4 ,we found it1 says he1 at ,montevideo1 where our sailors bought several at two piastres a-piece4 ,these birds were very tame and harmless2 they soon learnt to speak1 and became so fond of the men that they were never easy when away from them4 ,the general opinion is1 that they will not live more than a year and a half if kept in a cage2 this prejudice is completely refuted by the bird from which this description is taken1 and which may be seen in the collection of his ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen4 ,,the ,,red ,,and ,,blue ,,headed ,,parrakeet4 ,psittacus canicularis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perruche front rouge1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothstirnige ,sittich1 ,bechstein4 ,this species1 which is rather common among us1 is ten inches in length1 of which the tail measures half1 of which the folded wings cover one third2 the forehead is scarlet1 the top of the head a fine sky blue1 paler at the back2 the upper part of the body meadow green1 the under lighter4 ,the forehead is orange1 and the circle of the eye pale yellow may be peculiar to the female4 ,,observations4--,this parrot is handsome1 but does not speak4 ,although a native of ,south ,america1 is not very delicate or difficult to preserve4 ,the food as usual4 ,,the ,,red-,,crescented ,,parakeet4 ,psittacus lunatus1 ,,bechstein2 ,der ,mondfleckige1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 which ,i have not found described by any author1 may be seen in the collection belonging to his ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen4 ,its length is eleven inches and a half1 of which the tail measures six4 ,the beak1 one inch in length4 ,the forehead is deep red1 a crescent of the same colour extends towards the upper part of the neck1 ornamenting the top of the breast2 the upper part of the body is leek green1 becoming a little darker on the head4 ,the under part of the body is light green1 slightly tinted with red on the breast2 the under part of the pen and tail feathers is dirty yellow4 ,,observations4--,i do not know of what country this parrot is a native4 ,it appears very lively1 cries often and very loudly goeur1 goeur1 speaks prettily and distinctly1 and appears very healthy4 ,the bird from which the description is taken is certainly a proof that this species will attain a great age1 for it is very old4 ,,the ,,great ,,white ,,cockatoo4 ,psittacus cristatus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,kakatoes huppe blanche1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,kakatu1 ,,bechstein4 ,the size of this bird is that of a barn-door fowl1 and its length seventeen inches4 ,the beak is blackish1 and the membrane at the base black2 the iris is dark brown1 the circle of the eye white4 ,the whole of the plumage is white except the large quill-feathers and the exterior feathers of the tail1 the inner beards of which are primrose-yellow to the centre4 ,the tuft1 which the bird raises and sinks at will1 is five inches in length4 ,,observations4--,at present1 this species is only found in the ,moluccas4 ,the general custom in ,germany is to give it a spacious cage in the form of a bell1 from the top of which is hung a large metal ring1 in which it likes to perch4 ,the food of the cockatoo is the same as that of the other large species of the same family2 however1 it appears to be very fond of vegetables1 farinaceous grains1 and pastry4 ,for its qualities1 ,i cannot do better than quote ,buffon3 ,cockatoos1 says he1 which may be known by their tuft1 are not easily taught to speak2 there is one species which does not speak at all2 but this is in some measure compensated for by the great facility with which they are tamed2 in some parts of ,india they are even so far domesticated that they will build their nests on the roofs of the houses3 this facility of education is owing to their intelligence1 which is very superior to that of other parrots4 ,they listen1 understand1 and obey2 but it is in vain that they make the same efforts to repeat what is said to them3 they seem to wish to make up for it by other expressions of feeling and by affectionate caresses4 ,there is a mildness and grace in all their movements1 which greatly adds to their beauty4 ,in ,march1 #agge1 there were two1 a male and female1 at the fair of ,st4 ,germain1 in ,paris1 which obeyed with great docility the orders given them1 either to spread out their tuft1 or salute people with a bend of the head1 or to touch different objects with their beak and tongue1 or to reply to questions from their master with a mark of assent which clearly expressed a silent yes3 they also showed by repeated signs the number of persons in the room1 the hour of day1 the colour of clothes1 c42 they kissed one another by touching their beaks1 and even caressed each other2 this showed a wish to pair1 and the master affirms that they often do so even in our climates4 ,though the cockatoos1 like other parrots1 use their bill in ascending and descending1 yet they have not their heavy disagreeable step2 on the contrary1 they are very active1 and hop about very nimbly4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,white ,,cockatoo4 ,psittacus sulphureus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,kakatoes huppe jaune1 ,,buffon2 ,der gelbhubige ,kakatu1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this species is fourteen inches and a half4 ,the beak1 the naked membrane1 and feet are blackish2 the circle of the eye is rather white1 and the iris inclining to red4 ,the general colour of this species is also white1 with a primrose-yellow tint on the wings and tail1 as well as a spot of the same colour under the eyes4 ,the tuft1 which is pointed1 and composed of soft thread-like feathers1 is of lemon-colour4 ,it comes from the same country as the preceding1 to which it yields neither in elegance1 intelligence1 docility1 nor mildness4 ,it is fond of caresses1 and returns them with pleasure3 all its motions are equally full of grace1 delicacy1 and beauty4 ,there are two varieties of this species1 which only differ in size4 ,,the ,,great ,,red-,,crested ,,cockatoo4 ,psittacus ,moluccensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,kakatoes huppe rouge1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothubige ,kakatu1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is a little larger than the common cockatoo1 its size being almost equal to that of the red and blue maccaw4 ,its beak is bluish black1 the membrane black1 the circle of the eyes pearl grey1 and the iris deep red4 ,the feet are lead colour1 the nails black4 ,white1 tinged with pale rose-red1 is the prevailing colour2 the tuft1 which falls back on the head1 is very large1 most of the feathers being six inches in length2 of which the under side is of a beautiful orange4 ,in the side tail feathers1 from the base to the centre of the interior beard1 the colour is primrose-yellow2 the under part of the pen-feathers has a tint of the same4 ,,observations4--,this beautiful bird has a noble air2 and1 though often tamed1 it is rarely so caressing as the common cockatoo2 its cry1 like that of the other species1 is its own name2 it also cries tertingue very loud1 and like a trumpet1 and imitates the voice of several animals1 particularly the cackling of fowls and the crowing of cocks4 ,when it cries it flaps its wings4 ,though a native of the ,moluccas1 it is neither delicate nor difficult to rear4 ,,the ,,red-,,vented ,,cockatoo4 ,psittacus ,philippinarum1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le petit ,kakatoes des ,philippines1 ,,buffon2 ,der rothbuchige ,kakatu1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 the size of the grey parrot1 is but thirteen inches in length4 ,the beak is white1 or of a pale flesh colour1 and grey at the base2 the circle of the eyes is yellowish-red2 the feet are of a silver-grey2 the general colour of the body is white2 the head is ornamented with a tuft1 in which there is nothing remarkable but its raising it in the form of a shell4 ,,observations4--,it is a native of the ,philippines4 ,its beauty and great docility are its chief merits2 for it cannot speak1 and it also appears of a jealous nature1 being angry when it sees the other parrots caressed1 and making the unpleasant cry of aiai1 miai6 but never cockatoo4 ,,the ,,banksian ,,cockatoo4 ,psittacus ,banksii1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,kakatoes ,noir1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,banksche ,kakatu1 ,,bechstein4 ,this certainly is the handsomest1 rarest1 and most precious of all the cockatoos4 ,it is as large as the red and blue maccaw1 its length being from twenty-two to thirty inches4 ,the beak is thick1 yellowish1 and black at the point2 the iris red1 and the feet black4 ,black is the prevailing colour of its plumage2 the tuft is rather long1 but in a state of tranquillity lies flat on the head1 as in the preceding cockatoo2 each feather has a yellowish spot exactly on the tip2 the wing-coverts are also terminated with a similar spot4 ,,varieties4--,of this beautiful species there are several varieties4 #a4 ,those with the beak lead-coloured2 the tuft of a moderate size1 black mixed with the yellow feathers2 the throat yellow2 the sides of the neck spotted with yellow and black2 the tail as above2 all the rest black1 without any streaks on the under part of the body4 #b4 ,those with the beak bluish grey1 plumage olive1 or black1 with a yellowish tint on the sides of the head1 but having no feather with a yellow tip4 ,the belly of one colour1 without streaks2 tail as above4 ,this may possibly be a young one4 #c4 ,those with the beak raven-grey2 the head1 the neck1 and the under part of the body of a dark dirty brown colour4 ,the feathers on the top of the head and nape of the neck are bordered with olive3 the upper part of the body1 the wings and tail1 of a brilliant black2 the centre feathers of the latter are of one colour2 the others scarlet in the middle1 but without streaks4 ,this is perhaps a female4 ,,observations4--,this noble and handsome bird is still rather rare in ,england1 and still more so in ,germany4 ,it may be found in many parts of ,new ,holland2 its motions resemble those of the common cockatoo and the manner of treating it is the same4 ,,the ,,ash-,,coloured ,,parrot4 ,psittacus erithacus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,perroquet cendr1 ou le ,jaco1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gemeiner aschgrauer ,papagay1 ,,bechstein4 ,this parrot and the following are the most common and docile that we possess4 ,its length is nine inches4 ,the beak is black1 the membrane at its base1 and the circle of the eyes have a powdered appearance4 ,the feet are ash-coloured1 the iris yellowish4 ,a fine pearl grey and slate-colour tinges the whole body2 the feathers of the head1 neck1 and belly are edged with whitish grey2 the tail1 which is short1 and of a vermilion colour1 terminates and relieves this shining and watered plumage1 which also has a powdered appearance4 ,the male and female are alike1 and learn with equal facility4 ,most of the birds of this species are brought from ,guinea1 but they also inhabit the interior parts of ,africa1 as well as ,congo and the coasts of ,angola4 ,,food4--,in its native country it lives on all kinds of fruit and grain2 it will also become quite fat on the seed of the safflower1 which to man is so violent a purgative4 ,here it eats any of our food2 but white bread soaked in boiled milk1 and fruits1 are what it likes best4 ,meat1 of which it is very fond1 brings on diarrhoea1 as in other parrots1 and that kind of green sickness which makes it peck itself and tear out its feathers1 c4 ,there are some instances1 when treated with care1 of their having lived for sixty years4 ,,breeding4--,in its native country this species builds in high trees4 ,this is the first of this group of birds which has bred in ,europe4 ,m4 de la ,pigeonnire1 says ,buffon1 had a male and female parrot in the city of ,marmanote1 in ,angenois1 which used to breed regularly every spring for five or six years2 the young ones of each brood were always reared by the parent birds4 ,the female laid four eggs each time1 three of which were fruitful1 and the other not so4 ,in order that they may breed at their ease1 they must be placed in a room in which there is nothing but a barrel1 open at one end1 and partly filled with saw-dust2 sticks must be placed inside and out of the barrel1 that the male may ascend them whenever he likes1 and remain near his companion4 ,before entering this room the precaution must be taken to put on boots1 that the legs may be guarded from the attacks of the jealous parrot1 which pecks at everything which approaches its female4 ,the ,p4 ,labat also gives an account of two parrots which had several broods in ,paris4 ,,diseases4--,this parrot becomes more subject to the different diseases in proportion as it is fed on choice food4 ,gout in the feet is the most general1 and the specifics used for the bird are not more certain in their cure than those used for man4 ,it is not difficult to prevent this evil by great cleanliness1 and giving it no meat or other niceties4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this parrot1 like the following1 learns not only to speak and whistle1 but also to make all kinds of gestures2 and it even performs some tricks which require skill4 ,it is particularly distinguished by its pleasing and caressing behaviour to its master4 ,as an example of the talents of this species1 ,buffon gives an account of one which1 being instructed on its voyage by an old sailor1 had acquired his harsh1 hoarse voice so perfectly that it was often mistaken for him4 ,though it was afterwards given to a young person1 and no longer heard the voice1 it never forgot the lessons of its old master2 and it was exceedingly amusing to hear it pass from a soft pleasing voice to its old hoarse sea tone4 ,this bird not only has a great facility in imitating the voice of man1 but it also seems to have a wish to do so1 and this wish is shown in its great attention1 the efforts which it makes to repeat the sounds it hears1 and its constant repetition of them1 for it incessantly repeats any words which it has just learnt1 and endeavours to make its voice heard above every other4 ,one is often surprised to hear it say words and make sounds1 which no one had taught it1 and to which it was not even suspected to have listened4 ,it seemed to practise its lesson every day till night1 beginning again on the next morning4 ,it is while young that it shows this great facility in learning2 its memory is then better1 and the bird is altogether more intelligent and docile4 ,this memory is sometimes very astonishing1 as in a parrot which1 as ,rodiginus tells1 a cardinal bought for one hundred crowns of gold1 because it could repeat correctly the ,apostles' ,creed2 and ,m4 de la ,borde tells us of another which served as chaplain to the vessel1 reciting the prayer to the sailors1 and afterwards repeating the rosary4 ,,the ,,ceram ,,lory4 ,psittacus garrulus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,lori ,noir varit dite de ,ceram1 ,,buffon2 ,der geschwtzige ,lory1 ,,bechstein4 ,it is of the size of a pigeon1 its length being from ten to eleven inches4 ,the colours vary very much2 but the following are the most common4 ,beak orange-coloured1 naked membrane at its base1 and the circle of the eyes grey2 the iris deep yellow1 and feet brown4 ,the predominating colour of the body is bright red2 but the small wing-coverts are a mixture of green and yellow4 ,it comes from the ,moluccas1 and is treated like the preceding1 which it equals in docility4 ,,the ,,blue-,,capped ,,lory4 ,psittacus domicella1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,lory demoiselle1 ou collier1 ,,buffon2 ,der blaukpfige ,lory1 ,,bechstein4 ,this magnificent species is of the size of a pigeon1 and ten inches and a half in length4 ,the beak is orange1 the membrane blackish1 as well as the circle of the eyes4 ,the top of the head is purple black1 or rather black shading to purple1 on the nape of the neck2 a crescent of light yellow1 more or less visible1 ornaments the under part of the throat4 ,the outer edge of the quill-feathers1 and the small wing-coverts1 are of a deep blue1 shading to sky blue2 the others of a meadow green4 ,the tail is slightly wedge-shaped1 and of a bluish purple1 tinged with red brown4 ,in the female1 which is smaller1 the crescent is either not visible or only faintly marked2 the blue on the head is very slight2 the border of the wing is a mixture of blue and green2 this is all the blue which there is in the wings4 ,,variety4--,the lower part of the back and belly1 the rump1 and the thighs are white and rose colour2 the upper and under tail-coverts red and white2 the wing-coverts green1 with a mixture of light yellow2 the beak light yellow2 the rest as usual4 ,,observations4--,this species has the same attractions as the other lories1 and to judge from the specimen which ,i have seen among the collection of the ,duke of ,meiningen1 it appeared to be the mildest1 most endearing1 and amiable2 in short1 the most docile and talkative of all the parrots4 ,it cries lory1 and chatters incessantly1 but in a hollow voice1 something like that of a man who speaks from his chest2 it repeats everything whistled to it in a clear tone2 it likes to be always caressed and paid attention to2 its memory is very good4 ,this delicate species1 being preserved with difficulty during the voyage1 is also very rare and dear2 it is a native of the ,moluccas and of ,new ,guinea2 it requires to be taken great care of1 to be kept warm2 and to have its food changed when necessary4 ,,the ,,black-,,capped ,,lory4 ,psittacus ,lory1 ,,linn,,us2 ,lory des ,philippines1 ,,buffon2 ,der schwarzkappige ,lory1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is about the size of the preceding4 ,its beak is orange2 the membrane and circle of the eyes of a dark flesh colour2 the iris orange4 ,the feet are black2 the top of the head the same1 with a blue tint2 the whole body is scarlet1 except a blue spot between the back and neck1 and another below the breast2 both of these spots have a few red feathers2 the wings are green above4 ,,observations4--,the black-capped lory is still more scarce in ,europe than the preceding1 therefore it is dearer1 but appears to possess all its good qualities4 ,,the ,,white-,,fronted ,,parrot4 ,psittacus leucocephalus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,perroquet ,amazone tte blanche2 ,der weisskpfige ,amazonenpapagey1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is one of the most talkative parrots usually kept4 ,its beak is whitish1 the circle of the eyes white2 the iris nut brown2 the feet are dark brown4 ,the top1 or rather the back of the head1 is light blue in the male1 and green in the female4 ,the general colour is green1 but the edge of the feathers is brown1 particularly in the front part of the body4 ,the red edge of the wing is the distinguishing characteristic of the male in ,buffon's family of amazons4 ,this parrot is found in ,st4 ,domingo1 ,cuba1 and even in ,mexico4 ,it is very mild and talkative1 and imitates the cries of cats1 dogs1 and other animals to perfection4 ,it must be kept very clean1 and not let suffer from cold4 ,,the ,,blue-,,faced ,,parrot4 ,psittacus autumnalis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,crick tte bleue1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,herbstkrickpapagey1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is about the size of a pigeon4 ,the beak is horn colour1 with a long streak of orange on each side of the upper mandible2 the whole circle of the head and the throat are blue2 the top of the head and under part of the neck to the breast are red2 the rest of the body is green1 except the large quill-feathers1 which are blue2 some1 however1 are red1 with a blue tip4 ,varieties4--#a4 ,the head1 instead of being red and blue1 is red and white4 #b4 ,the forehead scarlet1 the top of the head blue1 an orange spot under the eyes1 the upper border of the wings light yellow4 #c4 ,forehead and throat red behind1 and under the eyes blue1 the top of the head greenish yellow1 the lower border of the wings red1 the end of the tail pale light yellow4 #d4 ,all the body blackish except the breast1 the feathers of which are edged with dark brown and red4 ,,observations4--,these birds inhabit ,guinea1 learn very little1 and continually cry guirr1 guirr4 ,,common ,,amazon ,,parrot4 ,psittacus stivus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der gemeine ,amazonenpapagey1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is imported in so great numbers that it is found at every bird-seller's1 and is one of the cheapest4 ,its varieties are numerous4 ,the following are the general colours3 beak blackish2 feet ash-coloured2 iris golden yellow2 forehead bluish1 as well as the space between the eyes2 head and throat yellow1 but the throat-feathers are edged with a blue green2 the body a brilliant green1 inclining to yellowish on the back and belly4 ,this bird is common in the hottest parts of ,america1 learns to speak1 is very docile1 sociable1 and requires only common attention4 ,,the ,,yellow-,,headed ,,amazon ,,parrot4 ,psittacus nobilis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,psittacus ochrocephalus1 ,,gmelin2 ,amazone tte jaune1 ,,buffon2 ,der gelbkpfige ,amazonenpapagey1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this species is fifteen inches1 of which the tail measures five2 the beak one inch1 the sides of the upper mandible and base of the lower are red1 the rest of the beak is raven grey2 the iris golden yellow2 the feet greyish flesh colour1 and claws black4 ,the top of the head is golden yellow1 the forehead yellowish green2 the colour of the body is green1 dark above1 and more yellow under2 the tail is but slightly wedge-shaped2 but ,linnus considered it sufficiently so to class it among the long wedge-shaped tails4 ,,observations4--,this bird is very mild1 and sometimes chatters and utters a few dull sounds1 but at other times it speaks but little4 ,its native country is ,south ,america3 it is treated like the preceding4 ,,the ,,yellow-,,breasted ,,tucan4 ,ramphastos ,tucanus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,toucan gorge jaune du ,brsil1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,tukan oder ,pfeffervogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,tucans are distinguished by the great size of their beak1 which is convex above1 hooked towards the point1 hollow1 light1 and toothed on the edges like a saw4 ,the feet have two claws before and two behind4 ,in summer these birds are brought from ,south ,america to ,england and ,holland1 whence they are taken to ,germany1 though not often4 ,they eat fruit1 berries1 grapes1 bread1 meat1 and in general any of our food4 ,in order to swallow anything they throw it into the air1 catching it in their throats4 ,they are generally reared from the nest1 which is placed in the hole of a tree1 and only contains two young ones1 which in a short time are domesticated1 and become very attractive4 ,of the nine inches1 which is the whole length of this tucan1 the beak alone measures five1 and is grey at the base and black at the point4 ,the upper part of the body is of a green black2 the cheeks1 throat1 and front of the neck are orange1 with a crimson band across the breast4 ,the stomach is of a fine red1 the belly and sides blackish1 as well as the pen-feathers and tail4 ,the upper tail-coverts are of a sulphur colour1 the under ones are crimson2 the feet and claws lead colour4 ,,the ,,brazilian ,,tucan4 ,rhamphastos piscivorus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,toucan gorge blanche du ,brsil1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,brasilische ,pfeffervogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is twenty inches in length1 of which the beak measures six2 the upper mandible is yellowish green1 with the edges orange coloured and toothed2 the under mandible is of a fine blue1 and the points of both are red4 ,the iris is light brown2 the circle of the eyes greenish yellow2 the top of the head1 the neck1 back1 belly1 wings1 and tail are black2 the throat1 the breast1 and sides yellowish white2 the part about the stomach is ornamented with a beautiful red crescent4 ,it is a native of ,cayenne and ,brazil4 ,,the ,,preacher ,,tucan4 ,rhamphastos picatus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,toucan ventre rouge2 ,der ,prediger ,pfeffervogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,the whole length of the bird is twenty inches1 of which the beak measures six2 the point is red1 and all the rest is yellowish-green4 ,the prevailing colour is a brilliant black1 with tints of green before1 and grey ash colour on the back part of the body4 ,the breast is of a fine orange2 the belly1 sides1 thighs1 lesser tail-coverts1 and the tips of the feathers1 are of a lively red4 ,this ,tucan inhabits ,africa and ,brazil2 its long and incessant cry has given it the name of ,preacher4 ,it is as easy to tame as to feed1 for it will eat any thing4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,lesser ,,spotted ,,woodpecker4 ,,woodpeckers4 ,the birds in this group in general have the beak rectangular1 in a few instances very slightly hooked1 never thick nor very long4 ,,the ,,green ,,woodpecker4 ,picus viridis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pic vert1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,grnspecht1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is twelve inches and a half1 but four and a half of these are included in the tail1 almost half of which is covered by the folded wings4 ,the beak1 an inch and a half in length1 is triangular1 very pointed1 and of a dark grey2 the iris is grey2 the tongue is five inches long1 and furnished1 like that of the other woodpeckers1 with a horny tip1 and strong hairs on each side1 so as to be useful in catching and piercing insects4 ,the top of the head to the nape of the neck is of a brilliant crimson2 a black streak1 which in old birds is often tinged with red1 descends on each side of the neck2 the upper part of the body is of a beautiful olive green1 the under part of a dusky greenish white3 some transverse lines may be seen on the belly1 which become more distinct on the sides4 ,in the female the colours are paler1 and there is less red on the head1 which1 when it is young1 is only grey4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 the green woodpecker1 during summer1 frequents woods and orchards which are near these1 but when the air becomes cold1 and the snow begins to fall1 it approaches villages1 and flies from one garden to another2 it passes the night in the holes of trees2 when it finds dead1 decayed1 or worm-eaten ones1 it pierces them on all sides with its strong beak1 in order to find the insects they conceal4 ,it never attacks a healthy tree1 therefore it is not right to kill it as being mischievous2 it only taps the bark of trees to make the insects come out1 and its strokes are then so quick that they resemble a humming4 ,in the house its fierce and impetuous character makes it necessary to keep it in close confinement4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it constantly seeks the insects which live under the bark and in the wood of trees2 it also eats ants1 and in winter will even take bees from the hive4 ,in the house it is fed on nuts1 ants' eggs1 and meat4 ,,breeding4--,the female lays three or four perfectly white eggs in the hole of a tree2 if the young are to be tamed they must be taken from the nest when only half fledged2 it is impossible to tame adults or old ones2 we cannot even make them eat4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the beauty of its plumage is all that can be said of it2 for it is so fierce1 quick1 and stubborn1 that it can only be kept by means of a chain4 ,i know no instance in which every kind of attention has rendered it more docile and agreeable3 it is always untractable4 ,one or two of these chained birds1 however1 do not look bad as a variety4 ,it is curious to see them crack the nuts4 ,,the ,,greater ,,spotted ,,woodpecker4 ,picus major1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',epeiche1 ou ,pic vari1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,grosser ,buntspecht1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is rather larger than a thrush1 nine inches long of which the tail measures three and a half1 and the beak one4 ,the legs are three lines high1 and of a bluish olive2 the iris is bluish1 with a white ring2 the forehead yellowish brown2 the top of the head and the back black2 the nape of the neck crimson2 the shoulders white1 the wings and tail black1 and streaked with yellowish white2 the belly of a dirty reddish white1 the part about the vent crimson4 ,the female has no red on the nape of the neck4 ,,habitation ,,and ,,food4--,this woodpecker continually ranges woods and orchards in search of its food1 which consists of insects1 beech-mast1 acorns1 nuts1 and the seed of pines and firs4 ,in order to crack the nuts1 it fixes them in the clefts of the trees4 ,the female builds its nest in the hole of a tree1 and lays from four to six white eggs4 ,before moulting the head of the young ones is red4 ,they must be taken early from the nest if they are to be tamed4 ,they are fed and treated like the green woodpecker4 ,,the ,,middle ,,spotted ,,woodpecker4 ,picus medius1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pic vari tte rouge1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,mittlerer ,buntspecht1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is only distinguished from the former by being rather smaller3 the beak is more slender1 and very pointed4 ,the top of the head is crimson1 and the region of the vent rose-coloured4 ,it is1 besides1 less common1 and the young which are reared are not so untractable1 though never very docile#bg4 ,they are generally kept in a cage1 and fastened by a little chain4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,spotted ,,woodpecker4 ,picus minor1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,petit ,epeiche1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,kleiner ,buntspecht1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of a lark1 five inches and a half in length1 two of which are included in the tail1 and the beak measures seven lines4 ,the feet are of a greenish black2 the rump is white2 the top of the head crimson2 the nape of the neck black2 the back white1 with transverse streaks of black2 the under part of the body is of a reddish white grey1 and the sides are streaked with black4 ,the female had no red on the head4 ,,habitation ,,and ,,food4--,this rare species inhabits forests of beech and oak1 skilfully catching the insects under the bark and moss of these trees2 it even flies to the ground to seek the same food among the grass4 ,while rearing the young ones1 they must be kept in a cage4 ,,the ,,wryneck4 ,illustration ,yunx torquilla1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,torcol1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gemeiner ,wendehals1 ,,bechstein4 ,though it is six inches and a half in length1 it is not larger than our lark1 because its tail includes three inches and a quarter1 and its beak nine lines4 ,the iris is of a brownish yellow1 the feet1 two claws of which are before and two behind1 are short1 strong1 and lead colour4 ,the head is ash-coloured1 speckled with small rust-coloured spots mixed with some white ones4 ,the top of the head and half of the back are divided lengthwise by a broad black streak1 edged with rust colour2 the rest of the upper part of the body is of a fine grey1 streaked and speckled with black1 white1 and rust colour4 ,in the female the belly is paler than in the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 it is a bird of passage1 which departs during the first fortnight of ,september1 and does not return till the end of ,april1 frequenting groves and orchards4 ,in ,august it goes into gardens and fields planted with cabbages and other vegetables4 ,in the house it is better to let it run about at will than to keep it in a cage1 where it would soil its feathers1 particularly those on the belly and breast1 while playing4 ,,food4--,in its wild state1 the wryneck lives on insects1 for catching which it has a very long cylindrical tongue1 with a hard point1 that can be insinuated into all the chinks and fissures of trees4 ,ants' eggs are a very favourite food1 and it does not dislike the ants themselves4 ,towards autumn1 when the latter fail1 it is contented with elderberries till the time of its departure which never varies4 ,in the house it must be first given ants' eggs2 and then by degrees the universal paste1 to which it soon becomes accustomed2 but1 as it is delicate1 in order to preserve it for some time1 the nightingales' food agrees better with it4 ,it is very amusing to see it search all the cracks and crevices of the room for insects2 and if a few ants' eggs were now and then put there1 it would give it the greatest pleasure4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 which it places in the hole of a tree1 is formed of moss1 wool1 hair1 and straw4 ,it lays eight eggs1 which are white1 and very smooth4 ,the adults and old ones are difficult to preserve and tame2 but the young ones may be easily reared on ants' eggs1 and the universal paste1 made of the crumb of white bread4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in general it is caught by putting lime twigs round the nest2 but if the weather be stormy1 as in spring1 when it is busy searching the bushes for insects1 it may even be taken by the hand4 ,the one ,i now have was brought to me by a little boy who had taken it in this manner4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,independently of its beautiful plumage1 it is very amusing to see it make those movements which have given it its name of wryneck4 ,it lengthens its neck1 and turns round its head1 so that the beak points down the back4 ,its general position is quite straight2 the feathers of the head and throat very smooth1 and the tail spread like a fan1 at the same time bowing low4 ,if it be irritated1 or even if its food be brought1 it slowly leans forward1 raising the feathers on its head1 lengthening and turning its neck1 rolling its eyes2 it then bows1 spreads its tail1 and murmurs some harsh sounds in its throat2 in short1 it puts itself in the most singular attitudes1 and makes the most ridiculous grimaces4 ,at other times it seems to have a melancholy disposition4 ,in spring the male often cries in a full tone1 gui1 gui1 gui1 gui1 to call its female4 ,m4 de ,schauroth informs me that two wrynecks which he reared became so tame1 that they would hang about his clothes1 and begin to warble as soon as they heard him1 or saw him even at a distance4 ,one day1 being wearied and teazed with its incessant cries1 he drove one out of the window2 but having called it towards evening1 it immediately replied to his voice1 and permitted itself to be taken4 ,one of these birds1 which he let range about at will1 having perched on a neighbouring tree1 he had only to hold out and show it the box containing its food1 and it returned immediately4 ,,the ,,tourako4 ,cuculus ,persa1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,tourako1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,turako1 ,,bechstein4 ,this ,bird1 which is about the size of a magpie1 has been placed among the cuckoos by ,linnus1 and those who have copied him1 only because its cry is couc1 couc2 for in no other respect does it belong to this genus4 ,its beak is short and thick1 and resembles that of the pigeon in shape2 the upper is bent over the lower1 and of a reddish brown2 the nostrils are covered with feathers2 the iris is nut-brown2 the eyelids are edged with small red warts2 the opening of the throat is wide1 extending to the back of the ears2 the nails of an ash grey2 the head1 throat1 neck1 top of the back1 with the upper wing-coverts1 the breast1 upper part of the belly and sides1 are covered with soft silky feathers1 of a beautiful deep green2 the feathers on the top of the head gradually lengthen into a large triangular tuft1 which the bird raises at will1 and the tip of which is red4 ,the green in the tuft is sometimes mixed with white4 ,,observations4--,the ,tourako1 which ,i have seen1 belonging to his ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen1 is one of the most elegant1 mildest1 and tamest of all foreign birds which ,i know4 ,its cry is couc1 couc1 couc1 at first repeated slowly and distinctly1 afterwards more quickly1 and then in a rapid and continued succession4 ,notwithstanding the form of its feet it does not climb or hop1 but runs as quickly as any partridge across the room1 and often1 pressing its wings against its body1 makes several long leaps of ten feet4 ,,food4--,the tongue is not perceptible on opening its beak1 and it swallows every thing whole which is given it4 ,it is fed on fruit and bread cut in small pieces2 it has been remarked that it has a crop4 ,buffon says1 that one of these birds1 which came from the ,cape1 ate rice2 but that which ,i have seen would not touch it2 on the contrary1 it ate with avidity the stones of grapes1 as well as bits of apple and orange2 so that it may be concluded that fruit is its natural food4 ,it is brought from ,guinea1 but may be found in other parts of ,africa4 ,,the ,,common ,,kingfisher4 ,alcedo ,ispida1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',alcyon1 ou ,martin ,pcheur1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,eisvogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is seven inches1 of which the short tail only measures one and a quarter1 the legs are very short1 being only four lines in height1 and the outer claw is united to the centre one1 as far as the first joint4 ,the beak1 an inch and a half in length1 is strong1 straight and pointed4 ,the iris is dark brown2 the top of the head and the wing-coverts are of a deep green2 the one with transverse and the other with oval spots of a beautiful sky blue4 ,the back and shoulders shine with the most beautiful blue4 ,in the female the colours are darker1 and the sky blue there is in them only meadow green4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this is a solitary bird1 which remains the whole year on the edges of ponds1 streams1 and rivers4 ,during the winter it may be seen watching for its prey at the holes in the ice1 placed on a stone or stick1 or perched on the branch of a tree4 ,in the house it does not walk or hop1 but flies or remains perched4 ,it is very necessary to put some turf or branches in a corner1 or it must be kept in a cage with a perch2 it constantly remains in the same place4 ,,food4--,in its wild state its food is small fish1 leeches1 and1 indeed1 all aquatic worms and insects4 ,in the house it must be given as much as possible the same1 accustoming it by degrees to eat meat4 ,it is very rarely that those taken when old can be preserved4 ,i have seen one1 however1 which ate even dead fish4 ,the meat and small fish for its food must be put into a bowl of fresh water1 large enough1 or so firmly fixed1 that it may not be easily overturned4 ,when taking its food it does not hop to the bottom of the cage1 but stretches itself downwards till it can reach the water with its beak1 at least if it be not a young one reared in the house4--,it will not eat while being looked at4 ,,mr4 ,,paxton',s ,,method ,,of ,,management4--,having become possessed1 says ,mr4 ,paxton1 of some young kingfishers last summer1 we were very anxious to rear them2 this we have accomplished1 and1 to the best of our information1 it is the first time kingfishers were ever reared by hand4 ,to accomplish this object we had a wire cage constructed about ten feet long1 and four broad2 the back part of the cage was made to imitate1 as nearly as possible1 the banks of a river2--through this cage a small stream of water was conducted1 in which the birds received their food1 c4 ,when the young birds were first taken from the nest1 minnows and bullheads were their principal food2 they have since been fed on almost every species of fresh-water fish1 although they evince a marked preference for trout4 ,immediately on a quantity of small fish being put into the stream of water1 they commence killing them1 regardless of who may be near2 and so surely do they strike1 that1 although we have repeatedly observed them1 we never yet saw them miss their prey4 ,as soon as they have caught a fish they kill it1 by knocking its head against anything that may be near them4 ,the quantity of fish consumed by each bird is almost incredible--we should think on the average not less than six ounces a day each2 they could not exist twenty-four hours without food1 so they quickly digest it4 ,there can be no doubt that the sole reason of the kingfisher migrating to the sea-side on the approach of severe weather1 arises from the voracity of its appetite4 ,they are quite tame and domesticated1 frequently sitting on the head or shoulder of the person who is in the habit of cleaning out their little dwelling4 ,they are also very cleanly4 ,we have observed them dive into the water as many as forty times incessantly1 for the purpose of washing--this is generally done in the evening4 ,although they appear satisfied with their confinement1 they are far from being friendly with each other2 they fight with their wings1 something after the manner of the swan2 this is rather surprising1 as they are very dexterous with their bills when seizing their prey4 ,we have tried to rear others in a common cage1 feeding them partly on flesh1 but never succeeded4 ,,breeding4--,a hole at the edge of the water is the place in which it builds its nest1 which is formed on the outside of small roots1 and lined with feathers4 ,its eggs in general are eight in number1 and quite white4 ,in the young ones1 before the feathers grow1 the stubs are so long and straight that they might be taken for so many little bristles4 ,as soon as the young can see clearly1 and before the feathers begin to sprout1 is the time to take them from the nest2 they must be fed first on ants' eggs1 meal worms1 and other worms and afterwards accustomed by degrees to meat2 they will be preserved in good health for a much longer time1 if care be taken always to give them their food in fresh water1 rather than let them pick it up from the ground4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,when the place which one of these birds frequents most1 and which is generally near an eddy in the water1 is well known1 a stake must be fixed to which the snare1 called a springe1 can be fastened2 by this means the bird may be easily taken4 ,lime-twigs may also be put on a bush or stake near the water's edge1 provided it does not hang so much over the water as to risk the bird's falling into it when fixed by the lime4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its great attractions are its beauty1 for it is not well proportioned1 and all its motions are sudden4 ,,the ,,nuthatch4 ,illustration ,sitta ,europa1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,sittele1 ou le ,torchepot1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,nusshacker1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is six inches and a half1 of which one and a half is included in the tail1 and three-quarters in the beak1 which is strong1 straight1 a little flat at the tip2 the eyes are greyish brown2 the feet yellowish grey1 the claws very strong4 ,the forehead is blue only in the male2 the rest of the upper part of the body is of a blue grey2 the cheeks and throat are white2 a black streak passing across the eyes extends from the base of the beak to the neck2 the belly and breast are of a dingy orange colour4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it generally frequents woods4 ,in the winter it approaches villages1 and will even fly into barns and stables4 ,in the house it must be kept in a cage made entirely of wire1 as wood cannot resist the strength of its beak#bh4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it lives on insects1 which it seeks for in the trees1 being able to cling to and run about the branches in any way3 it also eats nuts and beech mast1 which it skilfully fixes in the chinks of the trees1 that it may crack them more easily4 ,in the house1 it may be fed on hemp seed1 oats1 barley meal1 or even bread4 ,the way in which it crushes the hemp seed and oats is very curious2 it takes as many as it can in its beak1 and ranges them in order in the cracks of the floor1 always taking care to put the large end lowest1 that it may break them more easily2 it then begins to despatch them one after another with the greatest skill and agility4 ,the lady who has been occasionally mentioned in the introduction1 amused herself in the winter1 and particularly when the snow was on the ground1 with throwing1 several times a day1 different kinds of seeds on the terrace below the window1 in order to feed the birds in the neighbourhood4 ,these soon became accustomed to this distribution1 and arrived in crowds when they heard the clapping of hands1 which was the signal used to call them4 ,she put some hemp seed and cracked nuts even on the window-sill1 and on a board1 particularly for her favourites1 the blue tits4 ,two nuthatches came one day to have their share in this repast1 and were so well pleased that they became quite familiar1 and did not even go away in the following spring1 to get their natural food and to build their nest in the wood4 ,they settled themselves in the hollow of an old tree near the house2 as soon as the two young ones1 which they reared here1 were able to fly1 they brought them to the hospitable window where they were to be nourished1 and soon after disappeared entirely4 ,it was very amusing to see these two new visiters hang or climb on the wall or blinds1 whilst their benefactress put their food on the board4 ,these pretty creatures1 as well as the tits1 knew her so well1 that when she drove away the sparrows which came to steal what was not intended for them1 they did not fly away also1 but seemed to know that what was done was only to protect and defend them4 ,these nuthatches remained near the house for the whole summer1 rarely wandering1 till one fatal day1 at the beginning of the sporting season1 in autumn1 they no sooner heard the report of a gun than they disappeared1 and were never again seen4 ,it is possible that fear alone had driven them so far that they could not find their way home again2 they did not know that there they would have been in greater safety4 ,if these birds are left at liberty in the room1 they are accustomed1 like the tits1 to hide the greater part of what is given to them1 to keep it for another meal2 but their trick of piercing holes in the wood makes them inconvenient1 and therefore it is better to keep them in a cage4 ,,breeding4--,the nuthatch builds its nest in the holes of old trees1 and lays six or seven eggs spotted with red4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,as it has the same taste for hemp seed and oats as the tits1 it may often be caught in the same snare2 it may also be taken in the area or barn floor trap4 ,its call is gru1 dek1 dek4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its plumage1 liveliness1 agility1 and great cunning in catching and hiding its food1 are its most agreeable qualities4 ,illustration3 ,,nuthatch ,,claw4 ,illustration3 ,,goldfinch4 ,,passerine ,,birds4 ,the birds of this group have the beak conical and pointed1 in general rather strong1 with both the mandibles moveable1 and fit for peeling and cleaning grain4 ,their feet are slender1 and their claws divided4 ,some of them do not confine themselves to grain1 but also eat insects4 ,those which feed solely on seeds disgorge them into the crop of their young1 the others simply put the food into their beaks4 ,the greater part of them build their nests very skilfully4 ,the females brood alone1 or are very rarely assisted by the males in hatching4 ,this group and the following are peculiarly the real cage birds2 those pretty and attractive little creatures which enliven our rooms with their songs4 ,those which feed only on seeds may be tamed at any age4 ,,the ,,crossbill4 ,illustration ,loxia curvirostra1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,beccrois1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,kreuzschnabel1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is nearly seven inches1 of which the tail measures two and a quarter4 ,the beak1 which is one inch in length1 and very thick1 has its two mandibles curving in opposite directions1 and crossing each other at the points1 whence the name4 ,it is no fixed rule for the upper mandible to cross to the right or left1 but its direction appears to be acquired when young4 ,the shanks1 which are eight lines high1 and the beak1 are brown2 the iris is nut-coloured4 ,the change of colour1 which some assert this bird is subject to three times a year1 simply occurs as follows3-- ,the young male1 which is at first of a greyish brown1 with a little yellow1 becomes after moulting entirely red1 darker on the upper part of the body than on the lower1 the quill and tail feathers excepted1 which are blackish4 ,this generally happens in ,april or ,may4 ,at the second moulting this red colour becomes a greenish yellow1 which is permanent2 so that when red they may be known to be the young male birds1 and when yellow the old ones4 ,the females are in general grey1 with a little green on the head1 breast1 and rump1 or irregularly speckled with those two colours4 ,from observations which have been made with great care and exactness1 and which any one can repeat who wishes1 it appears proved that an old male bird never changes its colour4 ,in order to be exact as to these facts1 it is necessary to observe the bird from the time of its leaving the nest2 for1 if one were to judge from those taken in a snare1 one would certainly be disposed to think that not one bird resembled another3 but all this variety depends on the different stages in moulting1 which so very much affects the colours of the plumage4 ,thus1 in old male birds the forehead1 cheeks1 and eyebrows are spotted with grey1 greenish yellow1 and white4 ,wherever green and yellow are prevalent1 the dark grey shows through1 and has the appearance of spots on those parts1 particularly on the back1 for the tips alone are green and yellow4 ,the result of all this is1 that when grey or speckled crossbills are spoken of1 they are the young ones2 when red1 they have passed their first moulting2 when crimson1 they are near their second2 and when spotted1 red and yellow1 they are two years old1 and in full feather4 ,to judge with exactness1 these birds ought to be seen at the time of laying1 but neither this nor the moulting has any fixed season2 and this circumstance sufficiently explains the great variety and difference of colour which are found among this species4 ,these details also show that the crossbill is subject to nearly the same changes of colour as the linnet1 and that the red colour which it bears for the first year is what peculiarly distinguishes it from other birds4 ,one thing1 which is rather remarkable1 is1 that the young ones reared in the house never take the red colour1 but remain grey for the second year1 or change directly into greenish yellow4 ,there are two kinds of crossbills1 the greater and lesser2 but the difference is not so great as some pretend1 and nature is not more invariable in the size of birds than it is in that of men#bi4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 the crossbill not only inhabits ,europe1 but also all the north of ,asia and ,america1 everywhere frequenting forests of pines and firs1 where these trees1 which are loaded with cones1 furnish abundance of food4 ,in the house it may be let range at will1 but a branch of fir1 or any other tree1 must be put near it1 on which it can perch or sleep4 ,if it be kept in a cage it must be made of wire2 for1 being so much disposed to peck and nibble1 a wicker cage would soon be reduced to chips4 ,,food4--,in its wild state the pine seed is its favourite food2 the shape of its beak is peculiarly adapted for procuring these seeds1 by separating the scales of the cones2 it also gathers from the ground those which have fallen1 and it does not neglect those of the fir1 and even of the alder4 ,when these fail it is contented with the buds of the same trees4 ,in the house1 if it be let run about at liberty1 the second universal paste will be sufficient2 but if kept in a cage it must be fed on hemp1 pine1 and rape seed1 and even elderberries4 ,,breeding4--,the time of breeding is very remarkable1 being generally in the depth of winter1 from ,december to ,april4 ,the nest1 which is placed at the top of a pine or fir tree1 is first formed of very fine small twigs1 there is then a layer of coarse moss1 but the interior is lined with the finest and softest moss2 it is not glued with resin1 as some have said4 ,the young crossbills being in ,thuringia the object of many ridiculous superstitions1 the wood-cutters are always careful of the nests4 ,the number of the eggs varies from three to five1 they are of a greyish white1 spotted1 speckled1 and streaked at the large end with red brown4 ,the heating nature of their food enables the young and old birds to bear the severity of the season4 ,the old birds feed their young with the food disgorged from their own stomach1 as do all the grosbeaks4 ,this species may be reared in the house on white bread soaked in milk1 and mixed with a few poppy-seeds4 ,,diseases4--,the accumulated vapour from a room with a stove has such an effect on the constitution of these birds1 that they are almost always ill#cj4 ,weak eyes1 swelled and ulcerated feet1 are very common occurrences2 hence the mountaineers of ,thuringia have taken it into their heads that these poor birds can take upon themselves their diseases and pains3 and it is this foolish idea that induces them always to keep one of these birds near them4 ,their superstitious extravagance carries them so far1 that they are persuaded a bird whose upper mandible bends to the right1 has the power of assuming to itself the colds and rheumatism from men2 but when this mandible turns to the left1 the bird renders the same service to the women4 ,these simple and credulous people imagine that nothing is more efficacious against epilepsy1 than every day to drink the water which the bird has left1 because they see that these unfortunate victims are often attacked with this disease4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,with the decoy birds nothing is easier than to take the crossbills in the autumn and spring3 one large rod1 covered with strong bird-lime1 is all that is necessary4 ,it must be put in a glade in the wood which these birds frequent1 with the decoy bird by the side2 this1 by its continual cry1 will soon attract them4 ,in ,thuringia the people put nooses and spring traps on the top of some of the highest pines1 and there hang the cage of the decoy bird2 as soon as one crossbill has settled1 the others follow2 so that as many birds are taken as there are traps set1 particularly if the stick of the spring traps be placed so that the bird must perch on it4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the crossbill is rather a silly bird2 in the cage its motions are like those of the parrot2 when lively it swings its body like the siskin1 and sings a few sharp strains1 which are more or less monotonous1 according to the different powers of the songsters--for some of the males far surpass the others in this short melody4 ,it is easily tamed1 can be carried about anywhere on the finger1 and will go and return again without wandering4 ,,the ,,bullfinch4 ,illustration ,loxia pyrrhula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bouvreuil1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gimpel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is one of the indigenous tame birds which is a favourite with the rich and noble4 ,its body is thick and short4 ,its whole length is six inches and three quarters1 of which the tail measures two and three quarters2 the beak is only six lines in length1 short1 thick1 and black2 the iris is chestnut-coloured2 the shanks eight lines high1 and black2 the top of the head1 the circle of the beak1 the chin1 and beginning of the throat1 are of a beautiful velvet black2 the upper part of the neck1 the back1 and shoulders1 deep grey2 the rump white2 the under part of the neck1 the wide breast1 and to the centre of the belly1 are of a fine vermilion1 less bright1 however1 in the young than old2 the blackish pen-feathers become darker towards the body2 the secondaries have the outer edge of an iron blue1 which in the hinder ones is reddish4 ,the tail is rather forked1 and of a brilliant black1 tinged with iron blue4 ,the female is easily distinguished from the male1 for what is red on him is reddish grey on her1 while her back is of a brownish grey1 and her feet are not so black2 she is also smaller4 ,this species has some singular varieties2 the principal are3-- #a4 ,the ,white ,bullfinch1 which is of an ashy white1 or wholly white1 with dark spots on the back4 #b4 ,the ,black ,bullfinch4 ,these are most generally females1 which become black1 either with age1 when they are only fed on hemp seed1 or with having been kept when young in a totally dark place4 ,some resume at their moulting their natural colours2 others remain black2 but this black is not the same in all2 some are of a brilliant raven black1 others dull1 and not so dark on the belly2 in some the head only is of a raven black1 the rest of the body being duller2 in others the black is mixed with red spots on the belly1 or the latter is entirely red4 ,i have seen one in which the head and breast1 as well as the upper and under parts of the body1 were of a raven black1 every other part of a dull black1 with the wings and tail white2 it was a very handsome bird1 rather larger than a red-breast4 #c4 ,the ,speckled ,bullfinch4 ,it is thus called1 for1 besides its natural colours1 it is spotted with black and white1 or white and ash colour4 #d4 ,the ,mongrel ,bullfinch4 ,it is the offspring of a female reared in the house from the nest1 and of a male canary4 ,its shape and colour partake of those of the parent birds2 its note is very agreeable1 and softer than that of the canary2 but it is very scarce4 ,this union rarely succeeds2 but when tried1 a very ardent and spirited canary should be chosen#ca4 #e4 ,the other varieties are3 the ,large ,bullfinch1 about the size of a thrush1 and the ,middling1 or ,common4 ,as to dwarf birds1 which are not as large as a chaffinch1 it is a bird-catcher's story1 for this difference in size is observed in all kinds of birds4 ,i can affirm it with the more certainty1 having had opportunities every year of seeing hundreds of these birds1 both wild and tame4 ,i have even in the same nest found some as small as red-breasts1 and others as large as a crossbill4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 bullfinches are found over ,europe and ,russia4 ,they are particularly common in the mountainous forests of ,germany4 ,the male and female never separate during the whole year4 ,in winter they wander about everywhere in search of buds4 ,in the house those which are caught in a snare are often let run about4 ,these birds not being very unruly or very active1 a middling-sized cage will do1 in which those which have learned songs are kept2 but they must be kept in separate rooms1 as they will mutually spoil their songs if left together4 ,,food4--,when wild the bullfinch does not often suffer from the failure of its food2 for it eats pine and fir seeds1 the fruit of the ash and maple1 corn1 all kinds of berries1 the buds of the oak1 beech1 and pear trees1 and even linseed1 millet1 rape1 and nettle seed4 ,in the house those which run about may be fed on the universal paste1 and1 for a change1 rape seed may be added2 those which are taught must be fed only on poppy seed1 with a little hemp seed1 and now and then a little biscuit without spice4 ,it has been remarked that those which are fed entirely on rape seed soaked in water live much longer1 and are more healthy4 ,the hemp seed is too heating1 sooner or later blinds them1 and always brings on a decline4 ,a little green food1 such as lettuce1 endive1 chickweed1 water-cresses1 a little apple1 particularly the kernels1 the berries of the service tree1 and the like1 is agreeable and salutary to them4 ,,breeding4--,these tenderly affectionate birds can hardly live when separated from one another4 ,they incessantly repeat their call with a languishing note1 and continually caress4 ,they can sometimes be made to breed in the house1 like the canary1 but their eggs are rarely fruitful4 ,in the wild state they breed twice every year1 each time laying from three to six eggs1 of a bluish white1 spotted with violet and brown at the large end4 ,their nest1 which they build in the most retired part of a wood1 or in a solitary quickset hedge1 is constructed with little skill1 of twigs which are covered with moss4 ,the young ones are hatched in fifteen days4 ,those which are to be taught must be taken from the nest when the feathers of the tail begin to grow2 and must be fed only on rape seed soaked in water and mixed with white bread2 eggs would kill them or make them blind4 ,their plumage is then of a dark ash-colour1 with the wings and tail blackish brown2 the males may be known at first by their reddish breast2 so that when these only are wished to be reared they may be chosen in the nest1 for the females are not so beautiful1 nor so easily taught4 ,although they do not warble before they can feed themselves1 one need not wait for this to begin their instruction#cb1 for it will succeed better1 if one may say so1 when infused with their food2 since experience proves that they learn those airs more quickly1 and remember them better1 which they have been taught just after eating4 ,it has been observed several times1 that these birds1 like the parrots1 are never more attentive than during digestion4 ,nine months of regular and continued instruction are necessary before the bird acquires what amateurs call firmness1 for if one ceases before this time1 they spoil the air1 by suppressing or displacing the different parts1 and they often forget it entirely at their first moulting4 ,in general it is a good thing to separate them from the other birds1 even after they are perfect2 because1 owing to their great quickness in learning1 they would spoil the air entirely by introducing wrong passages2 they must be helped to continue the song when they stop1 and the lesson must always be repeated whilst they are moulting1 otherwise they will become mere chatterers1 which would be doubly vexatious after having had much trouble in teaching them4 ,,diseases4--,those bullfinches which are caught in a snare or net are rarely ill1 and may be preserved for eight years or more2 but those reared from the nest are subject to many diseases1 caused by their not having their natural food1 or by those injurious delicacies which are always lavished on favourite birds2 they rarely live more than six years4 ,the surest means of preserving them healthy for a long time1 is to give them neither sweets nor tit-bits of any kind1 scrupulously to confine their food to rape seed1 adding now and then a very little hemp seed to please them1 and a good deal of the green food before mentioned4 ,the bottom of their cages should be covered with river sand1 as the bird there finds some stones which aid the functions of the stomach4 ,their most frequent diseases are moulting1 costiveness1 diarrhoea1 epilepsy1 grief1 and melancholy1 in which case they are quite silent1 and remain immoveable1 unless the cause can be discovered4 ,they must not be given any delicacy1 and must be fed entirely on soaked rape seed4 ,a clove in their water1 proper food1 and particularly a good deal of refreshing green food1 enables them to pass the moulting time in good health4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,there are few birds so easily attracted by the decoy bird as bullfinches4 ,they may also be taken by any of the usual means4 ,in winter numbers may be caught by a noose1 by hanging to it such berries as the bird likes2 in spring and autumn they may be caught in the area or barn floor trap2 and provided they see berries there1 the decoy bird is not wanted2 it is sufficient if one imitates their soft cry of tui1 tui1 in the hut4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,although the song of the male and female bullfinch1 in their wild state1 is very harsh and disagreeable1 yet if well taught while young1 as they are in ,hesse and ,fulda1 where there are schools of these little musicians1 for all ,germany1 ,holland1 and ,england1 they learn to whistle all kinds of airs and melodies with so soft and flute-like a tone1 that they are great favourites with amateurs1 and particularly with the ladies4 ,there are some of these little birds which can whistle distinctly three different airs1 without spoiling or confusing them in the least4 ,added to this attraction the bullfinch becomes exceedingly tame1 sings whenever it is told to do so1 and is susceptible of a most tender and lasting attachment1 which it shows by its endearing actions2 it balances its body1 moves its tail from right to left1 and spreads it like a fan4 ,it will even repeat words1 with an accent and tone which indicates sensibility1 if one could believe that it understood them2 but its memory must not be overloaded4 ,a single air1 with a prelude or a short flourish to begin with1 is as much as the bird can learn and remember1 and this it will execute to the greatest perfection4 ,these little prodigies would be more interesting and agreeable1 if their ,hessian instructors possessed a little musical taste1 but these are generally tradespeople1 employed about the house with their different occupations and trades2 and hymns1 airs1 and minuets of a hundred years old1 public house songs1 or some learnt of their apprentices1 in general compose the whole of their music4 ,the bullfinch can also imitate the songs of other birds2 but in general it is not permitted to do so1 that it may only learn to repeat the airs which are taught it4 ,different degrees of capacity are shown here1 as well as in other animals4 ,one young bullfinch learns with ease and quickness1 another with difficulty and slowly2 the former will repeat1 without hesitation1 several parts of a song2 the latter will be hardly able to whistle one1 after nine months' uninterrupted teaching4 ,but it has been remarked that those birds which learn with most difficulty remember the songs1 which have once been well learnt1 better and longer1 and rarely forget them1 even when moulting4 ,mr4 ,thiem#cc1 bird-seller1 at ,waltershausen1 near ,gotha1 sends annually to ,berlin and ,london one or two hundred bullfinches1 instructed in this manner1 at from one to several pounds sterling a-piece1 according as they are more or less accomplished1 whilst a wild one would cost only two or three pence4 ,these1 however1 are also kept in the room and prized1 both on account of their beauty and the great ease with which they are tamed2 they soon learn to fly on the hand1 to receive their food1 or will even take it from the mouth1 and become at last as familiar as if they had been reared from the nest4 ,the following are the means which are employed to tame them3--,as soon as a bullfinch is caught and brought into the room1 it must be put into a cage with food sufficient for the first day only2 for the loss of its liberty does not prevent its eating as soon as it is disengaged from the lime twigs or noose4 ,the next day a band must be put round the body and wings1 like that which bird-catchers put round a decoy bird1 which they let run about out of doors2 by means of this band the bullfinch may be fastened by a piece of packthread1 a foot in length1 to some place from which it cannot fall2 this will prevent its beating itself to death with its wings2 a little bell may be fastened to a box1 which when filled with food must be given to the bird1 at the same time ringing the bell2 it must be then left that it may eat2 this must be repeated several times in the day2 the same must be done when it is given anything to drink4 ,the poor little captive will not at first either eat or drink in any one's presence2 it is therefore necessary to retire for the two first days after having given it the box1 and only approach it by degrees1 till it is accustomed to eat in the presence of its master1 which it will soon be1 for generally on the third day1 as soon as it hears the bell and sees the box1 it hops forward1 and eats without the least shyness4 ,then the distance must be increased by degrees to make it come farther and farther1 when1 as soon as it has eaten1 it may be taken on the hand and carried here and there1 though it may seem a little frightened1 but not being able to escape it will soon become used to this treatment1 and will even begin to come to eat on the hand by continuing to do this for the third and fourth days2 it will fly of itself at the sound of the bell to the hand which holds the box2 after this the fastening may be loosened1 and if one only move from the bird gradually1 it will fearlessly approach and perch on the hand4 ,should it escape1 however1 it must be again confined and left without food for some hours4 ,by this means a wild bullfinch will in eight days become accustomed to fly immediately to the hand1 or wherever it hears the bell2 in order to finish its education1 it is well to increase the difficulty of getting at its food1 by putting it in a small bag with a very little opening2 it must also only have rape seed in the cage1 keeping the hemp seed1 which it likes best1 for the hand or little bag4 ,it may be taught to drink out of one's mouth by keeping it without water for five or six hours4 ,it may even be accustomed to go and return1 provided the house is not too near a wood4 ,the surest means of preventing too long an absence is to put a female bullfinch in a cage in the window1 or to leave her in the room with her wing clipped2 its affection will soon bring it back to her1 and it will certainly never abandon her altogether4 ,tame bullfinches have been known 7says ,buffon7 to escape from the aviary1 and live at liberty in the woods for a whole year1 and then to recollect the voice of the person who had reared them1 return to her1 never more to leave her4 ,others have been known1 which when forced to leave their first master1 have died of grief4 ,these birds remember very well1 and often too well1 any one who has injured them4 ,one of them having been thrown down1 with its cage1 by some of the lowest order of people1 did not seem at first much disturbed by it1 but afterwards it would fall into convulsions as soon as it saw any shabbily dressed person1 and it died in one of these fits eight months after the first accident4 ,a bullfinch1 belonging to a lady often mentioned before1 being subject to very frightful dreams1 which made it fall from its perch1 and beat itself in the cage1 no sooner heard the affectionate voice of its mistress than1 notwithstanding the darkness of the night1 it became immediately tranquil1 and re-ascended its perch to sleep again4 ,it was very fond of chickweed1 and as soon as it perceived one bringing it to him1 however much care was taken to prevent its finding it easily1 it would show its joy by its actions and cries4 ,,the ,,green ,,bird4 ,loxia chloris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,verdier1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,grnling1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is rather larger than the chaffinch1 being six inches in length1 of which the tail measures two and a half2 the beak five lines in length4 ,the iris is dark brown2 the shanks are eight inches in height1 and of a bluish flesh colour4 ,the prevailing colour of the plumage is yellowish green1 lighter on the lower part of the body1 still more so on the rump and breast1 and shading to white on the belly4 ,the female1 which is smaller1 is still more distinguished by the greenish brown of the upper part1 and the ash-colour rather than yellowish green of the lower part of the body2 she has besides some yellow spots on the breast1 and the whole belly is rather white than yellow4 ,sportsmen and bird-catchers mention three kinds of green birds1 namely1 the large1 which is everywhere of a beautiful yellow2 the middle sized1 the under part of the body of which is light yellow2 and the little1 which they say is rather greenish than yellow2 but all this variety depends upon the different ages of the bird1 as well as its strength1 and more or less beautiful tints of its plumage4 ,what much more deserves to be remarked is the mule1 which is the offspring of a green bird1 and a female canary2 it has a strong body2 its colours are green and grey1 mixed with yellow1 when the female canary is yellow2 but it is always a bad singer4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 the green bird may be found over all ,europe1 though not often far north4 ,it may be seen during summer1 in hedges1 and on the borders of woods1 and always where there are several trees near together2 during winter it wanders into different provinces1 in large and numerous flocks2 but in ,march it begins to return from these journeys4 ,in the house it may either be let range free1 or be shut up in an aviary with other birds1 where it is always very peaceable as long as it has sufficient food2 but when that fails1 it perches itself on the general food-drawer1 and keeps it determinedly1 pecking it with its beak so cleverly that no other bird can approach3 should one venture1 it is soon obliged to go away or lose its feathers2 otherwise this bird is as quiet and tame in the house as it is wild and active when at liberty4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it seems to like all kinds of seed1 even that of the milk thistle1 which all other birds dislike4 ,in the house1 when it ranges at will1 the second universal paste so well agrees with it that it becomes quite fat2 however1 as a variety1 rape and hemp seed may be thrown to it2 if in a cage it must only be fed in summer with rape seed1 except a little hemp seed1 which may be given after moulting1 to make it sing4 ,lettuce1 chickweed and other green food1 always agree with it1 and even the berries of the juniper tree4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 which is almost always placed in a hedge1 on a large branch near the trunk of a tree1 or on the top of an old willow-tree1 is firmly built with wool1 moss1 and lichen1 and lined with very fine roots and bristles4 ,the female lays1 twice a year1 four or five pointed eggs1 of a silver hue1 spotted with light violet or brown4 ,the young are at first of a greenish grey2 some yellow tints1 however1 may already be seen in the male4 ,when reared from the nest1 it learns1 though with difficulty1 to imitate the different songs of house-birds2 and1 as it almost always happens with slow memories1 having once learnt a thing it never forgets it4 ,it also sings through the whole year2 it should therefore be taught by a bird whose song is agreeable1 for instance1 a chaffinch1 and then one would have the pleasure of hearing it without interruption through all the seasons4 ,,diseases4--,the constitution of the green bird being very strong and healthy1 it is rarely subject to disease4 ,it may be kept in good health for twelve years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,if the decoy bird be a good one1 the green bird may be easily caught in the area or barn-floor trap1 even in ,december4 ,in the spring it may be taken with bird-lime on the lure-bush1 when a linnet will do for the songstress4 ,in order to make it eat soon1 a little crushed hemp seed should be thrown in the bottom of its cage4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,without being handsome its song is not disagreeable2 it may also be taught to repeat words2 but its greatest merit is the wonderful ease with which it is tamed1 equalling1 and even surpassing the bullfinch in this particular4 ,it may not only be accustomed to go and return again1 but also to build in a room near an orchard1 or in a summer-house in the garden4 ,the following are the means which must be taken to make it do this3--- ,after having taken the young from the nest they must be put in a cage1 and placed at the foot of the tree in which this nest is built1 in a place dug for the purpose1 and on the cage a tit as a decoy4 ,when left there1 the old birds come to feed their young1 and are caught in the snare4 ,as soon as they are taken1 they must all be brought into the house1 where the old and young must be put together in any aviary1 or large cage1 till the latter can fly2 the window may then be opened for them to go out1 but hunger will soon bring them back4 ,as soon as they have exercised their wings1 the old birds should be placed on the table in the window to call them back4 ,in time1 they become so familiar that they will accompany one in a walk1 and there is no fear of their flying away4 ,if they are not taken thus1 it is necessary to wait for winter and snow to let them go out1 and if they profit by the permission1 to call them back by some of their species placed in a cage in the window4 ,if you wish to be quite sure of success1 you have only to put a board in the window1 on which two females with their wings cut1 can run about1 go out1 and return4 ,the green bird likes to build near canaries1 and as these are good nurses1 they are given the eggs of the green bird1 which1 like the goldfinches and siskins1 learns to draw up its water and food4 ,,the ,,pine ,,grosbeak4 ,loxia ,enuclator1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,durbec1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,fichtenkernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is one of the largest species of grosbeak that we have1 equalling the ,bohemian chatterer in size4 ,its length is eight inches and a half1 of which the tail measures three2 the beak is short and thick1 measuring only six lines2 its colour is brown1 the iris dark brown2 the feet are from twelve to thirteen lines high1 and blackish2 the head1 neck1 breast and rump are of a light vermilion1 with bluish tints2 the feathers on the back and the lesser wing coverts are black1 with reddish edges4 ,the female is generally of a greyish green1 with some scattered reddish and yellowish tints1 principally on the top of the head4 ,it is not yet well known if this bird has the same changes of colour as the crossbill1 since more yellow ones have been found than red4 ,experience shows that the same things take place in the house as out of doors4 ,they acquire the yellow red1 not only after the first moulting1 but even before it4 ,this change begins first round the beak1 descends afterwards to the back and breast1 and at last gradually extends over the whole body1 so that what was red before becomes yellow2 this yellow is darker than citron2 all the red and yellow feathers are ash-colour at the base4 ,the young are brownish1 with a slight shade of yellow4 ,during the first year the colour of the males is light red2 it is only after this that they become darker vermilion or crimson2 these birds are caught in autumn and winter1 either in the noose or net1 with elder or service berries as a lure4 ,,observations4--,this bird is found in all the northern regions of ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america1 and in ,europe rarely passes the fifty-third degree of latitude4 ,it frequents the pine and fir forests1 the seeds of which form its food2 in winter it quits these places in search of berries2 this is what ranks it among the erratic birds4 ,they are so stupid1 that in the north they are easily caught with a circle of brass wire fixed to the end of a long pole1 to which are fastened some horse-hair rings1 which are simply passed over the head of the bird4 ,they are often caught and kept in cages1 as they are liked1 both on account of the ease with which they are tamed1 and of their song1 which is very agreeable2 they will even sometimes sing in the night1 and always preserve their song through the whole year1 while the wild only sing in the spring4 ,,hawfinch4 ,loxia coccothraustes1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grosbec1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,one must be a very great bird fancier to wish to have this bird in the house4 ,its length is seven inches1 of which the tail measures two inches and a third4 ,the beak1 which is very thick in proportion to the rest of the body1 is like a large blunt cone1 dark blue in summer1 and flesh-coloured1 with the tip black1 in winter2 the slim feet are nine lines in height1 and of a pale crimson2 the yellowish brown of the forehead unites with the light chestnut on the top of the head and cheeks2 the circle of the head is black1 and forms1 under the chin1 a large square spot2 the nape of the neck and upper part of the back are of a fine ash-grey1 the lower part is of a dark brown1 with some shades of grey on the rump4 ,illustration3 ,,breeding ,,cage4 ,in the females1 the cheeks1 head1 and upper tail coverts are of a greyish chestnut colour2 the throat1 wings1 and tail rather brown than black1 the spot on the wings greyish1 the under part of the body reddish grey1 shading to white on the belly4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 it may be found in all the temperate parts of ,europe and ,russia4 ,it is very common among the mountainous countries of ,germany1 where the beech prevails in the forests4 ,it is rather an erratic bird than a bird of passage1 and its excursions are ended in ,march4 ,sonnini says1 however1 that he has seen it during winter1 in ,egypt1 with the blackbirds and thrushes1 and its excursions are ended in ,march4 ,in the house it is generally kept in a large wire cage1 where it is soon tamed4 ,it may also be let run about1 provided it has not too many companions1 and that it has food in abundance1 for it is a very quarrelsome bird4 ,,food4--,in its wild state it eats many different things2 the fruit of the beech1 elm1 ash1 and maple2 the berries of the juniper1 service-tree1 and white-thorn2 cherries and plums1 the stones of which it breaks with the greatest ease1 to eat the kernel2 hemp seed1 cabbage1 radish1 and lettuce seed also form a part of its food4 ,in the house1 if confined in the cage1 it is contented with rape and hemp-seed2 and if it run about1 with the second universal paste4 ,,breeding4--,its nest is well built2 the eggs1 from three to five in number1 are greenish grey1 spotted with brown1 and streaked with blackish blue4 ,the young1 when reared from the nest1 will become so tame as to eat from the hand1 and will courageously defend itself with its beak against the dogs and cats2 it may also be accustomed to go and come4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the haste with which these birds come on hearing the call1 makes it very easy to catch them in the net1 by throwing berries or hemp seed on the trap4 ,in autumn and winter they may be taken by the noose1 with service-berries2 in spring they may be caught by placing lime twigs on the nest4 ,the loss of their liberty does not prevent their eating immediately rape or hemp seed4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,i confess that it has very few2 its song is less agreeable than any of the others'1 it is a kind of low whistling1 mixed with some harsh tones2 but its great tameness may please2 it is necessary1 however1 to guard one's self from its beak4 ,,the ,,cardinal ,,grosbeak1 ,,or ,,virginian ,,nightingale4 ,loxia cardinalis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,cardinal hupp1 ou ,rossignol de ,virginie1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,cardinal ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is eight inches1 of which the tail measures three4 ,its beak is strong and light red1 like its feet2 the iris is dark brown2 the head is ornamented with a tuft1 which1 when raised1 is pointed2 the throat and the part round the beak are black2 the rest of the body is of a beautiful bright red2 the pen and tail-feathers are less brilliant1 and brown on the anterior part4 ,the female is in general of a reddish brown4 ,,observations4--,the beautiful song of this grosbeak is so like that of the nightingale1 that this name has been given it2 but its voice is so strong that it pierces the ears4 ,it sings through the whole year1 except during the time of moulting4 ,in its wild state1 its principal food is the seed of the ,indian corn and buck-wheat2 it collects a considerable quantity of this food1 which it skilfully covers with leaves and twigs1 only leaving a very small hole1 as the entrance to this magazine4 ,in the cage it is fed with millet1 rape seed1 hemp seed1 and the like1 which agree with it very well4 ,some persons have endeavoured to make it breed in large aviaries in the middle of gardens1 but ,i do not know that it has ever succeeded4 ,in ,germany it is very dear1 being as much as six or eight pounds sterling for a pair4 ,,the ,,java ,,sparrow1 ,,or ,,rice ,,bird4 ,loxia orycivora1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,padda1 ou ,oiseau de ,riz1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,reiskernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is about the size of a bullfinch1 and five inches in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak is thick1 and of a fine rose colour2 the feet are paler2 the eyelids naked1 and edged with rose colour2 the head1 throat1 and streak which surrounds the cheeks1 are black2 the cheeks are white2 the rump1 tail1 and greater pen-feathers are black1 but all the rest of the upper part of the body1 the wing-coverts1 hinder pen-feathers1 and breast1 are of a dark grey2 the belly purple grey2 the lower tail-coverts white4 ,the whole plumage1 says ,buffon1 is so well arranged1 that no one feather passes another1 and they all appear downy1 or rather covered with that kind of bloom which you see on plums2 this gives them a very beautiful tint4 ,in the female the colours are rather lighter on the back and belly3 the young are not only paler1 but also irregularly spotted with dark brown on the cheeks and lower part of the belly4 ,,observations4--,there are few vessels coming from ,java and the ,cape of ,good ,hope that do not bring numbers of these birds1 which have as bad a character in those countries1 and particularly in ,china1 their native place1 as the sparrows have amongst us1 on account of the ravages they make in the rice fields4 ,they have nothing attractive but their beauty1 for their song is short and monotonous4 ,they cost four or five pounds sterling a pair in ,germany4 ,,the ,,waxbill4 ,loxia ,astrild1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,sngali ray1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gemeine ,senegalist1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is hardly larger than a golden-crested wren1 its length being four inches and a half1 of which the tail measures two inches2 the beak is rather rough at the base1 and of a dark red2 the band which crosses the eyes1 the centre of the breast and belly1 are red2 the upper part of the body is brown1 and the lower reddish grey1 the whole streaked with transverse blackish lines1 which become finer as they approach the head2 the quill-feathers are brown1 as well as the tail1 which is wedge-shaped1 and streaked with darker transverse lines2 the feet are brown4 ,these birds change colour like the amandava finch2 thus some are found with the tail entirely brown1 others which have the rump crimson1 and the rest of the body brown above and white below1 and some have the belly yellow1 and the back spotted with white2 there are some1 indeed1 which have the neck and throat bluish1 the under part of the body white1 mixed with iron colour1 and the upper part blue4 ,,observations4--,they inhabit the ,canary ,islands1 ,senegal1 ,angola1 the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and may even be found as far as ,india1 whence they are brought to ,europe4 ,their beautiful shape1 their amiable disposition1 and the affection which they show to every one indiscriminately1 render them such favourites1 that a dozen may be often seen in one cage4 ,their song is scarcely any thing4 ,they are fed on millet1 which also forms their food in their native country1 to the damage of the fields which are sown with it4 ,they approach villages like our sparrows2 they are caught in traps made of the shell of a gourd1 and cut like a bowl1 on which some millet is scattered4 ,,the ,,amandava4 ,fringilla amandava1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bengali ,piquet1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,getiegerte ,bengalist1 ,,bechstein4 ,this beautiful little bird1 which is brought to ,europe in great numbers from ,bengal1 ,java1 ,malacca1 and other tropical countries of ,asia1 is only four inches long1 of which the tail measures one and a third4 ,most ornithologists class it with the sparrows1 but it seems to me that it belongs rather to the grosbeaks4 ,its beak is short and thick1 being only four lines in length1 and the diameter at the base measuring three4 ,its colour is deep bright red2 the iris is also red2 the feet are six lines in height1 and of a pale flesh-colour2 in the male the head and under part of the body are of a fiery red1 the upper part of a dark grey1 but the feathers have a broad red edge1 so that this colour seems to prevail2 thus the edge of the feathers on the rump make it appear of a brilliant orange1 though1 like the belly1 it is properly black2 the feathers of the back1 tail1 sides of the breast and belly1 the wing-coverts1 hinder quill-feathers1 and both tail-coverts1 are terminated at the tip with shining white spots1 which are largest on the hinder quill-feathers1 and larger wing-coverts1 the colour of which is otherwise black4 ,the female is one third smaller than the male2 part of the upper mandible is black2 the head and upper part of the body1 including the wing-coverts1 are of a dark ash-colour2 the feathers on the rump have only an orange edge1 with a light tip2 the cheeks are of a light grey2 the under part of the body is pale sulphur1 the pen-feathers blackish2 the greater and lesser wing-coverts are finely speckled with white2 the tips of the tail-feathers are greyish white4 ,the male varies in its colours for several years before it permanently acquires those above described3 it may be seen with the back grey1 slightly tinted with red1 the belly black1 speckled with yellow2 others with the back reddish grey1 spotted with bright red1 and the belly of a sulphur yellow1 with black rings1 and more or less speckled1 c4 ,,observations4--,these birds are as sociable as the waxbills2 if there should be twenty or thirty in the same cage1 they perch close against one another on the same perch2 and1 what is more singular1 they never sing together1 but one after another1 the rest keeping quite silent to listen to the songster4 ,their song resembles that of the hay bird1 and continues through the winter4 ,the females do not sing2 those are wrong who think the contrary4 ,they are very active1 often bowing and spreading their tail like a fan4 ,in their native country their food consists of different seeds1 particularly millet2 this is also given it in the cage1 as well as canary seed4 ,they eat and drink a great deal4 ,they will live from six to ten years4 ,,the ,,paradise ,,grosbeak4 ,loxia erythrocephala1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,cardinal d',angola1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,paridiese-,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is about six inches long2 the beak and feet are flesh-coloured1 the head and chin red2 the upper part of the neck1 the back1 rump1 and wing-coverts1 bluish grey2 the upper tail-coverts are edged with grey2 the under part of the body white1 with dark brown spots on the sides2 the wing-coverts white at the tip1 which forms two transverse streaks on the wings2 the pen and tail-feathers are of a dark grey1 with lighter tips4 ,the female does not differ from the male4 ,,observations4--,the male sings through the whole year1 but its voice is so weak that the least noise overpowers it4 ,in ,england this species has been made to breed in an aviary4 ,its food is millet and rape seed1 and sometimes a little hemp seed4 ,,the ,,redbill4 ,loxia sanguinirostris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,becsanguin1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,rothschbliger ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pretty little bird is three inches and a half long1 of which the tail measures one inch1 and the beak four lines4 ,the feet are nine lines in height1 the middle claw measures five lines and the side ones four4 ,the beak is strong1 rather naked at the forehead1 and of a dark blood red2 the feet are of a very red colour1 the claws black2 the eyelids red1 and irides orange2 the circle of the beak1 including the forehead1 eyes1 and chin1 is black2 the top of the head rust-colour1 more or less approaching to red1 scattered with blackish spots1 formed by the black of the feathers2 the under part of the body of a brownish red1 clouded with white1 and lighter on the sides and the lower part of the belly1 the whole spotted with black in the young birds1 but with no spots in the old ones4 ,the female is altogether lighter1 and has no black on the head1 but two dark grey streaks above and under the eyes2 the under part of the body is only reddish grey4 ,,observations4--,this species is found on the coasts of ,africa1 in ,bengal1 and other parts of ,asia4 ,it is a very agreeable bird1 and though its voice is weak its song is only the more melodious4 ,a male and female put together in a cage seem to be taken up with their mutual affection1 always feeding and caressing each other4 ,they are fed on crushed canary and hemp seed1 which preserves them in good health for several years4 ,the room in which they are kept must be heated during winter4 ,,the ,,dominican4 ,loxia ,dominicana1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,paroare1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,dominicaner ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is about the size of a lark4 ,the upper part of the beak is brown1 and the lower light flesh-colour2 the feet are grey2 the front of the head1 the throat1 and part of the neck red2 the back of the head is blackish1 with a slight mixture of white4 ,,observations4--,this bird comes from ,brazil1 and possesses nothing attractive but its beauty4 ,its song is merely an occasional call4 ,in ,germany it costs three pounds sterling4 ,,the ,,grenadier4 ,loxia orix1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,cardinal du ,cap de ,bonne ,esprance1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,grenadier ,kernbeisser1 oder ,feuervogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is about the size of a sparrow4 ,the beak is black2 iris chestnut2 feet dark flesh-colour2 forehead1 sides of the head1 chin1 lower part of the breast and belly blackish2 the throat1 top of the head and breast1 rump1 vent1 and tail are of a fiery red1 or brilliant carmine1 and soft1 like velvet4 ,,varieties4--#a4 ,a black spot on the chin2 thighs red4 #b4 ,tail dark brown1 with a greyish white border4 ,in the female the beak is raven black1 the upper part of the body dark brown1 with light grey edges to the feathers2 the head dark grey1 with a whitish streak which passes above the eyes2 the under part of the body light grey4 ,from this it seems to be very like the house sparrow2 its plumage is1 however1 altogether lighter4 ,the male takes these colours1 in the house1 at the second moulting1 but the streaks are darker1 the feathers of the upper part of the body being blackish1 with broad borders of reddish grey2 the streak above the eyes is of a pale sulphur4 ,when wild1 the males1 immediately after pairing1 which is in ,january1 lose their red feathers1 and become like the females1 but have them again in ,july1 about the time of the second breeding season4 ,they are pretty whilst moulting1 when the head and body are speckled1 the tail and neck still remaining red4 ,,observations4--,these birds1 which are very numerous in all the colonies at the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 do as much mischief there to the flowers and ears of corn1 as the sparrows do in ,europe4 ,when retiring by thousands in the evening1 from the fields to the reeds1 they make such a noise with their chirping as may be heard to a great distance4 ,their call is like the sparrows' dib1 dib1 and their song as weak as that of the siskin2 the nest is skilfully constructed with small twigs interwoven with cotton1 and has but one opening1 with two compartments1 one above the other1 the upper for the male and the lower for the female2 the eggs are green4 ,these birds1 when kept in a cage1 are fed on canary seed4 ,the male and female never like to be separated2 there is no instance1 however1 of their breeding in these climates4 ,,the ,,cape ,,finch4 ,loxia ,capensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pinson noir et jaune1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,capsche ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,i have one of these birds1 which is about the size of a bullfinch3 its length is six inches and a quarter1 of which the tail1 which is rather wedge-shaped1 measures two and a half4 ,the beak is whitish above1 very much compressed on the sides1 and very pointed2 the iris dark brown2 feet dark flesh-colour4 ,the head1 neck1 top of the back1 all the under part of the body1 and the tail are of a fine velvet black4 ,the female1 which is light brown1 has a black spot in the centre of each feather2 the sides of the head and greater wing-coverts are grey white1 streaked with black2 the lesser coverts and the rump of a light yellow2 the tail-feathers edged with grey2 the beak pale or raven grey4 ,the plumage of the male after pairing is like that of the female4 ,,observations4--,this bird1 which comes from the ,cape of ,good ,hope lives very well in the house2 it is kept in a cage1 alone or with the female1 and fed with hemp and canary seed4 ,in its native country it frequents the edges of streams and rivers1 feeds on seeds1 but is not so mischievous as the preceding4 ,the eggs are grey1 spotted with black4 ,it is said to be nice to eat4 ,,the ,,caffrarian ,,finch4 ,loxia ,caffra1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,caffre1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,mohren ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is very little larger than the bullfinch1 but its long and raised tail is about twice the length of its body3 it is only ornamented with it during the pairing season4 ,the beak is brown grey2 the feet grey2 the prevailing colour of the plumage is velvet black2 the shoulders are red2 the coverts white2 the pen-feathers brown grey1 with a white border4 ,the female is always grey1 and has only a little red on the shoulders4 ,the male acquires its beautiful black plumage at the beginning of ,november1 and loses it in ,january1 to assume the colours of the female4 ,,observations4--,this species1 which is found in the interior of the country north of the ,cape1 lives and builds in marshes3 it is rarely brought to ,europe4 ,the long tail of the male requires a large cage in order to preserve its beauty4 ,in its wild state this length of tail is very inconvenient during the high winds2 and during the rainy season it may be caught by the hand4 ,it is fed with canary seed4 ,,the ,,blue ,,finch4 ,loxia coerulea1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bouvreuil bleu d',amrique1 ,,buffon2 ,der dunkelblaue ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of the common grosbeak1 about six inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak1 which measures six lines1 is strong1 and of a dark brown2 the feet black2 a black streak surrounds the chin1 and extends to the eyes3 the whole plumage is blue1 except the greater wing coverts1 the pen-feathers1 and the central tail feathers1 which are dark brown4 ,the female is entirely brown1 with a slight mixture of blue4 ,,observations4--,i have had an opportunity of observing this bird among the collection belonging to his ,royal ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen1 where it is fed on canary seed4 ,it calls little1 and its song is weak1 but its plumage is beautiful4 ,it is found in several parts of ,america1 in ,brazil1 ,cayenne1 and even in ,carolina4 ,,yellow-,,bellied ,,grosbeak4 ,loxia flaviventris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grosbec jaune du ,cap de ,bonne ,esprance1 ,,brisson2 ,der gelbafterige ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,i am not sure that this bird1 which ,i have also seen amongst those of his ,royal ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen1 is the true ,loxia flaviventris of ,linnus4 ,it is of the size of the common chaffinch1 and five inches long4 ,the beak1 which is moderately strong1 very much resembles that of the chaffinch1 and is of a horn brown4 ,the feet are a dull brown4 ,the head and neck are of a dull pale blue2 the upper part of the body olive1 the whole of the under part is a fine bright orange4 ,the ,yellow ,grosbeak of the ,cape of ,good ,hope is thus described3--the head1 upper part of the neck1 and back are olive1 with stripes of brown2 the rump olive4 ,the under part of the body deep yellow2 on each side of the head is a yellow band which passes above the eyes2 the wings and tail feathers are brown1 edged with olive4 ,the female only differs in the colours being less vivid4 ,,variety4--,the top of the head1 the upper part of the body1 and the breast are olive2 the back of the neck1 even to the throat1 is ash-coloured2 the belly yellow1 but between the legs white4 ,the wings are black1 bordered with orange2 the tail feathers dark green1 but they are bordered with yellow1 and are black up the middle4 ,,observations4--,this bird has been sold as the female of the preceding1 and placed in the same cage4 ,it lived very sociably2 but ,i should suspect it rather of being the female of that under notice4 ,it is a native of the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,,the ,,gowry ,,bird4 ,loxia punctularia1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grosbec tachet de ,java1 ,,buffon2 ,der getpfelte ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of a linnet1 about four inches and a quarter in length4 ,the beak and feet black2 the whole of the upper part of the body1 and the lower1 as far as the breast1 chestnut brown2 the cheeks marked with a reddish purple tinge2 the belly and sides white1 but all the feathers bordered with black in the form of a heart4 ,the female has no red tinge on the cheeks1 the beak and feet are deep brown2 the sides white1 tinged with deep brown3 the back reddish brown4 ,,observations4--,this species1 which ,i have seen in the collection of ,his ,royal ,highness the ,duke of ,saxe ,meiningen1 comes from ,java2 it is kept in a cage and fed on canary seed4 ,its call is deguay1 its feeble song somewhat resembles the siskin's4 ,,the ,,banded ,,finch4 ,loxia fasciata1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,collerette ,,buffon2 ,der gebnderte ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of the preceding1 about four inches and a half in length4 ,the beak is bluish grey4 ,the feet short and flesh-coloured2 the upper part of the body dark reddish ash grey1 each feather having two black transverse bands1 only one of which is visible2 the cheeks and lower mandible are surrounded by a band of dark reddish purple4 ,the female has not this collar1 and its plumage is paler2 the under part of its body is red brown1 each feather edged with a deeper shade4 ,,varieties4--,the one ,i have actually before me1 and which ,i received from ,mr4 ,thiem1 bird-dealer at ,waltershausen1 is a fine male1 whose plumage is as follows3-- ,the head is dull orange1 with black stripes very near together2 the upper part of the neck1 the back and rump1 are the same shade of orange1 but each feather is intersected by a semicircular black line1 and terminated by a spot of red brown2 the scapular wing coverts and last pen-feathers are dark grey1 with transverse angular black bands1 and bordered at the tips with red brown4 #b4 ,this variety is thus described in ,latham's ,synopsis of ,birds4 ,the top of the head1 upper part of the neck1 and lesser wing coverts1 light brown1 with semicircular black lines2 the cheeks plain brown1 but edged at the lower part with bright crimson1 below which is a black line2 the breast and belly light brown1 occasionally marked with semicircular lines2 the pen-feathers and tail are brown4 ,,observations4--,bird-fanciers give to these the name of ,indian sparrows1 though they come from ,africa2 their cry is similar to that of the common sparrow1 and their song not very different4 ,they are fed on canary seeds4 ,,the ,,brown-,,cheeked ,,finch4 ,loxia canora1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der braunwangige ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of the siskin1 and four inches in length4 ,the beak short1 strong1 and horn brown4 ,the feet flesh-colour4 ,the cheeks brown1 adorned with a yellow border from the throat to the back of the ear4 ,the female has no yellow border to the cheeks4 ,,observations4--,this pretty species comes from ,mexico2 its song is soft and clear2 its actions are as lively as they are amusing4 ,it is kept in a cage1 and fed on canary seed and millet4 ,,the ,,malacca ,,finch4 ,loxia ,malacca1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,jacobin1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,malackische ,kernbeisser1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is the size of the greenfinch1 and four inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures one and a half4 ,the beak thick1 five lines in length1 and bluish grey2 the feet the same colour4 ,the head1 neck1 a stripe1 which extends up the belly to the vent1 and the thighs1 are black2 the back1 wings and tail1 pale chestnut4 ,the following is mentioned as a variety4 ,the ,chinese ,grosbeak 7,brisson's ,ornithology1 ,,iii41 page #bce1 ,no4 #g71 with the head1 throat1 and front of the neck black1 the upper part of the body red brown or chestnut1 the wings and tail similar to the one above4 ,i have seen this bird in a room several times1 and have always regarded it as a male1 on account of its song1 and because1 after moulting1 its plumage returned unaltered1 not becoming either white on the breast or black at the vent4 ,edwards1 who has represented it in his #ceeth plate1 has added a female1 which he kept in the same cage1 and which was improved by its companion4 ,the upper part of its body was grey brown1 the sides of the head and under part of the body pinkish1 or rather blush colour1 the wing and tail feathers blackish1 the feet flesh-colour4 ,the blackness of the wings and tail makes me suspect that this female belongs to another species2 its attachment and familiarity prove nothing4 ,we know1 in fact1 that nearly all granivorous birds hold communion together1 and mutually caress each other with the bill4 ,,observations4--,the ,malacca ,finch comes from the ,east ,indies3 it is very gentle1 confiding1 and lively4 ,its voice is strong2 its cry1 tziapp1 pronounced in a loud clear tone4 ,though its song is somewhat nasal and rather noisy1 it is not disagreeable4 ,its food1 when in confinement1 is hemp and canary seed1 which ,i have known preserve it for a long time in good health4 ,,the ,,snow ,,bunting4 ,illustration ,emberiza nivalis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ortolan de neige1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,schneeamer1 ,,bechstein4 ,naturalists say that the plumage of this bird differs considerably in summer and winter2 though1 from analogy with others of its species1 ,i am authorized in suspecting that this change arises rather from age4 ,i shall leave the question undecided2 and since we can never see this bird when it has retired in summer within the arctic circle1 its native home1 ,i shall content myself with describing its winter colours1 such as we may see them in a room4 ,it is the size of a lark1 six inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two and two-thirds4 ,the beak is five or six lines in length1 with every characteristic of the bunting species1 conical in form1 rather bent at the sides1 and having a bony tubercle like a grain of barley at the palate2 its colour in the singing season is quite black1 at other times the point alone is black1 the rest yellow4 ,the back and rump are black1 the feathers of the back being edged with white1 whilst those of the rump and scapulars are edged with yellowish brown1 darker in spring than summer4 ,the female is rather smaller1 the head and upper part of the neck white1 with a mixture of cinnamon-brown1 and transverse spots of the same colour form a kind of broken band across the white breast4 ,the young ones which are taken in winter are known by their dark brown beak2 the lower part of the back is of the same colour1 but their feathers are edged with a light grey4 ,the male has the head most speckled with yellow brown1 the cheeks of the female are of the same tint1 and it has spots of this on the breast4 ,,observations4--,when the winter is severe1 these birds are seen from ,december to ,may in many parts of ,germany1 where they even approach the villages4 ,i am persuaded that1 if attention were paid to them1 they might be seen in every direction1 during ,march1 on their passage to the ,north2 whilst snow is on the ground they are found in company with larks1 on the high roads and in the fields2 they may then be taken with horse dung1 placed in net1 or covered with bird-lime1 or by clearing a spot of ground of snow and strewing it with oats4 ,i have had a pair six years in my room without a cage1 and they are satisfied with the food common for other birds3 if kept in a cage1 they must be fed on hemp seed1 oats1 millet1 rape1 and poppy seeds4 ,they appear much delighted whilst bathing2 during the night they seem very uneasy1 hopping and running about continually4 ,their strong and piercing cry resembles a loud whistle2 their song would be rather agreeable were it not interrupted in a peculiar manner2 it is a warbling mingled with some high noisy notes1 descending slowly from shrill to deep1 and a little strong and broken whistling4 ,heat is so contrary to their nature1 that they cannot be preserved unless carefully guarded from it4 ,,the ,,mountain ,,bunting4 ,emberiza montana1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ortolan de ,montagne1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,bergammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is smaller than the snow bunting1 has a short1 strong yellow beak1 with a black point2 the head is nearly flat1 the frontal band light chestnut2 the upper part of the neck and back grey1 with black streaks1 most numerous on the back1 causing a resemblance to the female yellowhammer2 feet black4 ,the breast of the female is of a deeper colour than the male's4 ,,observations4--,this species1 inhabiting the cold regions of ,europe1 is never found in great numbers4 ,in ,thuringia1 and some other provinces of ,germany1 they are seen generally every year1 in ,march1 the time of passage1 settling in pairs along the high roads1 searching for a few undigested grains in the dung of animals4 ,their song is shrill1 tolerably pleasing1 and interrupted like the yellowhammer's4 ,they may be easily kept in the house1 either caged or not1 feeding them on oats1 bread1 hemp1 and other seeds4 ,these birds also appear uneasy during the night1 especially in the pairing season1 uttering their call amidst the darkness4 ,some are occasionally met with of a dull orange on the upper part of the body1 streaked with yellow on the head1 and deep orange on the back4 ,these are young birds4 ,this species is caught in the same manner as the snow bunting4 ,,the ,,yellowhammer4 ,emberiza citrinella1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bruant1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,goldammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,however well known this bird may be1 it is still necessary that it should be described minutely1 as the young males and old females are often confounded with one another4 ,it is six inches and a half in length1 of which the forked tail measures three4 ,the beak1 five lines long1 is dark brown in summer1 and ash grey in winter2 the feet are of a light brown4 ,the head of the old males is of a fine yellow1 generally having some streaks of dark olive scattered over the top and on the cheeks2 it is only in very old birds that the head and neck are of a golden yellow1 without any mixture2 the upper part of the neck is olive2 the back black1 mingled with reddish grey2 the feathers have black up the middle1 and the edges reddish grey2 the rump is of a deep red2 the throat1 with the under part of the neck and the belly1 are yellow1 more or less golden2 the breast1 especially its sides1 as well as the small coverts of the tail1 is streaked with yellow and red4 ,illustration3 ,,yellowhammer4 ,the female is rather smaller than the male2 the yellow of the head1 neck1 and throat1 is scarcely seen through the spots scattered over it1 which are brown on the head and cheeks1 and olive-coloured on the neck2 the breast is only speckled with rust red1 and the wing coverts with reddish white1 so that at a distance it appears rather brown than yellow4 ,young male birds1 in spring1 scarcely differ from old females1 except that a spot of yellow may even then be seen on the top of the head1 as well as a streak of the same colour above the eyes and on the throat2 in fact1 the breast and rump are rather of a deep reddish brown than rust red1 and also without spots4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the yellowhammer is found in all parts of ,europe1 and the north of ,asia4 ,it remains in summer about the skirts of forests and small woods4 ,it overruns the fields in autumn1 and in the winter approaches our buildings1 particularly barns and stables4 ,when confined it is generally allowed to run about the room1 but where it is rare1 and therefore most valued1 it is kept in a cage4 ,,food4--,when wild these birds live on insects1 particularly caterpillars1 on which1 like all the other species of this genus1 they feed their young4 ,in autumn and winter1 they have recourse to all kinds of grain2 but they prefer oats1 which1 with barley1 wheat1 and millet1 they know how to get at very cleverly1 notwithstanding the bony tubercle at their palate4 ,they also feed upon rape1 and other small seeds1 when they can get them4 ,in the house1 to preserve them in health1 their food should be properly varied1 giving them in turn oats1 the crumb of white bread1 meat1 bruised hemp seed1 poppy and rape seed4 ,when running about1 the second universal paste agrees very well with them4 ,it is no doubt to assist their digestion1 that they often swallow fresh black earth1 as ,i have always seen those do that ,i have kept2 this must not be forgotten to be given them1 nor water for them to bathe in1 which they enjoy very much4 ,,breeding4--,this species breeds twice in the year1 the first time in the end of ,march1 or the beginning of ,april4 ,the nest1 which is placed in a hedge1 bush1 tuft of grass1 or even in moss on the ground1 is formed on the outside of straws1 interwoven and lined within with the hair of horses and other animals4 ,it contains from three to five eggs1 of a dirty white1 with zig-zag lines and spots of brown4 ,when reared from the nest the young ones may be taught to imitate the song of the chaffinch1 and a few notes of other birds4 ,,diseases4--,the disease most common to this bird is decline4 ,the time of moulting is very dangerous to them1 as they suffer much1 and sometimes die2 to render this period less dangerous1 they should have fresh ants' eggs as soon as it commences1 a remedy most useful to this species1 to chaffinches1 and to sparrows4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the yellowhammer is easily taken in winter1 near our dwellings1 either in a net1 with a stalk of oats as a bait1 or under a basket or sieve1 which may be thrown down1 by drawing away the small stick that supports it1 by means of a string4 ,they will also enter the area or barn-floor trap1 if a perching bird is fastened there1 by a string attached to the leather band round its body2 in spring they may be caught like other birds1 by means of a bird-call4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the first of these is certainly the beauty of the bird1 but the fine yellow which sets it off fades gradually when kept in the house1 where it will live five or six years2 the second is its song1 which1 without being very distinguished1 is rather pleasing2 its call1 though not strong1 is heard to some distance2 but this bird1 so gay1 so spruce1 so active when free1 becomes dull1 idle1 and awkward in a cage4 ,,the ,,corn ,,bunting4 ,illustration ,emberiza miliaria1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,proyer1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gerstenammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 found throughout ,europe and the north of ,asia1 has not so good a title to be admitted into the house as the preceding1 not being distinguished either for its song or the beauty of its colours4 ,with a plumage very similar to that of the sky-lark1 it surpasses it in size1 being seven inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures three4 ,the beak1 measuring six lines1 is strong1 yellowish on the under part in summer2 the rest of the year the whole of it is grey brown2 the feet the same1 which stand six lines in height4 ,the general tint of the plumage is pale1 reddish grey on the upper part of the body1 and yellowish white on the under1 speckled like the lark's1 with blackish brown spots4 ,in the female the colours are rather lighter4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state this bird is common in most parts of ,europe2 in the more northerly parts it does not remain during the winter1 and only appears at certain seasons2 in ,march they are met with amongst the larks in the fields1 meadows1 and on the high roads1 often perched on the tops of willows1 or on a stake in a hedge1 on a milestone1 or a clod of earth4 ,in a room it may occupy a lark's cage1 but is more commonly let run about at liberty4 ,,food4--,both at liberty and in confinement its food is similar to that of the yellowhammer2 it is however a more delicate bird4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 placed under a bush1 does not rest on the ground but on the turf2 it is constructed of the stalks of grass1 and lined with horse-hair4 ,the eggs are grey1 speckled with chestnut and streaked with black4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in autumn these birds may be taken in an area with a decoy bird2 in winter1 before the barn door1 with bird-lime or a clapper2 in the spring with a bird-call4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,their song1 shorter and less soft than that of the yellowhammer1 has only four or five notes2 from their dwelling on the r in the last1 they have been given the name of stocking weavers4 ,,the ,,ortolan4 ,emberiza hortulena1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ortolan1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gartenammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,it is necessary to give a very exact description of this species1 as not only bird-catchers1 but even some naturalists1 give the name of ,ortolan to several very different species4 ,under this name the former sell all rare birds of this kind4 ,the true ortolan has a wider breast and stronger beak than the yellowhammer2 it is six inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two and a half2 the beak1 six inches long1 is thick at the base1 with a bony tubercle at the palate1 and is of a yellowish flesh-colour2 the iris dark brown4 ,the legs1 which stand ten lines in height1 are flesh-coloured2 the head and neck is greyish olive2 the throat and a streak on the neck from the angle of the beak1 deep yellow4 ,the female is rather smaller1 of a changeable shining ash-colour on its head and neck1 streaked with fine black lines4 ,its breast1 and the upper and under part of its body1 are lighter than in the male4 ,the throat of the young male birds1 before the first moulting1 is of a light yellow1 with a mixture of grey2 the breast and belly are of a reddish yellow1 speckled with grey1 which make them rather resemble young yellowhammers4 ,a bird fancier will distinguish the two sexes even in the nest4 ,there are white1 yellow1 speckled1 and in the house sometimes even black varieties4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the ortolan is principally found in the southern and temperate parts of ,europe1 and is not scarce in some of the provinces of ,germany2 but if attention were paid to them there1 they might be seen in every direction on their passage2 for though they may not remain during the summer in a district1 yet they make some stay1 never passing over a great space of country at a time4 ,their route is so exact and regular1 that when one has been seen in a particular spot1 especially if in spring1 it is sure to be found there the following year at the same time4 ,they fly rather in families than flocks3 the time of their arrival in ,germany is towards the end of ,april1 or beginning of ,may2 they are then met with in orchards1 amongst brambles or in groves1 where they build1 particularly if millet is cultivated in the neighbourhood4 ,during harvest they frequent the fields in families1 and leave after the oats are gathered in#cd4 ,in the house1 if much valued1 they are given a cage2 but in countries where they are common they are let run about free4 ,,food4--,in their wild state they live on insects and grain4 ,in the house they are fed1 if in a cage1 on millet1 hemp seed1 and prepared oats2 if at liberty in a room the universal paste suits them very well4 ,these birds1 being rather delicate1 cannot often be preserved beyond three or four years4 ,,diseases4--,the most common disease of these birds is atrophy1 to cure or prevent which it is necessary to know how properly to mix and vary animal with vegetable food2 but this calls for a greater degree of attention and care than most persons are willing to give4 ,,manner ,,of ,,taking4--,in spring these birds are easily attracted to a decoy bush1 by a female of their own species1 or a yellowhammer4 ,in ,august a turfy place should be chosen near brambles1 to form a small area1 as a decoy1 like that made for chaffinches4 ,it must be surrounded with a low hedge1 with some oat-ears fastened to it4 ,about the area should be placed one or several birds of call1 especially a perching bird1 that is to say1 a bird of the same species1 with a band of soft leather round it1 and confined by a small string1 fastened to a peg-stick in the ground1 which prevents its going beyond the prescribed limits4 ,here it should be given plenty of food and water1 in order that the birds to be caught may be the more easily attracted within the area1 from seeing one of their own species in a place of abundance4 ,this kind of decoy bird is often more necessary than any other4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the fine form and colours of the ortolan would be sufficient to render it desirable1 but still more so its flute-like warbling1 so clear and full1 which has some resemblance to that of the yellowhammer1 only that the last notes are much deeper4 ,ever since ortolans have been known to epicures as a delicacy1 they have been fattened with great care4 ,the common way is to keep them in a room only lighted by lanterns1 so that they cannot distinguish day from night3 they are then plentifully fed on oats1 millet1 and the crumb of white bread1 made up with good spice4 ,in a short time they become so fat that they would be suffocated if not killed at once4 ,an ortolan thus fed is a perfect ball of most delicious fat1 weighing about three ounces4 ,,the ,,cirl-,,bunting1 ,,lath4 ,emberiza ,cirlus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,zizi1 ou ,bruant de ,haie1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,zaunammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,linnus has described only the female1 and by mistake ,i have called the male ,emberizal ,eathorax1 and have given a drawing of it and the female1 in the second volume of my ,german translation of the ,english work of ,latham1 ,synopsis of ,birds1 printed at ,nuremberg1 #agid4 ,,description4--,this bird1 scarce in many provinces of ,germany and in ,britain1 but well known in ,thuringia1 is about the size of the yellowhammer1 being five inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two and a half4 ,its small and flattish beak is of a brownish blue on the upper part1 and light brown on the under2 the feet1 eight lines in height1 are flesh-coloured2 the upper part of the head and neck olive green with small black strokes1 a golden yellow streak extends from the angle of the upper mandible to the middle of the neck1 passing under the eyes2 another begins from the angle of the under mandible1 and descending in a straight line1 is crossed by a third1 which is black1 then curving round behind the yellow streak under the eyes1 reunites with the black one on the throat2 the back and smaller wing-coverts are cinnamon brown1 mixed with black and yellow green2 the rump is olive1 with black streaks2 the breast is a fine olive green1 light chestnut on the sides2 the rest of the under part of the body is of a golden yellow4 ,the female is known by its plumage being much paler3 the head and upper part of the neck are olive1 much streaked with black2 the back is pale brown1 the rump more streaked with black1 the tail rather greyish black than black2 two pale yellow lines pass one above the other below the eyes1 and cross a black line which unites to the black border of the cheeks2 the throat is brownish1 with a lighter spot below2 the breast is olive1 with the sides brownish1 the rest of the under part of the body is pale yellow4 ,the young ones1 before their first moulting1 have the upper part of the body light brown1 speckled with black1 the under pale yellow streaked with black2 the older they grow the more of an olive tint the breast acquires4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state these birds dwell chiefly in the southern and temperate parts of ,europe1 where they frequent orchards1 groves1 and the skirts of forests4#ce ,they are birds of passage1 which leave in ,november and return in ,april2 they are then met with very commonly among the chaffinches4 ,in the house they must be treated in the same manner as the ortolan4 ,,food4--,in their wild state they feed on the cabbage caterpillar in summer1 and when corn is ripe1 on wheat1 barley1 millet1 oats1 and other grain4 ,,breeding4--,they place their nest in a hedge or bush on the road side1 and build it of small straws and line it with horse-hair4 ,the eggs are greyish1 speckled with chestnut4 ,in the end of ,july1 whole families are met with in the fields1 particularly those planted with cabbages1 and that have willows in the neighbourhood4 ,,diseases ,,and ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these are similar to what is said under ortolan4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the male surpasses the ortolan in beauty1 but does not equal it in its song1 as in this it more resembles the yellowhammer4 ,these birds1 however1 are very easily tamed1 and may be preserved five or six years4 ,,the ,,foolish ,,bunting4 ,emberiza ,cia1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bruant ,fou1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,zipammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is rather smaller than the yellowhammer1 being only six inches long1 of which the tail measures two and a half2 the beak1 five lines in length1 is very sharp1 blackish above1 and greyish below2 the iris is dusky2 the legs1 nine lines in height1 are of a brownish flesh-colour4 ,the head is grey1 spotted with red1 with small black streaks on the top1 and an indistinct black line on the sides2 the back is reddish brown1 speckled with black1 the rump light red brown2 the throat pale ash-colour4 ,the female differs very little from the male3 the head is grey with a reddish tint and black spots2 she has also all the streaks that the male has1 but less marked2 the ash-coloured throat is streaked with black and has a reddish tint2 in short1 the whole of the under part of the body is lighter4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 this species1 which loves solitude1 and prefers mountainous districts1 inhabits the south of ,france1 ,italy1 and the south of ,austria4 ,in some winters they quit these countries and proceed even to the middle of ,germany1 where they are found in ,march and ,april in elevated situations4 ,in the house they are either kept in a cage or left to range a room1 and the latter seems to agree with them best1 particularly if they have a grated and quiet place to rest in and pass the night4 ,,food4--,when wild1 these birds1 like others of the genus1 feed on insects and grain4 ,in the house they may be fed on the same food as the ortolan1 on which they may be preserved in health above six years1 as ,i have proved by a pair which ,i kept myself for that time4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds come without difficulty at the call of the yellowhammer1 and enter into every kind of snare so heedlessly1 that they have thence been given the name of foolish bunting4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,they are very fine and lively birds1 whose voice is heard the whole year2 in winter their note of call1 and from spring to autumn1 their cheerful song1 shorter indeed1 but clearer than that of the yellowhammer4 ,they live very amicably in a room with other species of their genus1 especially the yellowhammer2 and where one goes the other follows1 and if one chooses any particular food1 the other prefers the same4 ,,the ,,black ,,bonnet1 ,,or ,,reed ,,bunting4 ,illustration ,emberiza ,schoeniclus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ortolan de ,roscaux1 ,,buffon2 ,rohrammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is nearly the size of the mountain sparrow1 its length being five inches three-quarters1 of which the tail measures two and a half2 the beak1 four lines in length1 is black on the upper part1 and whitish on the under2 the iris is dark brown2 the legs1 nine lines high1 are dark flesh-coloured4 ,the head is black1 with reddish spots2 a reddish white line extends from the base of the lower mandible quite round the head2 the back is black1 spotted with white and red1 the rump alternately grey and reddish yellow2 the throat is black spotted4 ,the feathers on the head of the male never return to as good a black after moulting1 when in the house1 as in its wild state1 but remain always browner1 and clouded with reddish white4 ,the head of the female is of a rusty brown1 spotted with black2 her brown cheeks are encircled with a reddish white streak1 which1 passing above the eyes1 unites with another which commences at the base of the beak2 a dark streak passes down the sides of the throat1 which1 with the under part of the body1 is reddish white1 much streaked on the breast with light brown2 the colour of the back is lighter1 but less clear than that of the male4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state this species is found throughout ,europe and the north of ,asia1 flying in small flocks1 and returning in ,march in great flights4 ,the females follow the males1 and do not remain behind1 as some pretend4 ,during winter some of these birds are met with here and there amongst the yellowhammers2 they frequent moist places1 the banks of ponds and rivers2 they run nimbly up the stalks of aquatic plants1 but rarely ascend trees4 ,in the house it is the custom here to let them range a room2 but they may be kept in a cage4 ,,food4--,when wild they feed on the seeds of rushes1 bullrushes1 reeds1 and grasses1 as well as on the numerous insects that frequent the water-side4 ,in the house they seem to relish the first universal paste and poppy seeds1 on which food they will live five or six years2 but afterwards they droop and die of atrophy or scurf1 as ,i have remarked several times4 ,,breeding4--,these birds make their nests among the reeds and brambles on the water-side4 ,they lay five or six eggs of a dusky light grey1 with dark grey spots and dusky lines rather indistinctly mingled4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in autumn they enter the area or decoy with the chaffinch2 in spring1 when there is snow1 they approach the barns and dunghills1 and there1 as well as in open places in the fields and on the hedges1 they are very easily taken with a net or bird-lime4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,their song is alternately weak and strong4 ,three or four simple tones1 mingled from time to time with a sharp r1 distinguish it from every other2 it is heard all the summer1 even during the night4 ,of all the buntings1 this is the most easily tamed2 it is also a great amateur of music1 approaching the instrument without fear1 as ,i have observed several times1 not of one only1 but of many of these birds1 testifying its joy by extending its wings and tail like a fan1 and shaking them so that1 by this exercise the feathers have been much injured4 ,the female sings also1 but its tones are weaker than those of the male4 ,,the ,,sparrow ,,bunting4 ,emberiza passerina1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',ortolan ,passerin2 ,der ,sperlingsammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species must have been confounded with the preceding1 or it would have been better known1 as it is not rare either in autumn or spring4 ,it is smaller and more slender than the former1 being only five inches long1 of which the tail measures two and a quarter2 the beak is black above and light brown below2 the iris is of a dark chestnut2 the feet are nine lines in height and of a dusky flesh-colour2 but the plumage in general is similar to that of the female of the preceding species4 ,the male has the top of the head red1 with a grey longitudinal streak in the middle1 and many black spots arising from the deeper shade of the feathers which appears in every direction2 a dusky reddish white line passes from the nostrils above1 and also a little under the eyes1 and widening behind on the temples1 a chestnut brown colour breaks through a deep black1 which reaches the sides of the neck and becomes a spot there4 ,the colours of the female are in general lighter1 and the black does not appear on the top of the head2 a reddish white streak passes above the eyes1 another descends from the base of the beak down the sides of the neck1 a third1 but of a dusky black1 extends from each side of the chin to beyond the middle of the neck4 ,when kept in the house the black disappears from the head of the male1 and the upper part of the neck becomes greyish white1 spotted longitudinally with dusky black4 ,,observations4--,thick woods and bushes in a mountainous country are the favourite haunts of the sparrow bunting4 ,it is a bird of passage1 which quits us in ,october or ,november and returns in ,april4 ,it is not rare in ,thuringia1 particularly at the time of passage2 formerly it was only known in ,russia4 ,its food1 when wild1 is insects and all kinds of grain4 ,in the house1 it is fed on the same food as the reed bunting1 which it very much resembles in its song and habits3 it is taken in the same manner4 ,,the ,,whidah ,,bunting4 ,emberiza paradisea1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,veuve collier d'or1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,paradiesammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this beautiful and rare species is the size of a linnet4 ,reckoning from the beak to the end of the side tail-feathers1 it is five inches and a half in length4 ,the beak is lead-coloured2 the iris chestnut2 the feet are flesh-coloured2 the head1 chin1 front of the neck1 back1 wings1 and tail are black2 the back of the neck pale orange2 the breast1 thighs1 and upper part of the belly are white1 the lower part is black2 the two intermediate tail-feathers measure four inches1 are very broad1 and terminate in a long filament2 the two that follow1 above three inches long1 are very broad in the middle1 narrower and pointed at the end1 from their shaft springs also a filament more than an inch long2 the other side feathers are only two inches and a half in length2 the two in the middle amongst the longest a little diverging1 and arched like a cock's1 are glossy1 and more brilliant than the others4 ,the female is entirely brown1 almost black1 and does not acquire its proper plumage until the third year2 whilst young it very much resembles the winter plumage of the male4 ,this bird moults twice in the year4 ,at the first1 which takes place in ,november1 the male loses its long tail for six months1 its head is streaked with black and white1 the rest of its plumage is a mixture of black and red2 at the second1 which takes place late in the spring1 it resumes its summer dress1 such as it has been described above1 but the tail-feathers do not attain their full length till ,july and drop in ,november4 ,,observations4--,this beautiful species comes from ,angola1 and other parts of ,africa1 and is particularly common in the kingdom of ,whidah1 or ,juida1 in ,guinea1 and hence it takes its name4 ,though it was formerly brought in great numbers into ,germany1 it still costs there thirty or forty rix dollars4 ,these birds are very lively1 and constantly in motion1 always waving their long tail up and down1 often arranging their feathers and amusing themselves with bathing4 ,their feeble song1 though somewhat melancholy1 is however very agreeable4 ,they may be preserved from eight to twelve years if fed on canary seed1 millet1 barley meal1 and the like1 not forgetting to add from time to time lettuce1 endive1 or other green food4 ,they must be given a large cage1 to prevent their spoiling their fine tail4 ,,the ,,dominican ,,bunting4 ,emberiza serena1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,veuve ,dominicaine1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,dominikanerammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 six inches and three quarters in length1 is smaller1 more rare1 and nearly twice as dear as the preceding4 ,it comes from ,africa likewise4 ,the beak is red2 the feet grey2 the upper part of the head is black1 but the top is reddish white1 which extends over the whole of the under part of the body1 the chin1 and temples1 and even the under part of the tail2 sometimes this tint fades into pure white3 the upper part of the neck and the back are black1 but the feathers are edged with dusky white2 the inner wing coverts being white1 give the wings the appearance of being so when folded1 but they are black1 the quill-feathers alone are edged with white2 the tail is also black2 the two middle feathers terminate in a point1 and are two inches longer than the others1 which gradually diminish in length the farther they are from the middle1 the three first only have the points white1 but the two outer ones have the beard white and the edge pale orange4 ,the female is entirely brown1 and the tail-feathers are of equal length4 ,this species also moults twice in the year3 the male loses its tail for six months1 and the white of its plumage becomes less pure4 ,,observations4--,this bird requires the same treatment as the former1 and sings in the same very agreeable manner4 ,,the ,,shaft-,,tailed ,,bunting4 ,emberiza regia1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,veuve quatre brins1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,knigsammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is also more rare than the ,whidah bunting4 ,its length to the end of the short feathers of the tail is nearly four inches and a half4 ,the beak and feet are red2 the upper part of the body black2 the sides of the head1 the eyes1 neck1 and under part of the body are orange4 ,the female is brown1 and has no long feathers in the tail4 ,the winter plumage of the male is grey1 like the linnet1 but rather brighter4 ,,observations4--,this bird comes from ,africa1 and is not less admired than the preceding4 ,,the ,,indigo ,,bird4 ,illustration ,emberiza cyanea1 ,,linn,,us2 ,fringilla cyanea1 ,,wilson2 ,la ,veuve bleue1 or le ,ministre1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,indigo ,ammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is five inches4 ,the beak dark lead-coloured2 the feet brown2 the whole plumage is of the most beautiful blue1 deeper and still more brilliant at the top of the head2 the great quill-feathers are brown edged with blue2 the tail brown1 with a pale tint4 ,the female very much resembles the linnet in its colour1 as the male does during moulting1 for it is only blue when in full feather2 but the male may be distinguished easily at all times by the sides of the wings being of a lighter grey than in the female4 ,,observations4--,this species is most commonly found in ,carolina1 but is not rare about ,new ,york1 where it arrives the beginning of ,april4 ,it frequents the orchards when they are in bloom1 and appears to prefer mountainous parts4 ,its agreeable song1 which very much resembles that of the linnet1 and the beauty of its plumage1 render it a favourite with bird-fanciers4 ,its food is canary seed1 millet1 poppy seed1 and bruised hemp seed4 ,,the ,,painted ,,bunting4 ,emberiza ,ciris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pape1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemahlte ,ammer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird owes its name to its plumage4 ,it is five inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak is greyish brown1 the iris nut brown2 the feet brown2 the head and neck are violet1 the circle round the eyes is red2 the upper part of the back and the scapulars are yellowish green1 the lower part1 the rump1 and all the under part of the body are of a fine red2 the lesser wing-coverts violet brown with a red tinge1 the greater of a dull green2 the pen-feathers brown1 some bordered with grey1 others with red2 the tail-feathers are also brown1 but the two middle ones are of a changeable red1 and the outer border of the others is of the same colour4 ,the upper part of the body of the female is of a dull green1 the under part yellow green2 her pen-feathers are brown edged with green1 as are also the tail-feathers4 ,as the plumage of this bird does not come to perfection before the third year1 there must naturally be several varieties4 ,during the first year the male and female are of the same colour2 the head of the male does not become a violet blue till the second year1 and the rest of its plumage is then a blue green1 as are also the edges of the quill and tail-feathers1 which are elsewhere brown4 ,the female at this time is of a fine changeable blue4 ,if to these differences arising from age are added the two moultings which take place every year1 we shall not be surprised rarely to meet with two birds alike4 ,there is besides another variety1 having the under part of the body yellowish1 except a red spot on the breast2 and again another1 which in the time of moulting is entirely white4 ,,observations4--,these birds are found from the frontiers of ,canada to ,guiana and ,brazil2 none1 however1 are seen in ,carolina less than one hundred and thirty miles from the sea4 ,they only show themselves in summer1 and build principally on orange or similar trees4 ,english and ,dutch sailors take home many of these birds1 and it has been said that in ,england they have succeeded in making them breed in aviaries in gardens1 spacious enough to contain orange trees1 on which they have constructed their nests4 ,when in a cage they are fed on millet1 canary-seed1 endive1 and poppy-seed1 on which they may be preserved from eight to ten years4 ,their song is soft and agreeable4 ,,the ,,chaffinch4 ,illustration ,fringilla ,coelebs1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pinson commun1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,buch-,fink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this delightful songster of spring1 famed for the sprightliness of its warbling1--this favourite of most of our bird-fanciers1 is so generally known that ,i should be tempted to suppress its description if the uniformity of this work and the wish to render it complete1 did not impel me to give it4 ,this will also offer some particulars worthy the attention of the naturalist4 ,the passion for this bird is carried to such an extent in ,thuringia1 and those which sing well are sought for with so much activity that scarcely a single chaffinch that warbles tolerably can be found throughout the province4 ,as soon as one arrives from a neighbouring country whose notes appear good1 all the bird-catchers are after it1 and do not give up the pursuit till they have taken it4 ,this is the reason why the chaffinches in this province are so indifferent songsters3 the young ones have only bad masters in the old ones1 and they in their turn cannot prove better4 ,this bird is six inches and one-third in length1 of which the tail measures two and three quarters4 ,the beak is conical1 pointed1 and white in winter2 but as soon as spring1 the season of pairing and song1 arrives1 and till the time of moulting1 it is of a deep blue1 and one may know by this whether it has sung or not4 ,the iris is chestnut brown2 the legs1 nine lines high1 are dusky2 the claws are very sharp1 and grow so fast in a cage that it is necessary to cut them every six weeks1 if you do not wish to see the poor bird some day caught by them1 and perish miserably unless rescued4 ,the forehead is black1 the top of the head and nape of the neck are greyish blue1 in very old males deep blue1 and then thick downy hairs are perceived4 ,after moulting1 at the beginning of winter1 the colours become lighter1 the front of the head is only deep brown2 the top and the nape of the neck a changeable greyish and olive brown2 the red brown of the breast is brighter2 this is also the plumage of the young ones in the second year1 particularly if of the last brood2 they are called grey-heads1 by bird-catchers1 who can easily distinguish1 in the spring1 the young from the old males1 and very much prefer them1 because1 if properly caught1 they may be taught to improve their song when confined in the house2 while the others never learn1 or change very little1 at least rarely1 the song they have acquired in their wild state4 ,the female is very different1 being smaller1 while the head1 neck1 and upper part of the back are greyish brown1 and all the under part of the body is a dusky white1 rather reddish grey on the breast2 and the beak1 greyish brown in spring1 becomes greyish white in winter4 ,there are some remarkable varieties of this species1 one quite white1 another with a white collar1 a third streaked1 spotted1 c4 ,there is no distinction between the wood chaffinches and those of the gardens and orchards1 as has been alleged4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state1 the chaffinch frequents forests1 copses1 and orchards1 and ought to be reckoned among birds of passage1 though there are always some that remain the winter with us4 ,the time of passage1 in autumn1 continues from the beginning of ,october to the middle of ,november1 and in spring during the month of ,march4 ,these birds perform their journey in large flocks4 ,in the spring the males arrive in separate flights1 fifteen days before the females2 our bird-catchers know this so well1 that as soon as they perceive these they put up their implements1 their sport being then over4 ,in the house1 though each may vary the form of the cage to his taste1 the best1 in my opinion1 is an oblong cage nine inches long1 seven in depth1 and seven in height1 with the food and water at the two farthest sides1 and the perches placed opposite4 ,a bell-shaped cage does not suit the chaffinch1 as it prefers jumping down in front1 and swinging itself round1 to remaining at the top4 ,if there are several in one room they must be placed so as not to see each other1 or their song will be injured4 ,those only are allowed to range whose song is very inferior1 and must be provided with a grated place to retire to1 or some branches to perch on4 ,these never sing so well as those in cages1 their song appearing to require the greatest attention1 and hence there should be nothing to distract them4 ,,food4--,when wild1 their food in spring is all sorts of insects1 which they carry to their young in their beaks2 later in the season they eat various kinds of seeds1 pine and fir seeds1 when they inhabit forests that contain them1 linseed1 oats1 rape1 cabbage1 and lettuce1 which they know well how to procure and shell4 ,in the house they are fed all the year on rape seed1 dried in summer1 or1 which is better1 soaked and swelled in water1 on which food they appear to thrive4 ,every day a sufficient quantity should be soaked for the next1 and given them fresh every morning4 ,in the spring they are allowed a little hemp-seed1 or the seed of the nettle-hemp 7,galeopsis ,tetrahit71 to excite their song1 and this plant is therefore very much prized in ,thuringia2 but these seeds should not be mixed with the rape1 as in trying to find them they soon scatter their food2 it is best to put it in a separate drawer fastened to the iron wires of the cage1 between which it may be slipped4 ,it must not be omitted to supply them with green vegetables1 chickweed1 lettuce1 and the like2 and in winter a piece of apple1 meal-worms1 and ants' eggs agree with them4 ,they must have fresh water regularly every day1 both to drink and bathe in4 ,those that range the room live on the different sorts of food they meet with1 bread1 meat1 and all sorts of seeds4 ,,breeding4--,the nest of the chaffinch is one of the most beautiful of birds' nests1 and formed in the most skilful manner4 ,it is the shape of a half globe flattened on the upper part1 and so perfectly rounded that it has the appearance of having been turned on a lathe4 ,cobwebs#cf and wool fasten it to the branch1 bits of moss with small twigs entwined form the ground-work2 the lining is composed of feathers1 thistle-down1 the hair of horses and other animals1 whilst the outer covering is formed of the different lichens that grow on the tree in which it is placed1 the whole firmly united and well cemented4 ,this outer finish is no doubt intended to deceive an enemy's eye2 in fact1 it is very difficult1 even with great attention1 to distinguish the nest from the bark of the branch on which it is fixed4 ,the female has two broods in the year2 she lays from three to five eggs1 of a pale bluish grey1 spotted and streaked with brown3 the first brood 7and this is confirmed in general by observations of other birds7 rarely produces any but males1 the second only females4 ,bird-fanciers can distinguish the one from the other before they leave the nest2 the breast of the male already discovering a reddish tint1 the circle round the eyes being yellower1 the wings blacker1 and the lines that cross them whiter1 though in other respects it resembles its mother4 ,if you wish to be quite sure1 pluck some feathers from the breast of the bird you have taken from the nest1 in a fortnight they will be replaced1 and the presence or absence of red will infallibly decide whether it is male or female4 ,as soon as the tail-feathers begin to appear they must be taken from the nest1 to prevent the possibility of their ear being injured by hearing an imperfect song1 for scarcely are the wings and tail half grown than these birds begin to warble1 and to imitate the song of those around them4 ,they must be fed on rape seed soaked in water and the crumb of white bread2 it is very easy to rear them and preserve them healthy till the time of moulting1 but then numbers perish1 particularly if not quickly relieved by being given meal-worms and ants' eggs1 or any other animal food1 as bread boiled in or soaked in boiled milk4 ,chaffinches that have been reared with care become very familiar1 and sing at command1 or when one approaches their cage in a friendly manner4 ,if they are wished to learn quickly and accurately1 they should be kept in an obscure corner of the room1 and only hung up at the windows in ,may2 this is the surest way to prevent their learning any thing imperfect4 ,by these means chaffinches that have been taken full grown have forgotten their former song and adopted a better4 ,the whole artifice consists in keeping the bird in such retirement as will remove everything that might distract it when listening to a fine songster1 and take away the wish to sing itself4 ,there have been examples of chaffinches pairing with female canaries1 and it has been said with a female yellowhammer4 ,the distinction between wood and garden chaffinches is unfounded1 at least as to species2 the eggs of both are of the same whitish pink colour4 ,,diseases4--,the disorders to which the chaffinch is most subject are the obstruction of the rump gland#cg and diarrhoea4 ,to cure this an old nail or a little saffron should be put in the water4 ,when the scales on the feet become too large1 the upper ones must be cut skilfully with a sharp knife1 or else the bird would either lose the use of his limbs or become gouty2 but this operation must be performed with great care4 ,blindness also is not uncommon1 particularly where they are fed much on hemp seed4 ,this does not1 however1 injure their song1 and as it comes on gradually1 it does not prevent their finding their food and hopping about the perches4 ,by means of proper care a chaffinch may be preserved twenty years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,with good baits the chaffinch may easily be drawn within the area or decoy from ,michaelmas to ,martinmas1 and in spring throughout ,march4 ,those that remain the winter1 or return early in the year1 may be taken in a net baited with oats4 ,bird-catchers use in spring lures and lime twigs1 and the sport lasts as long as the time of flight1 which begins at daybreak and ends at nine o'clock4 ,these birds employ the rest of the day in seeking food in the fields1 in resting1 and singing4 ,in the same manner are taken linnets1 goldfinches1 siskins1 yellowhammers1 and bullfinches4 ,some make use of the excessive jealousy of the males to procure those whose song is very superior4 ,as soon as a bird-catcher who likes this way discovers a fine songster wild1 he immediately seeks another male that is in the habit of often repeating its natural cry1 fink1 fink1 ties his wings1 and fastens to his tail a little forked stick1 half a finger long1 well covered with bird-lime2 thus prepared1 he fastens him under the tree on which the one he is watching is perched2 this no sooner sees and hears the false rival than he becomes enraged1 pounces on him like a bird of prey1 and is caught with the bird-lime2 his attack is often so violent that sometimes the bird of call is killed by the stroke of its adversary4 ,the following is a surer method3--a soft1 narrow leather band is fastened round a male1 to which is attached a string a foot long1 fastened by a peg1 which allows it but a short space to range4 ,this bird1 as we have already said1 is called1 in bird-catchers' language1 a percher4 ,a circle of bird-lime is made just beyond its reach1 and a cage with a chaffinch1 accustomed to sing either in the shade or exposed1 is placed under a neighbouring bush2 as soon as this last begins his song1 which should be a natural one1 not any learned in confinement1 the chaffinch that is to be procured darts from the tree like an arrow on the percher1 which it mistakes for the songster1 and remains fixed by the bird-lime4 ,this new prisoner will sing the same year if it is caught before ,whitsuntide3 if after1 it will never sing1 but will die1 evidently from grief at being separated from its female and young ones4 ,a bird-catcher1 cruel as he is stupid1 who1 without the least reflection1 only thinks of gratifying his ridiculous passion for bird-catching1 may in an hour deprive ten or twelve females of their beloved companions1 their protectors1 and numerous young ones of their father1 purveyor1 and support3 such thoughtless cruelty is1 alas6 only too common in ,germany4 ,as soon as the young chaffinches have left the nest1 the bird-catchers are very active in discovering the places where at noon they are accustomed to drink2 there they set perches covered with bird-lime1 and by this means many of these little unwary creatures are taken4 ,however little memory one of these birds may have1 it is capable of learning a good song1 and being more robust than those brought up from the nest1 bird-dealers make a good deal of them4 ,they collect a great many1 being sure that some will succeed amongst them4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the first of these is undoubtedly the song of the bird2 but our amateurs are not less attentive to the different notes that express its passions and wants4 ,the note of tenderness1 and which is also thought to indicate a change of weather1 is trif1 trif3 its call1 or the rallying note it makes use of on its passage1 and which so often draws it within the snares of our bird-catchers1 is ak1 ak1 repeated several times2 the cry fink1 fink1 which it often repeats1 and from which its ,german name is derived1 appears1 if we may so call it1 to be mechanical and involuntary4 ,but what makes it appear to still more advantage among other birds are its clear and trilling tones1 that seem almost to approach to words2 in fact1 its warbling is less a song than a kind of battement1 to make use of a ,french word1 and is expressed in ,german by the word schlag 7trill71 which is used to designate its song as well as the nightingale's4 ,some chaffinches have two1 three1 four1 and even five different battemens1 each consisting of several strains1 and lasting several minutes4 ,this bird is so great a favourite in ,germany1 that not a single tone of its voice has escaped the experienced ears of our bird-fanciers4 ,they have observed its nicest shades1 and are continually endeavouring to improve and perfect it4 ,i confess ,i am myself one of its warmest admirers2 ,i have constantly around me the best songsters of its species1 and if ,i liked ,i could write a good sized volume on all the details of its music1 but ,i will confine myself to that which bears most on this subject4 ,the song of the chaffinch bearing an evident relation to articulate sounds1 its has been thought to distinguish its different variations by the final syllable of the last strain4 ,the most admired in ,thuringia are the following1 which ,i shall give in their order1 and in their different degrees of superiority4#ch #a4 ,the ,double ,trill of the ,hartz in ,lower ,saxony is composed of six strains1 rather long1 the last of which is ended by dwelling on the two final syllables1 which ,i shall express here by the word weingeh#ci4 ,i doubt if ever a bird in its wild state has executed this so perfectly as ,i heard it at ,ruhl#dj and at my own house4 ,art has certainly created it4 ,it is with difficulty that a chaffinch attains it1 if1 with the best abilities1 it has not been instructed from its earliest youth4 ,rarely can it give it complete without leaving any part out4 ,on this account a high price must be given for the little prodigy that sings it through1 full1 entire1 and in all its strength4 #b4 ,the ,reiterzong1 or rider's pull1 first heard among the mineral mountains of ,saxony and ,voigtland1 has been known but a short time in ,thuringia4 ,it may be heard from a chaffinch in its wild state1 but those that have been instructed execute it in a fuller1 stronger1 and less precipitate manner4 ,this song consists of four strains1 the first of which commences in a high key1 and gradually descends4 ,when in perfection there is a cadenced pause before the two last syllables1 which articulate tolerably clearly reitzing with a zap or clapping1 as our amateurs express it4 ,an amateur who has never heard the double trill of the ,hartz would not believe that a chaffinch could sing in a superior manner to this2 however1 in this1 as in many other things1 each has his taste4 #c4 ,the ,wine ,song is divided into four kinds1 #a4 the fine1 or ,lngsfeld wine song#da1 is very beautiful1 but little known except in two or three places in ,thuringia4 ,it is composed of four strains1 and to be perfect ought to resemble a hautboy1 the two last syllables articulating weingeh4 ,this song has never been heard from a wild chaffinch1 but is one accidentally produced in the house1 and endeavoured to be propagated by education4 #b4 ,the bad wine song is not in itself disagreeable1 but it is so named when compared with the former4 ,it is composed of three strains1 of which the penultimate ought to sound zap five times1 and the two last syllables articulate weingeh4 ,when once a wild chaffinch has been heard to utter this in ,germany it is not long ere it is caught4 #c4 ,the sharp wine song is not ended by weingeh1 but weingieh4 ,it is subdivided into the common sharp1 such as is sometimes heard in the woods1 and the ,ruhl sharp1 which is an entirely artificial song1 confined to ,ruhl and a few other villages of ,thuringia4 ,it has but two strains1 of which the first syllables ought to sound as though flowing into each other1 and the penultimate to have an accent4 #d4 ,the ,brutigam1 or bridegroom song1 is also divided into good and bad3 the good is only heard in the house1 and consists of two simple strains2 it begins piano1 afterwards forte1 and1 continuing crescendo1 ends in the most brilliant sound4 ,after the double trill of the ,hartz it appears to my ear the finest of all4 ,the bad is occasionally heard in the woods1 and is composed of three strains2 but though not devoid of sweetness1 does not please so much as the former4 #e4 ,the ,double ,trill is formed of two long strains1 divided by a cadenced pause1 which is named the shake4 ,they distinguish1 #a4 the common1 subdivided into four2 a1 the strong1 b1 the clear1 c1 the long1 and d1 the short4 ,these are heard sometimes in the woods and orchards2 but chaffinches that sing a or b soon become the prey of our bird-catchers4 #b4 ,the double trill of ,iambach#db2 this is only to be acquired in the house1 and is so deep and powerful that one can scarcely conceive how the larynx of so small a bird can produce such sounds4 ,it begins piano1 and swelling its tones successively in crescendo1 makes of the trilling a strain of five piercing tones1 afterwards repeats pfaff four or five times1 and ends by dwelling on ,rdidia4 ,a chaffinch that possesses this song1 either alone1 or united with the good bridegroom's song1 such as are educated in ,iambach1 sells here for eighteen ,french francs4 #f4 ,the ,gutjahr1 or good year song1 is so named from the two last syllables1 and is also divided1 #a4 into the common1 that has but two strains1 of which the second ought to roll five times before articulating gutjahr4 ,it is not uncommon in our woods4 #b4 ,the good year of the ,hartz1 which has been acquired in the house1 and consists of two very singular strains1 in my opinion not very agreeable4 ,chaffinches are very rare now which sing this1 united to that of the wine song of ,ruhl1 or the sharp song1 and their price is consequently high4 ,they are rarely found but at ,ersenach and ,ruhl4 #g4 ,the ,quakia song is so called from its last syllables1 and is double or single1 one with one strain1 the other with two4 ,this song was formerly very much admired4 ,it was heard in the woods and house1 but it is now lost1 as all the wild chaffinches that sung it have been taken1 and those in confinement have been taught in preference the good wine song3 ,i believe ,i possess the only bird that is now to be found which sings this4 ,to be admired1 the quakia must be united with the double trill4 ,this my chaffinch sings also4 #h4 ,the ,pithia or ,trewethia1 is a very uncommon and agreeable song1 which is never heard but in the depths of the ,thuringian mountains4 ,the bird-catchers of the villages about the forests of ,hesse seek for birds that possess it1 and actively pursue the songsters4 ,it is first a sonorous strain1 followed by several repetitions of the word zack4 ,some birds unite to it the common sharp wine song1 and are more valued4 ,the last syllables ought to sound trewidid4 ,these eight varieties1 or rather melodies1 are those most thought of in ,saxony and ,hesse4 ,i have said that some of them are heard in the woods2 but it is very rarely that they are sung with so clear and strong a voice1 or that they are so long and perfect4 ,a chaffinch that knows only one of these varieties generally sings it slowly1 and introduces a greater number of syllables4 ,its voice1 in fact1 executes it with more strength and depth2 if it adds to the last strain the sound fink1 which our bird-catchers translate by amen1 it is of the highest value1 no price will be taken for it4 ,there are a dozen varieties in all2 but as they are not uncommon1 and what are everywhere heard1 they are less admired2 they have even been given in contempt the name of plain4 ,one thing worth remarking is that the song of the chaffinch varies almost as much as the countries it inhabits4 ,it is not the same in ,thuringia as in the ,hartz1 and the taste of amateurs differs equally#dc4 ,in ,austria several named melodies are admired1 but ,i have never heard them4 ,the chaffinch has so great a facility in learning1 that it not only imitates perfectly the song of another chaffinch near which it has been placed from youth1 but being hung near a nightingale or canary it learns several parts of their songs1 and would no doubt give them completely if its larynx were so formed that it could render notes so long and sustained2 in fine1 a great difference in memory is observed in these birds1 as well as in all others of the singing species4 ,some require six months to learn an air that others catch on first hearing1 and can repeat almost immediately2 these can scarcely retain one of the songs given above2 those can imitate three1 four1 and1 should you wish it1 five different ones4 ,there are also some that cannot give one song without a fault1 and we find others that will add to it1 perfect it1 and embellish it4 ,one thing peculiar to chaffinches is the necessity of teaching them their song every year1 and this in the manner proper for them1 during the four or five weeks this exercise lasts4 ,they first utter a murmur1 or weak warbling1 to which they add at first1 in an under voice1 one or two1 and afterwards several syllables of their song2 they are then said to record4 ,a chaffinch that takes only a week or fortnight to repeat this lesson for fully bringing out its voice1 is reckoned among the geniuses of its species4 ,it is known that other birds whose power of singing is confined to a particular season1 also warble feebly1 and mingle with their warbling some foreign notes1 especially harsh and confused sounds2 but none produce sounds so peculiar1 and that have so little relation to their own song4 ,if we pay a little attention1 however1 we shall find that this exercise is intended less to awaken the memory than to render the throat1 stiffened by a tolerably long state of inaction1 more pliant1 and to bring back its natural flexibility4 ,wild chaffinches1 on their return in spring1 do not delay to record2 those in the house soon learn1 but they are obliged to exercise themselves for nearly two months before they can execute their song to perfection4 ,the singing season does not generally extend beyond ,june1 but young chaffinches brought up in a room prolong it to ,october1 and sometimes later4 ,some amateurs of the song1 rather than friends of the bird1 to procure the pleasure of hearing it night and day in all its strength1 employ a very cruel and inhuman contrivance4 ,they first place the cage in a very obscure place1 and accustom the poor little creature to find its food in the dark2 they then blind it1 either by destroying the pupils of the eyes with a red hot iron wire1 or by passing it over the edges of the eyelids1 unite and paste them completely together4 ,others shut up these poor mutilated creatures in a cool place1 almost without air1 during the summer1 in order that when in autumn they are brought to the window1 and breathe the fresh air1 they may express their joy by their lively and repeated song4 ,what can we think of the heart and morals of people who for a slight amusement thus enjoy the sufferings of a sensitive being that is unfortunately in their power8 ,,the ,,mountain ,,finch4 ,fringilla montifringilla1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pinson d',ardenne1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,bergfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is six inches and a quarter in length1 of which the tail measures two and a half and the beak half an inch2 this is yellow1 with a black tip4 ,the feet1 nine lines high1 are dark flesh-coloured2 all the feathers of the head and cheeks are black with reddish edges1 wider and more distinct in young males1 and becoming fainter from age1 almost disappear in old ones1 whose heads become quite black2 the tail rather forked1 and black4 ,the colours of the female are more uniform2 she is brown where the male is black1 and only a rusty colour where he is red4 ,independently of the varieties produced by age1 and which are tolerably numerous1 without being very remarkable1 there are some more remarked1 such as those with a white head1 a back quite white1 c4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state this species is scattered throughout ,europe2 however1 it is most probable that in the summer they only inhabit the northern parts4 ,during the three other seasons they are found everywhere in ,germany1 particularly where there are large forests4 ,when beech-mast is plentiful in ,thuringia the mountain finches assemble in immense numbers1 it is supposed more than #ajj1jjj4 ,in the house they are kept in a cage or not1 according as they are esteemed2 where they are common they are not thought worthy of one1 but allowed to range at will4 ,,food4--,wild1 and in confinement1 it is the same as the chaffinch's4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this bird's note of call is ak1 ak1 quk1 and as the two first sounds are the same as that of the chaffinch1 they will come at its call1 and fly in its company4 ,they also afford the best sport with a net1 for in autumn hundreds may be taken at one cast4 ,in winter they are caught near barns under nets1 or even under common sieves2 and in spring on a decoy bush1 at the call of the chaffinch1 if one of its own species cannot be procured4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,we cannot boast of sweetness in the song of this bird1 as it consists of low whistling1 or a kind of warbling1 intermixed at intervals with a shrill raitch1 the whole somewhat resembling the first exercises of the chaffinch2 but this wretched warbling may be improved by education4 ,a mountain finch placed by the side of a chaffinch that sung well1 learnt to imitate it tolerably1 but ,i must confess that it never attained great perfection4 ,i should warn bird-fanciers who wish to keep these birds for the beauty of their plumage1 not to let them range with many companions1 for they are quarrelsome1 and very lavish in distributing severe pecks1 especially if food is not very abundant4 ,in ,thuringia they are kept in cages to be employed as lures in the area or decoy enclosure4 ,it is said that it is easier to teach them to go and come than the chaffinch4 ,,the ,,house ,,sparrow4 ,passer domestica1 ,,ray2 ,le ,moineau franc1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,haussperling1 ,,bechstein4 ,though this and the following species cannot be reckoned among those that are pleasant in a room1 yet ,i must not omit them on account of their being easily preserved1 and though distinguished neither for their song nor their colours1 yet they make up for the want of these by agreeable qualities1 that many1 much more admired1 do not possess4 ,it is almost superfluous to describe a species so well known4 ,the total length is five inches and three quarters2 the beak thick and blue black2 the feet greyish brown2 the top of the head and cheeks greyish ash-coloured with a broad chestnut streak behind the eyes1 elsewhere surrounded with black4 ,the female differs a good deal1 the upper part of the body being greyish red1 spotted with black on the back1 and the under part of a dusky greyish white4 ,the young males before their first moulting very much resemble their mothers4 ,the varieties known here are the white1 the yellow1 the tawny1 the black1 the blue1 the ash-coloured1 and the streaked4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state1 it haunts the vicinity of houses2 when confined1 it is allowed to range the room4 ,,food4--,if1 unfortunately1 it is too true that the sparrows cause great injury in ripe fields of wheat1 barley1 and peas1 it must be acknowledged that they are very useful in our orchards and gardens1 by destroying1 in the spring1 thousands of insects1 on which they feed their young ones as well as themselves#dd4 ,in the house1 they feed on any kind of food3 oats1 hemp seed1 or rape seed4 ,,breeding4--,small openings under the tiles1 crevices in walls1 empty martin's nests1 are the places they appropriate for breeding1 and they line their nest thickly with feathers4 ,the female has two or three broods every season1 and has from five to seven young ones at a time4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,sparrows are so cunning that it is difficult to attract them within the net or on lime twigs4 ,they may be caught in numbers however on the brambles in a field where sheep are kept1 by sticking plenty of bird-lime about them4 ,they may be taken also by placing a net before those that have retired to cherry trees and under the tiles to sleep for the night4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the bird-fancier who enjoys seeing several birds running about the room1 will1 with pleasure1 admit the sparrow among them1 and may amuse himself especially by observing it breed and produce mules with the hen tree-sparrow4 ,a jar or cup placed in a corner will serve as their nuptial bed4 ,a male tree-sparrow with a hen sparrow does not succeed4 ,the sparrow may be easily taught to go and come at command1 by choosing winter as the time to effect it4 ,it is necessary first to keep it a month near the window in a large cage supplied with the best food1 such as millet1 meal1 or white bread soaked in milk4 ,it will even go there to deposit its eggs if a small box is placed in the cage1 with an opening for it to enter at4 ,finally1 no bird becomes more familiar1 or testifies more attachment to its master4 ,its actions are very lively1 confiding1 and delicate4 ,a soldier1 says ,buffon1 had a sparrow which followed him every where1 and knew him in the midst of the regiment4 ,,the ,,tree ,,sparrow1 ,,lath4 ,passer montana1 ,,ray2 ,friquet1 ou ,moineau des haies1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,feldsperling1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is more beautiful than the preceding4 ,in length it is five inches and a half2 the beak is dusky2 the feet are bluish flesh-coloured2 the upper part of the head as far as the nape of the neck is reddish brown2 the cheeks are white with a black spot2 a white ring surrounds the neck2 the back is spotted with black and red2 the lower part of the back and the rump are grey brown2 the throat white1 the breast light ash-coloured2 the belly dusky white2 the quill feathers and tail are dark brown2 the lesser wing-coverts rust-red2 the greater1 black with red edges and white tips1 which form two transverse bars4 ,two varieties are known1 the white and streaked4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state1 they are not only found throughout ,europe1 but also in the north of ,asia and ,america4 ,in ,germany and ,england it is not so common as the house sparrow1 for in some provinces it is never seen4 ,it frequents gardens1 orchards1 and fields abounding with trees and hedges4 ,in ,september1 large flights are seen to fall upon the ripe fields of barley and oats4 ,in the house it is let run about like the former1 which it does very awkwardly from having short legs1 and this gives it the appearance of dragging along on its belly4 ,it is only kept in a cage in countries where it is very rare4 ,,food4--,this is the same as that of the preceding4 ,,breeding4--,the nest must be sought in the holes of fruit trees1 or in hollow willows at the water's edge2 it breeds twice in the year4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is the same as the preceding2 but being less distrustful and cunning1 it is easily enticed under a sieve placed before a barn in winter4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its plumage is prettier than the preceding1 its song is also less short and monotonous2 but it is weak1 and when it might be sweet1 it is lost among the other songs in the room4 ,the tree sparrow might be accustomed in the country to go and come at command by treating it in the manner described with respect to the house sparrow4 ,it is more difficult to preserve it1 and it generally dies of decline4 ,,the ,,common ,,linnet4 ,illustration ,fringilla cannabina1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,linotte1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,lanning1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this well-known bird is more than five inches1 of which the tail measures two inches and a half4 ,the beak1 six lines long1 is dusky blue in summer1 and in winter greyish white1 with the point brown2 the iris dark brown2 the feet1 eight lines high1 are black4 ,there are some very striking varieties produced by the season and age in the plumage of the male1 which are not observed in the female1 and these have caused great confusion in works on birds1 so much1 that bird-catchers are still persuaded these birds1 in a different dress1 are distinct species4 ,instructed by long experience and the observations of many years1 ,i hope to show in my description that our common linnet 7,fringilla ,linota1 ,linnus71 the greater redpole 7,fringilla cannabina1 ,linnus71 and1 according to all appearance1 the mountain linnet 7,fringilla montana1 ,linnus71 are one and the same species4 ,a male three years old or less1 is distinguished in spring by the following colours1 and by the name of redpole4 ,the forehead is blood red1 the rest of the head reddish ash-coloured1 the top rather spotted with black2 the cheek1 sides of the neck1 and the circle round the eyes1 have a reddish white tint2 the feathers of the back are chestnut with the edges lighter2 the upper tail-coverts are black edged with reddish white2 the throat and under part of the neck are yellowish white1 with some dashes of reddish grey2 the sides of the breast are blood red edged with reddish white1 the sides of the belly are pale rust-coloured2 the rest of the under part of the body is reddish white2 the greater wing coverts are black1 bordered with reddish white1 the others are rusty brown with a lighter border4 ,the quill-feathers are black tipped with white1 the first are edged with white nearly to the point1 the narrow beard forms a parallel white streak to the quill-feathers2 the tail is black and forked1 the four outer feathers on both sides have a broad white border1 that of the two middle feathers is narrower1 and reddish white4 ,after moulting1 in autumn1 little red is seen on the forehead1 because the feathers become coloured from the bottom to the top2 the breast has not yet acquired its red tint1 for the white border is still too wide2 but when winter comes its colours appear4 ,males one year old have no red on the head1 and more dashes of black2 the breast is pale red waved with pale and dark1 the under part of the feathers on the breast is only a bright reddish grey brown1 the edges of these feathers are of a reddish white2 the back rust-colour has some detached spots of dark brown and reddish white4 ,these birds are known under the name of grey linnets4 ,after the second moulting1 if the reddish grey feathers are blown aside1 blood red specks may be discovered on the forehead1 and the red of the breast is only hidden by the wide yellowish white borders to the feathers2 these are the yellow linnets1 or the rock linnets1 as they are called in ,thuringia4 ,i have myself taken linnets whose foreheads and breasts have been bright reddish yellow instead of blood red1 a colour1 in fact1 that sometimes1 in the house1 becomes blood red4 ,bird-catchers give these also the name of yellow linnets4 ,it is a deterioration of the red caused by illness during moulting1 or by old age1 and they are not wrong in regarding them as the best and the finest singers4 ,i have taken several1 but on account of their scarcity1 ,i have always kept them for myself4 ,their song was very fine and clear1 but they cannot be tamed1 and have generally died soon of sorrow and melancholy1 from which ,i conclude that they were very old4 ,besides these three different varieties of plumage of the males1 there are several clouded1 produced by the seasons and old age2 for instance1 the older they become1 the redder the head is4 ,i have in my cabinet all the gradations of this change4 ,birds brought up in the house never acquire the fine red on the forehead and breast1 but remain grey like the males of one year old2 on the other hand1 old ones1 red when brought into the house1 lose their beautiful colours at the first moulting1 and remaining grey like the young ones1 are no more than grey linnets4 ,this difference of colour does not take place in the females1 which are smaller than the males2 the upper part of the body is grey streaked with dusky brown and yellowish white1 on the rump with greyish brown and reddish white2 these spots are more numerous on the breast2 the wing-coverts are a dusky chestnut4 ,the females are distinguished in the nest by the back being more grey than brown1 and by the number of streaks on the breast1 which resembles that of the lark2 bird-fanciers leave these in the nest and take only the males4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the linnets are spread throughout ,europe4 ,in the summer they frequent the skirts of large forests1 thickets1 hedges1 and bushes1 particularly furze2 but as soon as ,september arrives1 they pass in large flights to the fields4 ,they are wandering birds1 that in winter go hither and thither seeking food in places free from snow1 but in ,march they return to their native places4 ,in confinement it is best to keep them in square cages1 as they are less subject to giddiness in these than in round ones1 and sing better4 ,they are not often allowed to range the room1 as they are very indolent1 remaining immoveable in the same place1 and running the risk of being trodden on2 but if a small tree or a roost be placed in a corner1 they may be let out of the cage with safety1 as they will remain perched there1 only leaving it to eat or drink1 and will sing all day long4 ,,food4--,when wild1 their food is all kinds of seeds that they can shell1 and these remain in the crop some time to be moistened before passing into the stomach4 ,in the house1 it is only summer rape seed1#de which need not be soaked in water for them1 as for the chaffinch1 since1 having a much stronger crop and stomach1 they can digest much better4 ,it is not necessary always to give them hemp seed with it1 and they must not be fed abundantly1 for taking little exercise1 they easily become fat1 and sometimes die from this cause2 but a little salt mixed with their food is useful1 as it preserves them from many diseases1 and they like it4 ,when linnets are allowed to run about1 they will feed with the other birds on the common universal paste2 but they must be given green vegetables1 water1 and sand1 as they are very fond of bathing and dusting themselves4 ,,breeding4--,linnets have two broods in the year4 ,they lay from four to six eggs for each1 of a bluish white1 speckled with reddish brown1 especially at the large end4 ,their nest placed in a hedge1 a white or black-thorn1 or1 if in a country where they are common1 on a vine1 or a furze bush1 is composed of small twigs1 dried grass and moss1 and lined with wool1 the hair of horses1 and other animals4 ,the parent birds feed their young ones from their beaks1 and do not discontinue it if prisoners in the same cage4 ,if the young ones are to be taught a new song1 they must be taken from the nest when the shafts of the feathers are just appearing1 that they may have no idea of their parents' song4 ,the males may be easily distinguished by their white collar1 and from having the most white about the wings and tail4 ,,diseases4--,the most common disorders of this species are constipation1 atrophy1 and epilepsy4 ,a linnet1 however1 will1 in general1 live from ten to twelve years in the house4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds are distrustful and suspicious1 and1 notwithstanding decoys and perching birds1 it is very difficult to entice them within the decoy or area1 and never many together4 ,in the spring1 by means of a good decoy-bird1 a few may be taken on a decoy-bush4 ,in the autumn1 by fastening snares or lime twigs to the stalks of lettuces1 of the seeds of which the linnets are very fond1 several may be taken4 ,our shepherds turn and support the cribs1 used to feed the sheep from1 in such a manner1 that the linnets1 coming to gather the grains of salt1 easily overturn them on themselves4 ,the call of the linnet is gcker4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the agreeable1 brilliant1 and flute-like song of the linnet1 consists of several strains1 succeeding each other very harmoniously4 ,our amateurs consider its beauty to depend on there being often mingled with it some acute and sonorous tones1 that a little resemble the crowing of a cock1 and have made people say that this bird crows4 ,its song is only interrupted during the year by moulting4 ,a young one taken from the nest1 which may be easily brought up on a mixture of the wetted crumb of white bread1 soaked rape seed1 and eggs boiled hard1 not only learns the songs of different birds that it hears in the room1 such as nightingales1 larks1 and chaffinches1 but if kept by itself1 airs and melodies that are whistled to it1 and will even learn to repeat some words4 ,of all house birds1 this1 from the softness and flute-like sound of its voice1 gives the airs that it is taught in the neatest and most agreeable manner4 ,it is also one of those that pay best2 some here cost from three to five rix-dollars when they can warble an air preceded and followed by a grand flourish as of trumpets4 ,the weavers and shoemakers often bring up many of these birds4 ,it is very pleasing and surprising to hear a young linnet that is well taught by a nightingale4 ,i have one1 whose imitations are as perfect as possible4 ,it amuses me throughout the year1 but especially when my nightingales are silent4 ,linnets may be accustomed to go and come at command1 by treating them in their youth1 or in the winter1 as ,i have directed for the house-sparrow2 but as they are more timid1 it is necessary to be more careful4 ,it is common for a male linnet to pair with a hen canary1 and their progeny can scarcely be distinguished from the grey canary4 ,they sing delightfully1 and learn different airs with great facility4 ,it is well known1 that among linnets1 some are finer warblers than others1 and that1 as with many other birds1 the old ones sing better than the young2 on which account1 yellow linnets1 being the oldest1 are the most valued4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,redpole4 ,fringilla ,linaria1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,sizerin1 ou ,petite ,linotte des ,vignes1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,flachsfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,in its plumage this bird resembles the linnet2 but in its actions and shape it more resembles the siskin4 ,it is five inches and one quarter in length1 of which the tail measures two and one quarter2 the beak1 four lines long1 is very sharp and yellow2 its shanks1 eight lines high1 are black2 the top of the head is a brilliant crimson2 the upper part of the body is dark brown1 spotted with white and rust yellow2 the rump is rose-coloured2 the throat black2 the feathers on the under part of the neck and breast are bright rose-coloured1 edged with white2 the rest of the under part is white4 ,the plumage of the female is lighter2 the breast is not rose-coloured1 except that when very old it acquires a slight tint1 as well as the rump2 the upper part of the body is spotted with white and deep brown1 and the breast is rather speckled with the same colours4 ,the latter characteristics serve to distinguish the females from young males1 that also are without the rose-colour on the breast1 but have the rust-coloured and dark brown back of the older birds4 ,the males1 confined to the house1 lose1 at the first moulting1 the fine rose-coloured breast1 and1 at the second1 the crimson of the head1 which generally changes to a greenish yellow4 ,i have a male bird1 the top of whose head became1 at the third moulting1 of a fine golden yellow1 and has retained its brilliancy for six years4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the lesser redpole is found in every part of ,europe2 yet we must consider the north as its native home1 ,scotland1 ,sweden1 ,lapland1 ,norway1 and ,greenland4 ,great flights arrive amongst us at the end of ,october1 and leave us in ,march and ,april4 ,in winter1 they frequent places planted with alders1 the seeds of which they appear very fond of4 ,they are principally found in company with siskins4 ,in the house1 it shows off its beautiful plumage1 which1 alas6 does not retain that beauty long1 it is often placed in a pretty cage1 but most commonly allowed to range through a room4 ,,food4--,when at liberty1 the seed of the alder is what these birds seek most eagerly2 but they do not despise the seeds of flax1 hemp1 and even fir1 and many other kinds4 ,being entirely grain-eating birds1 their crop has the power of softening the food before it passes into the stomach4 ,in the house1 if in a cage1 they eat poppy1 rape1 and hemp seed2 when at large1 the first universal paste4 ,,breeding4--,occasionally a few stragglers breed with us1 but this is rare4 ,,diseases4--,the disorders of this species are the same as those of the siskin2 but their feet are oftener diseased1 and the toes skin off one after the other4 ,they may be kept from eight to ten years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in the spring and autumn1 the lesser redpoles may be taken in flocks in the area1 or barn-floor trap1 with a decoy of their own species1 or even with a siskin4 ,many may also be caught with such a decoy on a decoy-bush4 ,they are so silly1 or so confiding1 that they will even allow themselves to be taken close by the bird-catcher1 who is collecting their entrapped companions4 ,this stupidity1 or simplicity1 is common in all birds that come from the more remote northern parts4 ,brought up far from man1 and out of reach of his pursuit1 they know not that fear and distrust which is felt by those that inhabit populous countries4 ,their call is peweet and crec1 creck hewid4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the lesser redpole pleases the eye more than the ear2 its feeble warbling being only1 if ,i may thus express it1 a low continued clicking4 ,it may be taught to draw water more easily than the goldfinch1 and it will also learn many other little manoeuvres1 for it becomes very familiar1 and will eat as soon as it is let loose after its capture4 ,the mutual tenderness of the male and female is very pleasing4 ,they are continually caressing each other with their bills1 and even do the same to siskins1 linnets1 goldfinches1 and canaries1 from which it appears very likely that they would pair with these birds4 ,,the ,,goldfinch4 ,illustration ,fringilla ,carduelis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,chardonneret1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,distelfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,beauty of plumage1 says ,buffon1 softness of voice1 quickness of instinct1 remarkable cleverness1 proved docility1 tender affection1 are all united in this delightful little bird2 and if it were rare1 or if it came from a foreign country1 it would then be valued as it deserves4 ,it is five inches and three quarters in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak1 five lines long1 very pointed1 and rather flattish at the sides1 is whitish1 with the point horn-coloured4 ,the shanks1 six lines high1 are delicate and brownish4 ,the front of the head is a fine crimson1 sometimes scarlet2 a wide border of the same colour surrounds the under base of the beak2 the bridle1 as it is called1 is black2 the top of the head is black1 which colour extends downwards1 from the nape on each side1 dividing the white on the cheeks from the white spot on the hinder part of the neck2 the under part of the neck is white2 the hinder part and the back are fine brown4 ,the female is rather smaller1 and has not so much red round the bill2 the bridle is brownish2 the cheeks are mixed with light brown2 the lesser wing coverts are brown2 the back dark brown4 ,the size1 or the want of some white spots at the tips of the feathers1 do not serve to distinguished the male from the female1 as some bird-catchers say2 nor ought we either to imagine that the size or number of these spots constitute different varieties2 for all these distinctions are accidental1 and depend on physical strength and age4 ,our bird-catchers think the large ones that are nearly the shape of the greater redpole form a distinct species1 and they give them the name of ,fir ,goldfinches1 because they say they always build in fir forests4 ,those that do not exceed the size of the red-breast1 they call ,orchard ,goldfinches1 because they suppose they always build in orchards4 ,but these differences and pretences are imaginary1 because both are found of different sizes1 the orchard goldfinch large1 and the fir1 or wood goldfinch1 quite small4 ,the young ones that are hatched first are always stronger and larger than those hatched last1 because they often carry off the food intended for the latter1 and1 therefore1 being better fed1 they become larger and stronger4 ,this is sufficient to explain the difference of size in different individuals of the same species4 ,the following varieties are better established3--#a4 ,the goldfinch1 with a yellow breast2 #b4 ,with a white head2 #c4 ,with the head black--four young ones of this variety were found in the same nest2 #d4 ,the white goldfinch2 #e4 ,and the black goldfinch1 this being either entirely black1 which often happens in a cage1 from giving it too much hemp seed1 or from old age2 or it only retains the yellow spot on the wings1 which is also occasioned by captivity4 ,m4 ,schilbach1 superintendant of the menagerie of ,cassel1 tried an experiment on a whole brood4 ,he deprived the birds of the light of the sun1 even covered the cage with a piece of cloth1 and1 by these means1 obtained very black goldfinches1 with only the yellow spot on the wings2 but they changed colour after moulting4 ,those in which the black does not change are very old4 ,it is1 in fact1 a sign of approaching death4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state goldfinches are found in all parts of ,europe1 frequenting orchards1 brambles1 thickets1 and mountainous districts1 interspersed with wood and fields1 during the summer4 ,these birds are stationary1 not changing their haunts in winter2 they merely assemble in the autumn in families1 or rather in little flocks of fifteen or twenty1 seeking here and there places abounding in thistles1 and only when the snow becomes too deep leaving such localities for others more accessible4 ,in the house1 if kept in a cage1 this should be a square one1 because these birds do not like hopping about the upper part1 as they would be forced to do1 if in a bell-shaped cage1 and also inclined to swing round4 ,when they run on the floor they should be given a small artificial tree for a roost2 for they like to perch on this whilst singing as well as sleeping4 ,,food4--,their food1 when wild1 consists of all kinds of small seeds1 such as lettuce1 goats'-beard1 scorzonera1 thistle1 radish1 and canary seed4 ,with us1 in the house1 they are principally fed on poppy1 hemp seed1 properly varied with lettuce1 rape1 and canary seed4 ,if allowed to range1 the second universal paste agrees very well with them4 ,i have a goldfinch1 which appears in good health1 and eats not only of all the vegetables brought to table1 but also meat1 though1 in their wild state1 these birds never touch insects#df4 ,they must have green food occasionally1 such as chickweed1 water-cresses1 lettuce1 or endive4 ,these birds feed largely1 when loose in the room1 rarely leaving the food-dish1 and driving off1 if they can1 with loud cries1 any of their companions who wish to approach4 ,they will allow those birds1 however1 to feed peaceably with them1 that bear some analogy to their species1 at least1 in the nature of the stomach1 such as the canary1 siskin1 and especially the lesser redpole1 without distinction of male or female4 ,,breeding4--,the goldfinch prefers building in large orchards1 at the tops of trees1 on weak and terminal branches4 ,it makes the most beautiful nest of any of our birds1 except the chaffinch1 it being finely rounded1 very elegant and firm4 ,the outer part is constructed of fine moss1 lichens1 stalks of grass1 and slender twigs2 the whole being interwoven with the greatest nicety4 ,the interior is lined with wool1 horse-hair1 and the cotton or down of the thistle#dg1 or willow4 ,the female has rarely more than one brood in the year1 unless she has been disturbed1 and1 in this case1 the number of eggs is always diminished2 on this account goldfinches never appear to increase in number4 ,on a sea-green ground1 the eggs have pale red spots and speckles1 mingled with streaks of reddish black1 which often form a circle at the large end4 ,the parent birds disgorge the food into the young ones' throats4 ,before the first moulting the heads of the young birds are grey4 ,if it is only wished to take male birds from the nest1 all that have a whitish ring round the root of the beak1 must be left4 ,they must be brought up on poppy-seed and the crumb of white bread1 soaked in milk or water4 ,of all the natural songs of birds1 they imitate most easily and perfectly that of the canary2 they also pair with the canary1 and produce together fruitful young ones4 ,for this purpose1 a male goldfinch is paired with one or two female canaries1 which succeeds better than by placing a male canary with a female goldfinch2 the former being more amorous1 most favours this union1 particularly if educated from youth4 ,the fruit of this union are not less distinguished for the beauty of their plumage1 often yellow1 with the head1 wings1 and tail1 of the goldfinch1 than for the sweetness of their song1 whether natural or acquired4 ,if you are afraid that a pair of canaries you value1 may not hatch their eggs as you wish1 place them in the nest of a goldfinch in your orchard1 and you may be certain that they will be properly matured1 and the young ones brought up in the best manner4 ,when they are ready to fly1 place them in a cage1 and suspend it by the side of the nest till they can feed themselves4 ,by this means you will have no trouble with their education4 ,illustration3 ,,canary ,,cage ,,for ,,parlour4 ,,diseases4--,epilepsy is one of the commonest disorders of this bird4 ,if the eyes are weak and swollen1 anoint them with fresh butter4 ,stupor and giddiness being very properly attributed to too great a use of hemp seed1 it is best to suppress it entirely1 and supply its place with the seed of lettuce and thistles4 ,this latter is so beneficial1 that it would be well to give them1 from time to time1 a head to pluck the seeds for themselves4 ,old age makes them blind1 and deprives them of their beautiful colours2 yet1 notwithstanding all the evils with which they are afflicted1 in a cage a goldfinch has been known to live sixteen years1 and even twenty1 or twenty-four years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in spring these birds are taken on a lure bush1 with a decoy bird of their own species4 ,they will also enter the area1 or barn-floor trap1 with chaffinches1 if bundles of thistles are placed there2 but it is not without difficulty1 for they are very watchful to avoid nets and lime-twigs4 ,in the winter1 by building up bundles of thistles1 and placing snares and traps on them1 several may be caught2 but in autumn and spring lime-twigs should be placed on them in preference4 ,it is a still better plan to place bundles of thistles in a tree stuck about with lime-twigs4 ,the goldfinch's call is tziflit1 or sticlit1 which is its name in ,bohemia4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the goldfinch is a very beautiful1 lively1 active bird1 always in motion1 and turning continually to the right and left4 ,its agreeable song1 which is only discontinued during moulting1 is a mixture of tones and harmonies1 more or less dwelt upon1 and the oftener the sound fink is introduced the more it is admired amongst us4 ,there are some goldfinches that utter it only once or twice in their strains1 whilst others will repeat it four or five times following4 ,this species learn with difficulty to repeat airs from the flageolet1 or other birds' songs1 and in this respect is inferior to canaries and linnets2 but it is remarkable for its docility4 ,goldfinches have been seen to let off a small cannon1 and imitate death4 ,when properly instructed they will draw up their food and water4 ,they are taught this by means of a chain or pulley1 furnished with a soft leather band1 two lines wide1 pierced with four holes1 through which the wings and feet are to be passed2 the two ends meeting under the belly1 and are retained there by a ring1 to which is fastened the chain that supports the bucket containing the water or food4 ,whenever the little waterman wants either1 he draws up the chain with his beak1 fixing it at intervals with his foot1 and thus succeeds in obtaining what he wishes2 but if his little buckets are suspended to a pulley1 raising one makes the other descend1 and he can only enjoy his food and water in turn4 ,i have also seen goldfinches and siskins1 placed in different cages1 that have little bells fixed to the seed drawer in such a way that the bird cannot take its food without ringing them2 the bells being harmonised1 tolerably agreeable chimes are produced1 but one is soon tired of such trifles4 ,the goldfinch is taught to go and come at command1 without any danger of losing it1 much sooner than the linnet1 though the latter learns quite as soon to build in the room4 ,to accomplish this feat the winter should be chosen1 and the cage1 containing a goldfinch that has not been rendered tender by having been too long accustomed to the heat of the room1 must be placed on the outside of the window every day1 or on a shelf intended for it1 and where the mice cannot reach it4 ,hemp seed must be scattered round1 and a bunch of thistle heads fastened by the side1 the seeds of which should be mixed with the hemp seed4 ,presently one or more goldfinches1 attracted by the call of the prisoner1 collect1 to take advantage of the scattered food2 as soon as you have succeeded so far it is useless to let the decoy remain any longer exposed to the cold1 which may injure it4 ,it will be quite sufficient to place the cage within the window1 and to put on the outside a cage as a trap1 not for the sake of catching these birds1 but to scare away the sparrows1 that would soon eat up all the seed unless thus prevented2 and in order that the trap may only close when you wish1 the door should be supported by a string1 passing into the room1 and loosened1 to catch the sparrows1 but the goldfinches should be allowed to go in and out at pleasure1 till the snow is on the point of disappearing1 then close the trap on those you wish to keep3 the birds thus captured should be placed in a cage1 where they will soon grow tame1 and learn to go and return to it4 ,whatever form this cage is of1 the door should be hung so as to remain open as long as is required1 and be closed without noise or alarming the bird1 either by means of a spring1 that may be acted on by the bird1 without his perceiving it1 or by his pushing the door of it open on the inside4 ,when a goldfinch has been thus trained it may be let fly without fear the following ,august1 at the time of moulting4 ,it is true that it will be lost for some time1 but it will not fail to return in ,december1 when the ground is covered with snow1 and it will sing much more sweetly than it would had it been kept prisoner4 ,as soon as it has flown1 a cage should constantly be hung outside the window1 and seeds placed in it1 that1 if it should chance to return1 it may find food2 but it is rarely seen again till winter3 at that time the cage should be so arranged that the door may be closed as soon as the bird enters1 as it used to do in the room2 the surest way is to attract it by a call bird4 ,it must not be allowed to come out so often as before1 and it will remain1 without injury1 shut up till the season arrives for giving it its liberty again4 ,the same course may be pursued for the tit1 and with still more success for the chaffinch1 which does not enter the snares of the bird-catcher as easily as the others4 ,if it is feared that it may be caught in a neighbouring area or barn-floor trap1 it may be frightened from this snare in future1 by stretching a net once1 in the orchard or garden near4 ,the greenfinch is the best for this manoeuvre1 as it is extremely fond of hemp seed1 is more rarely taken1 and returns less wild than the chaffinch4 ,the birds that enjoy their liberty in the summer sing more finely than without this advantage1 and1 what is almost incredible1 though taken to a distance of several leagues1 they have always found their master's house again#dh4 ,,the ,,siskin4 ,illustration ,fringilla ,spinus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,tarin1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,zeisig1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is four inches and three quarters in length1 of which the tail measures one and three quarters4 ,the beak1 four lines long1 becomes narrower towards the tip1 which is very sharp and brown2 the rest is light grey1 and in winter white4 ,the shanks1 eight lines in height1 are dusky2 the top of the head and throat are black2 the cheeks1 the back of the neck1 and back are green2 the latter streaked with a dusky colour2 the rump1 breast1 under part of the neck1 and the line that passes over the eyes1 are greenish yellow4 ,the throat of the male rarely becomes black till the second year2 the older it becomes the more of yellow and beauty it attains4 ,the varieties are the black siskin1 the white siskin1 and the speckled siskin4 ,i have occasionally killed these birds with a breast entirely black4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state it is found throughout ,europe2 it is very common in ,germany1 where it remains all the year#di1 but in winter it wanders about in search of food1 and most frequents the parts well planted with alders4 ,in the house1 whether in a cage or not1 it soon becomes very familiar4 ,,food4--,when wild it varies according to the season2 in summer it eats in the woods the seeds of the pine and fir2 in autumn1 of hops1 thistles1 burdock2 in winter1 of the alder and the buds of trees4 ,in the house its food is poppy-seed and a little hemp-seed bruised4 ,if allowed to range1 the first universal paste suits it4 ,it is a complete glutton1 and1 though so small1 eats more than the chaffinch2 it is at the seed drawer from morning till night1 constantly eating1 and driving off all its companions4 ,it does not drink less1 and requires abundance of fresh water2 yet it bathes but little1 only plunging the beak in the water1 and thus scattering it over its feathers1 but it is very assiduous in arranging them2 it may be called a fop1 always engaged with finery4 ,,breeding4--,the siskin rarely builds its nest among the alders1 but generally in the pine forests1 placing it at the extremity of the highest branches1 and fixing it there with cobwebs1 the threads of insects and lichens4 ,the outer part is well formed of small twigs1 and the lining is formed of finely divided roots4 ,it has two broods in the year1 each of five or six eggs1 of a light grey1 strongly spotted with purplish brown1 particularly at the large end4 ,the young males become finer each year till the fourth4 ,the mules1 produced by the siskin pairing with the canary1 partake of the two species1 and are very prettily spotted if the canary is yellow2 but this union is not so easy as that with the green canary1 which appears to bear a nearer relation to the siskin4 ,,diseases4--,to the other maladies common to the birds of this family we must add epilepsy1 of which these birds often die#ej4 ,they may1 however1 be kept from eight to twelve years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,with good traps and nets made for this purpose1 several dozen of these birds may be taken at once in the winter4 ,they also collect in numbers1 in the spring1 on the decoy bush1 and they are so fearless1 that in the villages a person1 who has his house situated near a stream bordered with alders1 need only place a siskin in the window1 near a stick covered with bird-lime1 and he may catch as many as he wishes4 ,i have caught some at my window in a cage strewed with hemp and poppy-seed1 by letting the door fall by means of a string1 when the birds had entered1 one of the decoy birds in my room serving to attract them4 ,when the place where they drink at noon is discovered amongst the alders1 numbers may be caught by merely laying across the stream some branches covered with bird-lime4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,their plumage and song are both attractive1 though with the latter several tones are mingled1 that somewhat resemble the noise made by a stocking-loom4 ,this makes them great favourites with stocking-weavers4 ,they imitate tolerably the song of other birds1 such as that of the tit1 the chaffinch1 and the lark2 but they cannot give a musical air4 ,their carolling is only interrupted during moulting1 and very much tends to excite their companions to warble in their turn4 ,the loss of their liberty affects them so little1 that they will eat as soon as let out of the hand1 after being caught1 and on the second day will allow any one to approach their cage without alarm4 ,they are soon taught to draw up little buckets1 and many other little manoeuvres that they execute gaily2 there is no difficulty in accustoming them to go and return if the winter is chosen2 the cage should be kept open at the window1 and hemp and poppy-seed scattered at the entrance2 they will return there in general1 and bring several companions with them4 ,this plan will not succeed so well in ,march1 ,september1 and ,october1 the time when these birds roam through the country in search of food1 though ,i have seen some tamed in this manner return after a long absence4 ,,the ,,ring ,,sparrow4 ,fringilla petronia1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,soulci1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,graufink1 ,,bechstein4 ,independently of the beak1 this bird may be taken for a female yellowhammer1 as it resembles it so much in its shape and plumage4 ,its length is five inches three-quarters1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak1 five lines long1 is thick at the base1 grey brown above1 and white below4 ,the feet1 ten lines high1 are grey brown2 the whole head is of a reddish ash-colour1 but a dirty white ring surrounds it from one eye to the other4 ,the female is greyer on the upper part of the body1 and the front of the neck is only pale yellow4 ,,observations4--,ring sparrows are found in most ,european forests1 or woods2 they are common enough in several parts of ,germany#ea1 those that inhabit the northern parts removing in winter2 but the others are stationary4 ,they live on seeds and insects like the house sparrow1 and make their nests in hollows of trees4 ,in the house they are fed on rape and poppy-seeds2 they also readily eat the first universal paste4 ,they are less prized for their warbling1 which is insignificant1 than for their beauty or rarity4 ,,the ,,serin ,,finch4 ,fringilla serinus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,serin vert1 ou le ,cini1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,girlitz1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is smaller than the siskin1 its length not exceeding four inches and a quarter1 of which the tail measures one inch and a third4 ,the beak is short and thick1 brown above and white below2 the iris is dark chestnut4 ,the shanks are six lines high1 and are of a flesh colour4 ,the plumage of the male very much resembles that of the grey canary2 the front of the head1 the circle round the eyes1 a kind of collar1 the breast and belly1 are pale jonquil-coloured1 mixed with a little green2 the nape of the neck1 the cheeks1 the temples1 and lesser wing-coverts1 are of a canary green1 mingled with rust colour and black4 ,the spots scattered over the plumage are not isolated1 but united to each other by an undulating line2 they are so small on the head1 that it is only speckled4 ,it is necessary to examine the female very closely to distinguish it from the siskin1 for1 with the exception of a reddish grey tint1 the colours are the same2 but its beak is shorter1 its tail longer1 and its shape freer4 ,from my latest observations this bird appears to be the same as the citril finch2 comparing them together in cabinets has confirmed my opinion2 but that which has decided me is the testimony of my friend1 ,dr4 ,meyer1 of ,offenbach1 who has often seen and even fed in his house several of these birds4 ,from him ,i derive the rest of this article4 ,illustration3 ,,serin ,,finch4 ,,habitation4--,it is not more than ten years since the serin was observed between ,frankfort and ,offenbach4 ,they arrive every year in large flights1 during ,march1 and depart in ,october2 but there are always some that remain all the winter4 ,several were taken in ,january1 #ahjj1 when the thermometer was at twenty-one degrees ,raumur1 and ,i myself have seen some near ,offenbach at the end of ,february4 ,they appear to prefer fruit trees1 yet in woods they also appear attached to beech and oak trees2 but ,i have never met with them by the sides of rivers or streams planted with willows4 ,,food4--,they feed on all the small seeds found in fields and orchards1 particularly groundsel1 plantain1 garden pimpernel1 and others of the same kind4 ,in the house1 rape1 mixed with a little poppy seed1 agrees very well with them2 a few grains of hemp seed and husked oats may be added from time to time4 ,,breeding4--,their nest is generally placed on the lower branches of apple and pear trees1 sometimes on beeches and oaks1 but never on willows by the water-side4 ,it is constructed of fine and divided roots1 mosses1 lichens1 principally of those which are farinaceous1 the whole being entwined with great nicety1 and lined with a thick bed of feathers1 horse-hair1 and pigs' bristles4 ,they lay three or four1 rarely five1 eggs of the form of1 but rather smaller than1 those of the canary2 white1 but having at the large end a circle of spots and dots of a bright reddish brown4 ,the hen sits on the eggs thirteen or fourteen days1 during which time the male feeds her4 ,he also helps to feed the young ones1 which is done by disgorging the food2 the young perfectly resemble the grey linnet2 they may be reared easily on soaked rape seed2 but it is best to take the parent birds1 and place them in the cage with their little ones1 which they will continue to feed4 ,the young birds remain grey till after moulting1 they then attain their full plumage1 as described before1 but are never so beautiful in the house as in their wild state4 ,after being kept a few years in a cage1 the yellow in those taken full grown becomes pale1 and fades at length to nearly white4 ,this bird will pair with the canary1 siskin1 linnet1 or goldfinch4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds are easily taken in the area1 or barn-floor trap1 on a decoy bush1 and with lime twigs placed near the stalks of plantain4 ,,diseases4--,with the exception of consumption1 of which one ,i had died1 ,i know of no disease they are subject to4 ,,observations4--,of all house birds1 these are the most sprightly and indefatigable songsters4 ,their voice is not strong1 but it is very melodious4 ,the song1 with the exception of a few passages1 is like the lark's1 and might be mistaken for the canary's4 ,in their wild state they sing incessantly1 either perched on the outer branches of a tree1 or whilst rising in the air1 and gently sinking again to their former situation1 or whilst flying from tree to tree4 ,their call resembles that of the canary1 and their habits are also similar to that species4 ,they are of a very affectionate character2 when allowed to range the room with siskins1 linnets1 and similar birds1 they will caress all with the beak1 but seem to prefer the company of the goldfinch1 whose tones they will imitate1 and improve their warbling by it4 ,they are indeed very attractive birds4 ,,the ,,citril ,,finch4 ,fringilla citrinella1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,venturon1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,citronenfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird very nearly resembles the canary in its colour1 shape1 song1 and habits2 but it is smaller and its notes weaker4 ,its resemblance1 however1 is so marked1 that ,i should be inclined to suppose it the primitive wild stock1 if the canary had not its representative in those islands from which it takes its name4 ,the length of the citril finch is five inches1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak is short1 the feet flesh-coloured1 the plumage on the upper part of the body yellowish green1 streaked with brown2 the under part of the rump greenish yellow2 the principal tint on the breast yellow4 ,the female is less spotted1 and the general shade of colour is lighter4 ,,observations4--,this species1 inhabiting the south of ,europe1 occasionally strays into the southern parts of ,germany#eb1 and the sweetness of their song makes them much sought after4 ,they should be treated in the same manner as canaries4 ,,the ,,lapland ,,finch4 ,fringilla ,laponica1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grand ,montain1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,lerchenfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this would be mistaken for a lark at first sight1 as much from its plumage as from the length of its spur4 ,we should also see them much oftener in ,germany if the bird-catchers1 who catch them in their lark's nests1 did not take or kill them both indifferently4 ,their decoys are the same as the buntings 7,emberiz1 ,linn471 for though we cannot observe them much whilst alive1 we cannot be deceived as to their pairing with finches 7,fringill1 ,linn47 buntings and larks4 ,they are about the size of the yellowhammer1 six inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak is yellow1 with a black tip2 the feet dark brown2 the head blackish1 spotted with reddish white1 sometimes quite black2 a white line passes from the base of the bill above the eyes1 down each side of the neck1 curving towards the breast2 the upper part of the body is red1 with brown spots2 the throat and breast are pale red2 some males are black in the middle of the lower part4 ,the female is paler in its colours2 its breast is spotted with grey and black2 in fact its plumage resembles the field lark's4 ,,observations4--,this bird is always found in the north1 both in the old and new world1 and goes towards the south in winter4 ,it is met with by us on its arrival with the larks1 and on its return with the snow bunting1 but it is oftenest taken with larks4 ,its call is a kind of shrill whistle1 and its song is very similar to the linnet's2 the female also warbles1 but only in the bullfinch's style4 ,it ranges the room like the lark1 and if in a cage hops about its perches like the chaffinch4 ,it is fed on rape1 hemp1 and poppy seed1 which appear to agree with it very well4 ,it may be fed at less expense on the first universal paste1 as it also likes meal worms4 ,i think that in its wild state it lives1 like the chaffinch1 on seeds and insects4 ,,the ,,snow ,,finch4 ,fringilla nivalis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,niverole1 ou ,pinson de neige1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,schneefin1 ,,bechstein4 ,the name has been given it as much from its being found on high mountains and the colour of its plumage1 as for its resemblance to the snow bunting4 ,its total length is seven inches and a quarter1 of which the tail measures two and a half2 the beak six lines long1 very pointed1 but thick at the base1 and of a glossy black2 the feet ten lines high1 dark chestnut colour3 its plumage is pretty2 the top of the head1 cheeks1 temples1 nape1 back1 and sides of the neck are dark ash-coloured4 ,the female only differs from the male in the grey of the head having a reddish tint1 and the whole of the under part of the body1 being white2 the breast has also a dirtier shade1 and the sides are spotted with black4 ,,observations4--,the snow finch inhabits the southern ,alps1 but is found as far north as the middle of ,germany4 ,i have even seen them in ,thuringia1 in company with the mountain finch2 it is a sprightly bird1 and very fearless in a cage4 ,it may be fed on rape1 millet1 and hemp seed2 but it appears to prefer the seed of the fir and nettle hemp 7,galeopsis cannabina73 one would think that in its wild state it also fed on insects1 as it readily takes meal worms when offered them4 ,its call is kipp1 kipp4 ,it sings a great deal1 but its song is not more agreeable than the mountain finch's1 to which it appears allied1 and like that is only kept in the house for its beauty and rarity4 ,,the ,,canary4 ,fringilla canaria1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,serin de ,canarie1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,canarienvogel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pleasing bird had its origin in the pleasant climate and delightful valleys of the ,canary ,islands1 and is now spread throughout ,europe1 part of ,asia1 and as far as ,siberia4 ,the beauty of its form1 its plumage1 and its song1 united with its great docility1 soon gained it admittance into the most magnificent abodes1 where every one delights in rearing and preserving it1 whilst the fairest hands are often eager to present it with the most delicate food4 ,it was brought into our climate as early as the beginning of the sixteenth century4 ,the arrival of the canary in ,europe1 is thus described3--,a vessel1 which besides its merchandise was bringing a number of these birds to ,leghorn1 was shipwrecked on the coast of ,italy1 opposite the island of ,elba1 where these little birds1 having been set at liberty1 took refuge4 ,the climate being favourable1 they increased1 and would certainly have become naturalised1 had not the wish to possess them occasioned their being caught in such numbers1 that at last they were extirpated from their new country4 ,from this cause ,italy was the first ,european country where the canary was reared4 ,at first their education was difficult1 as the proper manner of treating them was unknown2 and what tended to render them scarce was1 that only the male birds were brought over1 no females4 ,the grey of its primitive colour1 darker on the back and greener on the belly1 has undergone so many changes from its being domesticated1 from the climate1 and from the union with birds analogous to it 7in ,italy with the citril finch1 the serin2 in our country with the linnet1 the green finch1 the siskin1 and the goldfinch71 that now we have canaries of all colours4 ,if we had not sufficient proof that canaries came originally from the ,fortunate ,islands1 we should think the citril finch1 the serin1 and the siskin1 were the wild stock of this domesticated race4 ,i have seen a bird1 whose parent birds were a siskin and serin1 which perfectly resembled a variety of the canary which is called the green4 ,i have also seen mules from a female grey canary1 in which was no trace of their true parentage4 ,the grey1 the yellow1 the white1 the blackish1 and the chestnut1 are the principal varieties1 and it is from their combination1 and from their tints1 that we derive the numerous varieties that we now possess4 ,those canaries1 that have the upper part of the body of a dusky grey or linnet brown1 and the under part the yellowish green of the green-bird1 with dark brown eyes1 are the strongest1 and most nearly resemble the primitive race#ec4 ,the yellow and white often have red eyes1 and are the most tender4 ,the chestnut are the most uncommon1 and hold a middle rank for strength and length of life between the two extremes4 ,but as the plumage of the intermediate ones is a mixture of these principal colours1 their value depends on the pretty and regular manner in which they are marked4 ,the canary that is most admired amongst us now1 is one with the body white or yellow1 the head1 particularly if crested1 wings and tail1 yellowish dun2 the second in degree is of a golden yellow1 with the head1 wings and tail black1 or at least dusky grey4 ,next follow the grey or blackish1 with a yellow head and collar2 the yellow1 with a blackish or green tuft1 which are very much valued4 ,as for those that are irregularly spotted1 speckled1 or variegated1 they are much less sought after1 and are used to pair with those of one colour1 white1 yellow1 grey1 brown-grey#ed1 and the like4 ,the female can scarcely be distinguished from the male1 but the male has generally deeper and brighter colours1 a head rather larger and longish1 a longer body1 a more elegant form1 neck not quite so short1 and higher shanks4 ,there is a feather under the beak1 of the shape of a bean1 placed lower than the rest1 and the temples and circle round the eyes are of a deeper yellow than the other parts of the body4 ,the length of the canary is five inches1 of which the tail measures two and a quarter3 the beak1 five lines long1 is strong1 very pointed1 and whitish2 the shanks1 eight lines in height1 are of a flesh-colour4 ,i shall end this description with an account of the different mule birds obtained from the canaries4 ,,mule ,,canaries4--#a4 ,mules between a ,canary and a ,goldfinch1 present in their plumage an agreeable mixture of the colours of their parents4 ,the most beautiful which ,i have seen was greyish ash-colour in the middle of its crest1 and silvery white on the rest of its head and nape2 a broad orange border surrounded the beak1 and the neck was adorned with a white collar2 the back was a dusky grey1 with black streaks2 the rump white1 the under part of the body of a snowy whiteness2 the under tail-coverts1 the wings and first quill-feathers white1 but the others1 as well as the coverts1 black1 edged with yellow2 the middle of the wing was also adorned with a beautiful golden yellow spot2 the white tail had a black spot on the sides1 the white beak was tipped with black1 the feet were white4 ,the mother of this beautiful bird was white1 with a greenish grey crest4 ,in general1 one may be sure of fine birds when yellow or white females are paired with goldfinches4 #b4 ,mules between the ,canary and the ,siskin4--,if the mother be a green canary1 the mules will resemble a female siskin2 but1 if she is white or yellow1 their colours are lighter1 yet without differing greatly from those of the siskin1 which they always resemble in shape4 #c4 ,mules between a ,canary and a ,green-bird1 or a ,citril ,finch4--,if the hen canary is neither white nor yellow1 the mules differ little from the common grey or green canary1 except in being more slender1 and having the beak shorter and thicker4 #d4 ,mules between a ,canary and a ,linnet will be speckled if the mother is white or yellow1 but if she is grey they will be like her1 except that the tail will be longer4 ,the other mules are rarer1 because more difficult to obtain1 as we shall see elsewhere4 ,,habitation4--,except in the breeding season the male canaries are kept alone in separate cages1 which1 whatever the shape1 ought not to be less than eight inches in diameter and a foot in height1 with two sticks placed across for the bird to perch on4 ,the females may be allowed to range the room with one wing clipped1 or1 what is better1 kept in large cages1 where1 from having plenty of exercise1 their health and strength are better preserved4 ,in the small cages1 glass vases should be placed on the outside1 at the extremities of the lower stick1 to hold the food and water4 ,these may be surmounted with a cap of tin1 or something of the kind1 to prevent the seed from being so easily scattered4 ,it is for this reason that the large seed drawers in an aviary are covered with iron wire-work1 leaving only sufficient spaces for the heads of the birds to pass through4 ,cleanliness being a great preservative against most of their disorders1 the bottom of the cage should be made to draw out1 that it may the easier be cleaned and covered with sand4 ,this should be done every day1 or at least several times a week4 ,these tender birds1 being natives of a warm climate1 and becoming more delicate instead of hardier from being kept in the house1 require a temperature analogous to that of their native climate4 ,they must be protected from the cold1 and never allowed to remain in winter in a cold room1 which would occasion many diseases1 or even death4 ,but1 in summer1 it is proper to place them in the open air1 and they enjoy it very much4 ,never do they sing so gaily as on fine days1 and their cages should therefore be placed at the open window1 that they may have the advantage of the light and heat of the sun1 which is particularly serviceable to them whilst bathing4 ,,food4--,this is an important point1 for1 in proportion as it is simple and natural1 it will be wholesome2 and1 on the contrary1 the more it is mixed and rare1 the more injurious and productive of disease will it be4 ,what ,i have found the best is summer rape-seed2 ,i mean that which is sown at the end of spring1 which is small and brown1 in distinction from the winter rape-seed1 which is sown in the autumn1 and which is large and black4 ,this seed alone agrees with canaries as well as with linnets3 but to give them the pleasure of variety1 a little bruised hemp or canary1 or poppy-seed1 is added to it1 especially in the spring1 when they are intended to breed4 ,indeed a mixture of summer rape-seed1 oatmeal and millet1 or canary-seed1 may be given them as a great treat4 ,but whatever seeds they may have1 they equally require green food1 as chickweed in spring1 lettuce and radish leaves in summer1 endive1 water-cress1 and slices of sweet apple1 in winter4 ,as to that whimsical and complicated mixture1 prescribed and used by many people1 of rape1 millet1 hemp1 canary seed1 whole oats and oatmeal1 poppy1 lettuce1 plantain1 potentilla1 and pink seeds1 maize1 sugar1 cake1 hard biscuit1 cracknels1 buns1 and the like1 so far from being wholesome1 it injures the birds in every respect4 ,it spoils their taste1 weakens their stomachs1 renders them feeble1 sickly1 and incapable of bearing moulting1 under which they most frequently die4 ,it is true1 they may be accustomed to eat of everything which comes to table1 but to teach this habit is also to prepare a poison for them1 which though slow is not the less sure1 and brings them to a premature death2 whilst every day we see bird-fanciers who are poor1 who hardly know the names of these delicacies1 rear1 on the simplest food1 a considerable number of the healthiest1 cleverest1 and strongest canaries4 ,we must1 however1 be guided in a great measure by the constitutions of the birds4 ,they should be daily supplied with fresh water1 as well for drinking as bathing1 in which they delight4 ,in the moulting season1 a nail or bit of iron should be put into the water1 in order to strengthen the stomach4 ,saffron and liquorice are in this case more hurtful than useful4 ,grains of the sand1 with which the bottom of the cage is strewed1 afford the birds a help to digestion4 ,what has been said above1 refers solely to the food of full-grown canaries2 the young1 which cannot feed themselves1 require a different diet4 ,,breeding4--,a very important branch in the history of the canary is its education1 which is not without difficulties1 but these are augmented by all the refinements and artificial plans which some persons follow with so much parade4 ,a male of from two to five years of age should be chosen for pairing2 for experience has taught1 that if a young male is placed among older females1 they will produce more males than females4 ,a bird is known to be old by the blackish and rough scales of his feet1 and by his long and strong claws4 ,good males are valuable and scarce4 ,some are dull and melancholy1 always sad1 and seldom singing2 indifferent to their mates1 which are equally so to them2 others are so passionate1 that they beat or even kill their mates and their young2 others are too ardent1 and pursue their mates while they are sitting1 tear the nest1 destroy the eggs1 or excite the females so much that they voluntarily abandon them4 ,the females have also their defects4 ,some1 too ardent1 only lay without sitting2 others neglect to feed their young1 beat them1 and pick out their feathers1 so that the wretched little creatures die miserably2 to others1 laying is so painful that they are too much fatigued to sit1 or they lay each egg only after a long interval4 ,quacks 7for we find them on this subject as on others7 pretend to have specifics for the cure of these defects2 but their pretended remedies are mere deceptions1 and the use of them causes much trouble4 ,the best plan is to remove the vicious birds1 and to retain only those which have none of the above-named bad qualities4 ,to obtain the most brilliant colours1 those birds which have them clear1 and whose spots are distinct and regular1 are paired together4 ,this1 of course1 can only be done in separate cages4 ,in aviaries1 where the birds pair by choice1 the offspring are generally mixed and blotted4 ,a greenish or brownish bird1 placed with a bright yellow one1 often produces dim white1 or other admired colours4 ,it is better never to place together two crested birds1 because the offspring is apt to have a part of the head bald or otherwise disfigured4 ,the best time for pairing canaries is the middle of ,april4 ,either one male1 and one or two females1 are placed in a large cage1 or many of both sexes are united in a room or aviary1 having the advantage of a south aspect4 ,nests made of turned wood1 or osiers1 are given them1 as straw ones are too easily torn4 ,it is a good plan to place in the room or aviary slips of pine1 which being cut in ,february do not lose their leaves4 ,if a little enclosure of wire-gauze can be fixed over the window1 where the birds can enjoy the fresh air1 nothing will more effectually contribute to render the young healthy and robust4 ,birds1 which are to be paired for the first time1 should be previously placed in the same cage for seven or eight days1 in order to become acquainted and accustomed to live together4 ,if two females are to be caged with one male1 it is especially necessary that they should be together long enough to leave off quarrelling1 and the pairing cage should be divided into two equal parts1 communicating by a sliding door4 ,this being done1 a lively male and one of the females should be placed in the first division2 as soon as she has laid1 the male should be moved into the other division1 the door of separation being shut2 but as soon as the other has also laid1 the door may be left open3 the male will then visit the females alternately1 and they will not trouble themselves about each other2 but without these precautions jealousy would incline them to fight1 and destroy each other's eggs4 ,when it is intended to place a great many females1 double or treble the number of males1 in a room or aviary1 the latter should always be first paired with a single female1 which will ever after remain the favourite2 and it will only be when she is about to sit that he will pair with the others1 and this is all the notice he will take of them1 for afterwards he will only notice their young4 ,it is from these mothers1 however1 that the most and the best birds are generally procured4 ,if the floor of the room or aviary is well covered with moss1 little else need be added for making the nests1 otherwise they should be supplied with the hair of cows and deer1 hogs' bristles1 fine hay1 lint1 wool cut two or three inches long1 paper shavings1 and the like4 ,that which is coarsest serves for the outside1 and the softest and finest for the inside4 ,if they have shrubs1 traces of the natural instinct of the canary are soon observed in the nests which they construct without the help of the turner or basket weaver2 but they are of an inelegant form1 and the outside is not very carefully finished4 ,the females alone1 as is usual among birds1 are the builders1 the males only choosing the situation and bringing the materials4 ,it is in the nest1 where the female is in continual motion1 that the pairing takes place2 she invites the male by constant little chirpings1 repeated more quickly the nearer she is to laying4 ,seven or eight days are generally reckoned from the first pairing to the laying of the first egg2 the other eggs1 whose number varies1 without exceeding six1 are laid successively every following day1 and often at the same hour4 ,the laying ended1 pairing continues during the first days of incubation4 ,if the pairs agree1 they must be left entirely to themselves1 without endeavouring to use art to help nature1 as many do4 ,it is usual to take away the first egg and substitute an ivory one1 which is repeated with the others to the last1 preserving them in the mean time in a box filled with fine dry sand2 they are afterwards restored all together to the nest to be hatched#ee4 ,the females lay three or four times a year1 from ,april till ,september2 there are some even so prolific that moulting does not stop them4 ,the eggs1 of a sea-green colour1 are at one end more or less spotted or marked with maroon or violet4 ,the period of incubation is thirteen days4 ,if1 owing to the weakness of the male or female1 it is suspected that some of the eggs are barren1 they should on the eighth day be examined by holding them lightly between the fingers in the sunshine or before a candle2 the good ones will be already filled with blood-vessels1 while the bad will continue clear1 or even be already addled3 these must be thrown away4 ,it is rare for the male to sit in his turn during some hours of the day1 the female seldom allowing it1 for as soon as she has eaten she flies back to the nest4 ,if the male gives up his place readily1 so much the better2 if not1 she drives him away by force and by pecking him4 ,she appears to know his want of skill in this employment4 ,the near discharge of a gun1 a door slammed with violence1 and other similar noises1 will often kill the young in the shell2 but their death happens generally through the fault of a bad sitter4 ,as soon as the young are hatched1 a small jar is placed beside the usual feeding trough1 which contains a quarter of a hard egg minced very fine1 white and yellow together1 with a bit of white bread steeped in water1 and afterwards well pressed2 another jar should contain rape seed which has been boiled1 and then washed in fresh water1 to remove all its acrimony4 ,some persons1 instead of white bread1 use biscuit1 but this is unnecessary2 what1 on the contrary1 is very essential1 is to take care that this food does not turn sour1 for it would then infallibly destroy the young nurslings4 ,this food ,i find by experience to be the best4 ,now is the time when the male assumes his important duties of nursing-father4 ,these he fulfils indeed almost alone1 in order to give his mate time to rest before a new sitting4 ,when it is necessary to bring up the young by hand1 a bit of white bread1 or some biscuit1 should be pounded very fine1 and this powder should be mixed with well-bruised rape-seed4 ,this composition serves1 with a little yolk of egg and water1 to make a paste1 which is given to the young birds on a quill cut like a spoon2 each nursling requires for a meal four beakfuls1 well piled upon the quill1 and these meals must not be fewer than ten or twelve a day4 ,the young should remain warmly covered by the mother as long as they continue unfledged#ef2 that is to say1 generally for twelve days3 on the thirteenth day they begin to eat alone4 ,in four weeks they may be placed in other cages of a sufficient size2 but they must still for some weeks be fed with the above-mentioned paste1 conjointly with the food of full-grown birds2 for the sudden privation of this nourishment often occasions death1 especially when moulting4 ,experience proves that generally those canaries which are hatched in a large garden aviary1 where they enjoy fresh air1 and considerable space for the exercise of their wings1 are more vigorous1 more healthy1 and more robust than those which are bred in rooms1 and it is easy to understand the reason4 ,i must not omit to mention here an important observation1 which has been often made1 that if two females are given to one male1 and one of them happens to die1 the other immediately takes charge of the abandoned eggs1 and assumes so completely the duties of foster-mother1 that in order rigorously to fulfil them she avoids and even repulses the caresses of her mate4 ,canaries pair not only among themselves in our aviaries and cages1 they also form connexions foreign to their species1 and1 provided the analogy is not too remote1 produce fruitful mules4 ,serins1 citral finches1 siskins1 goldfinches1 or linnets1 are the species which succeed best#eg4 ,to succeed1 however1 it is necessary that the birds should have been brought up from the nest4 ,the custom is to give an old male of one of the above-named species to a female canary1 the principal reason being that an old female of one of those species1 though she would not object to the union1 could never be induced to lay in an artificial nest1 like a female canary4 ,the offspring of these mixtures combine the colours of the father and mother1 learn well enough if they descend from a linnet or goldfinch1 but sing badly if they come from a siskin or lesser redpole4 ,they are easily brought up with the paste mentioned above for canaries4 ,it is asserted that the mules of serins1 citral finches1 and goldfinches1 are fruitful4 ,it is remarked1 however1 that their first eggs are very small1 and the young hatched from them very weak2 but the next year the eggs become larger1 and the young stronger and more robust4 ,no sooner can the young canaries eat alone1 which happens on the thirteenth or fourteenth day1 and sometimes even before they leave the nest1 than the males begin to warble1 and some females also1 but in a less connected manner1 which serves to point them out4 ,as these pretty birds are so docile as to neglect entirely their natural song and imitate the harmony of our instruments1 it is necessary immediately to separate from his companions and from every other bird the young one which is to be instructed1 by putting him aside in a cage which is at first to be covered with a piece of linen1 and afterwards with a darker cover4 ,the air which is to be taught should be performed five or six times a day1 especially in the evening and morning1 either by whistling1 or on a flageolet1 or bird-organ2 he will acquire it more or less readily1 in from two to six months1 according to his abilities and memory2 if his separation from the other birds is delayed beyond the fourteenth day1 he will retain some part of his father's song1 which he will always intermingle with his acquired air1 and consequently never perform it perfectly4 ,the opinion of some1 that the grayish canaries have more facility in learning than the yellow or the white1 is unfounded1 their only advantage over those of a different hue being that they are generally more robust and vigorous4 ,i have not either found that the true ,no4 #c suits them better than ,no4 #a or ,no4 #b2 these latter1 on the contrary1 have appeared to me to please them best4 ,there is too much trouble and risk in allowing canaries to go in and out of their cages for it to be worth the trouble of teaching them this4 ,notwithstanding all my attention1 and the care which ,i have taken to follow exactly the prescribed rules1 ,i have never succeeded2 and the cleverest bird-fanciers have assured me that it should never be attempted but when they have young ones1 and above all1 there must be no canaries in the neighbouring houses1 which might entice them away4 ,indeed it is no easy matter to accustom a bird to go and come4 ,there1 as in many other cases1 conclusions in regard to the species have been drawn from individuals4 ,it is certain that very few tame birds easily acquire this trick1 and as ,i show in their histories1 with respect to others1 probabilities are too often stated as truths4 ,,diseases4--,birds which seldom enjoy the benefit of fresh and pure air1 prisoners destitute in their confinement of the means of exercise1 must be particularly subject to the common diseases which have been named1 and also to many other peculiar ones4 ,the following are some of the disorders incident to canaries4 #a4 ,rupture1 or ,hernia3 this is very common among young birds1 and is a kind of plethora1 which produces inflammation in the bowels4 ,the symptoms of this disease are1 thinness1 the skin of the belly transparent and distended1 covered with little red veins surcharged with blood1 the bowels are black and knotted1 and descend to the extremity of the body2 there are no feathers on the diseased part2 the invalid does not eat1 and dies in a few days4 ,too nutritious1 or too much food1 being the cause of the disease1 the only remedy is a very severe regimen1 and even then it can be cured only in its first stages4 ,the diseased birds must be immediately removed1 and fed with nothing but lettuce or rape-seed1 in very small quantities4 ,a bit of iron should also be put in the water1 and everything be done to invigorate and purify them4 ,it is very rare for young birds which are brought up by their parents to suffer from this disease1 as they never over-feed them4 ,in bringing up by hand this moderation should be imitated1 and they should neither be over-fed nor pampered4 #b4 ,the yellow gall in the head and eyes1 arises from over heat2 a cooling diet is therefore the only remedy4 ,if the tumour has grown to the size of a grain of hemp-seed1 it must be cut off1 and the wound be anointed with a little fresh butter1 or bathed with urine4 #c4 ,sweating4--,there are some females which1 during the time of incubation1 or while they are on their young1 are subject to profuse perspiration2 the feathers of the belly are in consequence so wet as to destroy the brood3 as soon as this indisposition is perceived the invalid must be washed with salt water1 and after a few minutes be plunged into pure water1 to wash off the salt1 and be dried in the sun as quickly as possible4 ,this operation is to be repeated once or twice a day till recovery2 but as relapses are frequent1 it is better to separate the female1 and not allow her to sit4 #d4 ,asthma1 or hard breathing1 which arises from an oppressed stomach1 generally yields to plantain and rape seeds moistened with water as the sole food4 #e4 ,sneezing1 produced by an obstruction in the nostrils1 is removed by passing a very small quill up them to clear them4 #f4 ,loss of voice4--,it sometimes happens that after moulting a male suffers the loss of its voice2 it must then be fed with the same paste as is prepared for young birds1 adding some lettuce-seed1 and1 according to some bird-fanciers1 a bit of bacon should be hung to the cage1 for it to peck4 #g4 ,constipation4--,the remedy for this is plenty of green food1 as lettuce leaves1 water-cress1 c41 not forgetting bread and milk4 #h4 ,epilepsy1 which is common among many kinds of birds1 may be produced in canaries by particular causes1 as great delicacy and timidity4 ,we should therefore avoid alarming them1 either by catching them too suddenly or violently1 or by tormenting them in any way4 ,they are to be cured as has been already directed in the ,introduction4 #i4 ,overgrown claws and beak4--,when the claws or beak want paring1 sharp scissors must be used1 and care taken to avoid drawing blood1 lest the bird should be maimed4 ,they often injure themselves when their claws are too long1 and get hooked in the wires of the cage1 and continue thus hanging4 ,the females1 in the same way1 get entangled in their nests4 #aj4 ,lice4--,the parasite insects by which these little prisoners are often tormented1 are generally produced by slovenliness4 ,besides frequent bathing1 the cages must be cleaned with much care and vigilance1 and have plenty of very dry sand strewed over the bottom4 ,these lice1 like bugs1 retire during the day to cracks and crevices1 which accounts for old wooden cages being often infested4 ,to get rid of them1 hollow sticks or stalks of rushes are used1 which must be examined and changed every day4 ,the plan is good1 but by using only tin cages1 which may1 more easily than any others1 be passed through boiling water1 the object is more certainly attained4 ,it is rare for canaries which are kept for breeding to live longer than from seven to ten years2 while others1 if well used1 may be preserved for eighteen or twenty years4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the plumage1 pretty form1 and docility1 the charming familiarity which disposes it to nestle without fear or reserve beside us1 as well as its melodious song1 have long introduced the canary to all classes of society4 ,always before our eyes1 the object of the most assiduous care1 and constant attention1 it has afforded a thousand occasions for studying its character1 or rather the character and dispositions of the different individuals of its species4 ,it has been discovered that among them1 as among quadrupeds1 and even man1 some individuals are gay and others melancholy2 some quarrelsome1 others mild2 some intelligent1 others stupid2 some with quick memories1 others lazy2 some greedy1 others frugal2 some petulant1 others gentle2 some ardent1 others cold4 ,its singing1 as strong as varied1 continues uninterrupted during the year1 excepting at the time of moulting1 and even this exception is not general4 ,there are some individuals which sing also during the night#eh4 ,those which introduce into their melody some passages of the nightingale's song are the most esteemed of all canaries2 they are called ,tyrolean canaries1 because they are considered natives of the ,tyrol1 where they breed many of these birds4 ,the second are the ,english canaries1 which imitate the song of the wood-lark4 ,but in ,thuringia the preference is generally given to those which1 instead of a succession of noisy bursts1 know how1 with a silvery sonorous voice1 to descend regularly through all the tones of the octave1 introducing from time to time the sound of a trumpet4 ,there are some males which1 especially in the pairing season1 sing with so much strength and ardour that they burst the delicate vessels of the lungs1 and die suddenly4 ,the female1 particularly in the spring1 sings also1 but only a few unconnected and unmusical sounds4 ,old ones which have done breeding often sing in this way at all seasons4 ,canaries are particularly remarkable for quickness and correctness of ear1 for the great ease with which they exactly repeat musical sounds1 and for their excellent memory4 ,not only do they imitate all the birds in whose neighbourhood they have been placed when young#ei1 mixing agreeably these songs with their own1 whence have arisen those beautiful varieties which each family transmits to its descendants2 but they also learn to repeat correctly two or three airs of a flute or bird-organ1 and even to pronounce distinctly some short words4 ,females also have been known to perform airs which they had been taught4 ,i shall conclude this article on canaries by pointing out the best rules for obtaining and preserving good singers4 ,the most essential is to choose from among the young that which promises a fine tone1 and to seclude it from all other birds1 that it may learn and remember nothing bad4 ,the same precaution is necessary during the first and second moulting2 for being likely to re-learn 7if ,i may say so7 its song1 it would introduce into it with equal ease foreign parts4 ,it must be observed whether the bird likes to sing alone1 or in company with others1 for there are some which appear to have such whims1 liking to hear only themselves1 and which pout for whole years if they are not humoured on this point4 ,others sing faintly1 and display their powers only when they can try their strength against a rival4 ,it is very important to distribute regularly to singing birds the simple allowance of fresh food which is intended for the day4 ,by this means they will sing every day equally1 because they will eat uniformly1 and not pick the best one day and be obliged to put up with the refuse the next4 ,about two spoonfuls of the dry food mentioned above1 is sufficient for the daily nourishment of a canary2 what he leaves may be thrown to the birds which are free in the room1 and will serve as a variety to those which have only the universal paste to satisfy their appetite4 ,,the ,,glossy ,,finch4 ,fringilla nitens1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,moineau du ,brsil1 ,,buffon2 ,der glnzende ,fink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is smaller than the house sparrow1 being only four inches and a half long4 ,the beak and feet are flesh-coloured2 the iris is white4 ,all the plumage is of a bluish black1 or black with a hue of burnished steel2 the female has the upper part of the body covered with blackish feathers1 bordered with a yellowish brown2 the rump gray1 the under part of the body dark yellowish brown2 the tail-feathers black with gray edges2 the feet reddish2 in some males the beak and feet are black4 ,,observations4--,this bird is found in the woods of ,cayenne1 and the neighbourhood of ,carthagena in ,america4 ,its clear note is very agreeable4 ,it appears to sing with so much energy as to ruffle the feathers of the head and neck4 ,its food consists of all kinds of seeds and fruits4 ,though bread appears to be sufficient when caged1 it is better to add rape1 millet1 and poppy seed4 ,it is easily tamed4 ,,the ,,purple ,,finch4 ,fringilla purpurea1 ,,linn,,us2 ,bouvreuil violet de la ,caroline1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,purpurfink1 ,,bechstein4 ,the size of this bird is that of the common chaffinch1 the length being five inches and a half2 the plumage is of a deep violet1 or reddish purple1 mixed with a little dark brown2 the quill-feathers are brown on the inside2 the belly is white2 the tail is rather forked4 ,the female is all over of a deep blue1 except the breast1 which is speckled4 ,,observations4--,these birds are very numerous during the summer in ,carolina1 which they quit in the winter in small flights4 ,juniper berries are their principal food2 and they eat them with pleasure when caged4 ,they are generally fed with rape and canary seed2 but are soon accustomed to all the food of the aviary4 ,they are more admired for their plumage than their song4 ,,the ,,american ,,goldfinch4 ,fringilla tristis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,chardonneret jaune1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,gelbe ,stieglitz1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is as large as a linnet1 its length being about four inches and a third4 ,the beak and feet are whitish2 the iris is nut-brown2 the forehead is black1 and the rest of the body yellow4 ,the female has no black on the forehead2 the upper part of her body is of an olive green2 the throat1 breast and rump of a bright yellow2 the belly and vent white2 the wings and tail blackish4 ,the young males at first exactly resemble the females1 the only difference being the black forehead4 ,these birds build twice a year1 in spring and autumn4 ,edwards says that they also moult twice1 so that it is only during the summer that they are of the colours described above4 ,in the winter the top of the male's head is black2 the throat1 neck1 and breast1 yellow2 the rump also yellow1 but of a whitish hue2 the feathers of the back olive brown1 lighter at the edges2 the wings and the tail black1 with white edges to almost all the feathers4 ,the female is generally of a lighter colour1 and the top of the head is not black3 thus we perceive that in winter these birds very much resemble our siskins4 ,,observations4--,these ,american birds repair in the summer in great numbers to the state of ,new ,york2 they live on the seeds of different kinds of thistles1 like our goldfinches1 and eat the same food when caged4 ,they are easily tamed1 and sometimes even lay in captivity4 ,their eggs are of a pearl gray1 but ,i am ignorant whether they are ever productive in confinement4 ,,the ,,brazilian ,,finch4 ,fringilla granatina1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grenadin1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,brasilische ,fink1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is four inches and three quarters1 the beak is coral red2 the iris is dark brown2 the eyelids are scarlet2 the feet are light gray2 the sides of the head round2 the eyes are purplish2 the upper base of the beak is blue2 the throat1 the lower part of the belly1 and the thighs1 are black2 the lower part of the head and the rest of the body are chestnut1 with a varying brown on the back and shoulders4 ,the female has a red beak1 and a little purple under the eyes2 the top of the head orange2 the back grayish brown2 the throat and lower parts of the body light orange2 the lower part of the belly whitish2 the rest of the colours differ from those of the male only in being less brilliant4 ,,observations4--,this beautiful species comes from ,brazil1 and is always very expensive4 ,the form of the beak is nearly the same as that of the goldfinch2 the food is also the same2 its motions are quick1 and its song very pleasing4 ,,the ,,blue-,,bellied ,,finch4 ,fringilla ,bengalus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,bengali1 ou ,fringille ventre bleu1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,blaubuchige ,fink1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is four inches and a half1 one and a half of which belong to the tail1 which is wedge-shaped2 the beak is one third of an inch long1 flattish at the sides1 very sharp1 and flesh-coloured2 the iris is nut-brown2 the feet are light brown2 the upper part of the head and body are ash-coloured1 varying to purple2 the sides of the head1 the lower part of the neck1 the breast1 the belly1 and the rump1 are light blue4 ,the female has no mark under the eyes4 ,the varieties which are observable among these birds probably arise from difference of age3 some are found gray on the back1 and others on the lower parts of the body2 and some in which the belly inclines to red4 ,,observations4--,the blue-bellied finch is a native of ,africa1 and comes principally from ,angola and ,guinea3 it is a pretty lively bird1 with a sweet agreeable song4 ,it is fed with canary-seed1 bruised hemp1 and poppy-seed4 ,,the ,,liver-,,brown ,,finch4 ,fringilla hepatica1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der ,leberfarbene ,fink1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is about the same size as the last1 which it somewhat resembles in plumage2 but its air and manner are very different4 ,its length is four inches1 of which the wedge-shaped tail measures one and three quarters4 ,the beak is like that of the sparrow in form1 of a blood-red colour1 tipped with black2 the eyelids are yellowish and bare2 the iris is reddish brown2 the feet are flesh-coloured2 on the cheeks is a dark purple spot2 the throat1 half the breast1 the sides1 and the rump1 are of a dirty greenish blue3 the upper part of the body is of a dark liver-brown1 the belly of a lighter shade of the same colour2 the wings are of a deep brown1 with the edges of the pen-feathers of the same colour as the back2 the under side tending to blue1 with black tips4 ,i do not know the female4 ,,observations4--,this species inhabits the shores of ,africa2 it is very lively1 and its call is tz4 ,its weak but sweet song resembles that of the wood wren4 ,it is fed on canary-seed4 ,,the ,,angola ,,finch4 ,fringilla ,angolensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,vengoline1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,angolische ,hnfling1 ,,bechstein4 ,this1 in form and habits1 very much resembles our redpole4 ,its length is four inches and a half1 of which the forked tail contains one and three quarters4 ,the beak is short1 and not flattish1 blunt at the tip1 and of a dingy flesh-colour2 the feet are flesh-coloured2 the circumference of the beak is black2 that of the eyes1 with the sides of the throat1 is spotted with white2 the top of the head1 the upper part of the throat1 the back1 and the little coverts of the wings1 are of a brownish ash-colour4 ,,observations4--,angola is the native country of this bird4 ,as to the song1 it is sweet and flute-like1 very like that of the linnet1 but more melodious4 ,it is fed with rape and canary seed4 ,the young males have the same plumage as the females4 ,,the ,,green ,,goldfinch4 ,fringilla ,melba1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,chardonneret vert1 ,,buffon2 ,der grne ,stieglitz1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is exactly of the form of our common goldfinch4 ,its length is four inches and a half1 of which the tail measures one and a half4 ,the beak is half an inch long1 and of a carnation colour2 the iris is chestnut2 the feet gray2 the front of the head1 the back of the eye1 and the throat1 are of a bright red2 the bridle is ash-colour2 the upper part of the head1 the neck1 and the back1 are yellowish green4 ,the female has a light yellow beak1 the top of the head and the neck ash-colour2 the little coverts of the wings and rump yellow-green2 the feathers of the tail brown1 edged with pale red2 the rest like the male4 ,,observations4--,this species is found in ,brazil4 ,the male pleases the ear by his song1 as much as the eye by his plumage4 ,it appears that by feeding them simply with rape and canary seed they may be preserved healthy for many years4 ,illustration ,,warblers4 ,the characteristics of this group are a conical beak1 sometimes tending to cylindrical1 sharp1 generally weak1 and the upper mandible fixed4 ,insects are the food of the greater number2 some also feed on berries and worms4 ,the nests are for the most part well made1 and the male sits alternately with the female4 ,,the ,,sky-,,lark4 ,alauda arvensis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l'alouette1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,felderche1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is very generally known4 ,its length is seven inches1 of which the tail contains three4 ,the beak is weak1 straight1 cylindrical1 and terminating in a point2 the mandibles are of an equal length1 the lower one whitish1 the upper black horn colour2 the iris is grayish brown2 the feet of the same colour1 but yellower in the spring2 the height of the shanks is nearly an inch1 and the hind claw is much longer than the hind toe itself4 ,the female is distinguished by its smaller size1 by the absence of the white line round the cheeks1 by the great number of black spots on the back and breast1 and by the purer white of the breast4 ,in the house we sometimes meet with the two following varieties3-- #a4 ,the white lark1 which is either clear white or yellowish white4 ,he is occasionally found wild4 #b4 ,the black lark4 ,the whole body of this variety is black with a rusty tinge1 and the belly feathers are edged with white4 ,i am ignorant whether this variety has ever been found wild2 but it is not uncommon in dwelling houses1 especially when the cages are fixed in a dark place where the rays of the sun cannot penetrate2 in moulting1 their colour passes away to give place to the primitive plumage1 which never happens to the white variety4 ,,habitation4--,in a wild state1 the sky-lark is found almost all over the world1 frequenting fields and meadows1 and by preference plains4 ,it is a bird of passage which generally arrives in our regions in the beginning of ,february1 and departs in great flights in the month of ,october#fj4 ,no bird of passage returns so soon as the lark2 but as it lives not only on insects1 but eats all kinds of seeds and even grass1 it can seldom be in want of provision even in the severest weather4 ,illustration ,in rooms1 it is common to let it hop about1 giving it a retired corner to sleep2 it is1 however1 also kept in cages1 where it sings best4 ,whatever form may be given to these cages1 they must be at least eighteen inches long1 nine wide1 and fifteen high2 the bottom should have a drawer in which enough of river sand should be kept for this scratching bird to be able to roll and dust itself conveniently4 ,it is also a good plan to have in a corner a little square of fresh turf1 which is as beneficial as it is agreeable4 ,the top of the cage must be of linen1 since1 from its tendency to rise for flight1 it would run the risk of wounding its head against a covering of wood or iron wire1 especially before it is well tamed4 ,the vessels for food and drink must be outside1 or1 which ,i prefer1 a drawer for the food may be introduced in the side of the cage3 sticks are not necessary1 as the lark does not perch4 ,when it is allowed to hop free in a room1 the latter must be very clean and neat1 otherwise a thread or hair may entangle the feet1 and if not removed it easily cuts the skin1 maims the bird1 and the entangled toes shrink and fall off4 ,,food4--,when wild1 the food consists of insects1 especially ants' eggs2 also of all kinds of seeds1 and in autumn of oats1 which these birds skin by striking them against the ground1 their beak being too weak to shell them alone4 ,in the spring the sprouting seeds and young buds1 also the blades of young grass1 are eaten1 and grains of sand help their digestion4 ,in the house1 if the lark is hopping about1 nothing is better than the first universal paste described in the ,introduction2 but if caged the second will suit it better4 ,poppy-seed1 bruised hemp1 crumb of bread1 and plenty of greens1 as lettuce1 endive1 cabbage1 or water-cress1 according to the season1 must be added4 ,a little lean meat and ants' eggs are favourite delicacies1 which make it gay and more inclined to sing4 ,when old larks are first made prisoners1 they must be fed only with oats and poppy-seed to reconcile them to captivity4 ,,breeding4--,the lark lays but once a year in cold countries1 twice in the temperate1 and three times in the warmer climates4 ,its nest1 formed on the ground in a little hollow1 is made without much art of straw1 and the wool and hair of animals1 and by preference in hollow ground or among the summer crops of grain4 ,the eggs1 in number from three to five1 are of a whitish gray1 spotted and dotted with dark gray2 incubation lasts fourteen days4 ,by the end of ,april the young are often hatched1 and are at first only fed with insects1 and leave the nest before they can fly2 but they nevertheless continue to be fed by the mother till they can follow her in her excursions4 ,before the first moulting all the upper part of the body is dotted with white2 if it is wished to take nestlings1 they must be removed from the nest when the tail is about three quarters of an inch long4 ,they are fed with crumb of white bread1 and poppy-seed steeped in milk2 some ants' eggs or a little minced lean meat will be a wholesome addition4 ,the males are soon distinguished by their yellow colour4 ,if it is intended to teach them to perform a tune1 their instructor must commence before they are ready to fly1 for by that time they already begin to record their natural song4 ,they must also be completely separated from other singing birds1 otherwise the great flexibility of their organs1 joined to their memory1 will infallibly cause them to adopt the song of such birds as they are near2 and even old larks1 brought into my bird-room1 have learnt to imitate perfectly the nightingale and chaffinch4 ,they vary1 however1 very much in this respect4 ,some females in confinement lay without the presence of a male1 and others pair1 but ,i have never yet succeeded in making them sit4 ,one of my neighbours1 notwithstanding the greatest care1 has succeeded no better1 though he had a female which laid from twenty to twenty-five eggs annually4 ,there would undoubtedly be a better chance of success in a large garden aviary#fa4 ,,diseases4--,besides those which have been named in the ,introduction1 these birds are very subject to a kind of scurf or yellow crust round the base of the beak4 ,the best remedy is to take care that they have good food2 the second universal paste agrees with them particularly well2 but greens1 ants' eggs1 meal-worms1 or other insects1 must be added4 ,with this food they may be preserved healthy for many years in the house4 ,instances have been known of larks which have lived in this way for thirty years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,it would take too long a time to describe all the modes of catching larks which are in use4 ,it is enough to say that with day and night nets1 known by the name of lark nets1 so large a number of these birds are taken alive in the open country1 that it is easy to have a choice of both males and females4 ,this lark snaring is accomplished by placing a considerable number of nets perpendicularly like walls1 which are called day-nets1 towards which1 in the dusk1 the birds are forced by means of a long rope1 which is drawn along the ground1 and drives them forward2 in the night a square net called a night-net is carried to a spot where it is known that many larks are collected in the stubble1 and there they are covered just when they begin to flutter4 ,if1 in the spring1 it is wished to procure a good singing male1 for some are better than others1 a lark whose wings are tied1 and with a little forked lime-twig fixed to its back1 must be carried to the place where such a bird is to be found4 ,as soon as it is let loose1 and the desired male has perceived it from high in the air1 he will fall upon it like an arrow and attack it2 but soon1 the dupe of his jealousy1 he will find himself caught by the lime4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the very pleasing song of the sky-lark consists of several stanzas or strains1 composed entirely of trills and flourishes1 interrupted from time to time by loud whistling4 ,i have already said that the lark has great abilities for learning4 ,the young readily imitate the notes of all the birds in the same room with them1 and the old sometimes succeed also3 this1 however1 is not general2 for among birds as among men1 memories vary in power4 ,some have a stronger and more melodious voice2 there are some which1 in confinement1 begin to sing as early as ,december1 and continue till they moult2 while others1 less lively1 delay till the month of ,march1 and cease to sing in the month of ,august4 ,in its wild state1 the lark begins to sing in the first fine days of spring1 the season of pairing1 and ceases at the end of ,july2 this1 however1 is not without exceptions1 as some individuals continue till the end of ,september4 ,it belongs to the small number of birds which sing as they fly1 and the higher it rises the more it appears to elevate its voice1 so that it may be heard when it is out of sight4 ,in the country1 it very seldom sings when on the ground2 in the room it often does1 and with ease1 and it becomes so tame as to come and eat from the table or the hand4 ,,the ,,crested ,,lark4 ,alauda cristata1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,cochevis1 ou la grosse ,alouette huppe2 ,die ,haubenlerche1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is stronger than the sky-lark1 and its colour is lighter1 but its length the same4 ,the beak is lead-coloured1 and brown at the point1 is also rather longer2 the iris is dark brown4 ,the shanks are an inch high1 and yellowish gray2 the head1 the cheeks1 the upper part of the neck to the upper part of the back1 are of a reddish gray1 caused by the wide red edges of the feathers1 which are brown in the middle2 a reddish white line1 hardly perceptible above the eyes1 but very distinct beyond1 extends from the nostrils to the ears2 eight or ten long-pointed blackish feathers rising on the head form a beautiful perpendicular crest4 ,the crest of the female is lower1 but her breast is covered with more numerous and rounder spots than the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is only in autumn and winter that they appear in ,saxony in small or large flights1 beside the high roads1 on dunghills1 near barns and stables1 among sparrows and yellowhammers2 they are also found all over ,europe1 from ,sweden to ,italy#fb2 in summer1 they frequent the thickets and bushes of the plains1 fields1 and meadows1 or they inhabit the hollows of ditches1 paths in woods1 and elevated villages4 ,they depart in ,october4 ,in the house they may be kept in cages1 like the sky-lark1 or be left to run about4 ,i know no bird whose feathers grow so quickly2 if the wings are kept clipped1 this must be repeated every three or four weeks1 as by that time they are so much grown that they may serve for flying about the room4 ,,food4--,when wild this bird lives1 like the sky-lark1 on insects1 different sorts of seeds1 and oats4 ,in the house it is fed with the same things1 but it becomes more robust and healthy than the sky-lark4 ,,breeding4--,this species forms its nest on the ground1 under little dry bushes1 under garden vegetables1 on clay walls1 and even on thatched roofs4 ,the eggs1 in number from four to five1 are of a rusty gray1 shaded and spotted at the upper end with dark brown4 ,the first plumage of the young before moulting is variegated white4 ,they are taken from the nest when the feathers are half grown to be tamed and taught airs1 or to have them instructed by other birds whose song is admired2 they learn every thing with the greatest ease4 ,,diseases4--,they are the same as those of other larks4 ,a lousy disease may be added4 ,i possess two male crested larks1 one of which has hardly any of the lice which so commonly torment birds1 whilst the other1 which is nevertheless as gay and musical1 is so covered with them that he cannot be touched without having the hand filled with these nasty insects4 ,he has been with me four years1 and though he has maintained for a long time millions of these parasites1 he continues in good health1 which ,i attribute to his abundant supply of good food4 ,is this produced by a difference in the cleanly dispositions of these two birds1 or is it a constitutional difference8 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,when1 in winter1 any spot has been remarked which the larks prefer1 a place must be cleared from snow1 some oats and poppy-seed be thrown upon it for a bait1 and limed twigs1 nets1 or even a simple gauze1 be conveniently arranged1 and soon plenty will be caught4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the crested lark is1 in my opinion1 very inferior to that of the sky-lark2 it seems composed of the warbling of that and of the linnet2 this bird sings also in the night4 ,its time of singing lasts from ,february to ,august1 but longer in those birds which have been tamed from the nest4 ,it has not the tottering gait of the sky-lark1 but runs nimbly1 and moves its crest in the most expressive way4 ,it is rather quarrelsome1 and has the peculiarity that when it fights it continues to sing4 ,,the ,,wood-,,lark4 ,alauda arborea1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,cujelier1 ou ,l',alouette des ,bois1 ou ,la ,loulou1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,waldlerche1 ,,bechstein4 ,this charming species is one-third smaller than the field-lark1 and resembles it much in form and gait4 ,the beak is black above1 brown below1 tending to carnation at the tip4 ,the shanks1 three quarters of an inch high1 are of a brownish flesh-colour4 ,the top of the head is reddish brown1 with four dark brown lines2 its long feathers render the head large1 and they may be raised at pleasure into a crest1 which from eye to eye is surrounded by a whitish ash-coloured line4 ,the tail is very short4 ,the female1 more beautiful1 is of a paler ground1 with darker ornaments2 her breast more spotted2 the crest on her head more prominent1 and the line round the cheeks more distinct4 ,it is a well attested observation made on all our indigenous species1 that the individuals with the most spots on a lighter ground1 and of a clearer white1 are certainly females4 ,,habitation4--,when wild these birds inhabit the temperate regions of ,europe1 in summer the woods of the plain1 near fields and meadows1 and in the woods of the hills they alternate between heaths and pasture lands4 ,after breeding time they assemble in small flocks of ten or twelve4 ,they are thus found in the stubble1 at their departure in ,october1 and their return in ,march4 ,in the house ,i prefer letting them run about1 because my experience shows that they sing better in this way than when caged4 ,they must be well supplied with river sand1 as well to roll and dust themselves as to pick out grains necessary for their digestion4 ,,food4--,when wild1 in summer1 the food consists of insects2 in autumn1 of rape1 millet1 seed1 and oats2 in spring1 before they can find insects and worms1 they are satisfied with the young buds of herbs1 water-cresses1 and1 on an emergency1 with the buds of the filbert4 ,in the house1 as this species is more delicate than the preceding1 it is well to vary the food1 and to give it occasionally1 independent of the universal paste1 poppy-seed1 oats1 hemp1 sprouting wheat1 fresh curds1 fresh and dried ants' eggs1 minced ox heart1 meal worms1 and the like4 ,when one of these birds is caught by the net or otherwise1 the best things to induce it to eat when it reaches the bird-room are poppy-seeds and ants' eggs4 ,i have seen two wood-larks which had been kept in a cage for eight years1 very healthy and gay1 with their feet quite free from disease1 and singing perfectly4 ,their food consisted of crumbs of white bread and pounded hemp-seed mixed together2 a piece of white bread1 enough for the day1 soaked in milk1 which was poured boiling over it every morning1 was also furnished2 and finally1 some ants' eggs1 given two or three times a day as a treat4 ,the bottom of the cage was also covered with sand1 which was changed regularly every day1 as well as the water4 ,they were always kept in summer outside the window1 exposed to the free air1 screening them from the sun by covering the top of the cage with a sheet of paper or piece of linen by way of parasol4 ,the success of this mode of treatment sufficiently proves its advantage4 ,the cage was furnished with two bars1 because the wood-lark perches4 ,,breeding4--,the wood-lark builds among the heath1 under juniper bushes1 in hedges1 high grass1 or under a green hillock in fields near the woods1 or in copse wood4 ,the nest is made of dry blades of grass1 mixed with moss1 wool1 and hair4 ,the eggs are variegated with light gray and brownish violet4 ,the young may be bred up with bread soaked in milk1 and ants' eggs4 ,they readily learn the different songs of the birds with which they are imprisoned2 but this medley is less agreeable to me than their natural song4 ,,diseases4--,to the list of diseases already given1 to which the wood-lark may be subject1 ,i must add one which is peculiar to it4 ,this attacks the feet and renders them extremely brittle4 ,i cannot too strongly recommend to clean them carefully from everything which might entangle them2 a single hair may cut them1 so that the toes shrivel1 or ulcerate and fall off4 ,they become so brittle with age1 that with all my cares ,i could never keep any beyond four years2 the least thing breaks them4 ,most of the wood-larks which ,i have had perished from broken legs2 and this peculiarity ,i have remarked in no other species of bird4 ,we see from these instances1 that if birds allowed to hop about a room enjoy more space and free exercise1 they are also subject to more inconveniences and disadvantages than caged birds4 ,their food is neither so appropriate or regular2 they cannot be kept so clean2 their feet are almost inevitably injured2 and lice devour them1 without the power of prevention4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the wood-lark may be caught on the nest by means of limed twigs2 but as it is very cruel to separate a pair1 and thus to destroy a whole family1 it is better to wait till autumn1 and to use the night-net4 ,they may be caught early in the spring1 when there is snow on the ground1 by placing limed twigs or nets in cleared places4 ,this is the best method of catching them4 ,it is true that this plan will not succeed in all years2 but another may be substituted1 if we have a decoy wood-lark1 by placing it under a folding net1 in a field frequented by a flight of this species1 which will not fail to join it4 ,the same means also may be used as with the chaffinch1 namely1 by tying the wings of a wood-lark with a limed twig on his back1 and letting him run to the place where there is a male of the same species4 ,by this means the bird-fancier may obtain whatever kind of singer he prefers4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,of all the species of larks the wood lark has the finest song1 and to my taste it is1 of all our indigenous birds 7always excepting the nightingale71 the one whose natural notes are the most delightful4 ,its clear flute-like voice executes a sonorous1 tender1 and somewhat melancholy air4 ,in the country it rises from the tops of the trees so high in the air that the eye can scarcely discern it1 and there remaining stationary1 the wings and the tail expanded1 it sings uninterruptedly for hours together2 it sings in the same manner when perched on a tree4 ,in the house1 it is from a retired corner1 tranquil and motionless1 that it utters the different modulations of its beautiful voice4 ,the singing time in its wild state is from ,march to ,july2 in the house1 from ,february to ,august4 ,the female1 like other larks1 sings also1 but her strains are shorter and less sustained4 ,these birds appear to be subject to whims3 ,i have seen some which would never sing in a room or in the presence of an auditor4 ,these perverse birds must be placed in a long cage outside the window4 ,i have remarked that in general these obstinate birds are the best singers4 ,their abrupt step and various frolics1 in which they raise the feathers of the head and neck1 are also very amusing4 ,,the ,,titlark4 ,anthus arboreus1 ,,bechstein2 ,l',alouette ,pipi1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,waldpieper1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is the smallest of our larks2 its length is but five inches and a half1 two and a half of which belong to the tail1 which it carries and moves like a wagtail1 and by this characteristic it seems to stand intermediate between the larks and the wagtails4 ,the sharp beak is dark brown above and whitish below2 the iris is brown4 ,the shanks are three quarters of an inch high1 and light flesh-coloured2 the angle of the hind toe is short and crooked4 ,the head1 rather oval than round1 is1 with the neck1 back1 rump1 and sides1 of an olive brown with black wavy spots4 ,the female differs from the male only in the paler yellow of the throat1 neck1 and breast2 the white spot in the second tail-feather is also smaller1 and the two transverse bands on the wings are whiter4 ,the young males of the first year have the under part of the body of a lighter yellow than those which are older4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 with the exception of the most northern parts1 this species is found all over ,europe4 ,they build in great numbers in ,germany and ,england1 in mountainous and woody places1 and establish themselves by preference on the skirts of forests1 in fields1 and orchards1 in their neighbourhood1 or in the cleared parts of woods4 ,in the month of ,august they arrive in small flights in fields and enclosures planted with cabbages1 where caterpillars abound4 ,in ,september they pass into the oat fields1 and in ,october they are caught in the nets with the common larks4 ,the time of their return is about the end of ,march2 and if the cold is severe they collect by thousands in damp fields and near warm springs4 ,one peculiarity of this species is the having during the rest of the year a call different from that of the breeding season4 ,it no longer perches on trees and bushes1 but remains on the ground1 crying pitt1 pitt1 7or rather1 ,i think1 guik1 guik17 while in the sitting time the cry is more tender1 expresses more solicitude1 tzip1 tzip1 and is heard only in the immediate neighbourhood of the nest4 ,as soon1 therefore1 as this cry strikes the ear1 we may be sure the nest is not far off2 and if the young are hatched we shall soon see the father or mother with a beakful of insects1 redoubling and increasing the cry as they approach their precious charge4 ,the other cry of pitt or guik is never heard at this season2 whence it happens that sportsmen and bird-catchers make two species of this same lark2 one they name the heath lark1 whose call in the woods is tzip1 and the other the cabbage lark1 which in the fields calls guik4 ,i have never been able to convince these people of their error1 but by showing them in my bird-room the same lark which called guik in the autumn and winter1 and tzip in the summer4 ,we may judge by this circumstance how many mistakes and errors may slip into natural history1 when in the determination of species we meet with things which we can neither see nor verify4 ,in confinement1 ,i have been accustomed to let the calling lark range freely among my other birds1 because ,i would not trouble myself to give it a particular cage4 ,i own1 however1 that it would be better so circumstanced1 on all accounts1 as well in regard to its health as its song4 ,this cage should be long1 like that of the sky-lark1 and furnished with two sticks1 because this kind perches4 ,,food4--,when wild1 the food consists of all sorts of flies1 grasshoppers1 caterpillars1 butterflies1 beetles1 and ants' eggs4 ,in confinement1 as it is the most delicate of its species1 the food must be frequently changed and varied4 ,besides the universal paste1 we should sometimes give it the common food of the nightingale1 sometimes bruised hemp1 mouldy cheese1 meal worms1 and ants' eggs4 ,it is very difficult to accustom it to take the food of the bird-room4 ,as soon as it arrives1 we must throw it some meal worms1 ants' eggs1 or caterpillars2 as soon as these are eaten1 some must be mixed with the universal paste and with all its food2 it will thus insensibly grow accustomed to the common food4 ,this lark does not roll in the sand1 and dust itself like the others1 but it thrusts its beak into water and sprinkles itself2 another indication of its approximation to the wagtail1 as was mentioned above4 ,,breeding4--,the titlark lays twice a year4 ,the nest1 placed on the ground in a cleared part of the woods1 or under a bush or hillock1 in a tuft of grass1 in a field or orchard1 is made in the simplest manner2 coarse hay outside and finer within1 with some wool and hair1 are all the materials4 ,the eggs1 in number from four to five1 are gray mottled with brown2 the young escape as soon as possible1 having but too many enemies to fear on the ground4 ,they may be brought up with ants' eggs and white bread soaked in boiled milk1 to which a few poppy-seeds are added4 ,they easily learn to imitate the songs of the birds in the same room with them1 especially that of the canary1 without however attaining any great perfection4 ,,diseases4--,independent of those which are common to the other birds of its species1 it is particularly subject to the loss of its feathers out of the moulting season2 if it is not at once supplied with food more nutritious1 and better suited to its natural habits1 as ants' eggs1 meal worms1 and other insects1 it soon dies of atrophy4 ,at the best it can only be preserved five or six years#fc4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,to take the bird from its nest by a limed twig1 and thus destroy the young family by hunger and misery1 is a cruelty which none but a harsh insensible amateur could resolve upon4 ,i prefer using the night-net in autumn2 this bird is also caught in the water-trap in ,august and ,september4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the titlark1 though short1 and composed of only three strains mixed with shakes and trills1 is nevertheless very pleasing4 ,it sings from the end of ,march to ,july1 either from the top of a tree1 where it is perched1 or when rising perpendicularly in the air1 where it remains a few minutes and then quietly descends1 almost always to the same place4 ,as it alights it repeats several times tzia1 tzia1 tzia4 ,in the house it begins to sing a month earlier4 ,it pleases also by its pretty ways2 its step is somewhat grave1 and the tail is in perpetual motion3 it is always very clean and trim4 ,,the ,,field ,,pipit4 ,anthus campestris1 ,,bechstein2 ,la ,spipolette1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,brachpieper1 ,,bechstein4 ,in figure it is more slender than the sky-lark2 the plumage resembles that of the crested lark1 and the form that of the titlark4 ,its length is six inches and a half4 ,the beak is strong and long1 the line above the eyes distinctly marked1 the breast yellowish white1 with but few rays or lines4 ,in summer it frequents marshy woods1 in autumn the edges of the fields1 high roads1 and meadows1 where it may be easily caught with the night-net4 ,its only known song is its constant cry tsirru and datsida while revolving in the air4 ,it departs in ,september and returns in ,april4 ,its food is the same as that of the titlark2 it also requires the same treatment when in confinement if it should be wished to keep it1 but it has no qualities to make this desirable4 ,,the ,,shore ,,lark4 ,alauda alpestris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,alouette ,haussecol noir1 ou ,alouette de ,virginie1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,berglerche1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is seven inches long1 rather stronger than the field pipit1 and has the same plumage on the upper part of the body2 but the throat is light yellow1 as well as the rest of the under part of the neck1 over which and the top of the breast passes a black band1 which in the lower part is shaped like a horse-shoe4 ,the beak1 feet1 and claws1 are black4 ,illustration3 ,,shore ,,lark4 ,,observations4--,this species properly inhabits the north as well of ,europe as of ,america1 as far as ,virginia2 but in the winter it appears in ,germany1 where it may be seen by the road side picking for its food the undigested grains in horse-dung4 ,it perches like the wood-lark4 ,it is caught in the southern parts of ,thuringia with lime twigs1 or nets1 at its return in ,march1 when there has happened a heavy fall of snow2 but at such times it is so thin and so weak for want of food as scarcely to have strength to eat what is offered to it4 ,it may1 no doubt1 be preserved in confinement by treating it like other larks1 but of this ,i have no experience1 never having been able to procure a single living individual of this species1 which also prevents my speaking of its song4 ,,the ,,calandra ,,lark4 ,alauda ,calandra1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,calandre1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,kalander1 ,,bechstein4 ,larger than the common lark1 the ,calandra is also furnished with a shorter and stronger beak1 which enables it to shell its grain2 in other respects the plumage1 the form1 and manners1 are the same1 the only difference being a very distinct and apparent spot on the lower part of the neck4 ,the male is distinguished by being larger and blacker round the neck2 the female has a very narrow collar1 and sometimes none at all2 some individuals1 old ones doubtless1 have a large black mark at the top of the breast4 ,the tail is black1 according to ,linnus1 while in the preceding it is brown4 ,,habitation4--,it appears that this species has much resemblance to the preceding2 but it does not inhabit the ,north2 it is found in ,syria1 ,italy1 ,sardinia1 and ,provence3 it is also said to frequent ,carolina1 in ,america4 ,in confinement it must be furnished with a long cage1 the top made of linen1 because it hops and jumps about a great deal1 especially at first4 ,it must be fed like the other larks4 ,,breeding4--,it builds on the ground like the sky-lark1 and lays four or five eggs4 ,in order to have calandras which sing well1 they must be bred up from the nest1 and be fed in the same manner as the young of the sky-lark species2 this is how they breed them in ,provence4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in the countries where it is found1 the plan consists in spreading a net near the water where it drinks2 this method is considered the best4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its song is so admired in ,italy1 that to sing like a calandra is a common expression for to sing well4 ,it also possesses the talent of imitating1 like the sky-lark1 the songs of many birds1 such as the goldfinch1 the linnet1 the canary1 and even the chirp of young chickens1 the cry of the cat1 in short1 all sounds adapted to its organs1 and which may be acquired when they are flexible4 ,,the ,,starling4 ,illustration ,sturnus vulgaris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',etourneau1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,staar1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is eight inches and a half1 two and a half of which belong to the tail1 and one to the beak1 which is awl-shaped1 angular1 flattish1 and rather blunt1 yellow1 brown towards the end1 and the tip blue4 ,the iris is nut-brown2 the claws an inch long1 are deep flesh-coloured4 ,all the plumage is of a blackish hue1 changing to purple towards the front of the body1 and to green towards the hind part1 and on the wing-coverts4 ,the old males are darker1 having no white tips to the feathers of the head1 cheeks1 throat1 or belly4 ,the beak of the female is rather brown than yellow2 the light spots on the head1 neck1 and breast1 are larger1 and the edge of the feathers is wider1 which gives it a lighter and more speckled appearance4 ,the starling1 like all other species1 has its varieties3 such are the white1 the streaked or variegated1 the white-headed1 that whose body is white with a black head1 and the ash gray4 ,,habitation4--,when wild the starling is found all over the old world4 ,it prefers forests and little thickets1 surrounded by fields and meadows2 it is often seen1 especially in spring1 on towers1 steeples1 and churches2 but it is never found either in high mountains or ridges4 ,in our climate1 it departs1 in ,october1 in great flights for the south1 and returns in like manner in the beginning of ,march4 ,during the journey1 these birds pass the night among the rushes1 where1 on the least alarm1 they make a great tumult4 ,in confinement it would be very amusing to let them run free2 but let them be ever so neat themselves1 they would render the room dirty4 ,when caged1 they must be furnished with a cage at least two feet long1 and one and a half both in height and width4 ,very restless and always in motion1 they require sufficient space to take exercise and keep their plumage uninjured4 ,,food4--,when wild they eat not only caterpillars1 snails1 worms1 insects1 and the flies which torment the cattle in the field2 but also cherries1 grapes1 berries of all sorts1 and different sorts of grain1 as millet and hemp seed4 ,in confinement they eat meat1 worms1 bread1 cheese1 the universal paste1 indeed1 any food1 provided it is not sour4 ,when first caught1 they are supplied with earth and meal-worms1 and they soon become as tame as if they had been brought up from the nest2 but1 as there is no rule without exceptions1 we sometimes meet with individuals which obstinately refuse to eat1 whatever pains may be taken to induce them1 and which die of hunger4 ,this bird delights in bathing often1 it must therefore never be left without fresh water in a proper vessel4 ,,breeding4--,the starling builds in the holes of trees1 and even in boxes1 or pots with long necks1 suspended to trees1 or under the roof1 or in pigeon-houses4 ,its simple nest is composed of dry leaves1 hay1 and feathers4 ,like the swallow it returns to the same nest every year1 only taking care to clean it out4 ,it lays twice in the year1 seven eggs each time1 whose colour is ashy green4 ,the young1 before moulting1 are of rather a yellowish soot colour1 than pure black4 ,the beak is dark brown2 those which are bred from the nest1 and which are easily reared on white bread soaked in milk1 repeat the airs they are taught in a stronger and more distinct manner than bullfinches and linnets4 ,they can1 indeed1 repeat a succession of couplets without changing or mixing them4 ,in ,voigtlande1 the peasants use the starling like domestic pigeons2 they eat the young1 which they take before they can fly2 by this means they obtain three broods1 but they do not touch the last1 both in order not to discourage and drive away the father and mother1 and not to diminish this branch of economy4 ,starlings have been seen to build in dwelling-houses1 in an earthen vase with a long neck1 appropriated to the purpose#fd4 ,,diseases4--,i know none peculiar to them4 ,these birds will live ten or twelve years in confinement4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,it is principally in autumn1 and in places filled with reeds1 that the bird-catchers take great numbers of starlings in nets prepared for the purpose4 ,they may also be procured by means of an osier fish-net1 placed among the reeds1 which they frequent in the evening1 and baited with cherries4 ,though this means is limited1 as many as a hundred have been procured by it in one night4 ,in ,thuringia it is never attempted to catch them for the house except in the month of ,march1 when snow falls after their arrival4 ,for this purpose limed twigs are put in places cleared from snow1 and beside swampy ditches1 with some earth-worms for a snare1 into which they fall as easily as chickens4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the starling becomes wonderfully familiar in the house2 as docile and cunning as a dog1 he is always gay1 wakeful1 soon knows all the inhabitants of the house1 remarks their motions and air1 and adapts himself to their humours4 ,in his solemn tottering step1 he appears to go stupidly forward2 but nothing escapes his eye4 ,he learns to pronounce words without having his tongue cut1 which proves the uselessness of this cruel operation4 ,he repeats correctly the airs which are taught him1 as does also the female1 imitates the cries of men and animals1 and the songs of all the birds in the room with him4 ,it must be owned that his acquirements are very uncertain3 he forgets as fast as he learns1 or he mixes up the old and new in utter confusion2 therefore1 if it is wished to teach him an air1 or to pronounce some words clearly and distinctly1 it is absolutely necessary to separate him from other birds and animals1 in a room where he can hear nothing4 ,not only are the young susceptible of these instructions1 the oldest even show the most astonishing docility4 ,,the ,,bohemian ,,chatterer4 ,ampelis garrulus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,jaseur de ,bohme1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,seidenschwanz1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is eight inches1 one and a quarter of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is three quarters of an inch long1 black1 short1 straight1 arched above1 and large at the base1 forming a large opening when the mandibles are separated2 the iris is brown2 the shanks nearly an inch high1 and black4 ,the whole body is covered with soft silky feathers2 those at the top of the head are long1 and rise in a crest2 the head and the rest of the upper part of the body are of a reddish ash-colour1 changing to gray at the rump2 the middle coverts are dark ash gray1 with the ends white also1 besides which1 the shaft of many has a horny tip1 shining and red1 like a little oval bit of sealing-wax4 ,the female has at most but five of these waxen tips to each wing1 while the male has from five to nine2 the tail is black1 terminated with primrose yellow2 very old males have also upon it narrow red wax tips4 ,in the female1 the black spot on the throat is smaller2 the yellow at the end of the tail is also narrower and paler2 the tips of the wings are of a yellowish white2 lastly1 the horny appendages are small1 and often they do not appear at all4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it does not build in ,germany1 but within the ,arctic circle2 it is found in ,thuringia only in the winter1 and if the season is mild in very small numbers1 the greater portion remaining in the north2 but in severe cold it advances farther south4 ,in moderate seasons it is found in great flights in the skirts of the forests throughout the greater part of ,germany and ,bohemia4 ,in confinement1 it is generally kept in a grated corner1 where it may run about freely with the other birds which are also placed there1 taking care to keep it at a distance from the stove1 the heat of which is so distressing that it opens its beak and breathes with difficulty2 this proves that a warm climate is not congenial to the bird4 ,if kept in a cage1 it requires one as large as the thrush2 and1 as it is a very dirty bird1 the bottom must be regularly covered with a sufficient quantity of sand4 ,,food4--,when wild we see it in the spring eating1 like thrushes1 all sorts of flies and other insects2 in autumn and winter different kinds of berries2 and1 in times of need1 the buds and sprouts of the beech1 maple1 and various fruit trees4 ,in confinement the two universal pastes appear delicacies to it2 and it is even satisfied with bran steeped in water4 ,it swallows every thing voraciously1 and refuses nothing eatable1 such as potatoes1 cabbage1 salad1 fruits of all sorts1 and especially white bread4 ,it likes to bathe1 or rather to sprinkle itself with water1 for it does not wet itself so much as other birds4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,it is taken in nooses1 to which berries are fixed1 which1 for this purpose1 should always be kept in store till ,february2 attracted by the bait it falls into the snare4 ,it appears to be frightened at nothing1 for it flies into nets and traps1 though it sees its companions caught and hanging1 and uttering cries of distress and fear4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,nothing but its beauty and scarcity can render the possession of it desirable2 for it is a stupid1 lazy bird4 ,during the ten or twelve years that it can exist in confinement1 and on very meagre food1 it does nothing but eat and repose for digestion4 ,if hunger induces it to move1 its step is awkward1 and its jumps so clumsy as to be disagreeable to the eye4 ,its song consists only of weak and uncertain whistling1 a little resembling the thrush1 but not so loud4 ,while singing1 it moves the crest up and down1 but hardly moves the throat4 ,if this warbling is somewhat unmusical1 it has the merit of continuing throughout every season of the year4 ,when the ,bohemian chatterer is angry1 which happens sometimes near the common feeding-trough1 it knocks very violently with its beak4 ,it is easily tamed1 but is agreeable only by its beautiful colours1 for it is very dirty4 ,it is the greatest eater among birds that ,i know1 being able to devour in a day a quantity of food equal to its own weight4 ,it consequently passes hardly half digested1 and1 what is very disgusting1 it is seen1 like the ostrich1 to eat again this excrement1 if it is destitute of fresh food4 ,i have observed it in this way swallow three times juniper berries which ,i had given it4 ,in consequence of this voraciousness it must be cleaned very often to be kept sweet4 ,,the ,,dipper4 ,illustration ,cinclus aquaticus1 ,,bechstein2 ,le ,merle d',eau1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,wasserschwtzer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird resembles the starling in size1 but the head is more pointed1 and the body1 in general1 larger1 while the wings and tail are shorter1 the tail being only one inch and a quarter long1 and the ends of the wings cover a fourth part of it2 the beak is three quarters of an inch long1 narrow1 flattish at the sides1 raised in the middle1 sharp and black2 the narrow nostrils are almost entirely closed by a membrane2 the iris is light brown2 the shanks are an inch high1 and of a dark brown1 and have the four toes united together2 the head and upper part of the neck are of a dusky rust brown2 the rest of the upper part of the body is black1 with an ashy gray tint2 the quill-feathers and tail are blackish2 the neck to half-way down the breast is pure white2 the rest of the breast is deep maroon1 which shades into the black of the belly4 ,in the female the head and upper part of the neck are lighter1 and the white of the breast is not so pure as in the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it frequents by preference the banks of rivers and streams in mountainous countries1 and remains all the year near those whose waters flow from springs which never freeze4 ,in confinement it has a cage like the thrush1 unless it is by preference allowed to run about the room4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds upon aquatic insects1 worms1 and even small fish1 which it is said to seize by diving4 ,in confinement it becomes insensibly accustomed to one of the universal pastes1 by at first giving it worms1 and the eggs of ants and flies4 ,,breeding4--,the female lays from four to six eggs in a rather large nest1 which she places in a crack of the rocks at the edge of the water1 or in dikes under mill-dams1 the wooden gutters of mills1 or between the wings of old water-wheels which are not in use4 ,the young may be reared on meal-worms1 ants' eggs1 and white bread soaked in milk4 ,it is just as well not to take them till they are ready to fly4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,each pair has a chosen spot1 which it seldom leaves3 and they are generally seen there either on a trough1 a stone1 dike1 or a bush growing near2 by fixing close to these places limed twigs1 to which are fastened worms1 which writhe about and attract attention1 it is very easy to catch them4 ,as soon as one of these birds is caught and caged1 he must be put in a quiet place1 be fed with earth and meal-worms1 and thus be gradually accustomed to the common food4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the dipper is not disagreeable2 he has1 indeed1 some very sonorous strains1 which in the distance and during winter have a very good effect4 ,he also sings in the night4 ,,the ,,missel ,,thrush4 ,turdus viscivorus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,draine1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,misteldrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is the largest of our thrushes1 being in length eleven inches1 three and a half of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is one inch in length1 sharp1 dark brown1 with the lower base and opening yellow2 the iris is brown2 the shanks an inch high1 and of a pale dusky yellow4 ,all the upper part of the body is a brownish gray1 with a reddish tint on the lower part of the back and rump2 the sides of the head and the rest of the under part of the body are of a pale yellow1 with blackish triangular spots on the breast1 and oval spots in all other parts4 ,the female is generally lighter in all the colours4 ,,habitation4--,when wild the missel thrush is found all over ,europe1 but more in the north than the south4 ,it lives in forests1 especially those of the mountains1 and prefers those of fir to oak and beech4 ,in ,thuringia it is a bird of passage1 disappearing in ,december and returning in the month of ,february1 provided the weather is fine#fe4 ,in confinement it is common to assign it a grated corner of the room unless a cage is preferred1 which must be at least three feet and a half long1 and nearly as many high1 a size necessary for it to take the exercise suited to its vivacity and petulance1 without injuring its feathers4 ,it would be still better if it could be allowed1 as other birds of its size1 an aviary or room to itself1 where its copious excrements would be less troublesome4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on insects and earth-worms1 which it finds in abundance in fields and swamps during the spring and summer2 in autumn and winter berries of all sorts make a great addition4 ,in confinement it is not dainty4 ,the two universal pastes are very well liked1 but it will put up with plain oatmeal1 or even bran moistened with water4 ,it is thus that our bird-fanciers feed it throughout the year1 as well as many other large birds caught in traps1 which they are obliged to keep as a lure for the snare4 ,it is true1 that if this meagre diet is sufficient to keep it alive1 it will hardly serve to enliven it and make it sing2 for this purpose it must be better fed1 with bread and milk1 meat1 and other dishes served at table1 none of which it refuses2 and it must also be allowed to bathe1 since nothing does it more good1 or enlivens it so much4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 which it places higher or lower in the trees of the forest1 is formed at bottom of herb-stalks and lichens1 in the middle of earth1 and in the interior of mosses1 fine roots and hay3 it lays twice a year1 generally each time four greenish white eggs1 a little speckled with violet and maroon4 ,the young birds are gray above and very much spotted under1 with a wide edge of rusty yellow on the wing feathers4 ,much less docile and susceptible of instruction than the blackbird1 they hardly remember any little thing which they hear continually1 but they become so familiar as to sing without difficulty on the hand4 ,they are fed with white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,diseases4--,the commonest disorders of this bird1 are an obstruction of the rump gland1 constipation1 and atrophy#ff4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds are taken in autumn with nets and snares1 with berries for the bait1 and they are caught in great numbers4 ,they may also be taken in ,february1 by placing under the trees on which the mistleto grows1 perches with limed twigs4 ,they may also be caught in the water-traps at sunset4 ,those which are yellowish under the body1 being males1 are chosen for confinement4 ,during the first days of captivity1 they are savage1 sulky1 and often refuse to eat1 so that many perish in this way2 those which are saved soon repay the trouble by their songs and familiarity4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,perched on the top of a tree in the woods1 the missel thrush begins1 in the month of ,february1 to utter his melancholy but musical warblings1 consisting of five or six broken strains1 and continues singing for four or five months4 ,as his song is too loud for the sitting-room1 this bird should be placed in a large hall1 or his cage should be hung outside a window4 ,he lives in captivity from ten to twelve years4 ,his call very much resembles iis1 r1 r1 r4 ,,the ,,song ,,thrush4 ,illustration ,turdus musicus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,grive1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,singdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,we might1 with ,brisson1 name this bird the small missel thrush1 so much does it resemble the preceding in form1 plumage1 abode1 manners1 and gait4 ,its length is only eight inches and a half1 three and a half of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is three quarters of an inch1 horn brown1 the under part yellowish at the base and yellow within2 the iris is nut brown2 the shanks are an inch high1 and of a dingy lead-colour4 ,all the upper part of the body is olive brown2 the throat is yellowish white1 with a black line on each side2 the sides of the neck and breast are of a pale reddish white1 variegated with dark brown spots1 shaped liked a heart reversed2 the belly is white1 and covered with more oval spots4 ,in the female the two black lines on the throat are narrower1 the breast is lighter1 and of a plain yellowish white1 and the reddish spots on the wing-coverts are smaller4 ,these slight differences make it desirable for those whose eye is not accustomed to them1 to have both sexes before them1 if they wish to learn to distinguish them4 ,the white variety1 that with a white head1 the streaked1 and the ash-coloured1 are not very rare4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this species is spread all over ,europe1 frequenting woods near streams and meadows4 ,as soon as the autumnal fogs appear1 they collect in large flights to seek a warmer climate#fg4 ,the principal time of passage is from the #aeth of ,september to the #aeth of ,october1 and of return about the middle or end of ,march2 each pair then returns to its own district1 and the male warbles his hymn to spring from the same tree where he had sung it the preceding year4 ,in confinement this bird is lodged like the missel thrush1 and is much more worthy of being kept1 as its voice is more beautiful1 its song is more varied1 and being smaller it makes less dirt4 ,,food4--,when wild it lives on insects and berries1 like the preceding4 ,in confinement1 oatmeal moistened with milk is a very good food2 and it requires also a great deal of fresh water1 as well for bathing as drinking4 ,when taken old it is often very difficult to induce these birds to eat1 and the greater number die in consequence4 ,,breeding4--,this species generally builds on the lower branches of trees2 the nest being pretty large1 and formed of moss mixed with earth or cow-dung4 ,the hen lays twice a year1 from three to six green eggs1 speckled with large and small dark brown spots4 ,the first brood is ready to fly by the end of ,april4 ,the upper part of the body in the young ones is speckled with white4 ,by taking them from the nest when half-grown they may be easily reared on white bread soaked in boiled milk2 and they are easily taught to perform airs4 ,as this thrush builds by preference in the neighbourhood of water1 the nest may be easily found by seeking it in the woods beside a stream1 and near it the male will be heard singing4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is the same as for the preceding species and the three which follow2 of all the birds for which snares are laid1 those for the thrush are most successful4 ,a perch with a limed twig is the best method for catching a fine-toned male4 ,in ,september and ,october these birds may also be caught in the water traps1 where they repair at sunrise and sunset1 and sometimes so late that they cannot be seen1 and the ear is the only guide4 ,when they enter the water haste must be avoided1 because they like to bathe in company1 and assemble sometimes to the number of ten or twelve at once1 by means of a particular call4 ,the first which finds a convenient stream1 and wishes to go to it1 cries in a tone of surprise or joy1 sik1 sik1 sik1 siki1 tsac1 tsac1 tsac2 immediately all in the neighbourhood reply together1 and repair to the place3 they enter the bath however with much circumspection1 and seldom venture till they have seen a red-breast bathe without danger2 but the first which ventures is soon followed by the others1 which begin to quarrel if the place is not large enough for all the bathers4 ,in order to attract them1 it is a good plan to have a tame bird running and fluttering on the banks of the stream4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song thrush is the great charm of our woods1 which it enlivens by the beauty of its song4 ,the rival of the nightingale1 it announces in varied accents the return of spring1 and continues its delightful notes during all the summer months1 particularly at morning and evening twilight4 ,it is to procure this gratification in his dwelling that the bird-fancier rears it1 and deprives it of its liberty2 and he thus enjoys the pleasures of the woods in the midst of the city4 ,with care and properly varied food it may be preserved in captivity five or six years4 ,,the ,,fieldfare4 ,illustration ,turdus pilaris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,litorne1 ou ,la ,tourdelle1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,wachholderdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is in size between the two preceding1 its length being ten inches1 of which the tail occupies four4 ,the beak is an inch long1 blackish at the point1 otherwise yellow1 as well as the opening of the throat and the tongue4 ,the iris is dark brown4 ,the shanks1 an inch and a quarter high1 are deep brown2 the top of the head and neck1 the cheeks1 the bottom of the back1 and the rump1 are ash gray1 with some blackish spots at the top of the head2 a white line passes above the eyes2 the back is rust brown2 the throat and half the breast are rusty yellow1 strewed with black heart-shaped spots2 the rest of the under part of the body is white1 with blackish heart-shaped spots on the sides1 and longer ones towards the vent and tail4 ,in the female the upper part of the beak is browner1 the head and rump of a paler gray1 the throat whitish1 the back dingy rust colour1 and the feet deep brown4 ,of this species there are many varieties1 the white1 the spotted1 the white headed1 and the like4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this species spreads not only all over ,europe1 but also over ,syria and ,siberia4 ,in the summer it remains in the northern regions1 where it builds in pine forests4 ,it arrives in ,germany and ,england in prodigious flights in ,november1 and passes the winter in places producing the juniper2 its return northward takes place in the first fine days of spring4 ,in confinement it is treated like the missel thrush1 but it is generally only kept as a decoy bird4 ,heat being injurious1 it is kept as far as possible from the stove4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds like the two preceding species4 ,in confinement it is fed in the same way2 raw carrots grated with bread is added1 which the others like also4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the same as in the two preceding species4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its song is a mere harsh disagreeable warble4 ,i should not have introduced it among cage birds if the lovers of bird-catching did not in winter require its call when pursuing its species4 ,,the ,,redwing4 ,illustration ,turdus iliacus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,mauvis1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,rothdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is smaller than the song thrush1 and has much resemblance to the fieldfare4 ,its length is eight inches1 of which the tail occupies three and a quarter4 ,the beak is nearly an inch long1 blackish1 and yellow only at the base and angles of the lower mandible2 the iris is nut-brown4 ,the shanks are an inch high1 and light gray2 the feet are yellow2 the head1 the upper part of the neck1 the back1 the rump1 and the small coverts of the wings1 are olive brown4 ,the plumage is more brilliant than that of other thrushes1 and the orange-hue under the wings1 which has procured it the name of the redwing thrush1 will always sufficiently distinguish this from those of the same genus4 ,the female is altogether lighter coloured4 ,the line of the eyes is almost white2 the spots on the sides of the neck light yellow2 the under part of the body is white1 the neck alone appearing yellowish2 the spots on the breast are grayish brown1 and there are none about the vent4 ,this species also has its varieties1 as white1 streaked1 and the like4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it inhabits the north of ,europe2 it goes to the south only towards the end of ,october1 and returns at the end of ,march or beginning of ,april4 ,in confinement the redwing is treated like the preceding2 but it is not much valued1 as its song is in no respect agreeable4 ,it always requires fresh water and but little warmth4 ,,food1 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking1 ,,diseases4--,the same as in the preceding species4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the male is as unmelodious as that of the fieldfare4 ,these birds make a great noise when they are collected in large flights upon the alders1 in ,march and ,april1 but their warbling hardly deserves the name of song4 ,i have known but one which succeeded in imitating1 though very indifferently1 the notes of the song thrush and some loud tones of the nightingale4 ,it is not therefore their song which will gain these birds a place in the house2 but they may please by their familiarity1 their patience1 their easy motions1 and the readiness with which they obey orders4 ,bird catchers keep them principally as decoy birds4 ,they are good eating4 ,,the ,,rose ,,ouzel4 ,turdus roseus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,merle ,couleur de ,rose1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,rosenfarbigedrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is a bird which from its beauty certainly merits a place in this work4 ,its length is nearly eight inches1 of which the tail measures three1 and the beak one4 ,this latter is black1 sometimes lead-coloured1 from the base to the middle1 and flesh or rose-coloured from the middle to the point2 the iris is whitish2 the shanks are fourteen lines high1 lighter or darker flesh-coloured2 the claws are blackish4 ,the head1 neck1 and throat1 are black1 with the tips of the feathers white1 very much like the starling1 and changeable into green1 blue1 and purple2 the feathers at the top of the head are long and narrow1 and rise elegantly into a crest2 the back1 the rump1 the shoulders1 the breast1 the belly1 and the sides1 are of a brighter or paler rose-colour1 according to the age and season4 ,the female differs from the male only in being less highly and brilliantly coloured4 ,,habitation4--,when wild these birds are to be met with in many parts of ,europe and ,asia4 ,the inhabitants of ,aleppo and the neighbourhood see with pleasure the arrival of large flights of them1 in the months of ,july and ,august1 to extirpate the clouds of locusts which then ravage the country4 ,great numbers are also seen in spring on the banks of the ,don and ,irtish1 where they build and find abundance of food2 also on the shores of the ,caspian and the banks of the ,wolga4 ,in ,europe they appear in ,sweden as far as ,lapland1 in ,england1 in ,germany1 in ,switzerland1 and ,france3 rare indeed in all these countries1 but least so in ,italy4 ,in confinement this bird is kept in a cage of the same size as the blackbird's4 ,,food4--,when wild this bird appears to subsist entirely on insects4 ,in confinement it would doubtless thrive very well on the food which is given to the blackbird1 which will be mentioned hereafter4 ,it is better1 however1 to study it a little1 and find out what suits it best4 ,,breeding4--,it builds among rocks2 but its nest has not yet been discovered in ,europe1 though some circumstances indicate that it propagates there4 ,in #aghd1 in the duchy of ,altenburg1 three young ones were killed1 but just out of the nest1 and which consequently could not have come from far4 ,this fact should excite the attention and vigilance of zealous observers4 ,,modes ,,of ,,taking4--,skilful bird-catchers will soon discover the means of catching the bird3 snares and limed twigs1 with grasshoppers and other living and moving insects for bait1 will probably accomplish this end4 ,it would be hazardous to shoot the birds in the hope of wounding them but slightly1 as is sometimes done with other birds1 which soon recover1 and remain tame1 if1 during their recovery1 they have been well treated4 ,,observations4--,a sportsman discovered1 in #agid1 in the environs of ,meiningen1 in ,suabia1 a flight of eight or ten rose ouzels1 moving leisurely from south-west to north-east1 and passing from one cherry-tree to another4 ,he fired on these birds1 only one fell1 which was fortunately very slightly wounded1 so that it soon quite recovered4 ,being immediately carried to ,m4 ,von ,wachter1 the rector of ,frickenhausen1 this clergyman took the greatest care of it2 he gave it a spacious cage1 and found that barley-meal moistened with milk was as wholesome as agreeable to it4 ,his kindness tamed it in a short time so far that it would come and take from his hand the insects which he offered to it4 ,it soon sang also1 but its warbling consisted at first of but a few harsh sounds1 pretty well connected however1 and this became at length more clear and smooth4 ,connoisseurs in the songs of birds discover in this song a mixture of many others2 one of these connoisseurs1 who had not discovered the bird1 but heard its voice1 thought he was listening to a concert of two starlings1 two goldfinches1 and perhaps a siskin2 and when he saw that it was a single bird1 he could not conceive how all this music proceeded from the same throat4 ,this bird was still alive in #ahjb1 and the delight of its possessor4 ,,the ,,blackbird4 ,turdus merula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,merle1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,schwarzdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 the most docile of its genus1 is nine inches and a half long1 four of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is an inch long1 and orange yellow2 the iris is dark brown2 the shanks are an inch high1 and black4 ,the whole plumage is of a pure velvety black2 the eyelids alone are orange4 ,the female is of a brownish black1 with the breast of a reddish hue1 and the belly grayish2 the throat is spotted with dark and light brown4 ,it is also rather larger than the male1 which has led some persons who were not well acquainted with it to make another species of it4 ,the white variety is very well known2 there is besides the streaked1 the black with a white head1 and the pearl gray4 ,illustration3 ,,cato',s ,,blackbird',s ,,cage ,,habitation4--,when wild the blackbird is found all over the old world1 as well as in ,germany2 it is the only species of its genus which does not migrate thence4 ,in confinement it is kept in a large cage2 it is better to keep it separate because1 whether from spite or jealousy1 it is often inclined1 like the tits1 to pursue and kill its little companions of the aviary or room4 ,,food4--,when wild the blackbird eats berries1 and1 in winter1 when insects are scarce1 he seeks them near warm springs4 ,in confinement he is satisfied with the first universal paste1 but he also eats bread1 meat1 and anything which comes to table1 such as a bit of apple4 ,more delicate than the song thrush1 he would not digest mere bran and water4 ,he delights in bathing often1 and should therefore be furnished with the means for so doing4 ,,breeding4--,as the blackbird does not travel he pairs early in the spring1 and the first young are hatched by the end of ,march4 ,the nest1 placed in a thick bush1 or in a heap of boughs1 is formed on the outside of stalks1 then of moss and mud and lined in the inside with fine hay1 hair1 and wool4 ,the female lays three times a year1 from four to six eggs1 of a greenish gray1 spotted and streaked with light brown2 when the young are hatched the males are always darker than the females1 therefore bird-catchers can never be mistaken when they take the former and leave the latter4 ,they are easily reared on white bread soaked in boiled milk1 a little raw beef1 and worms dipped in water4 ,it is better to take them from the nest when the quills of the feathers are just beginning to develop1 because1 having then no idea of their natural song1 they will retain more perfectly and distinctly the airs which may be taught them4 ,,diseases4--,an obstruction in the rump gland is their most common disorder1 and must be treated in the manner described in the ,introduction4 ,it would doubtless be prevented by never omitting to furnish the means of bathing4 ,with care1 and a proper variety of food1 this bird will live in confinement ten or twelve years4 ,,method ,,of ,,catching4--,timid and distrustful1 the blackbird seldom enters the area or barn-floor trap1 but it is easily caught in the winter with a noose or springe1 by using service berries for a bait4 ,it sometimes falls into the large traps set for tits1 when the berries are spread over the bottom2 limed twigs put with the berries in a place cleared from the snow1 will catch many also2 it also goes to the water-trap1 but generally at night-fall4 ,its call is tsizirr1 tak1 tak4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the natural song of the blackbird is not destitute of melody2 but it is broken by noisy tones1 and is agreeable only in the open country4 ,when wild it sings only from ,march to ,july2 but when caged1 during the whole year1 except when moulting4 ,its voice is so strong and clear1 that in a city it may be heard from one end of a long street to the other4 ,its memory is so good1 that it retains1 without mixing them1 several airs at once1 and it will even repeat little sentences4 ,it is a great favourite with the lovers of a plaintive1 clear1 and musical song1 and may1 in these respects1 be preferred to the bullfinch1 whose voice is softer1 more flute-like1 but also more melancholy4 ,the price of these two birds1 if well taught1 is about the same4 ,,the ,,ring ,,blackbird4 ,turdus torquatus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,merle ,plastron blanc1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,ringdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is larger than the common blackbird1 being in length ten inches and a half1 four of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is an inch long1 raven gray1 yellowish white at the base of the lower mandible1 and yellow at the angles as well as inside3 the iris is chestnut brown2 the shanks dark brown1 and fourteen lines high2 the upper part of the body is black2 and it is the principal colour of the under part also2 but the feathers of the belly and the coverts of the wings are edged with white2 the quill-feathers1 and the outside feathers of the tail are grayish white2 a white spot1 tinged with red1 and the size of the finger1 placed transversely on the breast1 serves to characterize the species1 and gives it its name4 ,the female is of a brownish black2 the transverse band on the breast is narrower1 and of a reddish ash-colour1 shaded with brown4 ,those individuals which combine the brown colour of the female with the pectoral band1 large1 and of a reddish white1 are young males2 the others1 in which it is scarcely discernible1 are young females4 ,,observations4--,though the ring blackbird traverses the whole of ,europe1 it builds only in the north#fh4 ,it arrives in ,germany and ,england on the foggy days of the end of ,october and beginning of ,november4 ,it moves always in small flights1 stopping generally in spots covered with briers and juniper bushes1 where it may be caught with a noose4 ,its food1 when free and in confinement1 is the same as that of the common blackbird1 with which it has the most striking resemblance in its gait1 the motion of its wings and tail1 and its call1 tak4 ,its voice1 though hoarser and deeper1 is nevertheless more harmonious and agreeable4 ,it is so weak that a red-breast may overpower it4 ,it continues singing at all times1 except when moulting4 ,it will live in confinement from six to ten years4 ,,the ,,rock ,,thrush4 ,turdus saxatilis1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,merle de ,roche1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,steindrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this rare and striking bird is unknown in many parts of ,germany#fi4 ,though its principal characteristics place it in the genus of the blackbird1 it has more resemblance to the starling1 both in its manners and gait1 which are varied and agreeable4 ,its length is seven inches and a half1 two and three quarters of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak1 an inch long1 and the shanks1 an inch and a quarter high1 are black4 ,the head and neck are grayish blue1 or ash blue1 lighter in the old1 and darker in the young birds2 the top of the back is dark brown1 often varying to a lighter brown1 the middle a fine white2 the rump1 of a dark brown1 has the feathers tipped with white2 the breast is dark orange1 the belly the same2 but1 according to the season1 more or less spotted and undulated with white4 ,the female is dark brown on the upper part of the body1 with edges of whitish gray to the feathers2 those of the rump are rust-colour1 with the same gray edge2 the chin is white2 the throat brown2 the under part of the neck1 and the whole under part of the body1 of a dirty orange1 with waving lines of brown and white2 the tail is paler than that of the male1 and the feet are dark brown4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is found in the south of ,europe and ,germany1 in ,austria1 and the ,tyrol4 ,in ,france1 in ,bugey1 and more to the south2 and especially in the ,alps and ,pyrenees1 frequenting rocks or old ruined castles4 ,in its migrations it visits bare rocky mountains1 searching for insects which take refuge among the stones4 ,its departure is in ,september and its return in ,march4 ,in confinement it is furnished with a cage larger than that of the nightingale4 ,,food4--,when wild it appears to live entirely on insects4 ,in confinement it is fed like the nightingale2 but with every care it cannot long be preserved4 ,,breeding4--,the female builds her nest in an almost inaccessible crevice of the rocks1 and lays five eggs4 ,as the young are very susceptible of instruction1 they are readily brought up when they can be obtained#gj2 they are fed and treated like young nightingales4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,it is by fixing to the spots they frequent plenty of limed twigs1 with meal-worms attached to them2 it is said that in the ,alps and ,pyrenees they are caught with a bird-call4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,it is considered one of the most agreeable singers2 and if caught young it soon acquires the songs of the other birds of the chamber1 learns to whistle tunes1 and even1 like the starling1 to repeat words4 ,it begins to sing1 says ,buffon1 a little before dawn1 which it announces by noisy sounds4 ,if its cage is approached during the night with a candle1 it begins to sing2 and when1 during the day1 it does not sing1 it appears to be practising in an under tone1 and preparing new songs4 ,,the ,,solitary ,,thrush4 ,turdus solitarius1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,merle solitaire1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,einsame ,drossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is eight inches and a half long1 three of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is an inch and a quarter long1 rather crooked at the point1 dark brown without1 and yellowish within2 the iris is orange4 ,the feet are thirteen lines high1 and brown4 ,the whole plumage is brown studded with little white spots1 with a faint tint of blue on the sides of the head1 the throat1 under the body1 on the breast and coverts of the wings2 the rump is brown without spots1 and the tail blackish4 ,the female differs from the male in having the little spots of a dirty yellow1 and more numerous on the breast than elsewhere1 and in being destitute of the blue tint2 and finally1 in having the pen-feathers and the tail-feathers simply brown4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it seldom quits the mountains in the south of ,europe2 in spring1 however1 it advances as far as ,burgundy1 and returns in the end of ,august2 it arrives1 in the month of ,april1 at the spot where it generally passes the summer1 and returns constantly every year to the place where it first took up its abode4 ,two pairs are seldom found in the same district4 ,except in the pairing season it is a solitary bird4 ,in confinement it is furnished with a cage like that of the blackbird4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on insects1 berries1 and grapes4 ,in confinement it is treated like the song thrush1 adding ants' eggs and meal-worms4 ,,breeding4--,the nest1 made of blades of grass and feathers1 is generally placed at the top of a solitary chimney1 or on the summit of an old castle1 or on the top of a large tree1 generally near a steeple or high tower4 ,the female lays five or six eggs4 ,the young ones1 if taken from the nest soon enough1 are capable of instruction2 the flexibility of the throat fitting it either for tunes or words4 ,they sing also by candle-light in the night4 ,if treated with care they live in confinement eight or ten years4 ,from the summit of a high tower or steeple the male utters for whole days the most beautiful and pathetic song1 accompanying it by flapping his wings1 moving his tail1 and elevating the feathers of his head4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,his beautiful voice is in great repute in all the countries he inhabits2 it is1 indeed1 very sweet and flute-like2 his song1 though musical1 is somewhat melancholy1 as is usual with solitary birds2 many persons1 however1 are very fond of it4 ,this bird1 when tamed1 fetches a very high price at ,milan1 ,constantinople1 c4 ,in some countries it is so much respected that it is considered sacrilegious to kill it or destroy its nest4 ,,the ,,blue ,,thrush4 ,turdus cyaneus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,merle bleu1 ,,buffon2 ,die blau ,drossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is rather larger than the common blackbird1 its length being eight inches1 three of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak1 fourteen lines in length1 is blackish1 the iris dark nut brown1 the eyelids yellow2 the shanks1 thirteen lines in height1 are blackish2 the whole plumage is of an ash blue1 but each feather has near its tip a transverse brown line1 and the tip itself is whitish4 ,the individual birds vary in the depth of the blue1 according to their age and sex4 ,the female is generally more uniform in colour than the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild the blue thrush is found in the ,archipelago1 in ,dalmatia1 ,italy1 ,spain1 and other southern countries1 always among steep rocks4 ,in confinement it is provided with a convenient cage1 like the preceding4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on all sorts of insects4 ,in confinement it is fed like the nightingale4 ,,breeding4--,like the rock thrush it builds among rocks1 on ruined or deserted towers1 and the like4 ,the young are reared in the same way as those of the nightingale4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its pretty plumage and fine voice do not constitute its only attractions4 ,it is very easily tamed1 and is very capable of instruction1 and amuses much by its natural gait and habits1 which very much resemble those of the rock thrush4 ,,the ,,reed ,,thrush4 ,turdus arundinaceus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,rousserole1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,rohrdrossel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird has so much resemblance to the white-throats1 as to cause a hesitation whether it should be ranged with them or with the thrush2 but the form of the beak and feet1 and generally the whole colour of the body1 are in favour of the latter4 ,the total length is at most eight inches1 four and a quarter of which belong to the tail1 which is of a rounded wedge-shape4 ,the beak is ten lines in length1 and strong1 flattish1 brown at the point1 yellowish at the base1 and orange on the inside2 the iris is dark maroon4 ,the shanks are an inch high1 strong1 and brownish gray1 blending into flesh-colour4 ,this bird is so like the nightingale1 that if the tail were reddish it would be mistaken for it4 ,the top of the head and neck are dark gray1 with a light olive tint2 a line of dusky yellow extends above the eyes from the nostrils to the middle2 the cheeks are brownish gray2 the back and the coverts of the wings reddish gray1 which becomes lighter1 and passes at the rump into pure rust-colour4 ,the female differs from the male only in being smaller1 rather darker on the upper1 and lighter on the lower parts of the body2 the white of the throat is less extensive1 and the upper part of the head is tinged with red4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is found all over ,europe1 with the exception of the most northern parts2 it is a stranger in those parts of ,germany only where there are neither lakes1 ponds1 nor stagnant rivers abounding with rushes2 for it is always on their banks and in large swamps that it resides1 and more frequently on the ground than in trees#ga4 ,in confinement it is provided with a nightingale's cage4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on aquatic insects1 the enormous multitude of which it seems intended to diminish4 ,in order to catch these it is continually seen climbing the stems of the rushes and reeds3 it also eats berries4 ,in confinement1 hitherto1 no food but that of the nightingale has succeeded with it1 and that even for only four or six months4 ,it is soon attacked by a disease which carries off great numbers of white-throats3 the feathers falling off without being renewed1 the bird declines and dies of atrophy#gb4 ,,breeding4--,the nest is found fastened with wool to the stems of the rushes1 or the branches of neighbouring bushes4 ,on the outside it is formed of moss and stubble1 firmly mixed1 and lined on the inside with fine hay and hair4 ,the eggs1 five or six in number1 are grayish white1 spotted with black4 ,the young1 before the first moulting1 have the appearance of a white-throat1 with some dark spots on the breast4 ,they are taken from the nest and reared1 like young nightingales1 on ants' eggs2 and if they are placed near this winged ,orpheus1 they learn his song so well and so perfectly that they become as excellent performers as their masters1 with the additional advantage of possessing a noise more flute-like and less shrill than that of the nightingale4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the great difficulty of catching this bird makes it scarce in our rooms4 ,the only means is to ascertain well the place it frequents1 then to scratch up the earth and throw upon it some meal-worms1 and cover the place with limed twigs4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,with a more beautiful and musical voice1 its song is also more varied than that of the song-thrush1 without being so long1 so sustained1 or so brilliant1 as that of the nightingale1 with which it most deserves to be compared4 ,some of its couplets resemble those of the blackcap1 but broken1 like those of the song-thrush4 ,when caged it may be much improved by imitation of the notes of the nightingale1 which the young easily copy4 ,it is particularly in the morning and evening that the reed-thrush utters his beautiful warblings4 ,not only is his throat then in motion2 his wings1 his tail1 and his whole body1 are agitated as if to follow the cadence and the measure4 ,,the ,,nightingale4 ,illustration ,motacilla ,luscinia1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,rossignol1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,nachtigall1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird1 whose plumage is very ordinary1 is scarcely five inches long1 two and a half of which belong to the tail4 ,but1 in confinement1 when it is well fed1 and especially when it has been bred from the nest1 it is commonly larger1 reaching sometimes the size of a lark4 ,the straight beak is seven lines in length1 thin1 with the two mandibles of nearly the same size1 and dark brown above1 light gray below1 flesh-coloured at the base1 and yellow within2 the iris is brownish grey4 ,the shanks1 three quarters of an inch high1 are flesh-coloured2 the upper part of the body is brownish gray1 tinted with rust-red1 and in very old birds is reddish ash-coloured4 ,among individuals in confinement1 some are lighter1 others darker4 ,when placed in the windows of a large well-lighted room1 which is not exposed to smoke1 they are in the upper parts dark gray1 or light brownish gray1 and the feathers have a reddish edge2 below they are white1 and grayish on the sides4 ,but those which are shut up in small ill-lighted rooms1 subject to smoke1 soon lose their colours1 the upper part of the body becoming dingy red1 the under part grayish white1 and the sides brownish gray4 ,those accustomed to birds distinguish the female at a glance4 ,her shanks are not so high3 she is not so erect2 her head is not so long and pointed1 but rounder2 her neck is shorter1 and more inclined back2 her eye is smaller and less lively2 and her throat is not so white4 ,notwithstanding these characteristics1 no other than an experienced person could decide the sex unless he had them both before him4 ,nightingales so strongly resemble the female redstart1 that the latter is often caught and sold for a nightingale1 while the nightingale in its turn is killed and eaten for a redstart4 ,to avoid mistakes1 we must observe the following particulars3--,the female redstart is always smaller1 and her plumage darker3 her small feet and beak are blackish2 the red of her tail is lighter1 and the two middle feathers are blackish1 or very dark brown2 this long slender tail is in continual motion1 while the nightingale moves his only at intervals1 for example1 when he has hopped a few steps1 and he generally carries it raised higher than the point of his wings4 ,his step and attitude are prouder1 and his actions seem more deliberate4 ,when he walks1 it is by measured regular hops4 ,after a certain number he stops1 looks at himself1 shakes his wings1 raises his tail gracefully1 spreads it a little1 stoops his head several times1 raises his tail again1 and proceeds4 ,if any object attracts his attention1 he bends his head towards it1 and generally looks at it with only one eye4 ,it is true that he jumps hastily upon the insects which constitute his food2 but he does not seize them so eagerly as other birds2 on the contrary1 he stops short1 and seems to deliberate whether it is prudent to eat them or not4 ,generally he has a serious circumspect air1 but his foresight is not proportioned to it1 for he falls readily into all the snares which are laid for him4 ,if he once escapes1 however1 he is not so easily caught again1 and becomes as cunning as any other bird4 ,the same1 indeed1 may be said of all birds pursued by man4 ,nightingales are called1 in my opinion very unjustly1 silly and curious2 for a great number of new things may be offered them without exciting the least attention2 but scratch or dig the earth1 and they approach directly1 because instinct or experience tells them that they shall there find insects1 which they are very fond of4 ,many other species of this group do the same thing2 for instance1 the blackcap and the red-breast1 without its having been mentioned4 ,these birds do not1 however1 deserve so much of our attention as the nightingale4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 nightingales are found throughout ,europe1 as far as the north of ,england and the middle of ,sweden3 in all ,asia1 as far as the temperate regions of ,siberia2 and in ,africa on the banks of the ,nile4 ,they every where choose for their residence places which are shady1 cool1 but not cold1 such as woods1 thickets1 and even mere hedges in the fields4 ,they do not go beyond the skirts of the forests on high chains of mountains1 and never stop on elevations where the air is too keen4 ,groves1 thick brambles1 tufted bushes near fields and meadows1 are their favourite abodes4 ,they also like gardens planted with untrimmed elm-hedges1 which are consequently thick and bushy down to the ground4 ,it is not true that they like watery situations1 and if they frequent them it is not for the water1 but because they generally produce thick tufted bushes4 ,it must also be owned that their favourite food is more constantly abundant in such places1 and if the cold destroys the insects elsewhere1 plenty may always be found in them4 ,it is not however the less certain that the water is not the attraction1 or all would repair to its vicinity1 which experience contradicts4 ,the fact is1 that each nightingale generally establishes himself in the place which gave him birth1 whether near the water or not1 whether in an orchard or on a mountain2 and when once he has fixed on a spot1 he returns to it every year1 unless the place has lost its charm or advantage4 ,if the wood for instance has been cut down1 or has lost the thick shade1 which was its chief merit1 in such circumstances he seeks in the neighbourhood another spot more to his liking4 ,but if1 in a considerable circuit where no change has taken place1 a nightingale is seen to establish himself in a spot which was unoccupied the preceding year1 it may be concluded that it is a young bird which was born in the vicinity4 ,convenient places are so much valued1 that if the possessors die or are caught1 new comers seize upon them immediately2 so that the bird which we hear to-day1 is very possibly not the same which sang yesterday in the same place4 ,many other causes may also concur in producing this change of inhabitants1 which an ear well versed in the language of these birds will always discover4 ,it may1 perhaps1 be asked why1 in many places which appear so well adapted to attract nightingales1 none are found#gc4 ,i reply that these spots may be concealed by woods or mountains1 and not lie perceived by the nightingales in their journeys1 or they may be quite out of their route1 for they have a regular one which they never quit1 because1 their progress being slow1 and subject to interruptions1 it is requisite that they should find on their passage every thing necessary for their subsistence1 and too cold an atmosphere is painful to them4 ,it may also happen that the nightingales which formerly frequented them1 may have been altogether extirpated2 and as it has been said that the young always establish themselves in the district which gave them birth1 it is by no means surprising that they should not be chosen1 at least there are many chances against it4 ,rather than wait in vain for this chance1 there is a means of re-peopling such places with these charming birds4 ,it is only necessary to bring up some broods of young ones1 and not let them loose in the following spring till after the period of return is elapsed2 because being no longer excited by the instinct which induces them to travel1 and the instinct itself being subdued in a great measure by their imprisoned education1 they will not wander1 but will remain and propagate1 provided they are not disturbed1 and will return the year following with all their family4 ,i must not omit to say that the young intended for this re-peopling must not be confined in a cage1 as they would lose the use of their wings1 and run the risk of perishing the first day of their liberation4 ,as soon as they can feed themselves1 they must be allowed an entire room1 in which they may fly freely1 and grow strong and bold4 ,a sort of grove should be formed of branches or small trees1 and nature should be imitated as much as possible also in feeding them1 by throwing to them more insects and ants' eggs than usual1 to accustom them to seek for them4 ,the period of the nightingale's return throughout the greater part of ,germany1 is the middle of ,april1 rarely either earlier or later#gd3 it is always when the white-thorn begins to expand its leaves4 ,advancing slowly and gradually1 these birds are not so likely to suffer from bad weather as those which go straight to their destination by one stage4 ,in the middle of ,august each family prepares to depart2 this is done quietly1 removing gradually1 and passing from grove to grove to the end of their journey2 then it is that these birds are caught with nooses or springes1 by using elderberries or currants for a bait4 ,the middle of ,september is the latest period at which they are seen in ,germany4 ,all then disappear imperceptibly1 so that the time they employ in the rest of their journey is altogether unknown4 ,other birds1 whose instinct leads them to travel in large flights1 do not so easily escape observation4 ,if by accident a nightingale is met with at the end of ,september1 or in ,october1 it must have been delayed by some peculiar circumstance2 for instance1 it may be a young one that has lost its way1 or that was hatched late1 or it may be an invalid4 ,in confinement nightingales may be allowed to fly freely1 as ,i have often permitted them2 but they do not then sing so well as when in a cage1 where they are less subject to interruptions1 and where also they live longer and more healthily1 from being fed with more care and regularity4 ,the nightingale's cage1 of whatever form1 must not be less than a foot and a half in length1 by about one in width1 and one or more in height4 ,the top should be made of linen or soft stuff1 that when jumping and struggling1 especially when first caught1 he may not injure his head4 ,the drinking-cup and feeding-trough are fastened on the outside1 unless it is preferred to introduce the latter within1 in the form of a drawer4 ,the following are the best form and proportions for a nightingale's cage1 that ,i am acquainted with3--,length1 one foot and a half2 breadth1 eight inches2 height1 fifteen inches in the middle2 thirteen at the sides1 because the roof is arched4 ,the sides are made of osiers about a quarter of an inch thick2 the bottom is made of the same material1 but it is covered by a drawer an inch and a quarter in depth4 ,in order to clean it more easily1 ,i cover it with coarse paper1 which ,i renew every time4 ,the feeding-trough is introduced on one side1 with edges high enough to prevent the bird's spilling too much of the food4 ,in the middle of the front of the cage1 and extending from top to bottom1 is a cylindrical projection in the form of a belfry1 in which is suspended a large drinking-glass4 ,the upper stick of the cage is confined here1 terminating in a fork1 or fixed to a semi-circle1 that the projection may not be prevented from moving4 ,this projection is made of osiers1 like the rest of the cage4 ,the middle and lower sticks are covered with green cloth1 firmly sewed on1 that the nightingale may have a softer perch1 and not have his feet so soon injured1 which is very common with imprisoned birds4 ,the arched roof is also covered with green stuff1 which is painted that colour with oil paint1 as well as the whole of the cage4 ,but it must be well dried1 and quite free from smell before the bird is put into it4 ,my reasons for preferring this cage are1 first1 because being small1 it occupies less room1 without disadvantage to the bird or to the apartment2 second1 because the size of the osiers leave small intervals for the admission of light1 and it is consequently darker2 third1 because the bird can bathe without wetting his cage or his perches3 and consequently his feet remain cleaner and more healthy4 ,as to the situation of the cage1 the prisoner's taste must be consulted4 ,some nightingales dislike being in the window1 and prefer a dark corner of the room2 others like the light and the sun4 ,if it is wished that a nightingale should sing everywhere1 it is necessary1 when he is moulting1 and before he resumes his song1 to accustom him to a change of place1 by carrying him sometimes here1 sometimes there4 ,some will sing only when they are alone1 while others like to perform alternately with a neighbour2 but they never sing so loud and well when there are several in a room4 ,perhaps jealousy is the chief cause of this4 ,on these occasions1 the first that begins generally maintains the superiority2 the others sing only when he stops1 and this but seldom1 and in an under tone4 ,some are so sulky that they will not sing at all4 ,some of these obstinate pouters are occasionally1 from their silence1 mistaken for females1 and consequently dismissed from the room1 but when they find themselves alone they begin to sing at full stretch4 ,,food4--,when wild nightingales feed on insects1 especially little green caterpillars1 of which they clear the bushes and trees1 small butterflies1 flies1 and beetles1 and the grubs of insects hid among moss or in the earth1 which are discovered by turning it up4 ,at their departure1 towards the end of summer1 they also eat elderberries and currants4 ,in confinement1 meal worms and fresh ants' eggs are the first things which should be offered to birds which are just caught2 in place of these1 when it is not possible to procure them1 some persons prepare a mixture of hard eggs1 ox heart1 and white bread1 some mouthfuls of which they force the birds to swallow1 and then throw some meal worms on the rest1 to induce the nightingale to eat it2 but this artificial food is so unfit for these birds1 especially at first1 that it kills the greater number4 ,they may also be injured by forcibly opening their delicate beak4 ,when ants' eggs cannot be procured1 it is better to set the birds at liberty than thus to sacrifice them4 ,their best food in summer is ants' eggs1 to which are daily added two or three meal worms#ge2 when none of the former remain fresh they must be supplied by dried or rather roasted ox heart and raw carrot1 both grated1 and then mixed with dried ants' eggs#gf4 ,the carrot1 which may be preserved fresh in sand in the cellar1 prevents heat in the stomach and bowels2 a little lean beef or mutton minced small may also be used sometimes2 after different trials1 it is in this way ,i feed my nightingales4 ,the cheapest food is very ripe elderberries1 dried and mixed with ants' eggs1 in the same way as the carrots and white bread4 ,some bird-fanciers1 in winter1 bake a little loaf made of the flour of peas and eggs1 which they grate1 moisten1 and then mix with dried ants' eggs2 others1 who would still be more economical1 pound poppy-seeds in a mortar to express the oil1 and then mix them with the crumb of white bread2 when accustomed to it the birds seem very fond of it1 but a proof that it does not agree with them is that they soon fall into a decline and die4 ,this plan has lately been introduced into ,thuringia2 but knowing1 as ,i do from experience1 that the stomach of the nightingale is not formed to digest such food1 since he is not graminivorous1 ,i take care never to administer it2 and ,i think ,i ought to warn others against it4 ,the best will always be the simplest1 and that which is most conformable to nature4 ,those who adopt that which ,i have mentioned will have the satisfaction of finding their nightingales healthy1 cheerful1 active1 and good singers4 ,i have already said that ,i have tried letting them run about the room1 feeding them upon the common universal paste2 but this food is not sufficiently nutritious for them3 on this diet they can hardly pass six months without falling into a decline1 and they would inevitably perish if they were not speedily restored to one which is fitter for them4 ,they require fresh water every day1 as well for bathing as drinking2 they habitually bathe1 when caged1 after singing4 ,they have also been observed to do so the first thing in the evening1 when the candles were lighted4 ,,breeding4--,each nightingale has his little district2 and if in the pairing season several males are found together1 very angry battles take place1 which end in the flight of the weakest4 ,the commonest quarrels of this kind are between fathers and sons4 ,the latter1 having been born in the place1 determine to fix themselves in it2 all feeling of relationship is then extinguished1 and they are strangers2 the relations of father and son1 those sweet ties1 hitherto so close1 are suddenly broken1 never more to be felt4 ,the nest is built in a grove or orchard1 among a heap of branches1 or on a thorn bush1 or the trunk of a tree surrounded by briars2 or even on the ground when it may be hid by tall grass or thick bushes4 ,its form is simple and inartificial1 on the outside dry leaves1 on the inside hay1 fine roots1 with the hair of animals1 is all the apparatus4 ,the female lays from four to six eggs1 of a brownish green1 on which she sits a fortnight4 ,the young are fed with small caterpillars and butterflies4 ,as the low position of the nest exposes them to become the prey of carnivorous quadrupeds1 they soon quit it1 even before they can fly4 ,their plumage before moulting has no resemblance to that of the old birds except the red of the tail2 the upper part of the body is of a reddish grey1 spotted with yellowish white on the head and coverts of the wings2 the under part is of a rusty yellow1 spotted on the breast with dark brown2 but after moulting the resemblance is so perfect that they can hardly be distinguished4 ,if1 therefore1 any of these birds are caught towards the end of summer1 they are carefully examined on the back of the head1 round the eyes1 and under the beak and neck1 for1 provided there remains in these places a small feather1 or mere yellow point1 it is sufficient to ascertain that they are young4 ,as these are the only means of judging1 if no marks appear1 it is necessary to wait for a few days till the bird begins to sing4 ,this1 however1 is not a sure sign1 as the young females sing as well as the males1 till the month of ,april1 though in a weaker and more unconnected way1 and without so visibly swelling their throats3 it is by these nice observations that connoisseurs succeed in distinguishing them4 ,it may also be remarked1 as a help to those who wish to rear nightingales1 that1 when in the nest1 those which are marked with white1 and especially those which have a white throat1 are males2 the reddest and brownest being always females4 ,the young1 when taken1 are fed with ants' eggs mixed with white bread1 grated and moistened4 ,the males begin to warble even before their tails are quite grown3 if the father and mother are taken at the same time as the young ones1 they will1 when caged1 continue to feed them as before4 ,it is said that nightingales sometimes build in the bird room2 this1 however1 can only succeed by giving up to a tame healthy pair a whole room1 in which a sort of grove should be formed of branches4 ,,diseases4--,in general moulting amounts to a disease among nightingales3 at this critical time they require a more succulent diet1 and sometimes a spider by way of purgative4 ,if their stomach is disordered they puff up their feathers1 half shut their eyes1 and remain for hours with their head under their wing4 ,they are relieved and cured by ants' eggs1 some spiders1 and by giving them occasionally water impregnated with saffron till it is of an orange colour1 to drink4 ,as to those diseases which they have in common with other birds1 they are treated according to the directions given in the ,introduction4 ,it is especially necessary1 every three months1 carefully to remove the large scales from their legs and toes4 ,a nightingale may be kept in confinement fifteen years2 whilst in a wild state they are never observed to exist so long in the same spot1 which seems to prove that they do not attain so great an age when exposed to all sorts of accidents1 both from birds of prey and bird-catchers4 ,i have an instance of a nightingale which has lived twenty-five years in confinement4 ,when they have reached six years they begin to sing less frequently and long1 with less brilliancy and ornament2 it is then better to set them at liberty in the month of ,may4 ,the open air often invigorates them so much that they regain their song in all its force and beauty4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,nothing is easier than to catch a nightingale in the season of pairing4 ,if a little furrow1 smooth at the bottom1 is dug in a dark soil1 and some meal worms or ants' eggs are thrown into it1 he will immediately fly to these delicacies4 ,by putting also in the same place limed twigs1 or a small net which may be easily dropped1 he will soon be caught2 it is even sufficient to fix over the furrow a bit of wood supported by a stick1 which will fall as soon as the bird perches upon it4 ,he is so unsuspicious that he observes the snare being laid1 and then foolishly falls into it1 when the bird-catcher has moved only a few steps from it2 he will even allow himself to be led to it when at a little distance1 if in a gentle manner4 ,a bird-catcher may thus1 in a few hours1 depopulate a whole district of these delightful songsters4 ,if1 however1 this is feared1 there is a means of baffling his intentions1 by anticipating him1 and catching the nightingale we wish to preserve in our neighbourhood1 either by a limed twig or in a net1 and letting him go again4 ,this experiment will prevent his falling so readily into the snare in future4 ,in the greater part of ,germany1 indeed1 it is forbidden1 under a very heavy penalty1 to catch nightingales4 ,another mode of taking them is by nooses and springes1 and suspending for a bait1 instead of berries1 live meal-worms2 but there is one disadvantage attending it1 while struggling the bird almost always injures his feet1 especially in springes4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the first good quality of a nightingale is undoubtedly its fine voice1 and notes which ,i shall endeavour to describe4 ,the nightingale expresses his different emotions by suitable and particular tones4 ,the most unmeaning cry when he is alone appears to be a simple whistle fitt1 but if the syllable crr is added1 it is then the call of the male to the female4 ,the sign of displeasure or fear is fitt repeated rapidly and loudly before adding the terminating crr2 whilst that of satisfaction and pleasure such1 for example1 as conjugal endearments1 or on the occasion of finding a delicate morsel1 is a deep tack1 which may be imitated by smacking the tongue4 ,in anger1 jealousy1 rivalry1 or any extraordinary event1 he utters hoarse disagreeable sounds1 somewhat like a jay or a cat4 ,lastly1 in the season of pairing1 when the male and female entice and pursue each other1 from the top of a tree to its base1 and thence again to the top1 a gentle subdued warbling is all that is heard4 ,nature has granted these tones to both sexes2 but the male is particularly endowed with so very striking a musical talent1 that in this respect he surpasses all birds1 and has acquired the name of the king of songsters4 ,the strength of his vocal organ is indeed wonderful2 and it has been found that the muscles of his larynx are much more powerful than those of any other bird4 ,but it is less the strength than the compass1 flexibility1 prodigious variety1 and harmony of his voice which make it so admired by all lovers of the beautiful4 ,sometimes dwelling for minutes on a strain composed of only two or three melancholy tones1 he begins in an under voice1 and swelling it gradually by the most superb crescendo to the highest point of strength1 he ends it by a dying cadence2 or it consists of a rapid succession of more brilliant sounds1 terminated1 like many other strains of his song1 by some detached ascending notes4 ,twenty-four different strains or couplets may be reckoned in the song of a fine nightingale1 without including its delicate little variations2 for among these1 as among other musicians1 there are some great performers and many middling ones4 ,this song is so articulate1 so speaking1 that it may be very well written4 ,the following is a trial which ,i have made on that of a nightingale in my neighbourhood1 which passes for a very capital singer#gg3-- ,tio1 tio1 tio1 tio4 ,spe1 tiou1 squa4 ,ti1 ti1 ti1 ti1 tio1 tio1 tio1 tix4 ,coutio1 coutio1 coutio1 coutio4 ,squ1 squ1 squ1 squ4 ,tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzu1 tzi4 ,corror1 tiou1 squa1 pipiqui4 ,zozozozozozozozozozozozo1 zirrhading6 ,tsissisi1 tsissisisisisisisis4 ,dzorre1 dzorre1 dzorre1 dzorre1 hi4 ,tzatu1 tzatu1 tzatu1 tzatu1 tzatu1 tzatu1 tzatu1 dzi4 ,dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo1 dlo4 ,quio1 tr rrrrrrrr itz4 ,lu1 lu1 lu1 lu1 ly1 ly1 ly1 ly1 li1 li1 li1 li#gh4 ,quio1 didl li lulylie4 ,hagurr1 gurr quipio6 ,coui1 coui1 coui1 coui1 qui1 qui1 qui1 qui1 gai1 gui1 gui1 gui#gi ,goll goll goll goll guia hadadoi4 ,couigui1 horr1 ha diadia dill si6 ,hezezezezezezezezezezezezezezezeze couar ho dze hoi4 ,quia1 quia1 quia1 quia1 quia1 quia1 quia1 quia1 ti4 ,ki1 ki1 ki1 o1 o1 o1 ioioioio ki4 ,lu ly li le lai la leu lo1 didl o quia4 ,kigaigaigaigaigaigaigai guiagaigaigai couior dzio dzio pi4#hj ,if we could understand the sense of these words1 we should doubtless discover the expression of the sensations of this delightful songster4 ,it is true that the nightingales of all countries1 the south as well as the north1 appear to sing in the same manner2 there is1 however1 as has been already observed1 so great a difference in the degree of perfection1 that we cannot help acknowledging that one has a great superiority over another4 ,on points of beauty1 however1 where the senses are the judges1 each has his peculiar taste4 ,if one nightingale has the talent of dwelling agreeably on his notes1 another utters his with peculiar brilliancy1 a third lengthens out his strain in a particular manner1 and a fourth excels in the silveriness of his voice4 ,all four may excel in their style1 and each will find his admirer2 and1 truly1 it is very difficult to decide which merits the palm of victory4 ,there are1 however1 individuals so very superior as to unite all the beauties of power and melody2 these are generally birds of the first breed1 which1 having been hatched with the necessary powers1 in a district well peopled with nightingales1 appropriate what is most striking in the song of each1 whence results this perfect compound1 so worthy of our admiration4 ,as the return of the males in spring always precedes that of the females by seven or eight days1 they are constantly heard to sing before and after midnight1 in order to attract their companions on their journey during the fine nights4 ,if their wishes are accomplished they then keep silence during the night1 and salute the dawn with their first accents1 which are continued through the day4 ,some persist in their first season in singing before and after midnight1 whence they have obtained the name of nocturnal nightingales2 but they cannot be distinguished till after some time1 when they are established in their district1 and have the society of their females4 ,after repeated experiments for many successive years1 ,i think ,i am authorised in affirming that the nocturnal and diurnal nightingales form distinct varieties1 which propagate regularly3 for if a young bird is taken from the nest of a night singer1 he1 in his turn1 will sing at the same hours as his father1 not the first year1 but certainly in the following#ha2 while1 on the other hand1 the young of a day nightingale will never sing in the night1 even when it is surrounded by nocturnal nightingales4 ,i have also remarked that the night singers prefer mountainous countries1 and even mountains themselves1 whilst the others prefer plains1 valleys1 and the neighbourhood of water4 ,i will also venture to affirm that all the night singers found in the plains have strayed from the mountains2 thus in my neighbourhood1 inclosed in the first chains of the mountains of ,thuringia1 we hear only night singers1 and in the plains of ,gotha they know only the day nightingale4 ,it is a pity that the time for this delightful bird's song should be so short1 that is to say1 when wild4 ,it endures hardly three months2 and during this short interval it is not maintained with equal power4 ,at its first arrival it is the most beautiful1 continued1 and impassioned2 when the young are hatched1 it becomes more rare2 the attentions which they require occupying considerable time4 ,if from time to time the nightingale's song is heard1 it is evident that the fire which animated it is much weakened4 ,after midsummer all is ended1 nothing is heard but the warbling of the young1 which seem to study their father's song1 and try to imitate it4 ,the nightingale sings much longer in confinement3 birds which are caught full grown sometimes sing from ,november to ,easter2 those which are bred from the nest sing much longer1 sometimes as long as seven months2 but in order that they may sing well they must be put under the instruction of an old nightingale which is a good singer1 otherwise they will be only stammerers1 mutilating their natural song1 and inserting in a confused manner tones and passages which they have caught from other birds4 ,if1 however1 they have a good instructor1 and a good memory1 they imitate perfectly1 and often add to their instructor's song some beauties of their own1 as is usual among young birds#hb4 ,i cannot help here mentioning the cruel and disgusting selfishness of some men1 who1 in order a little to prolong the song of this interesting bird1 sacrifice to their transient gratification its eyes1 by blinding it1 as is done to the lark and the chaffinch4 ,it is said that a nightingale and a female red-breast running free in the room will sometimes pair1 and produce mules1 but ,i have no experience on this subject4 ,i cannot better complete my account of the nightingale's song than by transcribing the delightful1 though somewhat exaggerated picture1 which has been given of it by ,buffon4 ,there is no well organised man1 says he1 to whom the name of the nightingale does not recall some one of those fine nights in spring1 when the sky being clear1 the air calm1 all nature silent1 and as it were attentive1 he has listened with delight to the song of this chorister of the woods4 ,several singing birds may be named whose voices in some respects may compete with that of the nightingale2 the lark1 the canary1 the greenfinch1 the blackcap1 the linnet1 the goldfinch1 the common blackbird1 the solitary thrush1 the ,american mocking-bird1 are all listened to with pleasure when the nightingale is silent3 some have fine tones1 others have their voice as clear as it is soft1 others have as fine flourishes1 but there is not one which the nightingale does not surpass in the complete union of all these different talents1 and in the prodigious variety of his songs2 so that the song of each of the above-named birds is1 when taken in its whole extent1 only one couplet of that of the nightingale4 ,the nightingale always charms1 and never copies himself servilely2 if he repeats any passage it is animated with a new accent1 embellished by new ornaments4 ,he succeeds in all styles1 he renders all expressions1 he seizes all characters1 and he also augments their effect by contrast4 ,if this ,coryphus of the spring prepares to sing a hymn to nature1 he begins by a timid prelude1 by faint uncertain sounds1 as if he would try his instrument and interest his audience2 then gaining courage he becomes gradually animated1 warmed1 and he soon displays in their plenitude all the resources of his incomparable organ1 brilliant bursts1 lively delicate trills1 volleys of notes whose distinctness equals their volubility2 an internal dull murmur1 not itself pleasing to the ear1 but very fit to enhance the brilliancy of the agreeable strains1 sudden1 brilliant1 and rapid runs1 articulated with strength1 and even a tasteful ruggedness1 plaintive accents1 tender cadences2 sounds dwelt on without art1 but swelling with sentiment2 enchantingly penetrating notes1 the true sighs of voluptuousness and love1 which seem to come from the heart1 and make all hearts palpitate2 which produce in all who are not insensible a delightful emotion1 a touching languor4 ,in those impassioned tones are recognised the language of sentiment which a happy husband addresses to his beloved partner1 and which she alone can inspire2 while in other strains1 more surprising perhaps1 but less expressive1 are discovered the simple wish of amusing and pleasing her1 or of disputing before her the prize of singing with rivals jealous of his glory and happiness4 ,these different strains are interspersed with pauses which in all styles of melody concur in producing great effects4 ,we dwell on the beautiful notes we have just heard1 and which still resound in our ears2 we enjoy them the more because the pleasure is more limited1 more exclusive1 and undisturbed by new sensations4 ,soon we expect1 we desire another strain2 we hope it may be pleasing2 if we are mistaken1 the beauty of what we hear will not leave us room to regret that which is only delayed1 and the interest of hope is maintained for the strains which will follow4 ,one of the reasons why the song of the nightingale is so striking1 and produces so much effect1 is1 as ,mr4 ,barington has well said1 because he sings in the night1 which is the most favourable time1 and he sings alone1 whereby his voice is heard in all its splendour1 and is undisturbed by any other voice4 ,he eclipses all other birds1 adds ,mr4 ,barington1 by his soft flute-like tones1 and by the uninterrupted duration of his warble1 which lasts sometimes for twenty seconds4 ,the same observer reckoned in this warble sixteen different strains1 well marked by their first and last notes1 the intermediate notes being tastefully varied by the bird2 and he ascertained that the space filled by the nightingale's voice is no less than an ,english mile in diameter1 especially when the air is calm3 this equals the compass of the human voice4 ,it is surprising that so small a bird1 which weighs only half an ounce1 should have such force in the vocal organs4 ,mr4 ,hunter has observed that the muscles of the larynx1 or gullet1 are stronger in proportion1 in this species1 than in any other1 and also stronger in the male which sings1 than in the female which does not sing4 ,aristotle1 and ,pliny after him1 say1 that the song of the nightingale lasts in all its strength for fifteen days and fifteen nights uninterruptedly1 at the time that the trees are putting forth their leaves2 this can refer only to wild nightingales1 and must not be taken literally2 for these birds are not silent either before or after the period fixed by ,aristotle4 ,it is true they do not continue to sing with so much ardour and constancy4 ,they generally begin in the month of ,april1 and do not completely end till the month of ,june1 about the time of the solstice2 but the time when their song diminishes most1 is when the young are hatched1 because they are then occupied in feeding them1 and in the order of instincts1 that which tends to the preservation of the species is pre-eminent4 ,captive nightingales continue to sing for nine or ten months1 and their song is sustained not only for a longer time1 but it is more perfect and studied4 ,hence ,mr4 ,barington infers1 that in this species1 and in many others1 the male does not sing to amuse the female1 and enliven her fatigue when sitting2 which appears a very just and probable inference4 ,indeed1 the female when she sits performs her office from an instinct1 or rather a passion1 stronger in her than even the passion of love2 she finds in it an internal satisfaction of which we can form no idea1 but which she appears to feel sensibly1 and we cannot therefore suppose that at such moments she is in any want of consolation4 ,since then it is neither from duty nor virtue that the female sits1 neither is it on that account that the male sings3 indeed he does not sing during the second incubation4 ,it is love1 and especially the first season of love1 which inspires the song of the bird2 it is in spring that they experience the want both to love and to sing2 it is the males which have most desire1 and it is they who sing the most4 ,they continue to sing during the greater part of the year if we preserve around them a perpetual spring1 which incessantly renews their ardour1 without affording an occasion for extinguishing it2 this happens to caged nightingales1 and even1 as it has been already mentioned1 to those which have been taken full grown4 ,some have been known to begin to sing with all their strength a few hours after being caught4 ,they must1 however1 have been insensible of their loss of liberty at first4 ,they would starve the first seven or eight days if they were not fed1 and would injure their heads against the top of the cage if their wings were not tied2 but at last the passion for singing prevails1 because it is produced by a still deeper passion4 ,the songs of other birds1 the sounds of instruments1 the tones of a sweet sonorous voice1 excite them much4 ,they run1 they approach1 attracted by the sweet sounds2 but duets attract them still more powerfully1 which would seem to prove that they are sensible to the effects of harmony4 ,they do not continue silent auditors1 they join the performance1 and use all their efforts to eclipse their rivals1 to surpass all the other voices1 and even all other sounds4 ,it is said that they have been known to drop down dead at the feet of a person singing4 ,another has been seen fluttering1 swelling his throat1 and uttering an angry warble every time a canary which was near him1 began to sing2 he succeeded by his threats in imposing silence1 so true is it1 that superiority is not always free from jealousy4 ,can it be in consequence of the passion for pre-eminence1 that these birds are so careful to seize every advantage1 and that they prefer singing in a place favourable to sound1 or within reach of an echo8 ,all nightingales do not sing equally well4 ,some are so very inferior as not to be worth keeping4 ,it has even been thought that the song of the nightingale is different in different countries4 ,in ,england1 those who are curious respecting these birds1 prefer1 it is said1 those of the county of ,surrey1 to those of ,middlesex2 as they prefer the greenfinch of ,essex1 and the goldfinch of ,kent4 ,this diversity of song among birds of the same species has very rationally been compared to the different dialects of the same language4 ,the true causes can hardly be assigned1 as they are for the most part accidental4 ,a nightingale may perhaps have heard other singing birds1 or emulation may have caused him to perfect his song1 which he thus transmits improved to his descendants1 for every father is the singing master of his family2 and it is easy to perceive that in succeeding generations the song may be still further improved or modified by similar accidents4 ,after the month of ,june1 the nightingale sings no more1 and he retains only a hoarse cry1 a sort of croaking1 by which the melodious ,philomel cannot be recognised1 and it is not surprising that formerly1 in ,italy1 they gave him a different name under these circumstances4 ,he is indeed another bird1 a bird altogether different in respect of voice1 and even1 in a great degree1 in respect of the colour of his plumage4 ,among nightingales1 as well as other species1 some females are found participating in the constitution of the male1 his habits1 and especially in his musical powers4 ,i have seen1 in confinement1 one of these female singers4 ,her warble resembled that of the male1 but was neither so strong nor so varied4 ,she preserved it till spring2 but then subduing the exercise of her talent to the natural duties of her sex1 she became silent1 in order to build her nest1 and to lay1 though she was solitary4 ,it appears that1 in warm countries1 such as ,greece1 it is very common to see these female singers1 and respecting this species and many others we may draw the same inference from a passage of ,aristotle4 ,one would hardly imagine that so varied a song as that of the nightingale is confined within a single octave2 this is1 however1 the result of the attentive observations of a man of taste 7,m4 le docteur ,remond74 ,he remarked1 indeed1 some sharp tones which formed the double octave1 and which were emitted like lightning2 but this happens rarely1 and when the bird by a powerful effort of the gullet raises his voice to the octave4 ,the same observer discovered shakes on the third1 fourth1 and octave1 but always from sharp to flat2 cadences1 generally in the minor1 on almost every note2 but no arpeggios1 no coherent design4 ,independent of these talents1 the nightingale possesses a quality very likely to augment the number of his friends2 he is capable1 after some time1 of forming attachments4 ,when once he has made acquaintance with the person who takes care of him1 he distinguishes his step before seeing him2 he welcomes him by a cry of joy2 and1 during the moulting season1 he is seen making vain efforts to sing1 and supplying by the gaiety of his movements1 and the expression of his looks1 the demonstrations of joy which his throat refuses to utter4 ,when he loses his benefactor1 he sometimes pines to death2 if he survives it is long before he is accustomed to another#hc4 ,his attachments are long1 because they are not hasty1 as is the case with all wild and timid dispositions4 ,,the ,,greater ,,nightingale4 ,illustration ,motacilla ,luscinia major1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,grand ,rossignol1 ou ,la ,progn#hd1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,sprosser1 ,,bechstein4 ,naturalists make this bird only a variety1 or at most1 only a species of the common nightingale2 but ,i find points of difference so numerous and so striking1 that ,i think it right to make it a distinct species4 #a4 ,it is larger by an inch and a half in length1 being six inches and a half1 of which the tail1 also half an inch longer1 occupies two and three-quarters2 #b4 ,the head is larger1 and the beak is thicker2 #c4 ,the colours are different2 #d4 ,the song is different4 ,with respect to gait1 manner1 habits1 and the like1 it is true there is a resemblance1 which exists1 however1 only in common with the white-throats1 and the blackcap1 which have never been considered as varieties of the nightingale4 ,the upper part of the body is a dusky brownish grey2 the throat is white bordered with black2 the breast is brown1 with darker spots2 the belly dirty white2 the wings are deep brown1 edged with dirty red2 the tail and its upper large coverts dirty maroon1 deeper than in the common nightingale2 the whole plumage1 in short1 is generally and in all parts deeper and darker4 ,,observations4--,the difference in the song is very remarkable4 ,the greater nightingale has a much stronger1 louder1 and deeper voice2 but it sings more slowly and more unconnectedly2 it has not that astonishing variety1 those charming protractions1 and harmonious conclusions of the common nightingale2 it mutilates all the strains2 and1 on this account1 its song has been compared to the missel-thrush1 to which1 however1 it is superior in softness and pureness4 ,the common nightingale is superior in delicacy and variety1 but inferior in force and brilliancy4 ,the greater nightingale sings generally in the night1 so that it is the real night-singer2 while among nightingales this is rather uncommon4 ,its voice is so loud that it is almost impossible to bear it in a room4 ,it is necessary to keep it always outside the window1 either by hanging its cage there1 or by opening from it a sort of passage into which it can remove4 ,its call is also very different2 hi6 glack arrr6 ,it seems also to pronounce ,david1 ,jacob1 and generally begins its song by the latter word4 ,if the song is complete1 it consists of the following strains3-- ,guia1 gu1 gu1 gu4 ,hajai1 hajai1 dzu1 dzu1 dzu1 dzu4 ,gorgu1 guguguguguh1 ,hoa goigoigoi gui4 ,dzicka1 dzicka1 dzicka4 ,davitt1 davitt1 davitt4 ,gogock1 gogock4 ,guedum1 guedum1 guedum1 guedum1 gue6 ,gai1 goi1 goi1 goi1 guirrrr4 ,golka1 golka1 golka1 golk4 ,hia1 guiaguiaguiaguia4 ,glockglockglockglockglockglock4 ,gueai1 gueaigueai gui6 ,goi1 guaguaguagua guagui4 ,heid1 heid1 heid1 heid hi4 ,voi dada6 voi dada6 ,gai1 gai1 gai1 gai1 guirr1 guirr4 ,hoi1 gueguegue gui4 ,hoi goi4 ,this bird is not found in any part of ,thuringia4 ,there are some in ,silesia1 ,bohemia1 ,pomerania1 near ,wittenberg1 ,halle1 and ,dessau2 but in ,austria1 ,hungary1 and ,poland1 they are in some districts more abundant than the common nightingale#he4 ,they generally settle among the bushes of the hills and plains1 and especially near rivers4 ,when caged they are fed like nightingales4 ,they are less delicate1 however1 and live much longer4 ,they are chiefly brought from ,vienna to ,thuringia1 whence they have the name of ,vienna ,nightingales4 ,some people make a business of fetching them from ,hungary1 in the beginning of ,april1 where they buy them cheap1 in order to sell them very dear1 in ,saxony and other remote provinces4 ,those from ,hungary are preferred to the ,polish4 ,a distinguishing characteristic is1 that they first pronounce the davitt or jacob only once when they call2 while the second repeat davitt many times in succession4 ,at ,thorn1 and all along the ,vistula1 where the common and the large nightingale equally abound1 the latter is called the ,polish ,nightingale1 and the former1 the ,nightingale of ,saxony4 ,the nest of the greater nightingale is built like that of the nightingale2 but the eggs are larger1 and of an olive brown1 with dark shades4 ,these birds are caught like nightingales2 their diseases1 also1 are similar2 but they appear to suffer still more when moulting2 they become dull and ill1 and often die under it4 ,it is usual to give them at this crisis some spiders1 and the grubs which gnaw wood2 what1 however1 after many experiments1 appears most salutary1 is the ,golden ,tincture of ,halle#hf1 one or two drops of which are poured into the drinking-trough4 ,,the ,,blackcap4 ,sylvia atricapilla1 ,,bechstein2 ,la ,fauvette tte noire1 ,,buffon2 ,die schwarzkpfige ,grasmcke1 ,,bechstein4 ,this distinguished singer among birds1 bears1 in ,germany1 the name of ,monk1 or ,moor1 from the black or brown cap which covers the top of his head4 ,these two colours have led some to divide them into two species1 but it is quite certain that they only designate the sex2 the black marking the male1 and the brown the female4 ,its length is five inches and five-sixths1 two and a half of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is five lines in length1 formed like that of the nightingale1 and is of a brownish blue1 with the edges of the lower base and the interior of a yellowish white2 the iris maroon2 the feet ten lines high1 are dark ash-colour2 all the top of the head is black2 the cheeks and upper part of the neck are light ash-colour2 the upper part of the body1 as well as the coverts of the wings1 ash-colour1 tending to olive2 the under part of the body is light grey1 fading to white under the belly and breast2 the sides and thighs are the same colour as the back2 the under coverts of the tail and wings are speckled gray and white2 the pen-feathers and tail-feathers are dark brown1 edged with the colour of the back4 ,the female is rather larger2 her cap is reddish brown2 the upper part of her body reddish grey1 tending to olive2 the cheeks and throat are light grey2 the breast1 the sides1 and the thighs1 are light grey1 varying to light olive2 the belly is reddish white4 ,the silky plumage of this bird is so delicate and frail1 that it is rare to see one in confinement1 whether hopping freely1 or caged1 which has not its tail or its wings disfigured4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 this bird is found throughout ,europe1 inhabiting woods and orchards1 or their vicinity2 it particularly loves thick copse-wood4 ,in ,september it leaves our climate1 and returns about the middle of ,april1 to enliven our woods by its brilliant and well supported song4 ,in confinement1 when it is allowed to hop about1 it is provided with a branch1 or a roost furnished with several sticks1 because it walks with difficulty1 and prefers perching1 on which account a cage is better adapted to it4 ,at the time for departure1 these birds1 urged by the instinct to travel1 are much agitated1 especially in the night1 by moonlight4 ,the desire to rove is so strong1 that they often fall ill and die4 ,,food4--,when wild1 the blackcap feeds on small caterpillars1 butterflies1 flies1 in short1 of all kinds1 on insects and their grubs2 in time of need1 on berries and fruits also#hg4 ,in confinement this bird does very well on the universal paste1 with which a little bruised hemp seed is mixed1 and occasionally meal worms1 ants' eggs1 or insects4 ,in summer and autumn he is supplied with elderberries1 and they are also dried1 in order that he may have some in winter1 soaked in water1 which is found very good for his health4 ,he is a great eater1 and when at liberty in the bird room partakes of everything1 meat1 bread1 and even vegetables4 ,as he is generally caught in the autumn he is soon accustomed to artificial food1 by having elderberries and meal worms mixed with it for several successive days4 ,he is fond of bathing1 and must be always well supplied with fresh water4 ,,breeding4--,this species generally lays but once a year1 occasionally twice1 and even thrice4 ,his nest1 placed near the ground1 generally in a hedge or bush of white-thorn1 is hemispherical1 solid1 and well built2 the outside of stalks1 deserted cocoons1 and stubble1 the inside of fine soft hay1 mixed with hair4 ,it contains from four to six eggs1 of a yellowish white mottled with yellow and spotted with brown4 ,the young are fed with small caterpillars1 insects1 and currants2 those which are brought up by hand are fed with white bread and milk4 ,the charming tone of their voice gives to their own song1 as well as to that of the nightingale and canary1 which they easily learn to imitate1 a sweetness and grace which are enchanting4 ,before moulting there is so little difference between the young males and females that it requires great skill to distinguish them1 for the cap of the former is only a slight shade darker of olive brown1 and the back a greyish brown1 rather more tinted with olive2 but on the first moulting the head of the male begins to blacken first behind the beak1 while that of the female retains its original colour1 except that it becomes more bright and distinct4 ,when it is wished to ascertain the sex of these young birds1 the best plan is to pull out a few brown feathers from the head2 if it is a male1 black ones will come up in their place1 and thus there will be no danger of taking females by mistake2 these1 however1 would soon be known1 because the males begin to warble as soon as they are able to fly and feed themselves4 ,,diseases4--,the blackcap is subject to the same diseases as the nightingale1 but is more frequently attacked by decline4 ,as soon as the symptoms appear he must be fed with a great many meal worms and ants' eggs1 and his drinking water must be impregnated with iron1 by putting a nail into it4 ,those which are left to run about the room are apt to lose their feathers4 ,under such circumstances they must be caged1 and exposed to the warmth of the sun or the fire2 they must be well fed1 especially with the food given to nightingales2 these methods generally restore them1 and their feathers are gradually renewed4 ,a tepid bath1 repeated for two or three days1 is very likely to help their development4 ,in epileptic or paralytic attacks ,i make them swallow1 with great success1 two or three drops of olive oil2 ,i lately had the pleasure of seeing the success of this remedy on a bird of this species suffering from an apoplectic fit1 and which dragged his little paralysed foot about the room where he lived uncaged2 he is now quite recovered1 very gay1 and active2 his song was never before so delightful to me4 ,these birds generally live in captivity as long as nightingales4 ,,modes ,,of ,,taking4--,every taste but that of the palate must be destroyed if this charming bird is caught for the table4 ,besides1 it is by no means numerous2 but if it is desired as an ornament to the house1 snares baited with currants must be laid for it in ,july and ,august1 the greatest care being taken to save the feet1 which are very likely to be broken4 ,patience is very necessary in order to succeed1 for it is a very suspicious bird1 approaching slowly1 and falling into the snare only when pressed by hunger4 ,the same suspicious disposition causes it to repair with repugnance to the water trap1 though in other situations it delights in water1 and often bathes4 ,if it perceives anything unusual it will remain for hours without approaching1 and will pass twenty times by currants which are hung up as a bait without touching them1 though very greedy of this food2 but if it sees another bird bathe1 or drink1 it takes courage1 and soon falls into the trap4 ,the young1 before moulting1 still foolish and inexperienced1 are more careless1 and may be taken in great numbers in autumn2 and in the spring they are as easy to catch as the nightingale1 by means of a net or limed twigs1 in a place cleared from moss and turf1 and baited with meal worms and ants' eggs4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,it is perhaps a sufficient eulogium to say that this bird rivals the nightingale1 and many persons even give it the preference4 ,if it has less volume1 strength1 and expression1 it is more pure1 easy1 and flute-like in its tones1 and its song is perhaps more varied1 smooth1 and delicate4 ,it sings also for a much longer period1 both when wild and in confinement1 its song being hardly suspended throughout the year by day1 and prolonged1 like that of the nightingale1 far into the night1 though begun at dawn4 ,the female sings also1 but in a more limited degree1 very much like the red-breast1 which has caused it to be mistaken for a particular species with a redcap4 ,the call is a sort of smart tack1 repeated quickly several times4 ,the sudden view of an unknown object1 or of an imminent danger1 makes it utter a hoarse disagreeable cry of fear1 very like a cat when hurt#hh4 ,,the ,,fauvette4 ,sylvia hortensis1 ,,latham2 ,la ,fauvette1 ,,buffon2 ,die graue ,grasmcke1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is five inches1 two and a half of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak1 five lines in length1 and formed as in the preceding1 is brown below1 light lead-colour above1 and whitish within2 the iris is brownish grey2 the feet1 nine lines high1 are strong1 and lead-colour2 the upper part of the body is reddish grey1 tinted slightly with olive brown2 the cheeks are darker1 and round the eyes whitish2 the under part of the body1 including the breast and sides1 is light reddish grey2 the belly is white as far as the under coverts of the tail1 which are tinged with reddish grey2 the knees are grey2 the pen-feathers and tail-feathers are brownish grey1 edged with the colour of the back1 and spotted with white at the tips2 the under coverts of the wings are reddish yellow4 ,the female differs only in having the under part of the body1 as far as the breast1 of a lighter colour4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 this bird1 which is found all over ,europe1 appears to prefer the groves and bushes which skirt the forests1 as well as orchards in their vicinity4 ,he arrives some days before the nightingale1 and departs at the end of ,september4 ,in confinement he is treated like the blackcap1 and1 being more delicate1 must be furnished with a cage4 ,,food4--,when wild the fauvette feeds on small caterpillars and the other little insects which are found on the bushes1 where he is continually searching for them1 uttering at the same time the sweetest and softest song4 ,after midsummer he appears very fond of cherries2 he eats the pulp up to the stone1 and this causes his beak to be at this season always stained2 he also likes red currants and elderberries4 ,in confinement he is so great an eater that if he is not caged he hardly ever quits the feeding-trough of the nightingale4 ,though he is more easily tamed than the blackcap1 he seldom survives more than two or three years1 and the artificial food is no doubt the cause4 ,he appears very fond of the universal paste2 but ,i have often observed that it causes the feathers to fall off to so great a degree that he becomes almost bare1 and then ,i think he dies of cold rather than from any other cause#hi4 ,,breeding4--,the nest of the fauvette1 placed in a hedge or bush of white-thorn1 at about three feet above the ground1 is well built on the outside with blades of grass and roots1 and inside with the finest and softest hay1 very seldom with moss4 ,the edges are fastened with spiders' webs and dry cocoons4 ,the female lays four or five eggs1 of a yellowish white1 spotted all over with light ash grey and olive brown4 ,the young1 which are hatched after fifteen days' sitting1 are no sooner fledged than they jump out of the nest the moment it is approached4 ,,diseases4--,they are the same as in the blackcap2 but the fauvette is still more subject to the loss of its feathers4 ,it fattens so fast upon the first universal paste that it often dies from this cause4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds may be caught during the whole of the summer with nooses and springes baited with cherries1 red currants1 or elderberries4 ,they go also very readily to the water trap1 from seven to nine in the morning1 and in the evening a little before sunset4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,of the inhabitants of our woods1 says ,buffon1 fauvettes are the most numerous and agreeable4 ,lively1 nimble1 always in motion1 they seem occupied only with play and pleasure2 as their accents express only joy1 it is a pretty sight to watch them sporting1 pursuing1 and enticing each other2 their attacks are gentle1 and their combats end with a song4 ,,the ,,white-,,breast#ij ,motacilla ,fruticeti1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,petite ,fauvette1 ,,buffon2 ,die rostgraue ,grasmcke1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird1 which is but little known1 resembles in most points the preceding1 but its figure is smaller and its plumage darker4 ,its length is four inches and three quarters1 of which two and a half 7being more than half of the whole7 belong to the tail4 ,the beak1 four lines in length1 is brown above and yellowish white below and on the edges2 the iris dark brown2 the feet1 nine lines in height1 are pale lead-colour2 all the upper part of the body1 comprising the wing-coverts1 is dusky reddish grey1 darker towards the head and lighter towards the rump4 ,i have never been able to discover any difference between the plumage of the male and female4 ,,observations4--,this bird arrives among us towards the end of ,april4 ,it frequents hilly places covered with bushes and briars1 among which it builds its nest1 about four or five feet from the ground1 and among the thickest foliage4 ,the eggs1 five in number1 are whitish1 mottled with bluish brown1 and speckled with dark maroon4 ,incubation lasts but thirteen days4 ,at first the young are fed with the smallest caterpillars1 afterwards with larger ones1 flies1 and other insects2 but as soon as they can fly they accompany their parents in search of cherries1 red currants1 elderberries1 and1 later in the season1 the berries of the service tree4 ,the family departs together in the month of ,september1 and then some are taken in nooses or springes baited with elderberries4 ,but this species is not much valued1 and does not therefore excite the attention of bird-catchers1 who give the preference to the fauvette4 ,however1 this bird is an excellent singer1 and though his voice is not so clear and flute-like as that of the fauvette1 yet by skilfully introducing his call into his warble1 he produces a very striking and agreeable variety4 ,this species is fed and treated like the preceding1 but with still greater care1 for it is even more delicate4 ,with all my care ,i have never been able to preserve it more than two years at the utmost3 the difficulty1 however1 does not appear to proceed from the diet1 for being caught in the autumn it soon gets accustomed to the food of the nightingale1 by first giving it the berries which it selects in a state of freedom4 ,,the ,,dunnock1 ,,or ,,hedge ,,sparrow4 ,accentor modularis1 ,,bechstein2 ,la ,fauvette d'hiver1 ou ,traine ,buisson1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,braunelle1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 which in its gait resembles the wren1 seems also a link between its own species and that of the lark1 for it does not confine itself to insects2 it eats all sorts of small seeds1 such as those of the poppy and the grasses4 ,its length is five inches and a quarter1 two and a quarter of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak1 five lines in length1 is very sharp1 black1 whitish at the tip1 and the inside rose-colour2 the iris purple2 the legs1 nine lines in height1 are yellowish flesh-colour2 the narrow head is1 together with the neck1 dark ash-colour1 marked with very dark brown1 like that of the sparrow2 the breast a deep slate-colour4 ,the breast of the female is lighter and bluish grey2 she has also more brown spots on her head4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is found all over ,europe1 making its abode in thick deep forests4 ,it is with us a bird of passage2 but some individuals1 which come from quite the north1 remain during the winter near our dwellings1 searching the heaps of wood and stones1 the hedges and fences1 and1 like the wren1 entering barns and stables4 ,those which leave us return at the end of ,march1 stop for some time in the hedges1 and then penetrate into the woods4 ,in confinement this bird is so wakeful and gay that it may be safely left at liberty in the room1 having a roosting-place for the night2 it is also kept in a cage4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,bearded ,,tit4 ,,food4--,when wild1 the great variety of things which serve it for food prevent its ever being at a loss throughout the year4 ,it is equally fond of small insects and worms and small seeds4 ,in spring it feeds on flies1 caterpillars1 grubs1 and maggots1 which it seeks for in the hedges1 bushes1 and in the earth4 ,in summer it feeds chiefly on caterpillars2 in autumn on seeds of all kinds and elderberries2 and in winter1 when the snow has covered all seeds1 it has recourse to insects hid in the cracks and crevices of walls and trees4 ,in confinement it will eat anything that comes to table4 ,it is fond of the universal paste1 hemp1 rape1 and poppy-seeds1 and refuses none of these things immediately on being imprisoned1 and it soon seems as completely at ease as if accustomed to confinement#ia4 ,,breeding4--,this species lays generally twice a year2 placing its nest among the thickest bushes1 about five or six feet from the ground2 the outside is composed of mosses1 and fibres of roots1 and wood1 and the inside is lined with the fur of deer1 hares1 and the like4 ,the eggs1 five or six in number1 are bright bluish green4 ,the young are no sooner fledged than1 like the preceding1 they quit the nest4 ,their plumage is then very different from that of their parents3 the breast is spotted with grey and yellow1 the back with brown and black2 lastly1 the nostrils and angles of the beak are rose-coloured4 ,they are easily reared on white bread and poppy-seeds moistened with milk4 ,as soon as they are tamed these birds have a great inclination to build in the room4 ,the male and female collect all the little straws1 threads1 and similar materials which they can find1 to build a nest among the boughs with which they are supplied for the purpose4 ,the female lays even when solitary2 they may be paired with red-breasts1 and these unions succeed very well4 ,,diseases4--,if it were generally true1 that birds in a wild state are never ill1 this species must be excepted2 for1 however strange it may appear1 the young are subject to the small pox2 they are attacked by it while in the nest1 or even after they can fly4 ,i have a young bird of this kind1 which1 at a time when this disease prevailed in my neighbourhood1 took it2 he recovered1 however1 tolerably well1 but he entirely lost the tail-feathers1 which were never afterwards renewed4 ,old ones are sometimes caught or killed whose feet and eyes are ulcerated1 or have tumours on them2 perhaps they may be only chilblains4 ,weavers' stoves appear to be particularly injurious to these birds2 in two or three months their eyes swell1 and the feathers fall off all round them2 the beak is attacked with scurvy1 which spreads to the feet1 then all over the body2 but they nevertheless continue to live from eight to ten years in these rooms4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is very easy at their return in the spring4 ,as soon as they appear in the hedges1 where they soon discover themselves by the cry issri1 a little place near1 where the earth is bare1 must be found2 after having placed limed twigs1 and thrown among them earth or meal worms for a bait1 the dunnock is gently driven towards them without alarming him2 as soon as he perceives the worms he darts upon them and falls into the snare4 ,in the autumn they may be caught in the area and with a noose2 in winter in the white-throat's trap2 but they resort in the greatest numbers to the water trap1 not so much for the sake of bathing as to seek for dead insects or decayed roots4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,however agreeable this bird may be in the room1 from its good humour1 agility1 gaiety1 and song1 it does not deserve the name of winter nightingale1 which it bears in some places2 its song is too simple and short2 it is a little couplet1 composed of a strain of the lark and one of the wren4 ,the sounds tchondi1 hondi1 hondi are repeated frequently and for a long time1 always descending a sixth1 and gradually diminishing in power4 ,this song is accompanied with an uninterrupted movement of the wings and tail1 and lasts through the year1 except at the moulting season4 ,some young ones1 reared in confinement1 will1 if placed beside a fine singing bird1 learn enough of its song to embellish their own4 ,but1 whatever may be asserted on the subject1 they never succeed in imitating the nightingale4 ,when the dunnock disputes with its fellow captives for a place or for food its anger evaporates in a song1 like the crested lark and the wagtail4 ,,the ,,red-,,breast4 ,illustration ,motacilla rubecula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,rouge-gorge1 ,,buffon2 ,das ,rothkelchen1 ,,bechstein4 ,the red-breast is almost universally known in ,europe4 ,it is five inches and three quarters long1 two and a quarter of which belong to the tail4 ,the beak is five lines in length1 and horn brown1 with the lower base and the inside yellow2 the iris is deep brown2 the shanks1 eleven lines in height1 are of the same colour2 the forehead1 cheeks1 and under part of the body1 from the beak to the bottom of the breast1 are orange red2 the upper part of the body and the wing-coverts dingy olive2 the first wing-coverts have at their tip a little triangular spot4 ,the female1 which is rather smaller1 is not so orange-coloured on the forehead1 and this colour is not so bright upon the breast2 the shanks are a purplish brown2 yellow spots are almost always absent from the wing-coverts2 the old females alone having very small yellow marks4 ,the males of the first year1 which are caught in the spring1 very much resemble the females3 they have but very small yellow spots1 and sometimes none2 the breast is saffron yellow2 but the feet are the distinguishing mark1 being always very dark brown4 ,this species has varieties1 as the white red-breast and the variegated red-breast4 ,in confinement1 by sometimes removing successively the quill-feathers and tail-feathers out of the moulting season1 they will at last be replaced by white ones4 ,these birds are very pretty2 ,i have had several in this way1 but ,i have observed that these last feathers are so weak and delicate that they are easily injured and broken4 ,this repeated operation must give pain to the little creatures1 on which account it should be avoided4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 these birds are found in abundance during the period of migration1 on hedges and bushes1 but in summer they must be sought in the woods4 ,this retreat1 it has been said1 is necessary to their happiness3 the male is engrossed with the society of his mate1 all other company is troublesome2 he pursues eagerly the birds of his species1 and drives them from the district he has chosen for himself2 the same bush never contains two pairs of these birds4 ,the red-breasts return to us 7in ,germany7 about the middle of ,march#ib2 they stop for about a fortnight in the hedges1 and then proceed into the woods4 ,in ,october they return towards the bushes1 which they busily search as they travel1 and proceed gradually to their destination4 ,some delay their departure till ,november1 some will even remain here and there throughout the winter1 but generally to their cost1 as their life is usually sacrificed by these delays4 ,necessity then forces them to draw near to houses1 dunghills1 and stables1 where they are generally caught by men or cats1 or die of hunger and cold if the frost is long and severe1 and the snow deep4 ,care must be taken in hard weather not to transport them suddenly into a warm room1 the rapid change from cold to heat invariably kills them4 ,they should at first be put in a cold room1 and be gradually accustomed to warm air2 with these precautions they will do as well as those which are caught in the autumn or spring4 ,in confinement the inhabitants of my neighbourhood like to see red-breasts hopping about the room1 and they make a roost for them of oak or elm branches4 ,they find that this bird destroys flies and even bugs4 ,such a situation appears to agree with him very well1 as he lives in this way from ten to twelve years4 ,he is so jealous and unsociable that he must not have a companion2 he must be quite alone2 a second would cause battles which would end only with the death of one of the combatants2 if1 however1 they are equal in strength1 and in a large room1 they will divide it1 and each taking possession of his half1 they remain in peace1 unless one should pass his limits1 in which case war begins1 and is maintained to the last extremity4 ,in order the better to enjoy their pretty song1 they are provided with a cage generally resembling that of the nightingale4 ,,food4--,when wild the red-breast feeds on all sorts of insects1 which are pursued with great skill and agility2 sometimes this bird is seen fluttering like a butterfly round a leaf on which is a fly1 or if he sees an earth-worm he hops forward flapping his wings1 and seizes it4 ,in autumn he eats different sorts of berries4 ,in confinement1 by giving him at first some earth or meal worms1 and in the autumn elderberries1 he soon gets accustomed to eat anything3 he picks up crumbs of bread1 the little fibres of meat1 and the like1 but cheese appears his favourite food4 ,when hopping about the bird-room he likes the universal paste very much#ic4 ,he chiefly requires a regular supply of fresh water1 both for drinking and bathing2 and he makes himself so wet as to conceal the colours of his plumage4 ,,breeding4--,the red-breast lays twice a year4 ,the nest1 placed near the ground1 either among moss1 in the crevices of stones1 among the roots of a tree1 or in the hole of an old felled trunk1 is carelessly formed of moss1 lined with fine hay1 hair1 and feathers4 ,she lays from four to six eggs1 of a yellowish white1 with lines and spots joined and mixed together of a reddish colour2 the colours become deeper as the spots approach the large end1 where they form a crown of a light brown colour4 ,the young birds are at first covered with yellow down1 like chickens1 they then become grey1 and their feathers are edged with dusky yellow2 they do not acquire the orange red till they have moulted4 ,they are easily reared on white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,when their cage is placed beside a nightingale they acquire some parts of his song1 which1 introduced into their own1 make a very pretty mixture4 ,,diseases4--,their most common disorder is diarrhoea1 for which some spiders are administered4 ,decline is often cured with plenty of ants' eggs and meal-worms2 but indigestion often proves fatal1 especially when it arises from having eaten too many earth-worms4 ,it may1 however1 be cured by making the bird swallow spiders and meal-worms4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in spring1 when the red-breasts frequent the hedges and bushes1 sticks are passed transversely through them1 on which limed twigs are fastened1 then two persons gently beat the hedge or bush to drive the birds towards the twigs1 where they are soon caught1 for red-breasts have the habit of perching on all the little low projecting branches1 in order that they may discover earth-worms4 ,this sort of red-breast chase is very common in ,thuringia1 where many persons keep them4 ,limed twigs may also be put in a bare place with earth or meal-worms1 just as for the dunnock4 ,the small nightingale net and the white-throat trap catch many4 ,they are also caught at the water trap2 but the greatest number are caught in autumn with the noose1 baited with elderberries1 which are at that season their favourite food4 ,if they are caught for the room 7and it is a pity to hunt so pretty a bird for the table71 it is necessary1 in order to preserve their feet1 to cover the springes with felt or cork4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,his pretty plumage1 tricks1 and great sociability would be enough to make him charming4 ,he is soon tamed1 so as to come upon the table and eat from a plate or the hand2 his cheerfulness and agility must also give pleasure1 always in motion1 and bowing after every hop and calling sisri2 but he is particularly valued on account of his song4 ,this song is generally more perfect and altogether superior when he is caged than when hopping about the room4 ,there are however exceptions4 ,the red-breast sings throughout the year1 but in spring his voice is most brilliant and his melody most enchanting4 ,in a country residence it is very easy to teach this bird to go and come1 whether reared from the nest or caught full grown4 ,,the ,,blue-,,breast4 ,motacilla ,suecica1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,gorge bleue1 ,,buffon2 ,das ,blaukehlchen1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird may be considered as intermediate between the redstart and the common wagtail1 having very strong points of resemblance with both4 ,its length is five inches and a half1 of which the tail occupies two and a quarter4 ,the beak is sharp and blackish1 yellow at the angles2 the iris is brown2 the shanks are fourteen lines high1 of a reddish brown1 and the toes blackish2 the head1 the back1 and the wing-coverts are ashy brown1 mottled with a darker tint2 a reddish white line passes above the eyes2 the cheeks are dark brown1 spotted with rust red1 and edged at the side with deep ash grey2 a brilliant sky blue covers the throat and half way down the breast2 this is set off by a spot of the most dazzling white1 the size of a pea1 placed precisely over the gullet1 which1 enlarging and diminishing successively1 by the movement of this part when the bird sings1 produces the most beautiful effect4 ,some males have two little white spots on the throat1 some even have three1 while others have none2 these latter are probably very old1 for ,i have observed that as the bird grows older the blue deepens1 and the orange band becomes almost maroon4 ,it is easy to distinguish the female2 when young she has a celestial blue tint on the sides of the throat2 this tint deepens with age1 and forms two longitudinal lines on the sides of the neck2 no orange band2 the throat and gullet are yellowish blue1 edged longitudinally with a black line2 the feet are flesh-coloured4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this species exists all over ,europe#id4 ,it is a bird of passage1 and when returning towards the north1 in the beginning of ,april1 it stops in large flights near streams1 in hedges1 and damp fields1 comes even into courts1 and on the dunghills of farms1 if surprised by snow and a severe return of cold4 ,in the summer it frequents those parts among the mountains abounding with water2 in ,august it approaches cabbage fields enclosed by hedges or bushes4 ,it is very seldom that one or two pairs build in our country4 ,in confinement it may be let run about2 it soon grows so tame as to come when called1 and feed from the hand4 ,its rapid motions and races are amusing2 but it must not be allowed to fly high enough to get on the tables and furniture1 as it would soon dirty them4 ,it sings better and longer when caged4 ,the cage should be1 like the nightingale's1 large enough for the bird not to spoil its beautiful feathers2 the tail-feathers easily drop if they are rubbed4 ,,food4--,when wild the blue-breast feeds on all sorts of insects2 it also eats elderberries4 ,in confinement it must at first be fed with ants' eggs1 meal-worms1 and even some earth-worms4 ,if it is kept uncaged these things must be thrown upon the universal paste1 which it will thus learn to relish2 but though it is easily reconciled to it1 ants' eggs1 earth and meal-worms1 must nevertheless be occasionally supplied1 or it will soon die in decline4 ,when caged it is fed like nightingales1 and on that food it will live seven or eight years4 ,it is a great eater1 and can devour in a day its own weight of the first universal paste1 so that it mutes incessantly4 ,it requires a constant supply of fresh water for drinking and bathing3 it wets itself so much that it is completely drenched4 ,i have observed for several successive years that it never bathes till the afternoon#ie4 ,,diseases4--,diarrhoea and decline are its commonest disorders4 ,the treatment has been pointed out in the ,introduction4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,i often hear it said that the blue-breast is a rare bird2 that in some parts of ,germany it appears only every five1 or even ten1 years1 but ,i can declare that this opinion arises from a want of observation4 ,since ,i have taught my neighbours to be more attentive to the time of their passage1 they every year catch as many as they please4 ,if in the first fortnight of ,april1 up to the #bjth1 cold and snow return1 plenty may be found by merely following the streams1 rivers1 and ponds1 especially in the neighbourhood of a wood4 ,a proper place is chosen1 near the water and a bush1 meal and earth worms are thrown there1 with limed twigs1 and soon these poor birds1 if ever so little pushed towards it fall blindly into the snare2 they also fall into white-throat traps and nightingale nets4 ,in autumn1 when they frequent cabbage grounds to hunt for caterpillars1 plenty may be caught by planting here and there sticks with limed twigs fastened to them1 baited with meal-worms4 ,at this season they sometimes go to the water trap1 but this is not usual4 ,if it happens that any are caught in nooses or spring traps baited with elderberries1 hunger must have been the cause1 and they must have been entirely destitute of food4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its beauty1 sprightliness1 sociability1 and song1 unite in rendering the blue-breast delightful4 ,it runs very swiftly1 raises its tail with a jerk1 and extends it like a fan1 keeping it and the wings in perpetual motion1 uttering the cry of fide1 fide and tac1 tac4 ,it is unfortunate that it gradually loses the fine blue on the breast in successive moultings1 when confined to the house1 and becomes at length of a whitish grey4 ,in a few days it will become tame enough to eat meal-worms from the hand1 and it will not be long before it comes for them when called by the voice or whistle4 ,its song is very agreeable2 it sounds like two voices at once2 one deep1 resembling the gentle humming of a violin string1 the other the soft sound of a flute4 ,when at liberty in the room it always seeks the sunshine1 and sleeps on its belly4 ,its notes very much resemble those of the common wagtail1 but much improved by a violin-like hum4 ,,the ,,common ,,wagtail4 ,illustration ,motacilla alba1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,lavandire1 ,,buffon2 ,die weisse ,bachstelze1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 well known throughout the old world1 is seven inches in length1 of which the tail measures three and a half4 ,the beak1 five lines long1 is black1 and very pointed2 the iris is dark2 the shanks1 an inch in height1 are slender1 and black2 the upper part of the head1 as far as the nape1 is black1 but the rest of the upper part of the body1 the sides of the breast1 and lesser wing-coverts1 are bluish ash grey2 the forehead1 cheeks1 and sides of the neck are white as snow2 the throat1 as far as the middle of the breast1 is black4 ,the female is without the white forehead and cheeks1 the black top to the head being somewhat smaller4 ,some females have been found with very little of the black cap1 and even without it1 the head then being of the same colour as the back4 ,the young ones1 which are seen in large flocks with the yellow wagtail around herds of cattle1 are so different before the first moulting1 that they have been considered a distinct species1 under the name of the grey wagtail 7,motacilla cinerea74 ,in fact1 the whole of the upper part of the body is grey1 more or less pale2 the throat and belly dusky white2 the breast is generally crossed by a band1 sometimes entire1 sometimes broken1 of a grey or brownish colour1 and the quill-feathers are whitish on the outer edge4 ,it is not surprising to find varieties amongst birds so numerous4 ,some are quite white1 others variegated1 or speckled with white4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is found equally near houses1 in the fields and mountains1 and in every place where insects and worms are in plenty4 ,it is in ,germany a bird of passage1 which assembles in autumn on the tiles1 like the swallow1 to prepare for its departure in the first fortnight of ,october#if4 ,it returns towards the end of ,february or beginning of ,march1 though the weather be not mild2 it may come thus early without danger1 as it does not fear to approach houses1 on the walls of which it finds flies that the spring sun has drawn from their retreat2 and in the streams it also finds abundance of aquatic insects4 ,in the house it may be kept in a cage1 or allowed to range2 but in either case it is necessary to scatter plenty of sand about1 as it is a very dirty little bird4 ,,food4--,when wild1 it feeds on gnats1 water-spiders1 aquatic insects1 flies1 and insects that fasten on cattle1 round which it often roams4 ,it also follows the ploughman to feed on the insects turned up by the plough4 ,in the house nothing tames it so soon as ants' eggs1 meal-worms1 flies1 and other insects4 ,by degrees it acquires a taste for other food4 ,in the cage it must be fed in the same manner as the nightingale4 ,,breeding4--,this species breeds two or three times in the course of the season4 ,its nest1 placed in a hole1 in a crevice between stones1 or even under a tile1 is carelessly formed of moss1 small roots1 hay1 or something of the kind1 and lined with hair and wool4 ,it lays five or six eggs1 of a bluish white1 spotted with black4 ,the young ones brought up from the nest become so tame1 that they will go and return like a pigeon1 build in the room1 and seek for food for their little ones in the fields4 ,,diseases4--,though very subject to diarrhoea1 this and the two following species may be preserved in a room five or six years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,if there is snow on the ground on their return in ,march1 it is only necessary to clear a place 7below the window will do71 and scatter meal-worms amongst limed twigs1 or place these on stones or wood where the birds assemble1 or even fasten a meal-worm to a limed twig1 loosely stuck in the earth1 and you may soon catch a wagtail4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its handsome plumage1 its sprightliness1 its quick and elegant motions1 please one as much as its pretty song1 which1 without being striking1 is varied1 and continues the whole year1 except during moulting4 ,i always keep a wagtail amongst my birds1 and when the blackcap1 the blue-breast1 the lark1 and the linnet sing1 it seems to form a counter-tenor4 ,,the ,,grey ,,wagtail4 ,illustration3 ,,grey ,,wagtail4 ,motacilla ,boarula1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,bergeronette1 ,,buffon2 ,die graue ,bachstelze1 ,,bechstein4 ,this beautiful species1 like the preceding1 is seven inches in length1 of which the tail alone measures four4 ,the beak is black2 the iris brown2 the legs1 nine lines high1 dark flesh-coloured2 the upper part of the body1 including the lesser wing-coverts1 dark ash-grey2 the head slightly tinted with olive1 and the rump a fine yellow green2 there is a white streak above the eyes1 and another1 beginning at the inferior base of the beak1 descends the sides of the neck1 whilst a black streak extends from the superior base as far as the eyes2 the chin and throat are black1 but the breast and under part of the body are of the finest yellow4 ,the throat of the female is not black1 but pale orange2 her colours are generally less bright4 ,males a year or two old are without the fine black throat2 it is clouded with white4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state1 these wagtails are found throughout ,europe2 but in the greatest number in mountainous and wooded parts1 where the brooks flow over beds of pebbles4 ,they are birds of passage1 and return amongst us the end of ,february or beginning of ,march4 ,a few have been observed to remain during mild winters1 when they take up their abode near dunghills or warm springs4 ,in the house they should be kept in a nightingale's cage1 and treated like one2 they are so delicate1 that with the greatest care they can rarely be preserved two years4 ,,food4--,when wild they prefer aquatic insects1 and are continually chasing them among the plants and stones by the water-side4 ,in the house they should be fed on the same food as the nightingale1 to which they may be gradually accustomed1 by throwing amongst it meal-worms and ants' eggs4 ,,breeding4--,their nests1 placed by the water-side1 in mill-dikes1 or heaps of stones1 are formed with rather more art than those of the preceding species4 ,they begin to lay as early as ,march1 five or six white eggs1 mottled with flesh-colour4 ,the young ones must be reared on ants' eggs and the crumb of white bread1 soaked in boiled milk4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is very simple2 it is only to plant sticks with limed twigs and meal-worms attached to them1 on the banks1 or in the middle of a stream which they frequent2 you will not have to wait long before some are caught4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,they are as pleasing as the common wagtail2 but their plumage is more brilliant1 and their voice stronger4 ,their beautiful clear trilling sound renders their song agreeable1 though rather short4 ,,the ,,yellow ,,wagtail4 ,motacilla flava1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,bergeronette du printemps1 ,,buffon2 ,die gelbe ,bachstelze1 ,,bechstein4 ,this might almost be mistaken for the female of the preceding species2 but it is smaller1 or rather shorter1 as its tail is not so long1 measuring only two inches and a half4 ,the total length of this bird is six inches and a half2 the beak is dusky2 the iris nut brown2 the shanks ten lines high1 and black2 the upper part of the body reddish grey1 with a decided olive tint1 which on the rump becomes a canary green2 the head inclines more to grey than green1 and above the eyes is a reddish white streak2 the under part of the body is of a fine yellow1 which becomes citron from age1 and is palest at the throat and breast4 ,the back of the female is greyer2 the belly of a less beautiful yellow2 the throat whitish1 and1 with the breast as far as the belly1 spotted with red or rust colour1 in the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild1 this species1 better known than the preceding1 is found throughout the plains of ,europe1 running about the pastures amongst the sheep and cattle4 ,they assemble in ,september1 and depart for warmer countries in large flights1 uttering the cry sipp1 sipp6 in a clear tone2 they return in ,march4 ,it must be treated like the grey wagtail1 in the house2 but it is not so delicate4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on flies and other insects that tease the cattle4 ,in the house it must be fed like the preceding4 ,,breeding4--,its nest1 made of stubble1 and lined with wool1 is placed at the water-side1 or in a deserted mole-hill1 sometimes in the grass1 or corn1 like the lark's4 ,it breeds twice in the year1 each time laying five or six eggs1 grey-blue1 spotted all over with reddish grey1 and very like those described above4 ,the under parts of the young birds are much paler than in the old ones4 ,they must be reared on ants' eggs and white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds are not very easily caught2 at least1 ,i have always found it very difficult to succeed2 and1 therefore1 one is reduced to the necessity of placing limed twigs on the nest1 which is cruel4 ,if snow should fall1 however1 after their return in spring1 some of them may be taken1 by clearing a convenient place1 and scattering there meal-worms amongst limed twigs1 if you succeed in bringing the birds near4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its beauty and agreeable song make this bird a desirable acquisition2 but with every possible attention1 ,i have never been able to keep one more than two years4 ,,the ,,wheatear4 ,illustration ,motacilla ,o,enanthe1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',o,enanthe1 ou ,le ,culblanc1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,weisschwanz1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird1 found throughout ,europe and the northern parts of ,asia1 resembles the wagtail in size and air2 but its tail being only an inch and ten lines1 its total length is only five inches and a half4 ,the beak1 seven lines long1 is black1 as well as the iris and feet2 the shanks are an inch high2 the forehead white1 and a white streak passes above the eyes1 crossed by a black line springing from the nostrils1 which also tints the cheeks2 all the upper parts of the body and the scapulars are of a light ash-grey colour1 slightly tinged with a reddish hue4 ,the back of the female is reddish grey1 and the under parts of the body darker than in the male2 the lesser wing-coverts are edged with rust-red1 and the white of the tail is not so clear as in the male1 but is of a reddish tint4 ,the young ones1 before moulting1 are spotted with red on a dark brown ground1 on the upper part of the body2 on the under speckled with orange and black4 ,after moulting1 both males and females retain for another year the colour of the female on the back1 that is to say1 reddish grey4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this species frequents stony and mountainous places2 and1 during their migration1 they may be seen resting in the fields1 on the tops of isolated stakes1 and other similar places2 rarely on trees or bushes4 ,they take their departure during the first fortnight in ,september1 and return towards the middle of ,april1 when white frosts cease4 ,in the house these birds must be kept in nightingales' cages1 or shut up behind a grating1 and not suffered to range until accustomed in their prison to their new food2 for1 unless taken good care of at first1 they will soon die4 ,they can rarely be tamed4 ,,food4--,when wild they feed on flies and other insects1 which they catch as they run along4 ,in the house they must be given plenty of meal-worms and ants' eggs as soon as they are taken2 for1 if not fed profusely1 they will die1 and what is rather astonishing1 of diarrhoea1 although they have not eaten any of the common house-food4 ,afterwards they may be fed on nightingales' food1 and occasionally on white bread soaked in boiled milk2 yet1 with every attention1 they can rarely be preserved more than two years4 ,,breeding4--,their nests1 formed of stalks of grass and feathers1 are generally placed in the crevices of some stone-quarry1 sometimes in holes on the banks of streams or rivers1 or in an empty mole-hill1 or even on a heap of stones4 ,they lay from five to six eggs1 of a greenish white4 ,to rear the young ones1 they must be taken when half-fledged1 and fed on ants' eggs and white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,limed twigs must be placed on the stones or stakes where these birds rest1 or even on sticks fixed in the ground for the purpose1 and they must be driven gently towards the snares4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,no one would take the trouble to tame a full-grown wheatear1 unless passionately fond of keeping birds4 ,i have one1 that1 by the use of plenty of fresh ants' eggs1 has been accustomed to range the room4 ,its plumage is pleasing1 its actions graceful2 it is continually waving and spreading its fine tail4 ,its song is passable1 but is interrupted every now and then by a kind of scream4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,wheatear4 ,the present interesting species generally arrives in this country about the middle of ,march1 and leaves it again the latter end of ,september or the beginning of ,october1 though ,i one year saw a pair in ,hyde ,park as late as the #agth of ,november4 ,in a wild state they are generally to be found on downs and commons1 and in ,sussex some hundred dozens are caught annually by the shepherds1 who sell them for the sake of their flesh1 which is very delicious1 particularly in autumn1 when they become very fat4 ,this is a very interesting bird in confinement1 and is almost continually singing2 it will also sing by night as well as by day1 if there is a light in the room where it is kept2 it has a very pleasant1 variable1 and agreeable song1 different from all other birds1 which1 in confinement1 it continues all the winter4 ,when a pair of them are kept together in a large cage or aviary1 it is very amusing to see them at play with each other1 flying up and down1 and spreading open their long wings in a curious manner1 dancing and singing at the same time4 ,i have very little doubt but a young bird1 brought up from the nest1 might be taught to talk1 as they are very imitative4 ,when wild the present species feeds entirely on insects1 so that the more it has given it when in confinement1 the better4 ,there are very few sorts of insects that it will refuse1 except the common earth-worm2 small beetles1 cockroaches1 crickets1 grasshoppers1 most sorts of caterpillars1 butterflies1 moths1 earwigs1 woodlice1 the common maggots1 and almost all other sorts of insects it is very fond of1 and the more that is given it1 the finer will be its song4 ,its common food is bruised hemp-seed and bread1 intermixed with fresh1 raw1 lean meat2 also a little of the yolk of an egg boiled hard occasionally for a change4 ,,the ,,whinchat4 ,montacilla ,rubetra1 ,linnus2 ,le ,tarier1 ou ,le ,grand ,traquet1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,braunkehliger ,steinschmtzer1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is a delicate bird that is met with throughout ,europe1 among scattered bushes and abrupt declivities4 ,it is four inches ten lines in length1 of which the tail measures an inch and a half4 ,the beak is black1 as also the legs1 which are nine lines high2 the upper parts of the body are dusky1 in very old birds black1 but streaked with pale rust-red1 as all the feathers are edged with this colour2 a white line1 beginning at the nostrils1 passes above the eyes as far as the ears2 the cheeks are dusky1 spotted with chestnut2 the throat and breast are yellow1 inclining to orange1 the former edged with white on the sides and chin4 ,the colours are paler in the female1 the streak above the eyes is yellowish2 the upper part of the body dark brown1 spotted with rust2 the cheeks dark brown2 the throat reddish-white2 the breast pale orange1 with small round1 black and brown spots1 which gradually disappear from age4 ,these birds vary till the third year4 ,the young ones1 which may be seen perched on cabbages and other plants1 even on strong wheat stalks1 have the whole of the upper part of the body covered with red and blackish spots1 and each feather edged with this colour before the first moulting2 the under part of the body is like the female4 ,i killed two in their second year1 that still had dusky spots on the breast1 though they had become darker on the back2 in general1 the two sexes may be distinguished by the deep brown of the cheeks and back4 ,,habitation4--,when wild they generally frequent the skirts of woods4 ,they appear amongst us the beginning of ,may1 and depart towards the end of ,september4 ,in ,august they may be seen scattered over the fields1 on the stalks of plants1 or detached bushes4 ,in the house they must be kept in a nightingale's cage4 ,,breeding4--,the nest1 constructed of dried grass mixed with moss1 lined with hair and feathers1 is commonly placed in a tuft of grass in the middle of a meadow or orchard4 ,the females lay five or six eggs1 of a fine light blue4 ,young ones reared on ants' eggs succeed much better than those taken full grown4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in spring1 when some of these birds are seen in a field or meadow1 sticks1 furnished with limed twigs1 should be stuck there1 and the birds gently driven to that side1 to induce them to settle1 which they will soon do4 ,in summer1 the noose1 spring-trap1 and limed twigs1 must be employed in the following manner3--,if the noose is used1 a stake must be set up1 about three feet high1 slit at the top to put in crossways a stick three inches long1 and the noose is placed an inch and a half above1 to be of the height of the bird's breast when it is perched on the stick4 ,if limed twigs are used1 forked switches three feet long should be employed3 the fork1 four inches in length1 must be covered with bird-lime4 ,spring-traps or gins must be suspended to small stakes or cabbage stalks4 ,as soon as a sufficient number of these spring-traps1 snares1 and limed twigs1 are prepared1 they must be carried to a cabbage garden1 when a number of these whinchats has been seen2 there fix the stakes in cross lines1 two or three paces apart2 then go to the end of the garden and drive the birds gently towards the snares2 they jump from one cabbage stalk to another till they approach the stakes2 then you stop1 and in a short time the birds are caught one after another4 ,when they are caught1 the prisoners must be taken out and the snares arranged again2 then go to the other end and again drive the birds forward as before1 and thus continue till the sport is over4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,however gay this bird may appear when free1 it becomes sad and melancholy in the house4 ,if permitted to range1 it only moves to procure food1 and then returns to its accustomed place1 and keeps its head sunk on its breast4 ,its pleasing song very much resembles the goldfinch's2 but what makes it more admired1 is1 that it is not only heard during the day1 but also in the evening1 and sometimes during the night4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,whinchat4 ,this pretty species is also known by the name of ,furze ,chat1 and is very often confounded with the stonechat1 which is a very different species4 ,it generally visits this country in the beginning of ,april1 and leaves us towards the end of ,september4 ,all the fore part of the season it visits commons1 where it may be seen on the furze bushes1 flying backwards and forwards after the insects that pass4 ,it builds its nest on the ground in a thicket1 which it covers up with dry grass1 so that it is impossible to find it without watching the old ones1 either in carrying materials to build1 or food to their young4 ,i have generally found them with six or seven young ones1 which1 with care1 are easily bred up from the nest1 keeping them warm1 dry1 and clean1 and feeding them with the same sorts of food as recommended for the old ones2 they should not be taken till quite fledged1 and should at first be placed in a little basket with covers1 as they will then readily open their mouths for food4 ,i consider those reared from the nest much the best1 or such as are caught very young1 as they may then be taught any tune1 or will learn the song of any bird they hear1 their own song not being a very good one4 ,this bird may be considered as one of the tenderest of the tribe1 being very susceptible of cold4 ,it is one of my greatest favourites4 ,one that ,i bred from the nest by hand1 learnt the song of the white-throat1 the redstart1 willow-wren1 nightingale1 and also that of a missel-thrush1 which it frequently heard singing in a garden near by2 of this latter song it was so fond1 that we were frequently obliged to put our favourite out of the room1 not being able to bear its loud notes2 it was certainly the best bird ,i ever kept of any kind1 singing nearly the whole year through1 and varying its song continually2 the only fault was its strong voice4 ,at last1 our favourite was turned out of its cage by a mischievous servant on a cold winter day1 when we were from home for about an hour1 and we could not entice it back2 it most probably died of the cold1 or took its flight to a warmer region4 ,i scarcely entertain any hopes of ever getting such another2 the food of the present species is precisely the same as the last4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,stonechat4 ,this1 like the preceding1 is generally to be found on hills and commons1 harbouring chiefly amongst the furze bushes1 and feeds1 as far as ,i have observed1 entirely on insects4 ,it is not so tender as the whinchat1 some few of them occasionally stopping in this country all the winter4 ,it feeds1 when wild1 on small beetles1 flies1 as also all sorts of butterflies1 moths1 caterpillars1 woodlice1 and various other insects4 ,in confinement their food must be the same as the whinchat's4 ,they soon become very tame1 and if bred up from the nest will learn the notes of other birds1 which are in general better than their own4 ,their own song1 though loud1 is very short1 but they have a strong voice to repeat the notes of another bird4 ,,the ,,white-,,throat4 ,illustration ,sylvia cinerea1 ,,bechstein2 ,le ,fauvette grise ou ,grisette1 ,,buffon2 ,die gemeine ,grasmcke1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is five inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two and three-quarters4 ,the beak1 five lines long1 is dusky above and greyish beneath1 with the corners and interior of the throat yellow2 the iris is greyish brown2 the shanks are brownish flesh-coloured1 and ten lines high2 the head is ash-grey3 the cheeks1 neck1 back1 rump1 tail-coverts and lesser wing-coverts1 are also ash-grey1 but tinged with brown1 deeper on the back than elsewhere2 the throat and belly are fine white4 ,the female1 rather smaller and lighter1 rust-coloured on the wings1 has not a fine white throat like the male4 ,,habitation4--,when wild the white-throat is spread through ,europe4 ,they leave us the beginning of ,october1 and are then observed to retire from bush to bush1 and from hedge to hedge4 ,they reappear towards the middle of ,april1 fluttering about the bushes in the fields1 the brambles1 thickets1 underwood of the low mountains1 and the orchards1 running about very swiftly4 ,in the house they must be treated in the same manner as the fauvette2 but they are much more delicate4 ,an amateur had better rear young birds1 and treat them like nightingales4 ,it is the only way to keep them many years4 ,,food4--,when wild these birds are constantly seeking among the bushes for all kinds of insects1 grubs1 and especially small caterpillars4 ,when1 from the air becoming cooler1 the supply of this sort of food lessens1 they immediately substitute for it currants1 cherries1 and elderberries4 ,in the house they must be fed1 as we said before1 on nightingales' food4 ,they may1 however1 be given1 occasionally1 barley meal and white bread soaked in boiled milk2 but this food alone will not agree with them1 for they will upon it gradually lose their feathers1 till at length they become quite bare4 ,it is a good thing in summer to give them elderberries1 though they may be red1 and in winter dried ones1 after soaking them in water4 ,,breeding4--,the nest is formed of small grass stems and moss1 and lined with horse-hair4 ,it is placed in a thick bush1 near the ground1 or among roots at the water side1 sometimes even in tufts of grass4 ,the eggs1 from four to six in number1 are greenish white1 spotted with olive green1 and speckled at the large end with dark ash-grey4 ,the young leave the nest so soon that it is difficult to take them from it4 ,their first plumage resembles full-grown ones1 and the females may be known by the fainter tint of fawn brown with which the wing-feathers are edged4 ,i have reared them easily on ants' eggs4 ,they soon learn to peck alone1 and are tolerably satisfied with bread soaked in boiled milk2 but to keep them long in health they must be fed in the same manner as the nightingale4 ,they are pretty1 engaging birds1 thus reared1 becoming so tame that they will perch and sing on the finger4 ,,diseases4--,these are the same as those of the blackcap1 which may be referred to4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the easiest way is to place limed twigs on the nest1 but this is repugnant to persons not cruel4 ,towards the end of summer1 spring-traps may be set1 with elderberries and gooseberries hung near them4 ,it is difficult to take these birds at the water-trap4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this bird1 gay1 lively1 and constantly in motion1 is a pleasing object in the country4 ,its song1 prolonged far into the night1 consists of several strains1 which rapidly succeed each other1 but must be near for all its beauties to be distinguished1 since the soft low tones are only occasionally interrupted by louder notes1 which are shrill and follow quickly one after the other4 ,the bird rises in the air as it sings1 as if to be better heard1 circles round as it ceases1 and sinks again into its bush4 ,its call is a loud tze4 ,when the white-throat is alone in a room1 its song appears very melodious4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,white-,,throat4 ,this is one of the most delightful and pleasing birds that can be imagined4 ,if kept in a large cage with other birds it is so full of antics1 in flying and frisking about1 and erecting its crest1 generally singing all the time1 certainly nothing can be more amusing4 ,it is also quite as hardy as the blackcap1 and if a good one be procured1 it is little inferior in song3 but in this they vary considerably1 the wild ones as well as those in a cage4 ,i have now one in my possession that ,i have had about eleven years1 in as good health1 and singing as well as ever2 and certainly no song need be louder1 sweeter1 or more varied4 ,it is of the same temper as a nightingale1 never suffering itself to be outdone4 ,it will indeed sing for hours together against a nightingale1 now in the beginning of ,january1 and it will not suffer itself to be outdone2 when the nightingale raises its voice1 it also does the same1 and tries its utmost to get above it2 sometimes in the midst of its song it will run up to the nightingale1 and stretch out its neck as if in defiance1 and whistle as loud as it can1 staring it in the face2 if the nightingale attempts to peck it1 away it is in an instant flying round the aviary1 and singing all the time4 ,in a wild state1 the present species is generally to be found in hedges and gardens1 and is the most common of our ,british warblers1 visiting us the beginning or middle of ,april1 and leaving us towards the end of ,september2 sometimes a solitary one may be seen in ,october1 but not frequently4 ,it is particularly fond of flies1 or a rose-branch covered with aphides will please it very much4 ,,the ,,babillard4 ,sylvia curruca1 ,,bechstein2 ,motacilla dumetorum1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,fauvette babillarde1 ,,buffon2 ,das ,mllerchen1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird somewhat resembles the white-throat1 but is smaller1 and has less rust colour on the wings4 ,it is five inches long1 the tail measuring more than two4 ,the beak is five lines in length1 very pointed1 black above1 and bluish below2 the iris has two rings1 the outer one pale yellow1 the inner a brilliant golden yellow2 the shanks1 seven lines high1 are raven black2 the head and rump are dark ash grey2 the rest of the upper part of the body is grey1 with a reddish tint2 the cheeks and the part behind the ears are darker than the head2 the throat and under part of the body are white1 but the sides of the breast are tinged with reddish grey1 and those of the belly with reddish brown4 ,the birds must be before you to be able to distinguish the two sexes2 you can then only perceive that the head of the female is of a lighter colour1 and the feet rather blue than black4 ,,habitation4--,when wild this species is found throughout ,europe1 except the north4 ,it is common in the hedges in ,germany1 disappearing in ,september1 and returning the middle of ,april4 ,its taste for currants often draws it to the garden hedge4 ,it is not very often seen in young coppice wood1 scarcely ever on trees#ig1 continually on low bushes4 ,in the house it must be lodged like the fauvette1 and taken the same care of2 it is so delicate1 that when taken rather old it can rarely be preserved4 ,,food4--,when wild it is the same as the preceding species4 ,in the house these birds cannot be kept long1 unless fed on nightingales' food1 mingled with ants' eggs and meal-worms4 ,,breeding4--,the nest is generally found on a thick gooseberry bush1 or white-thorn1 and on young fir trees in fir woods4 ,it is formed of coarse dried grass1 lined with small roots mixed with hogs' bristles4 ,there are five or six eggs1 white1 spotted at the large end with grey and yellow brown in a circle4 ,the female's attachment to her brood may be known from her dropping from her nest almost fainting as soon as any one approaches1 uttering anxious cries1 fluttering on the ground1 and slowly retiring from the nest4 ,scarcely are the young ones fledged1 when1 if looked at1 they will dart like an arrow from the nest1 and run and hide themselves among the bushes4 ,if you wish to rear them1 they must be taken as ,i have directed for the fauvette1 remembering that the male and female cannot then be distinguished4 ,,diseases4--,these are the same as in the fauvettes4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,if snow should fall after their return1 a place near a hedge should be cleared1 and limed twigs fastened to the lower branches2 after having thrown meal-worms there1 the birds should be gently driven towards it1 and for the sake of the worms they will creep under the limed twigs1 and remain caught4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,though the plumage is not very striking1 yet this bird is very pretty4 ,some clacking tones1 rather like the noise of a mill1 have given it in ,germany the name of the little ,miller2 as these notes are heard more distinctly than the others1 they are erroneously thought to be its whole song2 but the rest1 certainly very weak1 is so soft1 so varied1 so melodious1 that it surpasses other warblers4 ,whilst singing in this under tone it is continually hopping about the bushes1 but when going to utter clap1 clap1 it stops and employs the whole strength of the larynx to pronounce this syllable4 ,to enjoy the beauty of its song it should be alone in a room1 and then no other singing bird is more agreeable1 as it rarely utters its call4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,babillard4 ,this is a handsome1 little1 lively species1 more elegant and smaller than the white-throat1 and of a purer colour2 its throat being as white as snow4 ,it generally visits us the beginning or middle of ,april1 and leaves us again the end of ,august or beginning of ,september4 ,its song is not so agreeable as most of the other species of warblers2 but it is soft and pretty1 and very different from any other4 ,it is also more valuable by being much more rare2 some seasons very few visit us1 in others they are sufficiently plentiful4 ,its habits are somewhat similar to those of the white-throat1 but it is much more quarrelsome1 sometimes so much so1 that it must be taken from the other birds or it will worry them to death1 even if they are double its size4 ,in confinement it will soon become tame and familiar1 and will readily take to feed on bread and milk1 and also on bruised hemp-seed and bread4 ,one that ,i bred up from the nest became so attached to its cage1 that it could not be prevailed upon to quit it for any length of time4 ,when the door of it was set open1 it would generally come out quickly1 and first perch on the door1 then mount to the top of the cage1 thence it would fly to any other cages that were in the room1 and catch any flies that came within its reach2 sometimes it would descend to the floor1 or perch on a table or chair1 and would fly up and take a fly out of the hand1 or drink milk out of a spoon if invited3 of this it was very fond4 ,as soon as it was the least frightened1 it would fly immediately to its cage1 first on the top1 thence to the door1 and would enter in exactly as it came out4 ,i have often hung it out at the window perched on the top of its cage1 with the door open1 and it would never attempt to fly away4 ,sometimes if a fly should happen to pass near it1 it would fly off and catch it1 and return with it to the top of the cage3 after remaining there a considerable time1 it would either return into it1 or fly in at the window1 and perch on the cages of the other birds4 ,it is rather more tender than the white-throat4 ,,mr4 ,,blyth',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,babillard4 ,the warble of the babillard 7,curruca garrula1 ,brisson7 is pretty and lively1 but its song is rendered monotonous in the spring and summer by the constant repetition of its loud note of defiance1 analogous to the clear lively note with which the blackcap generally concludes3 this may be expressed by the monosyllable see1 repeated nine or ten times in quick succession1 and at times very loudly3 it is a note1 which1 though agreeable enough when only heard occasionally1 becomes quite tiresome when continually reiterated4 ,this species1 however1 can warble very sweetly if it please1 and1 in confinement1 during the first months of the year1 its song is heard to great advantage in a room2 it then rarely repeats its loud see see see1 and when1 at that time1 the above-mentioned note is uttered1 it forms1 indeed1 an agreeable variety4 ,the song of the babillard is formed of a number of soft chirping notes1 many of which are extremely sweet and musical1 and though at times tolerably loud1 yet they are generally delivered in a very low tone1 scarcely audible at a little distance4 ,the male is almost perpetually singing1 erecting his crest and the feathers of his throat in the manner of a white-throat1 and1 like that species and the furze warbler1 he is in constant motion the whole time1 throwing himself into a variety of odd gesticulations4 ,the song of this bird is very superior to that of many white-throats1 but not to all2 he has none of those harsh sounding notes which so often disfigure the white-throat's song4 ,he seems also to be always in such high spirits as not to know how to contain himself1 taking frequently a long circuitous flight from tree to tree1 and back again1 a dozen times1 seemingly for no other purpose than mere exercise2 but he never mounts singing into the air1 like the white-throat4 ,there are yet many persons1 ,i believe1 who consider this species to be a mere variety of the white-throat4 ,these two species differ from each other in size1 in make1 in colour1 in their manners1 their habits1 their song1 in the structure of their nest1 and in the marking of their eggs2 and surely1 if all these circumstances 7as ,wilson observes1 after making similar remarks on two ,american birds1 one of which had been considered a 'bastard' production of the other7 be not sufficient to designate this 7the babillard7 as a distinct species1 by what criterion1 ,i would ask1 are we to discriminate between a variety and an original species1 or1 to assure ourselves1 that the great horned owl is not1 in fact1 a bastard goose1 or the carrion crow a mere variety of the humming bird8 ,,the ,,black ,,redstart4 ,motacilla ,tithys1 ,,linn,,us3 ,le ,rouge-queue1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,wistling1 ,,bechstein4 ,length five inches and one quarter1 of which the tail alone measures two and one quarter4 ,the beak is five lines long1 very pointed and black1 the inside and corners yellow2 the iris is dusky2 the shanks are nine lines high1 and black2 the upper part of the body is dark bluish1 or blackish gray2 the rump is red2 the cheeks1 throat1 and breast1 are black2 the belly and sides are of the same dark colour as the back1 but tinged with white2 the vent is reddish yellow4 ,the upper part of the body in the female is dusky ash grey2 the under part ash grey1 with a reddish tinge4 ,the colours of this bird vary during the first eight years2 the oldest ones1 with the exception of the tail and wings1 are in general black1 but deeper on the under part than the upper2 the very oldest have a greyish breast4 ,those a year or two old very much resemble the females1 having the upper part of the body ash grey1 but the under rather more of a reddish colour2 the quill-feathers have a more decided border4 ,after two years the depth of the colour gradually increases4 ,several bird-catchers1 and from them some authors1 have considered these birds of different ages as different species4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state the black redstart is found in the temperate parts of ,europe and in ,asia in the same latitudes#ih4 ,they seem to prefer mountainous districts to wide plains1 and they are seen in great numbers on bare chalk-hills2 if found in woods1 it is only in those that are on rocks4 ,they frequent towns and villages1 perching on the highest buildings1 towers1 steeples1 churches1 and castles#ii4 ,in spring and autumn it hops about the hedges4 ,it arrives early in the spring1 its song is heard in the beginning of ,march1 and it quits us in small flights towards the middle of ,october4 ,it possesses one quality1 not common among singing birds1 that of singing all the year1 or1 at least1 whilst in our country1 however cold and stormy the weather may be4 ,in the house it should be kept in a nightingale's cage1 or at least not permitted to range the room4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on flies1 drawn by the warmth of spring from their retreat1 and settled on walls2 afterwards on cabbage caterpillars and other insects1 and in autumn on berries4 ,in the house they may be kept in health a long time1 if the above insects are procured for them1 or if fed on nightingales' food1 adding occasionally ants' eggs and meal-worms4 ,old birds taken in autumn may sometimes be tamed and accustomed to eat the common food in the room1 by putting amongst elderberries1 in autumn1 ants' eggs1 and meal-worms at other seasons4 ,they have been known to live five or six years in a cage4 ,,breeding4--,this bird makes its nest in the holes of rocks and walls1 particularly in high buildings1 on the timbers of barns1 and places it at a distance from any other4 ,it is constructed of hay1 mixed with the hair of animals4 ,each laying 7for there are two in the year7 consists of five or six white eggs4 ,the young have a reddish grey plumage1 and should be taken from the nest when the tail is half grown1 if it is wished to rear them4 ,they should be fed on ants' eggs1 and white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,diseases4--,these are the same as those of the fauvette4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,limed twigs1 with meal-worms fastened to them1 should be laid wherever these birds are most frequently found4 ,towards winter they may be caught in spring-traps with elderberries hung opposite4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its call1 fitza1 being very similar to the nightingale's1 has given rise most probably to its name of ,wall ,nightingale1 which it has in common with the following species4 ,its song certainly cannot enter into comparison with that of the nightingale1 for it is sad1 and consists of only three strains1 the middle one scarcely more than croaking2 the other two may boast of a few high clear tones2 it may be heard from early in the morning till night4 ,it is always gay and active1 its motions light and nimble2 it shakes its tail quickly from side to side at every hop or spring1 and utters continually the cry fitza#ajj6 ,,the ,,common ,,redstart4 ,illustration ,motacilla ,phoenicurus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,rossignol de muraille1 ,,buffon2 ,das ,gemeiner oder ,garten-,rothschwnzchen1 ,,bechstein4 ,its length is five inches and a quarter1 of which the tail measures two and a quarter4 ,the beak is five lines1 the tip is blunt1 black on the outside1 yellow within and at the corners2 the iris is black2 the shanks are of the same colour1 and ten lines high2 the base of the upper mandible and cheeks are black1 as also the throat1 but this is speckled with white2 the white on the front of the head unites with a streak of the same colour1 which extends above the eyes2 the back of the head and neck1 the back and lesser wing-coverts1 are dark ash grey tinged with a reddish colour2 the rump1 breast1 and sides1 are red inclining to orange4 ,the female is very different1 very much resembling that of the black redstart1 yet its colours are rather lighter4 ,the upper part of its body is reddish ash grey2 the whitish throat is not clouded with black till the fifth or sixth year2 the breast is dusky rust-red waved with white2 the belly is dusky white2 the rump is reddish yellow#aja4 ,it is not till after the first moulting that the distinction between the plumage of the males and females is obvious2 even then the breast of the male retains the black tinged with white1 but loses this tint in the course of the following summer2 the males also have for some time a white streak on the forehead1 that passes above the eyes1 and the belly is more white than rust-red4 ,,habitation4--,in a wild state these birds are found in ,europe and ,asia1 and are very common in ,germany and ,england4 ,they leave us the beginning of ,october1 and return the end of ,march or beginning of ,april4 ,at this time and in autumn they haunt hedges and bushes2 but in summer they principally frequent gardens1 the banks of streams planted with willows1 and even forests4 ,those that frequent gardens also enter towns1 and will perch on the roofs of the houses1 enlivening the inmates with their song from morning till night4 ,in the house1 if given a cage1 it should be of such light wire work as not to conceal the beauty of the plumage4 ,,food4--,when wild they feed on all kinds of insects1 earth-worms1 currants1 and elderberries4 ,in the house1 if taken in autumn1 they may sometimes be induced to feed on elderberries1 rarely on the poultry paste4 ,to entice them to this meal-worms must be mixed with it at first1 and some thrown in when it is eaten2 ants' eggs must be added in spring4 ,these birds are delicate1 and always require to be supplied with insects2 but never give them earth-worms1 as they do not digest them easily4 ,if kept in cages they should be given nightingales' food2 yet fed in this way it is rare to preserve them above three or four years2 they generally die of consumption or atrophy4 ,,breeding4--,the redstart generally places its nest in a hole of a tree or wall2 it is negligently formed of moss1 stalks of grass1 feathers1 and hair4 ,the female has two broods in the year1 and each time she lays from five to seven eggs1 of an apple green4 ,scarcely have the tail-feathers begun to grow ere the young ones hop from the nest and perch on some neighbouring branch1 where they receive food from the parent birds till they are able to seek it for themselves4 ,their plumage before moulting is ash grey spotted with white4 ,the young females resemble the nightingale so much in autumn that they are often mistaken for it4 ,bird-fanciers should rear these birds on ants' eggs1 with white bread soaked in boiled milk occasionally1 and thus accustom them to the common universal paste4 ,they learn to repeat parts of the songs of their companions4 ,,diseases4--,diarrhoea and atrophy carry off the greatest number4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,sticks covered with bird-lime should be placed across the hedges frequented by these birds2 they must then be driven gently towards them4 ,they are also attracted under nets1 and amongst limed twigs baited with meal-worms4 ,in autumn they may be taken in nooses1 by suspending elderberries near them1 either in orchards or thickets4 ,those intended for the house should be taken in bird-traps or springes1 taking care that the wooden part be covered with felt or cork1 to prevent the legs being broken4 ,the young ones of the first year are the easiest to preserve4 ,they also go to the water-trap without difficulty4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its plumage1 and still more its song and sprightliness1 render this a delightful bird4 ,it is always in motion1 bowing1 and moving its tail from side to side at every step2 all its actions are lively and graceful4 ,it can improve its song1 composed of some very pretty strains1 by adding to it parts of the songs of birds that are found near it4 ,for instance1 those that build under my roof imitate tolerably the chaffinch that hangs in a cage at my window2 and a neighbour of mine has one in his garden that repeats some strains of a blackcap that has its nest near4 ,this facility in appropriating the song of other birds is rare in birds that live in a state of liberty1 and seems peculiar to this species4 ,they become so tame that they will take meal-worms from the hand4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,redstart4 ,this is one of the handsomest of our ,british birds1 visiting us the latter end of ,march or beginning of ,april2 the earliest arrival ever noticed was the #beth of ,march1 and they generally leave us the beginning of ,september4 ,when they first arrive they mostly frequent old buildings or out-houses1 for the sake of flies and small insects that often abound there4 ,they build their nest in a hole or crevice of a wall1 or in a hollow tree4 ,they frequently ascend to the top of the highest tree within their haunt1 and there sit sometimes for a considerable time1 pouring out their quick and sort of fretful song4 ,when kept in confinement ,i consider it the most sensible1 and1 if brought up from the nest1 the most attached of all small birds2 but it may be considered the most tender of the whole tribe4 ,it is a real mocker1 and if bred up from a young one1 will learn the note or call of almost any other bird2 it will also learn a tune that is whistled or sung to it1 and will sing by night as well as day if a light be kept in the room where it is4 ,i was in possession of a handsome male bird of this species1 which ,i kept more than six years4 ,it became very tame1 though an old wild bird when first caught1 and it was so attached to its cage1 that one day1 having got its liberty1 it flew away into the gardens1 where it stayed six or seven hours1 after which it returned to its cage again4 ,in the year #ahbe ,i saw a female bird of this species so late as the #bast of ,november1 flying about as lively as at midsummer2 it had probably escaped or been turned out of a cage4 ,when in confinement it is particularly partial to ants' eggs1 and also to the common maggots4 ,,the ,,arbour ,,bird4 ,sylvia polyglotta1 ,,ranzani2 ,sylvia ,hippolais1 ,,bechstein2 ,le ,bec-fin poitrine jaune1 ,,temminck2 ,die ,gelbbrust1 ,,bechstein2 ,die ,spotvogel1 ,,wichterich4 ,this pleasing bird1 which is met with wherever there are groves and bushes#ajb1 is five inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures two and a quarter4 ,the beak1 seven lines long1 is straight1 blunt1 bluish grey above1 and yellow tinged with flesh-colour beneath1 with yellowish corners1 and the entrance of the throat citron yellow2 the iris is dark brown2 the shanks1 ten lines high1 are lead-coloured4 ,the head is pointed in front2 the back1 rump1 and lesser wing-coverts1 are olive ash grey2 a yellow line extends from the nostrils to the eyes2 the whole of the under part of the body is a fine light yellow2 the tail and wings are dark brown2 the secondary quill-feathers have so wide a white border that it forms a spot on the closed wings4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state it frequents orchards1 groves1 and brambles2 but with us it seems to prefer small woods that are interspersed with resinous trees4 ,it arrives the end of ,april1 and quits us as early as the end of ,august1 before the moulting season4 ,in the house it is kept in a nightingale's cage1 in which no change must be made1 still less must another be given it1 for it would not survive these disturbances4 ,it is so delicate1 that if taken when full grown it is almost impossible to tame it4 ,,food4--,when wild its food is all kinds of insects1 smooth caterpillars1 flies1 gnats1 c42 and if these are scarce1 berries#ajc4 ,in the house it prefers these insects and meal-worms4 ,it is only with great patience and management that it can be given a taste for the nightingale's food4 ,in general it will eat nothing but insects4 ,,breeding4--,the nest of the arbour bird is one of those that are so well and curiously formed1 commonly placed eight feet above the ground1 in the fork of a tree4 ,it is built of pieces of the white bark of the birch tree1 dried plants1 caterpillars' webs1 wool1 and the upper layer of down4 ,all these white materials give it the appearance of being made of paper4 ,it is lined with the finest hay4 ,the female lays five eggs1 which are at first of a pale rose red1 but after having been sat upon some days acquire a dark flesh-coloured tint1 speckled with dark red4 ,this species has but one brood in the year1 and if the nest is approached two or three times it will desert it1 whether the young ones are hatched or not4 ,if a person wish to have this pleasing bird in the house1 as it is often seen in ,hesse1 he must take the young ones early from the nest1 feed them on ants' eggs and bullock's heart chopped small1 and always keep them in a warm place4 ,as soon as the arbour bird has been placed in the situation destined for it1 it must be left there constantly2 its cage ought not to be changed1 at least there should be no difference in the one given it afterwards1 as without this attention it becomes sad1 eats no longer1 and dies in a short time4 ,i may observe here1 that it moults in ,december or ,january1 whence we may infer that it passes the winter in a southern climate4 ,,diseases4--,these are the same as the nightingale's4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this can rarely be accomplished but by placing limed twigs on the nest1 which is a cruel method1 and the nest is often deserted as soon as it has been approached4 ,neither will these birds go to the water-trap3 they may be caught occasionally in bird-traps in ,august1 by baiting them with currants#ajd4 ,the surest way then is to take them young1 especially as the old ones cannot be tamed4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the arbour bird is sweet1 varied1 full of power and melody1 long sustained2 yet some harsh strains have been remarked1 and some resembling the notes of the chimney swallow4 ,whilst singing its throat is much dilated4 ,its call is dak1 dak6 hyovie1 hyovie6 ,its plumage is pretty4 ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,arbour ,,bird1 ,,from ,,the ,,field ,,naturalist',s ,,magazine4 ,british writers1 since the time of ,pennant and ,white1 have rendered the history of several of our smallest birds a mass of confusion1 which even now it will be difficult to clear up1 though ,i feel confident ,i possess the means of loosening two at least of the knots of the controverted points1 as ,i shall presently show4 ,when ,i was residing1 in the summer of #ahcb1 at ,bonn1 on the ,rhine1 my friend ,m4 ,wichterich brought me a pair of birds with their young1 which at first sight1 judging from colour and size1 ,i took to be pale canaries1 till ,i looked at their bills2 ,i perceived then that it was a species with which ,i was unacquainted1 and certainly not known as ,british4 ,i was accordingly not a little surprised when he told me it was the ,sylvia ,hippolais of ,bechstein1 and astonished when he said it was one of the finest song birds in ,europe1 very superior to the blackcap and fauvette1 and in some respects even to the nightingale4 ,i thence concluded that it was the species whose splendid song had charmed and puzzled me in an orchard at ,schiedam1 in ,holland1 and again in the gardens of ,prince ,maximilian1 at ,neuwied1 on the ,rhine2 the rich intonation and multitudinous variety of the notes fully bearing out my friend's opinion4 ,this circumstance alone would go far to prove that the species is not ,british1 for it would be impossible so fine a song bird could be concealed1 particularly as it haunts gardens1 and is rarely found in woods4 ,the very contrary of the statement of ,temminck1 whose authority1 how high soever it may be in other matters1 is1 with respect to habits and field observations1 of not the slightest weight3 he might have seen the bird1 if he ever looked beyond his cabinet1 in most of the gardens about ,leyden1 where he resides4 ,i kept the old birds with their young1 which they fed in a cage for some time1 but to my great regret they fell a sacrifice to the common enemy of cage birds4 ,about the same time ,i was delighted to find a nest of the same species in a lilac-tree in my own garden1 about half a dozen yards from my parlour windows4 ,three of the young after leaving this nest were secured1 and their mother was caught to feed them1 which she did successfully1 and ,i brought them all1 and three others1 home with me to ,england4 ,the nest was about seven feet high from the garden level1 and ten from the base of a low wall1 over which the branch where it was built leaned4 ,the workmanship of the nest is very superior to that of the blackcap1 coming nearer in character to that of the finches4 ,the frame-work is rather thick1 made of dried grass stems1 sewing thread1 fine wood shavings1 birch bark1 and small pieces of linen rag4 ,the inside is very neatly lined with roots1 hair1 and a few feathers and small locks of wool4 ,in the full grown male the bill is about half an inch long1 straight1 somewhat blunt1 broad and flat at the base4 ,the upper mandible has an exceedingly indistinct notch1 and is greyish blue2 the under mandible yellowish1 with a tinge of red2 the angles yellowish1 and the opening of the mouth lemon yellow4 ,the tongue is yellow1 abrupt at the point1 and furnished with three bristles4 ,the iris is dusky brown4 ,the forehead is low1 flat1 angular1 and pointed4 ,the eyebrows and eyelids are yellow1 and a yellow line runs from the nostrils to the eyes4 ,the crown of the head1 neck1 back1 and wing-coverts are olive grey1 inclining more to green on the rump4 ,the shoulder of the wing 7campterium1 ,,illiger7 is yellow3 the primary quill-feathers are dusky brown1 with a slight fringe of olive grey2 the rest of the quill-feathers have a broader fringe of greyish white1 which1 when the wing is closed1 forms a whitish patch4 ,the tail is two inches long1 the feathers being of equal length1 and of very nearly the same colours and tinge as the wing-quills4 ,all the under parts of the body are of a fine clear lemon colour4 ,the legs are five-sixths of an inch high1 and of a lead colour2 the claws greyish brown4 ,the whole length is five inches and a half2 the extent of the wings nine inches4 ,the female is sometimes1 but not always1 rather paler than the male4 ,the young have the yellow parts very pale4 ,a species very similar to this has been discovered in ,italy by ,prince ,c4 ,buonaparte--the ,sylvia icterina8 of ,vieillot1 which frequents marshy places4 ,,the ,,common ,,chiff-,,chaff4 ,illustration ,sylva loquax1 ,,herbert2 ,s4 ,hippolais1 ,,montagu2 but not the ,s4 ,hippolais of the ,continental authors1 which is ,s4 polyglotta4 ,,colonel ,,montagu ,,and ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,chiff-,,chaff4 ,this bird weighs about two or nearly three drachms2 the length varies from four inches and a half to five inches4 ,this species is nearly the same size as the hay-bird4 ,in its plumage it so much resembles that bird1 that we shall only make mention here of some essential marks of distinction1 and refer our readers to the hay-bird4 ,its general colour is not so much tinged with yellow1 and the legs are dusky1 which in the other are brown4 ,the plumage of the sexes are alike4 ,these two birds have been1 and are1 frequently confounded1 and with them the wood wren of this work2 but this last is at once distinguished by the under tail-coverts being a pure white1 and the plumage of a more lively green on the upper parts than either of the others4 ,the nest1 eggs1 and notes1 will be found also different by consulting and comparing the history of each4 ,this is the first of all the migrative warblers 7,sylviad7 in its annual visit1 and is1 perhaps1 the only one that has occasionally been observed with us during the winter1 and that only in the milder parts of ,england4 ,it is generally heard on or before the first of ,april repeating its song1 if that may be so called which consists only of four notes1 which seem to express the words chip1 chop1 cherry1 churry1 four or five times successively4 ,it is a busy1 restless bird1 always active among the trees and bushes in search of insects4 ,from its early cry in our neighbourhood1 we long suspected it would be found that this hardy little bird did not wholly quit us1 and in this opinion we were confirmed by seeing one in the garden about ,christmas1 #ahjf4 ,in the following ,january1 we observed two of these little creatures busied in catching the small insects which a bright day had roused in great abundance about some fir trees1 by springing upon them from the ends of the branches1 one of which we succeeded in shooting4 ,another1 which we killed in #ahjh1 on the same spot1 while feeding upon a small species of culex1 weighed one drachm thirty-three grains2 this will easily account for the very early cry of this bird in the spring1 as it is highly probable that they remain with us the whole year1 but are wholly silent in the winter4 ,the earliest we ever heard was on the #adth of ,march1 #ahjd1 when vegetation was unusually early4 ,the nest of this species is oval1 with a small hole near the top1 composed externally of dry leaves1 and then coarse dry grass1 and lined with feathers2 and is generally placed on or near the ground1 frequently on a ditch bank1 in a tuft of grass or low bush4 ,the eggs are six in number1 white1 speckled with purplish red at the larger end only1 with here and there a single speck on the sides4 ,it seems to be the hardiest and most generally diffused of all our summer visitants2 and is found in all parts of the kingdom where wood or hedges afford it shelter and food4 ,its note is heard long after the hay-bird is silent4 ,dr4 ,latham says this is called in ,dorsetshire the hay-bird2 but as we are inclined to believe the three species before mentioned have been confounded1 it is more probable that our hay-bird should obtain that name1 as its nest is composed of that material4 ,mr4 ,sweet tells us1 it is readily taken in a trap baited with small caterpillars4 ,they soon get familiar in confinement2 when first caught1 they should1 if possible1 be put with other birds1 and they will readily take to feed on bruised hemp-seed and bread1 and on bread and milk1 which must at first be stuck full of small insects1 or a quantity of aphides may be shaken off a branch upon it2 when they have once tasted it they will be very fond of it4 ,one that ,i caught took to eat it directly1 and became so familiar1 that in three or four days it would take a fly out of the hand4 ,it also learnt to drink milk out of a tea-spoon1 of which it was so fond1 that it would fly after it all round the room1 and perch on the hand that held it1 without showing the least symptoms of fear4 ,it would also fly up to the ceiling1 and bring down a fly in its mouth every time4 ,at last it got so very tame1 that it would sit on my knee by the fire and sleep2 and when the windows were open1 it would never attempt1 nor seemed to have the least inclination1 to fly out2 so that ,i at last ventured to entice it out in the garden1 to see whether it would return4 ,i with difficulty enticed it out at the door with a spoon of milk2 it returned twice to the room2 the third time it ventured into a little tree2 it then fled and perched on my hand1 and drank milk out of the spoon2 from thence it flew to the ground on some chickweed1 in which it washed itself1 and got into a holly-bush to dry4 ,after getting among the leaves1 ,i could see no more of it1 but heard it call several times4 ,i suppose after it got quite dry that it left the country directly1 as ,i could never see or hear it afterwards1 and it was then the end of ,november1 when all the others had left for some time#aje4 ,,the ,,rufous ,,chiff-,,chaff4 ,sylvia rufa1 ,,bechstein2 ,la ,fauvette rousse1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,weidenzeisig1 ,,bechstein4 ,this and the gold-crested wren are the smallest of our ,european birds4 ,the full-grown male has the bill a third of an inch in length1 very narrow1 and pointed2 of a blackish brown1 except at the edges and within1 where it is yellow4 ,the iris is dusky brown4 ,from the base of the bill on each side there runs a narrow yellowish white streak1 and there is another straight streak of a dusky yellow over the eye4 ,the sides of the head are of a very clear brown4 ,the upper part of the head1 neck1 and back1 are greyish brown1 with a slight tinge of olive4 ,the throat is greyish white2 the breast light grey1 with a very pale tinge of red1 or rather rust brown4 ,the belly is greyish white1 with faint yellowish streaks4 ,the females and the young males1 before the first moult1 have the upper parts of a clear olive green1 and the under parts reddish white4 ,i have never met with the nest2 but it is said to be built on the ground amongst fallen leaves1 domed1 with a side entrance1 and lined with feathers4 ,the eggs are said to be from four to seven1 white1 with reddish black dots1 most crowded at the larger end4 ,the young branchers may be caught in autumn by means of the owl1 with limed twigs1 and fed on ant's eggs and small meal-worms4 ,they will also soon take to bread and milk1 or ,german paste1 and become exceedingly tame1 but are very impatient of cold4 ,it is most probably a native of ,britain1 like the preceding2 but is not yet distinctly proved to be so4 ,,the ,,hay-,,bird1 ,,or ,,willow ,,wren4 ,illustration ,sylvia ,fitis1 ,,bechstein2 ,s4 ,trochilus1 ,,latham2 ,le ,bec-fin ,pouillot1 ,,temminck2 ,der ,fitis ,sanger1 ,,meyer2 ,der ,weidenblatt1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species weighs about two drachms and three quarters2 length five inches and a quarter4 ,the bill is dusky above1 yellowish beneath2 irides hazel4 ,the whole upper parts of the plumage are of a greenish yellow brown3 the under parts are white1 tinged with yellow2 on the breast are a few yellow streaks2 legs light brown4 ,this is a plentiful species in some parts2 frequents wooded and enclosed situations1 especially where willows abound2 is frequently found with the wood wren1 but does not extend so far to the west in ,england1 as it is rarely met with in ,cornwall4 ,it comes to us early in ,april1 and soon begins its usual song1 which is short1 with little variety4 ,about the latter end of the same month1 or beginning of ,may1 it makes a nest of an oval shape1 with a small opening near the top1 composed of moss and dried grass1 and lined with feathers4 ,this is placed in the hollow of a ditch1 or in a low bush close to the ground4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,hay-,,bird4 ,this is another little favourite songster1 and a most deserving one it is4 ,it visits us the latter end of ,march1 or beginning of ,april1 and leaves us again at the end of ,september1 or beginning of ,october4 ,on its first arrival1 it enlivens our woods and groves with its lively piercing song and gay frolics1 flying about from tree to tree1 and catching the small gnats and flies that come in its way4 ,it builds its nest on the ground in a thicket amongst dead leaves and moss1 with a covering on the top1 of the same materials as those lying all around1 so that it is impossible to find it without watching one of the old ones to the nest1 which in general consists of six or seven young ones4 ,these may either be brought up from the nest1 or if an old one be caught wild it is easily tamed4 ,when first put in the cage with a tame bird1 the general food1 bread and milk1 and eggs1 should be stuck full of small flies1 aphides1 small caterpillars1 or other small insects1 in picking out which it will taste the other food1 and soon take to eat it readily1 and will soon become very tame in confinement4 ,one that ,i caught in ,september was1 in three days afterwards1 let out of the aviary into the room to catch the flies1 that were numerous at that season4 ,after amusing itself for some time in catching flies1 it began singing2 and it did the same several other times when it was let out1 and in a few days began to sing in its aviary4 ,it soon became so familiar1 that it would take flies out of the hand2 and when out in the room1 if a fly was held towards it1 would fly up1 and take it immediately4 ,although the present species is so small a bird1 it is very courageous1 being generally the master of the cage1 and as it is so fine a songster1 and almost continually in song1 no little bird can be more desirable in a cage with other birds2 its note1 when in full song1 being so loud and shrill1 that its voice is plainly heard above the nightingale's when both are in full song4 ,,the ,,wood ,,wren4 ,illustration ,sylvia sibilatrix1 ,,bechstein2 ,le ,bec-fin ,siffleur1 ,,temminck2 ,der grne ,sanger1 ,,meyer4 ,this bird remained long unnoticed as a distinct species1 from its resemblance to the hay-bird 7,sylvia ,trochilus71 with which it is still frequently confounded4 ,it measures in length five inches and a half2 bill horn-colour2 upper mandible bent at the tip1 and rather longer than the under2 irides hazel2 nostrils beset with bristles2 top of the head1 neck1 back1 and tail-coverts olive green2 throat and cheeks yellow1 paler on the breast2 belly and vent of a most beautiful silvery white2 through the eye passes a yellow line2 legs rather more than an inch long1 of a horn-colour1 claws paler4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,wood ,,wren4 ,this elegant and beautiful little species ranks itself amongst my list of favourites4 ,it visits this country the beginning of ,april1 and leaves it in ,august1 or the beginning of ,september4 ,it is generally to be found in summer amongst tall trees in woods and plantations1 where it is readily detected on its arrival1 by a shrill shaking sort of note that may be heard at a great distance1 and cannot be confounded with any other bird4 ,on its first arrival it sings the greater part of the day1 and continues its song1 more or less1 through the summer1 except at the time it is engaged in feeding its young4 ,its nest is built on the ground in a thicket amongst moss and dead leaves1 so that it is impossible to find it without watching one of the old ones to the nest1 which is easily done when they have young4 ,they may either be tamed when old1 or reared from the nest1 and are not difficult to be caught when young with a little bird-lime at the end of a fishing-rod1 as may several other species of this interesting group4 ,as the present species feeds entirely upon insects when wild1 the greater part of which it catches on the wing1 it will be useless to give it any sort of fruit or berry2 but bread and milk1 bruised hemp-seed and bread1 with bits of fresh lean meat cut very small and mixed up in it1 will be its general food4 ,it is also very fond of the yolk of an egg boiled hard1 and crumbled small1 or stirred up with the point of a knife that it may peck it out of the shell as it likes4 ,sometimes these birds are apt to get off their other food1 and will live on egg several days2 at such a time if a few flies could be procured for them1 it would be the most likely to restore their appetite4 ,,the ,,grasshopper ,,bird4 ,illustration ,locustella avicula1 ,,ray2 ,sylvia locustella1 ,,latham2 ,l',alouette locustelle1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,fleuschrechensanger1 ,,meyer4 ,this species is less than the white-throat2 length five inches and a half2 weight about three drachms and a quarter4 ,the bill is dusky above1 whitish beneath2 irides light hazel4 ,the whole upper parts of the bird are olivaceous brown2 the middle of each feather dusky1 except on the back of the neck1 which gives it a pretty spotted appearance2 the tail is much cuneiform1 and the feathers somewhat pointed1 which is a very marked and peculiar character in this species2 the outer feather being full an inch shorter than the middle ones1 and nearly rounded at the tips1 the wing remarkably short1 reaching very little beyond the base of the tail2 legs very pale brown2 claws light-horn colour2 hind claw short and crooked4 ,in shape1 the grasshopper warbler very much resembles the sedge-bird2 is rather inferior in size1 and at once distinguished by its spotted back4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,grasshopper ,,bird4 ,the present species is known amongst bird-catchers by the name of the grasshopper lark1 and it was originally placed amongst the larks by ornithologists1 but has been very properly removed from them by later authors1 as it wants the most characteristic mark of that family1 namely1 its long claw4 ,it is a very rare bird in the neighbourhood of ,london1 and ,i have never been able to procure but one of them1 which ,i lost the first winter1 by letting it wash too much2 in confinement it requires the same sort of management as recommended for the two last species1 and it will succeed very well4 ,i am not acquainted with their song1 never having lived in any neighbourhood where they visit1 but ,i have been credibly informed that they have none but a note like the chirping of the grasshopper2 this may probably be the case1 but ,i have often heard the same report of some of our finest songsters1 which people had confused with very common birds1 there being very few who do not confuse1 under the general name of white-throats1 the common fly-catcher1 both white-throats1 the greater pettychaps1 and the blackcaps1 when young2 and many even confuse with these the willow wren1 wood wren1 and lesser pettychaps3 this tribe of birds being only summer visitants1 are less known than any others4 ,these birds are not uncommon in several parts of ,england2 they are said to be plentiful on ,malmesbury ,common1 ,wiltshire1 in summer1 where they breed2 they are also frequently seen in ,norfolk and ,suffolk1 and in various other parts1 where they build their nest among some high grass or sedge1 in which it is so concealed that it is with difficulty found1 except by watching the old birds carrying food to their young ones2 or when building1 they may be seen carrying materials to construct their nest4 ,in a wild state these birds feed entirely on insects1 such as flies1 moths1 butterflies1 spiders1 ants2 and their eggs1 small beetles1 and numerous other sorts1 so that in confinement they will frequently require insect food4 ,,the ,,reed ,,warbler4 ,illustration ,sylvia arundinacea1 ,,latham2 ,la ,fauvette des ,roseaux1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,teichsnger oder ,sumpfsnger1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species has been confounded1 not only with others with a greenish plumage that are analogous1 but in describing it with the reed thrush 7,turdus arundinaceus1 ,linn471 and in its manner of life with the black-bonnet1 or reed bunting 7,emberiza ,schniclus1 ,linn474 ,it is five inches in length1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak1 seven lines long1 resembles that of the arbour bird1 brown above and yellowish beneath2 the iris is chestnut brown2 the shanks are eight lines high1 and ash grey2 the forehead is very long1 greenish grey2 the rest of the upper part of the body1 including the wing-coverts1 are of the same colour1 tinged with olive2 the rump is paler2 a straw-coloured line extends above the eyes2 the cheeks are olive brown2 the under part of the body is yellowish white2 the knees are olive grey2 the anterior quill-feathers are dusky2 the secondary are dark brown2 all are edged with olive grey2 the tail-feathers have the same colour as the quill-feathers1 but with a wider olive grey border2 the tail is very much rounded1 and nearly wedge-formed4 ,there is little difference in the female4 ,her head is pale brown3 a white line passes across the eyes2 the upper part is reddish grey1 tinged with olive2 the under part1 except the throat1 which is white1 is pale grey1 tinged with yellow2 the quill-feathers are darker brown than the tail1 with an olive grey border4 ,,habitation4--,when wild they are found throughout ,europe1 wherever rushes and reeds abound4 ,they arrive in ,germany towards the middle of ,april1 and leave it the beginning of ,september4 ,as they are very delicate1 in the house they must be kept in a nightingale's cage4 ,,food4--,when wild it feeds on all kinds of aquatic insects1 and1 when these fail1 on berries4 ,in the house1 independently of nightingale's food1 it requires in a cage all the insects that can be caught1 as flies1 water-spiders1 and gnats4 ,,breeding4--,the nest1 rather long and very ingeniously fastened to the stems of the reeds or the branches of bushes by the water side1 is constructed of pieces of dried grass1 of which the largest are on the outside1 and the finer within2 these are sometimes mixed with wool and hair4 ,the eggs1 five or six in number1 are greenish white1 streaked and speckled with olive green4 ,the young ones can only be reared on ants' eggs4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,these birds are sometimes caught by placing lime twigs on a place cleared of the turf1 and throwing meal-worms there4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the song of the reed warbler very much resembles that of the arbour bird1 but is not so full2 what renders it so agreeable is1 that its varied melody is heard during evening and morning twilight4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,reed ,,warbler4 ,this is a very variable bird in its colours1 some being of a very pale colour1 and others altogether as dark1 and those that are pale one season frequently become dark the ensuing one4 ,it is a curious little lively bird1 known often by the name of reed wren4 ,it generally makes its appearance with us the beginning of ,april1 and leaves us in ,september4 ,its early or late departure seems to depend a good deal on the warmth or coolness of the seasons4 ,it is a very merry bird1 almost continually singing1 and will sing by night as well as by day1 sitting amongst the reeds1 or in some bush or tree near the water1 where it feeds on the gnats and other insects that infest moist situations4 ,it is very fond of flies1 spiders1 small caterpillars1 moths1 grasshoppers1 crickets1 and many other insects1 and will swallow a larger one than could be imagined for so small a bird4 ,in confinement it will feed readily on the general food1 and is also very fond of the yolk of an egg boiled hard1 so that it may be crumbled on the top of the other food1 or put in the cage in an empty egg-shell4 ,it should also be supplied with a few insects occasionally1 such as flies1 spiders1 small caterpillars1 moths1 or butterflies4 ,being an inhabitant of the sides of ditches and rivers1 it is very partial to washing1 which it must not be allowed to do in winter1 or it will wash itself until it is so weak that it can never recover4 ,,the ,,sedge ,,bird4 ,sylvia ,phragmitis1 ,,bechstein2 ,s4 salicaria1 ,,latham2 ,le ,bec-fin ,phragmite1 ,,temminck2 ,der ,schilsnger1 ,,meyer4 ,the weight of this species is about three drachms2 length five inches and a half2 bill dusky above1 whitish beneath2 irides hazel2 crown of the head and whole upper parts of a yellowish brown1 plain on the back and sides of the neck1 rump1 and upper tail-coverts2 tail like the quills a little cuneiform1 which1 when spread1 gives it a rounded shape2 legs dusky4 ,,mr4 ,,sweet',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,sedge ,,bird4 ,in habit and manner the present species approaches to the former1 but is a much handsomer bird2 though not so rare1 it frequents the sides of ditches1 ponds1 and rivers1 like the last species1 where it pours forth its variable diurnal and nocturnal song almost incessantly1 on its first arrival in this country1 which is generally the beginning of ,april1 leaving us again about the middle of ,september4 ,it builds its nest in a thicket of reeds1 or other tall water-grass1 on which it is fastened up with the webs of caterpillars1 similar to that of the former1 which is fastened to the branches of trees1 so that no wind or storm can move it4 ,the song of the present species is somewhat similar to that of the last1 but is more shrill and chattering2 some people prefer it to that of the latter species1 but ,i do not1 as it wants some fine deep notes that the other possesses3 it is also an imitative bird1 its song being intermixed with the call of the sparrow and parts of the songs of other birds4 ,its food is precisely the same as that of the last species2 and in confinement the treatment for both must be exactly alike4 ,,the ,,wren4 ,illustration ,motacilla ,troglodytes1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,roitelet1 ou ,troglodite1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,zaunknig1 ,,bechstein4 ,this1 except the rufous chiff-chaff and the gold-crested wren1 is the smallest bird of our climate4 ,it is only three inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures one and a half4 ,the beak is five lines1 rather curved at the point1 dusky above1 yellowish white below1 and yellow within2 the iris is hazel brown2 the shanks are seven lines high1 and greyish brown2 the upper part of the body is dusky rust brown1 with indistinct dark brown streaks across4 ,the female is smaller1 of a redder brown1 and confusedly streaked across2 the feet are yellowish4 ,,habitation4--,when wild it is found all over ,europe1 and particularly frequents mountainous and woody places4 ,it does not quit us1 but remains in winter1 as in summer1 near our dwellings4 ,in the house1 on account of its liveliness1 it is given rather a large cage1 the bars of which should be very near together4 ,if allowed to range it may easily escape through small openings1 as it is very fond of penetrating such crevices4 ,,food4--,at liberty1 it consists throughout the year of small insects1 which it seeks in winter in barns1 stables1 cellars1 holes in walls1 and piles of wood4 ,in autumn1 however1 it will eat both unripe and black elderberries4 ,as soon as it is brought into the house it must be plentifully supplied with meal-worms1 flies1 elderberries1 and then gradually add nightingales' paste1 which will soon become its ordinary food4 ,it is only by adopting this method that ,i have been successful in preserving one of these birds4 ,,breeding4--,any nook appears to suit the wren to build its large nest in2 which may be found in a hole of a tree1 amongst the roots1 under a roof1 or a cavity under ground2 every place is suitable1 provided the nest can be concealed4 ,this is oval1 covered with moss on the outside1 and lined with feathers and hair4 ,it has an opening at the top or side to go in and out by4 ,the female lays from six to eight pretty little white eggs1 speckled with red4 ,the young ones are rusty red1 spotted with black and white4 ,they may be reared on ants' eggs1 adding1 as soon as they can fly1 the universal paste2 but they always prefer ants' eggs4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,if in winter1 a white-throat trap is set in a place much frequented by these birds1 and meal-worms scattered within and around it4 ,in this the wrens will surely be caught4 ,they may be entrapped in autumn with spring traps and springes1 by hanging elderberries before2 but1 after every precaution1 they generally break their legs4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its sprightliness is pleasing1 and its actions gay and varied4 ,it has a very powerful voice for its size1 and its song is continued throughout the year2 it is soft1 and mingled with some notes of the canary1 which are the more pleasing as they consist of distinct loud tones always descending4 ,its call is tzrr1 tzetzererr6 ,i have never preserved one more than a year1 but other amateurs say they may be kept two or three4 ,,the ,,gold-,,crested ,,wren4 ,motacilla ,regulus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,poul1 ou ,roitelet hupp1 ,,buffon2 ,das ,goldhhnchen1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is the smallest of ,european birds4 ,it is three inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures one and a quarter4 ,the beak is four lines1 slender1 very sharp1 and black1 having the nostrils covered with a feather divided like a comb2 the iris is dusky2 the shanks are eight lines in height1 and brownish flesh-coloured2 the forehead is yellowish brown2 a black streak extends from the corners of the beak to the eyes1 above which is a white streak1 and below them a white speck2 the top of the head is saffron yellow1 each side edged with golden yellow1 beyond which is a black band4 ,illustration3 ,,gold-,,crested ,,wren4 ,the female has the top of the head golden yellow1 the forehead and wings grey4 ,,habitation4--,when wild these pretty little birds are diffused throughout the old world1 principally frequenting pine and fir forests1 and do not appear to migrate1 excepting those that inhabit northern countries1 and go towards the south in ,october1 and return in ,march2 at least1 they are then observed on their passage1 in ,germany1 the hedges being full of them in spring2 but those established among us remain1 as they are seen all the year4 ,they assemble in small flights in winter1 and fly about here and there1 like the tits1 seeking places where their food is most abundant4 ,in the house a bell-shaped cage appears to suit them best4 ,several may be kept together in a part of a room enclosed with trellis work1 and with a small fir tree for them to perch on4 ,reared from the nest1 they may be allowed to perch on a tree in the room1 which they enjoy so much that they are never far from it2 if there are many they will perch in a row1 press close side by side1 and sleep in this manner4 ,,food4--,in the wild state it feeds on all kinds of small insects and their grubs2 they are1 however1 able to swallow large flies1 as the beak has a wide opening4 ,in the house the gold-crests are soon accustomed to the nightingales' paste1 by throwing amongst it at first flies deprived of their wings1 or half dead1 and at length they will be satisfied with bruised hemp-seed2 but they must have insects occasionally1 flies1 meal-worms cut small1 ants' eggs1 c42 finally1 to keep them healthy1 their paste should be neither too stiff nor too moist1 and care must be taken to avoid their swallowing rape or camelin seed1 which would immediately kill them#ajf4 ,,breeding4--,the nest1 fixed to the extremity of a branch1 is round1 and very soft1 built of moss1 caterpillar's cocoons1 and tufts of thistle down2 it is generally found in low underwood or meadows with woods adjoining1 on the first tree towards the east4 ,about nine eggs are laid1 the size of a pea1 and pale blush red4 ,those young ones intended to be reared must not be taken from the nest till they are fledged1 and it is best to catch them just as they are leaving the nest4 ,they eat readily meal-worms cut small1 flies1 ants' eggs1 and white bread soaked in boiled milk4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,as they are not fearful1 they may easily be caught by gently approaching the tree where one is perched1 and merely striking it with a limed twig fastened to a pole long enough to reach it4 ,it may be brought down also with water1 in the manner adopted by ,m4 ,le ,vaillant1 that is1 by first putting into a gun the common charge of powder1 then a wadding of silk1 then1 as soon as the bird is within reach1 two spoonfuls of water are poured in and covered with a second wadding of silk1 which must not be rammed down hard1 lest the water should reach the powder below4 ,this load1 discharged at the distance of twenty paces1 is capable of wetting the bird so completely that it may be taken by the hand2 but if there are hedges in the neighbourhood1 or if a stronger bird be fired at1 a chaffinch1 for instance1 it may easily escape4 ,many gold-crested wrens may be caught by means of a hut set for any small birds1 when the way to attract them is known4 ,they come in great numbers to the water trap1 and by their often repeated call of tzitt1 tzitt1 give notice of sunset and the arrival of larger birds4 ,they will soon grow tame enough to eat out of the hand4 ,on account of their delicacy1 many often die before a person succeeds in rearing one2 but when once accustomed to the house they will live a long time1 at least if not hurt by other birds1 and if they do not swallow what they cannot digest4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the smallness of their size1 their elegance and beauty1 render them a pleasant acquisition2 but their song adds to their attractions1 for though weak it is very melodious1 and resembles that of the canary4 ,,the ,,hon4 ,,and ,,rev4 ,w4 ,,herbert',s ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,gold-,,crested ,,wren4 ,the golden-crested wren and the common brown wren are both very impatient of cold4 ,in confinement1 the least frost is immediately fatal to them4 ,in a wild state they keep themselves warm by constant active motion in the day1 and at night they secrete themselves in places where the frost cannot reach them2 but ,i apprehend that numbers do perish in severe winters4 ,i once caught half a dozen golden wrens at the beginning of winter1 and they lived extremely well upon egg and meat1 being exceedingly tame4 ,at roosting time there was always a whimsical conflict amongst them for the inside places1 as being the warmest1 which ended of course by the weakest going to the wall4 ,the scene began with a low whistling call amongst them to roost1 and the two birds on the extreme right and left flew on the backs of those in the centre1 and squeezed themselves into the middle4 ,a fresh couple from the flanks immediately renewed the attack upon the centre1 and the conflict continued till the light began to fail them4 ,a severe frost in ,february killed all but one of them in one night1 though in a furnished drawing-room4 ,the survivor was preserved in a little cage by burying it every night under the sofa cushions2 but having been one sharp morning taken from under them before the room was sufficiently warmed by the fire1 though perfectly well when removed1 it was dead in ten minutes4 ,the nightingale is not much more tender of cold than a canary bird4 ,the golden-crowned wren very much frequents spruce fir trees and cedars1 and hangs its nest under their branches2 it is also fond of the neighbourhood of furze bushes1 under which it probably finds warm refuge from the cold4 ,the brown wren is very apt in frosty weather to roost in cow-houses1 where the cattle keep it warm4 ,,the ,,alpine ,,warbler4 ,sturnus collaris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,motacilla ,alpina1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,fauvette des ,alpes1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,alpensnger1 ,,bechstein4 ,the characteristics of this bird are so equivocal that it is sometimes ranked with the larks1 sometimes with the starlings1 and sometimes with the ,motacill4 ,it is six inches and a half in length1 but the tail alone measures nearly three4 ,the beak is six lines1 and is dark brown above and orange beneath2 the mandibles are flattish at the sides2 the iris is yellow2 the shanks are an inch high1 and pale brown2 a whitish ash grey predominates on the head1 neck1 and back1 but the latter is streaked with dark brown1 the others with pale brown4 ,the female and young ones are variegated with dark brown on the belly2 the back is dark1 and the spots on the throat less apparent4 ,,observations4--,this species frequents the secondary mountains of ,switzerland and southern ,germany1 and is as common there as the field larks on our plains#ajg4 ,in winter it descends into the valleys1 and approaches villages and barns1 around which these birds may be caught1 in as great numbers as yellowhammers4 ,they are generally seen on the ground1 running as swiftly as the wagtail1 and will sometimes hop on stones1 but rarely perch on trees4 ,they feed on seeds and insects1 and in the house they should be given bruised hemp-seed1 poppy-seed1 white bread1 and ants' eggs4 ,on this food they may be preserved for several years4 ,their song is sweet1 but sad and melancholy2 their attitudes are graceful1 and often when they hop they flutter their wings and tail4 ,they build on the ground or in clefts of rocks1 which has given them the name of rock larks#ajh4 ,,the ,,oxeye1 ,,or ,,greater ,,tit#aji4 ,parus major1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la grosse ,msange1 ou ,charbonnire1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,kohlmeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,this well-known bird is five inches and five-sixths in length1 of which the tail measures two and a half4 ,the beak is blackish1 conical1 firm1 pointed1 and without slope1 as are the beaks of the other tits2 the iris is dark brown2 the shanks are nine lines high1 and lead blue2 the claws are sharp1 and adapted for climbing2 the upper part of the head is of a brilliant black1 which is joined to the black of the throat by a line of the same colour that borders and sets off the white of the cheeks and temples2 the nape is greenish yellow1 with some mixture of white2 the back is fine olive1 and the rump pale ash grey2 the breast and belly are a yellowish green1 divided lengthways by a black line4 ,the female is smaller1 the black on the head and the yellow on the nape are less bright2 the line that runs down the belly is narrower and shorter1 at least it is lost at the part where in the male it is widest2 this marks the difference between young males and females1 which are alike in other respects4 ,,habitation4--,in its wild state it is found throughout the old world1 but in the greatest numbers in mountainous countries1 where orchards and groves abound1 and woods of beech1 oak1 and similar trees1 are found alternately with those of fir4 ,though these birds do not migrate1 yet in autumn they assemble and pass the winter together1 seeking their food amongst orchards and woods4 ,in autumn1 as soon as the bird-catchers see these flights of tits succeed each other quickly1 they call it their passage1 and immediately prepare snares for taking them4 ,in ,march each pair separates and prepares for breeding4 ,in the house1 if kept in a cage1 this should be of iron wire1 and bell-shaped1 for the advantage of seeing the birds twirl about1 and drop from one stick to another like monkeys4 ,if they be allowed to range1 it is necessary to supply them with abundance of the food they like1 for if this fails they will attack the other birds1 and pierce their heads to eat the brain2 when once they have tasted this food there is no longer safety for the birds around them1 whatever their size may be4 ,i have seen an oxeye attack a quail and kill it in this way4 ,some bird-catchers say that the tits with forked tails are alone addicted to this1 but they are mistaken2 it is certainly true that some are more cruel than others1 experience teaches us this every day4 ,,food4--,when wild they feed on insects1 seeds1 and berries1 destroy many smooth caterpillars1 flies1 grasshoppers1 gnats1 and small butterflies1 and climb about the trees like woodpeckers1 seeking in the moss the eggs and grubs of insects4 ,in autumn and winter they eat all kinds of seeds1 especially hemp-seed1 fir1 and pine-seed1 oats1 kernels of fruit1 mast nuts1 and occasionally flesh4 ,they hold these things in their claws1 tear them with their beak1 and skin them with their tongue4 ,in the house they will eat any thing on the table1 meat1 bread1 cheese1 vegetables1 sweet almonds1 walnuts1 filberts1 lard1 and all sorts of fat1 all pastes adapted for other birds2 so that we must not attribute their early death to the delicacy of the tits1 but to the want of care in those that have them4 ,the more they eat the more they sing1 and the less inclined they are to attack their companions4 ,they drink often1 and enjoy bathing4 ,,breeding4--,the oxeye builds in a hole of a tree or wall1 sometimes in the forsaken nest of a squirrel1 crow1 or woodpecker4 ,it lays on an artless bed of moss1 wool1 and feathers1 eight or ten whitish eggs1 sprinkled with large and small spots mixed with streaks of dark red1 particularly at the large end1 where they form a coronet4 ,the young do not quit the nest till they can fly well4 ,the under parts of the body are pale yellow2 and the black about them is not glossy as in the old birds4 ,,diseases4--,in a cage1 this species is subject to vertigo or giddiness1 occasioned by feeding too much on hemp-seed1 which heats it and makes it twirl about too much4 ,to cure the disorder1 the bird should be kept for some time in a small square cage1 or permitted to range the room4 ,from the same cause often arises atrophy1 consumption1 and even gout1 all which proves the injurious qualities of hemp-seed2 but with care on this point and a little attention it may live eight or ten years4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,the chase after tits1 is1 according to bird-catchers1 one of the most agreeable1 and is pursued in many ways2 but ,i shall confine myself to two or three of the surest methods1 specifying the best for taking those birds that are for the house4 ,in autumn and spring1 the bird-catcher should go into an orchard1 or any other place much frequented by oxeyes1 carrying one with him as a decoy2 this must be placed on the ground in a small square cage1 and some sticks1 with lime-twigs fastened to them1 fixed obliquely around it4 ,the tits1 attracted by curiosity1 or the desire of approaching one of their own species that calls them1 quickly descend1 and are caught in the lime-twigs4 ,a whistle made of the bone of a goose's leg succeeds still better2 with this instrument all the tits in the neighbourhood are quickly assembled2 for the tone being stronger than the natural call1 it is heard farther2 if there are but few of these birds near1 they are sure to be all caught4 ,they are easily attracted1 in winter1 to a trap1 by the kernels of nuts1 lard1 and oats4 ,this trap should be placed in a garden1 with a little oat straw fastened under in such a way that it may be seen at a distance1 as the tits are instantly attracted thereby4 ,it is a small box a foot in length1 and eighteen inches in height and width1 the sides of which1 when not made of small boards painted green1 are formed of small elder sticks1 tied or screwed to the four corner sticks2 in this case only two small boards are required1 one for the bottom1 the other for the cover1 which must be fastened on with packthread1 and turn as with hinges2 from the middle of the bottom rises a peg supporting a cross stick1 with a nut kernel at one end1 and a little lard at the other2 this cross stick supports a small perpendicular one1 which keeps the cover open three or four inches4 ,when a tit hops on the cross stick and begins pecking the nut or lard1 the cover falls1 and the bird is caught4 ,the oxeye1 like the other tits1 assembles in numbers at the water-trap1 commonly from seven to nine in the morning1 and from four to five in the evening4 ,in autumn these birds are taken in nooses and common bird-traps1 baited with berries1 but the snare must be of horse hair1 for if of thread1 the bird1 as soon as it feels itself caught1 will try to bite through it1 as mice do4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the sprightliness and activity of these birds are very pleasing1 but their gay and lively song still more so3 in it are agreeably mingled the call fick1 fick and the shrill tzizerr4 ,nothing1 in my opinion1 is more pleasing than to hear repeated fifteen or twenty times following these striking notes1 sitzida1 sitzida1 stiti1 stiti4 ,one may judge of the capability of young ones to imitate the song of other birds1 from the facility with which the full-grown birds learn detached parts1 and particularly different calls4 ,some people amuse themselves by making these birds perform many little manoeuvres1 such as drawing up their food with a chain1 turning a cylinder#aaj which has the appearance of being moved by two miners1 and hopping after a nut suspended to a thread4 ,,the ,,cole ,,tit4 ,illustration ,parus ater1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la petite ,charbonnire1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,tannenmeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is four inches and one-sixth1 of which the tail measures one and three-quarters1 and the beak one quarter4 ,the back is black1 with the tip lighter2 the iris is dusky2 the shanks are eight lines high1 and lead blue2 the upper part of the head and neck are black2 there is rather a broad streak of white at the back of the head and down the nape of the neck2 the cheeks and sides of the neck are also white1 forming1 when the bird is at rest1 a triangular spot2 the back is dark bluish ash grey4 ,the female is not easily distinguished from the male1 unless both are before you2 its being a little less black on the breast1 and a little less white on the sides1 are the only differences4 ,,habitation4--,when wild these birds are seen in great numbers in pine forests1 and seldom1 except during their wanderings in autumn1 winter1 and spring1 are they met with in other kinds of woods1 groves1 and orchards4 ,they often pass from one pine forest to another in large flights during the winter#aaa4 ,they appear to like the society of the gold-crested wrens1 which are always found in these flights1 as also some crested tits1 which serve as guides4 ,in the house it is pleasanter to allow them to range with the other birds than to keep them in a cage1 yet there is some danger to their companions from their cruelty4 ,,food4--,when wild1 besides insects and their grubs1 they feed on the seeds of different resinous trees2 but as they are often deprived of this food in winter from the trees being loaded with snow and hoar frost1 nature has given them the instinct to provide against this emergency3 they hide a great quantity of these seeds in fissures1 and under the large scales of the bark of pine trees1 to which store they have recourse when in want4 ,the instinct just alluded to is manifested also in the house1 even when they have abundance of all kinds of food2 where they are observed to rob the other birds of seeds and bits of nuts1 and run and hide them immediately in any crevices they may find1 often visiting these stolen stores afterwards to see if they are safe4 ,the blue tit and the oxeye are also accustomed to carry part of their food into a corner1 but they do not hide with so much care1 or from the same cause1 as the cole tit4 ,these birds are commonly fed on the universal paste1 but they are accustomed to it with difficulty4 ,,breeding4--,this species generally places its nest either in some hole deserted by a mole or mouse1 or under the overhanging edges of some deep wheel-rut in an old disused road1 rarely in holes of trees or walls4 ,the nest is composed of a layer of moss covered over with the fur of the hare1 roe-buck1 and stag4 ,there are two broods in the year1 each of six or eight white eggs1 prettily speckled with pale red4 ,the plumage of the young differs from that of the old only in having the black duller and less glossy4 ,,diseases4--,decline is the most common disorder of these birds1 and it is sometimes prevented by giving them fresh ants' eggs1 particularly when moulting4 ,i kept a cole tit six years1 and it then died of old age1 having first become blind1 and been often attacked with vertigo or giddiness4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,less timid and distrustful than the oxeye1 this species may be caught with greater ease4 ,a limed twig fastened to a pole is often sufficient1 with which you approach the tree on which the bird is1 and1 touching it with the twig1 it becomes your prisoner4 ,its call is tzip teune4 ,like all the tits1 it is delicate1 and1 in the house1 often dies soon before being accustomed to the common paste4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,this is a very amusing little bird2 bold1 lively always in motion1 hopping and fluttering about continually4 ,its song is only a clashing of harsh tones1 relieved by a clear sonorous tzifi1 repeated twenty times in succession4 ,it sometimes ends1 however1 with so reflective an air1 that you would think it was going to give something very fine4 ,,the ,,blue ,,tit1 ,,or ,,tom ,,tit4 ,illustration ,parus cruleus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,msange bleue1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,blaumeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pretty bird is four inches and a half long1 of which the tail measures two4 ,the beak is three lines in length1 and dusky1 but whitish at the edges and tip2 the iris is dark brown2 the shanks are eight lines high1 and lead blue2 the front of the head and cheeks are white2 a white line passing from the forehead above the eyes forms a border to the fine sky-blue of the top of the head2 a black line crosses the eyes2 the black of the throat becomes on the sides of the neck a dark blue band1 which surrounds the head4 ,the female is rather smaller than the male1 the streaks about the head not being so clearly defined1 while the blue has the appearance of being tinged with ash grey4 ,the line down the under part of the body is scarcely observable4 ,,habitation4--,these birds1 in their wild state1 frequent woods1 particularly those of beech and oak4 ,during autumn and winter they wander from one place to another1 and are often seen in considerable numbers in our orchards4 ,in the house they may be kept in a cage like the oxeye2 but it is preferable to let them hop and flutter about at pleasure1 as their plumage is then seen to the greatest advantage4 ,they are as mischievous and quarrelsome as the oxeye1 and pursue the other birds in the same manner1 even killing them when they are strong enough4 ,,food4--,when wild they feed on insects and their grubs1 and in autumn on berries#aab4 ,in the house they should be given the same food as the oxeye1 accustoming them to it at first by mixing bruised hemp-seed with it4 ,they like to wash themselves4 ,,breeding4--,the nest1 placed at the top of a tree in an old hollow branch1 is built of moss1 hair1 and feathers4 ,this species lays from eight to ten reddish white eggs1 speckled and spotted with brown4 ,the plumage of the young birds differs from that of the older ones1 only in being less bright and glossy4 ,,diseases4--,most of these birds that are caught in winter1 are attacked with vertigo1 or giddiness1 after being in the house a few days1 fall to the right and left1 and being unable to find their food1 soon die4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,they may be caught in the same way as the oxeye4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the blue tit is easily tamed1 and lives two or three years4 ,its beauty and activity are more attractive than its song1 which is merely an indistinct warbling1 composed of a few strains1 amongst which some higher notes are occasionally introduced4 ,,the ,,marsh ,,tit4 ,illustration ,parus palustris1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,msange des marais1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,sumpfmeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this bird is four inches and a half1 of which the tail measures nearly two2 the beak is four lines in length1 and black2 the shanks are five lines high1 and lead blue2 the upper part of the head1 as far as the nape1 is black2 the temples and cheeks are white2 the upper part of the body is brownish grey2 the throat is black4 ,the female has less black on the throat than the male4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state1 these birds1 during the summer1 frequent groves and orchards2 in winter1 they assemble in flocks1 and when they move from place to place1 always fly in a line one behind the other#aac4 ,in the house they should be allowed to flutter and hop about freely2 they are very delicate1 and require a great deal of care at first4 ,,food4--,when wild1 they feed on insects1 seeds1 and elderberries1 according to the season4 ,in the house they eat the same things as other tits2 but at first1 ants' eggs and elderberries must be added4 ,the seeds of the sunflower 7,helianthus major7 have succeeded best with me1 and preserved them in health longest4 ,they will also eat hemp-seed and oats4 ,,breeding4--,they lay ten or twelve rusty white eggs1 spotted with reddish yellow1 in a hole of a tree1 on a bed of moss1 hair1 and feathers4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,in winter they will easily enter a trap baited with nut kernels or oats4 ,a surer method is1 to lay limed twigs on a sunflower plant1 the seeds of which are ripe4 ,if these tits do not enter the garden1 a plant must be carried to a place much frequented by them4 ,when once these birds have tasted these seeds1 they appear quite contented in the house4 ,it is only necessary to supply them freely2 they will seize them eagerly directly after being taken4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,their pretty actions please1 and their song is sweet4 ,they relieve it occasionally by a lively strain1 diar1 diar1 hitzi1 ailtz1 ailtz6 which is their call in the pairing season4 ,i was never able to keep one in the house beyond two or three years4 ,,the ,,crested ,,tit4 ,parus cristatus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,msange huppe1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,haubenmeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is four inches and a half in length1 of which the tail measures one and one third4 ,the beak is four lines1 and black2 the shanks are seven lines high1 and lead blue2 the head is adorned with a crest1 composed of feathers nearly an inch long1 black tipped with white1 which the bird can erect at pleasure in a conical form4 ,,habitation4--,when wild these birds frequent all the pine and fir woods in ,thuringia1 but are not so numerous as the other species#aad4 ,they fly about low bushes1 and therefore delight in places where juniper bushes abound4 ,in the house they require the same treatment as the blue tit1 and even greater attention2 they can rarely be tamed when taken full grown#aae4 ,,food4--,in a wild state it feeds in the same manner as the cole tit4 ,in the house it must be first fed on ants' eggs1 flies1 and meal-worms4 ,it will afterwards eat nuts and hemp-seed1 like the other tits1 but it seems to require insects occasionally4 ,,breeding4--,the nest is formed like that of the cole tit1 and placed in the hole of a tree1 amongst some stones1 or in large forsaken nests4 ,the brood consists of from six to ten snow-white eggs1 spotted with bright red4 ,the young must be reared on meal-worms cut small and ants' eggs4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is the same which is adopted for catching the cole tits4 ,its call is grrky4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,its song is not striking1 but its form and habits are very pleasing4 ,,the ,,bearded ,,tit1 ,,or ,,reed ,,bird4 ,illustration ,parus biarmicus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,msange barbue1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,bartmeise1 ,,bechstein4 ,this singular species is somewhat in shape like the oxeye4 ,it is six inches and a half in length1 and measures ten and a quarter across the expanded wings2 the tail is two and three quarters4 ,the beak is four lines long1 a little bent at the point1 and is orange during life1 but becomes pale yellow after death2 it is surrounded at the base with black hairs4 ,the iris is yellow2 the shanks are one inch high1 and black2 the head is pale ash grey2 a tuft of black feathers1 which are placed under the eyes and terminate in a point1 is no very slight imitation of a moustache4 ,the tail is wedge-shaped1 inclining to orange2 the outer feathers are dark at the base and whitish at the tip2 the third is tipped with white4 ,the female is without the beard1 or moustache#aaf2 the top of the head is rust red1 spotted with black2 the vent is of the same colour as the belly4 ,,habitation4--,in a wild state these birds are found where there are lakes1 large ponds1 and extensive marshes full of reeds and aquatic plants2 they rarely show themselves in summer1 keeping in pairs amongst the tufted reeds2 but they are seen in winter1 when food failing them in these retreats1 they fly about in families1 perching on the trees and bushes#aag4 ,in the house they must be kept in a large cage to allow them plenty of exercise1 unless permitted to range the room1 which is still better4 ,,food4--,when wild this bird feeds principally on aquatic insects and the seeds of the common reed 7,arundo phragmitis74 ,in the house they are generally first fed on poppy-seed1 ants' eggs1 and meal-worms1 and afterwards on bruised hemp-seed and the food common for the other tits4 ,it is best to rear them from the nest1 as it is very difficult to preserve those taken when full grown4 ,,breeding4--,the knowledge on this head is very limited3 the nest1 placed in the interwoven stems of the reeds1 is in the shape of a purse1 and composed of dried grass and the down of several plants4 ,in this the female lays four or five speckled eggs1 with a pale red ground4 ,the young birds should be taken from the nest when they are ready to fly1 and fed on ants' eggs and meal-worms cut small4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,there is much difficulty in this4 ,fishermen who know the places frequented by this species place limed twigs on the reeds1 and try gently to drive them towards one side1 and sometimes catch a few#aah4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,in this bird are united beautiful plumage1 a graceful shape1 and sprightliness4 ,its song resembles that of the blue tit1 but its call is very different4 ,it is a pity it is so difficult to obtain4 ,buffon says that all of this species that are found in ,england sprang from a pair the ,countess of ,albemarle suffered to escape2 but most likely they had not been seen before from want of attention4 ,illustration3 ,,cato',s ,,dove',s ,,breeding ,,cage4 ,,doves4 ,,characteristics4--,the beak is slender1 straight1 rather bent at the point1 swelled1 and covered with a fleshy membrane at the base2 the shanks are short2 the toes are divided to their origin4 ,doves feed uniformly on grain1 though some wild species also eat myrtle berries4 ,these birds are faithful to their mates1 and produce only two young ones at each brood1 which they feed on grain already softened in their own crops#aai4 ,they are generally ranged amongst the passerine birds1 or among poultry1 but ,i think it best to make them a distinct order1 since they have many distinguishing characteristics4 ,the species ,i shall mention are indigenous1 and easily tamed at any age4 ,,the ,,ring ,,dove1 ,,or ,,cushat4 ,illustration ,columba ,palumbus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,pigeon ,ramier1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,ringeltaube1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is the largest of the ,european wild pigeons1 being in length seventeen inches and a half4 ,some naturalists suppose this to be the parent stock of our large domestic pigeons2 but it cannot be domesticated so easily as the stock dove1 and never mixes with the common pigeons in the fields4 ,it does not1 moreover1 retire into hollows1 like these1 but lives and builds in open and exposed places4 ,the beak is reddish white2 the iris is pale yellow2 the shanks are reddish2 the head and throat are dark ash grey2 the front of the neck and the breast are purplish ash grey2 the sides and back of the neck are fine iridescent purple2 an almost crescent-shaped white streak adorns the sides of the neck towards the base1 without quite surrounding it2 the belly1 the vent1 and the thighs1 are very pale grey2 the sides are light ash grey2 the upper part of the back1 the scapulars1 and the lesser wing-coverts1 are light brownish ash grey2 the coverts of the primary quill-feathers are black2 the remaining greater coverts are pale ash grey2 the tail is dark ash grey1 deepening into black at the extremity4 ,in the female the streaks on the sides of the neck are not so wide as in the male2 her breast is paler1 and all the wing-coverts are an obscure grey4 ,,habitation4--,this species1 found in ,europe and ,asia within the temperate zone1 is very common in the woods of ,germany and ,britain3 it quits us the beginning of ,october1 in small flights1 and does not return till the middle of ,march1 and sometimes later1 always some weeks after the stock dove4 ,during harvest it frequents small groves and detached thickets1 to be nearer the corn fields4 ,,food4--,it feeds on all kinds of corn and leguminous seeds1 myrtle berries1 with the seeds of pines and firs4 ,when a ring dove is caught it must be first fed on wheat1 and other species of corn should by degrees be mixed with it1 but not oats4 ,it will only live a few years in the house4 ,,breeding4--,this species builds in trees1 and forms its nest of dried branches1 but so carelessly that a rather high wind will often blow it down4 ,the female has two broods in the year1 and lays two large white eggs each time4 ,it succeeds very well to place these eggs under a domestic pigeon1 and if care is taken to prevent the young birds from migrating in autumn they will afterwards remain in the pigeon house1 going out and returning like the other pigeons that inhabit it2 but ,i have never observed that they pair with them2 ,i have sometimes seen the ring dove tread the domestic pigeon1 but as yet nothing has resulted from it2 future experiments may perhaps decide this point4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is the same as with the stock dove4 ,ring doves taken when old rarely eat1 and die of hunger if they are not crammed1 like young pigeons4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,besides being a fine bird1 the male coos in a very pleasing and sonorous manner1 moving all the time around his mate1 now before1 then behind1 hopping close to her side1 and turning his head in every direction4 ,it may be rendered very tame4 ,,the ,,turtle ,,dove4 ,columba ,turtur1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,tourterelle1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,turteltaube1 ,,bechstein4 ,this pretty species is ten or eleven inches in length4 ,the beak is slender1 and pale blue2 the iris is reddish yellow2 the naked circle round the eyes is blush red2 the legs and feet are reddish purple2 the forehead is whitish2 the top of the head and upper part of the neck are pale blue2 from this to the tail the blue is more dingy2 on each side of the neck is a black spot striped with three of four crescent-shaped white lines1 which has a pretty effect4 ,,habitation4--,in their wild state these birds are found throughout the temperate parts of ,europe and ,asia1 and also in many of the ,south ,sea ,islands4 ,they always prefer woods1 but never go far into those on great chains of mountains2 they also frequent detached thickets1 and even orchards when near forests4 ,being more delicate than the two preceding species1 they do not arrive in our woods till the end of ,april or beginning of ,may1 and quit us in ,september4 ,they are often seen in great numbers in the forests of ,thuringia when the pine seed has ripened well4 ,in #aghh a prodigious number were seen2 they have never since been so numerous there#abj4 ,in the house we keep them within a grated partition near the stove1 where they can range freely4 ,young ones reared by a domestic pigeon are easily accustomed to the dovecot1 but as they are very sensible to cold it is necessary to warm the place they are in during winter4 ,these birds multiply fast1 either paired amongst themselves or with the collared turtle dove4 ,,food4--,the seeds of the pine seem to be their favourite food here1 but they do not confine themselves to it2 they eat peas1 vetches1 millet1 hemp-seed1 rye1 and wheat4 ,in the house they may be fed on bread and any grain at hand3 they are easily preserved4 ,,breeding4--,when wild1 their nest1 negligently formed of dried sticks1 is tolerably secure when placed in a pine1 but is often blown down when in a beech4 ,the female lays two white eggs4 ,in the house the turtle dove is given a small straw basket1 in which it builds1 for1 whether reared from the nest1 or taken when full grown1 it pairs without difficulty1 and produces young ones4 ,it will also pair with the collared turtle4 ,the cooing of the male is peculiar2 he utters a deep prolonged sound1 then bends his head and stops4 ,the young birds are grey on the upper part of the body1 and spotted with bluish black on the wings4 ,those sprung from a collared and a common turtle dove are more or less like either2 generally they are reddish grey on the head1 neck1 and breast1 the back and wing-coverts1 with red appearing through the grey2 the belly1 the secondary quill-feathers1 and the end of the tail1 are white1 and the primaries greyish brown4 ,these birds are fruitful1 and produce others2 what is curious is that they are larger than the parent birds1 and have a peculiar note4 ,this is certainly also the case with other mule birds1 as ,i have often observed4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,this is the same as with the two preceding species2 snares placed where salt is strewed for deer are sufficient4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,the inhabitants of our forest villages are very fond of having this turtle dove in their stove apartments1 less on account of its agreeable qualities than from the persuasion that it cures their colds and rheumatisms4 ,it is certainly true that this bird is generally ill during the illness of its masters#aba4 ,it will1 however1 live six or eight years in the house4 ,,the ,,collared ,,turtle4 ,columba risoria1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,tourterelle collier1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,lachtaube1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is twelve inches in length2 the beak is reddish white at the base1 and dusky on the remaining part2 the iris is golden yellow2 the shanks are red2 the upper part of the body is reddish white1 the under part is pure white2 the back of the neck is adorned with a black crescent1 the points of which turn forward1 and the lower part is edged with white2 the shafts of the quill and tail feathers are dusky4 ,the female is whiter than the male4 ,,habitation4--,this species is a native of ,india and ,china1 from which it has been brought to ,europe4 ,it is very common among our peasants1 who fancy it has the power of curing their colds and rheumatisms#abb4 ,they assign these poor birds some grated place near the stove1 sometimes under a bench2 if they are allowed to range1 their wings must be clipped1 to prevent their flying against the windows1 and breaking them4 ,they will generally run under the stove1 as they are fond of warmth4 ,they may be accustomed to the dovecot1 but their showy plumage often occasions them to fall a prey to carnivorous birds4 ,it is also necessary either to warm the dovecot1 or remove them to a heated room during the winter4 ,,food4--,they prefer wheat1 and this should be their common food2 they will also eat millet1 linseed1 poppy1 and rape-seed1 and even bread4 ,the peasants give them the siftings of their corn4 ,,breeding4--,a piece of fur1 or soft stuff1 or still better1 a little basket1 serves as the foundation for their nests4 ,to this they merely add a little straw1 on which they lay two white eggs4 ,they sit on these a fortnight1 but rarely hatch more than one1 either from the egg being unfruitful1 or from the carelessness of the parent birds4 ,it is therefore rare to see them rear six young ones in the year4 ,these resemble the old ones1 and the sex is known by the absence or presence of the reddish colour4 ,,diseases4--,besides decline1 they are subject to all the diseases that attack the persons shut up in the same room2 small-pox1 when the children have it2 swollen legs1 when any one is attacked with this complaint2 and tumours in the feet1 when these are prevalent4 ,thus we see they partake of the diseases of their masters1 but without curing them1 which is contrary to the ridiculous persuasion of the ignorant peasant4 ,yet with all these evils they will live seven years4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,these birds are very neat and gentle4 ,their cooing resembles laughter2 but1 besides this1 the male has other tones still more tender1 to invite his mate to come to the nest1 and he passes the night close to her side4 ,when he coos he does not turn like the domestic pigeon1 but hops forward a little1 then stops1 bends his head to the ground1 and swells his crop4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,quail4 ,,poultry4 ,,characteristics4--,these birds are characterised by the beak being raised1 and the upper mandible being arched1 so that the edges of it go beyond those of the under mandible4 ,the nostrils are covered with a convex cartilaginous membrane2 the tail is composed of more than twelve feathers2 the toes are connected as far as the first joint4 ,most of the species feed on grain1 which is softened in their crops4 ,i only know of six species that can be tamed in the house4 ,,the ,,common ,,partridge4 ,tetrao ,perdrix1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,perdrix grise1 ,,buffon2 ,das gemeine ,rebhuhn1 ,,bechstein4 ,this well known bird1 which is very fleshy1 and has but few feathers1 measures twelve inches and a half4 ,its beak is bluish1 the feet brownish blush red2 under each eye is a naked skin of a bright scarlet colour2 the general colour of the plumage is brown and ash grey1 mixed with black2 the forehead1 a streak above the eyes1 and the throat1 are fine chestnut brown2 the fore part of the neck and the breast are ash grey1 with very fine black lines2 below the breast is a deep chestnut brown streak in the shape of a horse shoe1 which is not found in the female1 or at least not so large nor so clearly defined2 the quill-feathers are dusky1 with cross bands of rust red2 the tail-feathers are rust brown4 ,,habitation4--,the common partridge is found throughout ,europe1 in fields and adjoining woods3 when in the open country1 thickets and bushes serve as a retreat during the night4 ,in wide plains1 where the frosts are severe1 and the snow so deep that the game is in danger of perishing1 it is customary1 in winter1 to catch in a net as many as possible of these birds1 and keep them in a warmed room with a high ceiling4 ,if such a room cannot be had1 the top of the room and windows should be hung with cloth1 to prevent the frightened birds from injuring themselves4 ,,food4--,in the house1 when permitted to range1 partridges may be fed on barley and wheat4 ,they will also eat bread1 the common universal paste1 cabbage1 beet1 and lettuce2 for they like green vegetables1 and these are almost indispensable to their health4 ,in a state of liberty1 they generally feed in winter on the tops of grass and young springing seeds4 ,in the summer1 they eat clover and other green plants1 as well as all kinds of grain4 ,they often roll in moist sand1 which they should be allowed to do in the house4 ,,breeding4--,the best way to domesticate the partridge1 is to rear it young1 in which case it becomes extremely tame1 and its habits are very pleasing4 ,these young birds must be fed at first on ants' eggs and hens' eggs boiled hard and chopped up with salad2 afterwards they will eat barley and other dry food4 ,the covey often consists of twenty young ones1 which follow the mother as soon as they are hatched1 and often fall in the way of mowers1 shepherds1 and huntsmen4 ,i am persuaded that it would not be difficult to render these birds quite domestic1 if the eggs were hatched by our barn-door fowls1 in an open1 yet enclosed place1 clipping the wings of the young ones1 allowing them to range1 during the summer1 in a garden surrounded with walls1 and giving them plenty of food4 ,supposing that this plan did not quite succeed the first summer1 one would have at least half-tamed birds1 which1 by following the same plan1 would gradually become more and more accustomed to domestic food1 the society of man1 and would certainly at last breed in the house1 like our common fowls4 ,,the ,,common ,,quail4 ,tetrao coturnix1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,caille1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,wachtel1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is the most common of wild poultry kept in the house4 ,it is rather more than seven inches in length4 ,the beak is short and horn-coloured1 dusky in summer1 and ash grey in winter1 like the partridge's and common fowl's2 the iris is olive brown2 the feet pale bluish red2 on the upper part of the body are dusky and rust-red spots1 with some small white streaks2 the throat is dusky1 surrounded with two chestnut brown bands2 the front of the neck and the breast are pale rust red1 with some longitudinal dark streaks2 the belly is dusky white2 the thighs are reddish grey2 the quill-feathers are dark grey1 crossed by many rust red lines2 the tail is short1 dark brown1 with pale rust red streaks across it4 ,the female differs sensibly2 her throat is white1 and her breast1 paler than that of the male1 is spotted with black like the thrush's4 ,,habitation4--,when wild the quail is found throughout the old world4 ,unlike the other species of poultry1 it is a bird of passage1 arriving in ,europe in ,may1 and departing the end of ,september4 ,it keeps continually in corn fields1 preferring those of wheat4 ,in the house1 if allowed to range1 its gentleness1 neatness1 and peculiar motions1 are seen to advantage2 but it is often kept in a cage of the following make3--,a small box two feet long1 one foot deep1 and four high1 of any shape which is preferred2 in this are left two or three openings1 one for drinking at1 the other to give light2 besides this all is dark2 the bottom is a drawer1 which should be covered with sand1 and have a seed drawer at one end2 the top is of green cloth1 for as the quail often springs up it would hurt itself were it of wood4 ,this case should be suspended during the summer outside the window1 for the quail sings much more when confined in this manner than if allowed to range the room1 where there are many things to call off its attention from its song#abc4 ,when a male without the female is allowed to run about the room1 it is always necessary to shut it up in ,june 7the pairing season71 or else its ardent feelings tempt it to attack all the other birds1 particularly those with a dark plumage1 somewhat resembling its own4 ,larks1 for example1 it will follow1 and pluck out their feathers till they are nearly bare4 ,,food4--,in a wild state the quail feeds on wheat and other corn1 rape-seed1 millet1 hemp-seed1 and the like4 ,it also eats green vegetables1 as well as insects1 and particularly ants' eggs4 ,in the house it is fed on the same food1 adding bread1 barley meal mixed with milk1 the universal paste1 and occasionally salad or cabbage chopped up small1 and1 that it may want nothing to keep it in health1 plenty of river sand for it to roll in and to peck up grains1 which assist its digestion2 but this sand must be damp1 for if dry it will not touch it4 ,it drinks a great deal1 and the water1 contrary to the opinion of some persons1 should be clear1 never turbid4 ,it moults twice in the year1 once in autumn1 and again in spring2 it then requires river sand1 and greater attention than at other times4 ,,breeding4--,the quail breeds very late1 never before ,july4 ,its nest1 if it can be called so1 is a hole scratched in the earth1 in which it lays from ten to fourteen bluish-white eggs1 with large brown spots4 ,these are hatched after three weeks' incubation4 ,the young ones1 all hairy1 follow the mother the moment they leave the shell4 ,their feathers grow quickly1 for in the autumn they are able to depart with her to the southern countries4 ,the males are so ardent1 that if one is placed in a room with a female1 he will pursue her immediately with extraordinary eagerness1 tearing off her feathers if she resists in the least2 he is less violent if he has been in the same room with her during the year4 ,the female1 in this case1 lays a great many eggs1 but rarely sits on them2 yet if young ones are brought her from the fields1 she eagerly receives them under her wings1 and becomes a very affectionate mother to them4 ,the young must be fed on eggs boiled hard and cut small1 but the best way is to take the mother with the covey1 which may be done with a net4 ,she watches over them attentively1 and they are more easily reared4 ,during the first year one would think that all in the covey were females1 the males resemble them so much1 particularly before the brown shows itself on the throat4 ,,mode ,,of ,,taking4--,there are several different methods of taking quails1 but ,i shall only mention the commonest and easiest4 ,the male birds are generally caught in a net1 called a quail-net1 by means of a call which imitates the cry of the female in the breeding season2 it is the way adopted by bird-catchers in the spring1 when they wish to take a male that sings in a superior manner1 that is1 which repeats a dozen times following the syllables pieveroie4 ,if the male has not yet met with a mate1 and if he has not been rendered suspicious by some unskilful bird-catcher1 he will run eagerly into the snare4 ,the most important thing is to have a good call2 they may be had cheap of turners at ,nuremberg1 who make them of leather1 with a pipe turned from the bone of a cat or hare1 or the leg of a stork2 but they may easily be made by any body4 ,the first thing necessary is a piece of calf-skin1 one foot in length1 and four inches in breadth1 the sides must be sewed together within two inches of the end1 and the bottom filled with a piece of wood an inch and a half in length1 and rings composed of thick leather1 the diameter of the interior opening not exceeding an inch and a half1 are pushed into the sewed cylinder1 and kept about a quarter of an inch apart2 the whole may afterwards be pressed close together1 making the rings touch each other2 then a tube made of the bone of a goose or hare1 and filled at the end like a common whistle1 is fastened to the part of the cylinder left unsewed2 the interior is then stopped with wax near the notch on the side of the leather1 and a hole pierced through it with a knitting-needle2 the upper part of the tube must also be stopped with wax1 and lastly1 the lower part1 which is thus become a kind of whistle1 is very firmly tied to the unsewn part of the cylinder4 ,when the call is to be used1 the lower end must be held firmly in one hand1 and the leather cylinder worked up and down with the other1 making the rings approach and separate1 which produces the notes of the female1 peuk1 peuk1 pupu4 ,as soon as the male quail is heard that you wish to procure1 you must advance softly to within fifty paces of his station1 and place the tray amongst the wheat in such a position as will suffer it to fall level with the ground1 to prevent the bird's passing under and escaping4 ,then retire a few steps back1 when the quail will soon utter its song1 to which reply with two or three notes1 that when the quail is silent he may only hear one or two1 from the call exactly resembling the cry of the female4 ,if this is not done with care1 the bird will suspect treachery1 and will either retire or remain silent1 and never after fall into such a snare2 but if skilfully done1 it is surprising to see how the bird proceeds directly to the call3 if by chance he miss the trap1 he will go so near as to be within reach of the hand2 in this case it is best to retire softly to the other side of the trap and repeat the call1 which will again attract it4 ,there are some quails that know how to avoid the net1 particularly if placed in too open and exposed a place4 ,in this case it is safest to turn it in a corner at both ends1 and thus when it tries to turn it becomes entangled4 ,it is proper to notice1 that in damp weather1 or when it rains1 the quail does not run1 but flies immediately towards the call4 ,it does this also in dewy mornings and evenings2 dry days should therefore be chosen for this chase4 ,in the pairing season1 two1 three1 or even four quails may be taken at the same place4 ,if no male is heard in the field1 the call of the female must be well imitated on a larger and more powerful bird-call1 and1 if any males are within hearing1 they will not fail to answer2 the person must then advance quickly1 placing the net so as to stop their road1 and repeat the call4 ,when a female is to be caught1 it is best to employ a common net1 such as is used to take quails in autumn2 but this chase should be deferred till towards the end of harvest1 when most of the corn is cut1 and only a few pieces left standing1 which serve to harbour numbers of these birds4 ,several nets are used at once1 as many as six or eight2 some of them are placed across the field of corn1 and the others parallel to them at the extremity of the same field3 this being done1 the party go to the opposite side and begin to drive the quails into the nets in the middle of the field by means of a packthread stretched across the corn1 having little bells suspended to it by threads1 so as almost to touch the ground1 two persons holding it1 and as they advance shaking it from time to time4 ,as soon as the prisoners are secured1 the march is continued towards the nets at the end of the field2 and in this manner great numbers of quails1 both male and female1 are procured either for the house or for the table4 ,,attractive ,,qualities4--,besides beauty of form and plumage1 the song of this bird is no slight recommendation to the amateur4 ,in the breeding season1 that of the male commences by repeating softly1 tones resembling verra1 verra1 followed by the word pieveroie1 uttered in a bold tone1 with the neck raised1 the eyes shut1 and the head inclined on one side4 ,those that repeat the last syllables ten or twelve times consecutively1 are the most esteemed4 ,that of the female only consists of verra1 verra1 pupu1 pupu1 the two last syllables being those by which the male and the female attract each other's attention2 when alarmed or angry their cry resembles guillah6 but at other times it is only a murmur1 resembling the purring of a cat4 ,the quail never sings when left to run about in a light room1 except during the night1 but continually when in a darkened cage4 ,those reared from the nest begin to sing the end of ,december1 and continue till ,september2 whilst those taken full grown rarely commence till the beginning of ,may1 and cease in ,august4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,the ,,stork4 ,,wading ,,birds4 ,the birds of this order are more or less bare above the knees2 their legs are so long1 that they have the appearance of standing on stilts4 ,they may be tamed at any age1 but this is best done when they are young4 ,i shall only give here the following species4 ,,the ,,white ,,stork4 ,ciconia alba1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,cicogne blanche1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,weisse ,storch1 ,,bechstein4 ,the stork may be considered as half domestic1 since it constantly builds on the tops of houses1 on churches or towers in the midst of villages1 and even towns#abd4 ,its beak is long and powerful1 of a blood red colour1 as are its legs and feet4 ,it has a naked black ring round its eyes2 the wings are black2 the rest of the plumage white4 ,,observations4--,it is a bird of passage1 which quits ,europe the end of ,september1 and returns in ,april4 ,it feeds on fish1 amphibious animals1 field-mice1 moles1 and even weasels1 which it catches coming out of their holes4 ,it also eats insects1 especially bees1 which it catches by the beakfull on flowers4 ,its nest is only a heap of dry sticks woven together1 and it occupies the same nest every year1 after repairing it a little4 ,i have been assured1 that some nests have lasted a hundred years2 and the circumference often becomes covered with sparrows and swallows' nests4 ,the male and female never separate1 and are a true model of conjugal fidelity4 ,if the young ones are taken from the nest1 and fed on frogs and meat1 they may be rendered so tame that they will go a league from the house1 and return again regularly4 ,at the time of their flight1 in ,september1 the wings of those that are to be kept through the winter should be clipped1 and they should be kept in a temperate place1 as their feet are very sensible to cold4 ,they become so familiar that they will enter the room during meals1 to be fed on meat from the table4 ,a clapping with their beak expresses either anger or affection4 ,it is very pleasing to see a tame stork circling round the house1 and descending insensibly in a long spiral line till it reaches the ground4 ,,the ,,black ,,stork4 ,ardea nigra1 ,,linn,,us2 ,der schwarze ,storch1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species is nearly as large as the white stork1 and is of the same form1 but its limbs are weaker and more delicate4 ,its colour is a glossy brownish black1 with the breast and belly white4 ,it frequents woods in the neighbourhood of marshes1 lakes1 and large ponds1 and makes its nest on the trees4 ,its habits and manner of feeding are similar to those of the white stork4 ,in rearing the young ones1 they may be accustomed to remain in the house1 and will soon become familiar4 ,,the ,,woodcock4 ,scolopax rusticola1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,bcasse1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,waldschnepfe1 ,,bechstein4 ,the woodcock is found in every part of ,europe where there are forests4 ,the beak is three or four inches in length1 straight1 and reddish at the base2 the back of the head is crossed with dusky bands2 the upper part of the body and wings are rust brown1 streaked with grey and black2 the breast and belly are dusky white1 with dark brown lines4 ,,observations4--,the woodcock builds its nest on the ground in mountainous districts2 lays three or four dusky pale yellow eggs1 and feeds on worms1 snails1 and the grubs of insects1 which it seeks in meadows1 marshes1 and fields4 ,in ,october it quits the high lands for more temperate parts2 this migration is called its passage1 and as these birds constantly follow the same route1 this is the time when fowlers1 scattered in its destined path1 prepare for a chase1 either with guns or large nets made for the purpose1 and await the moment when these birds quit the meadows for the woods1 or the woods for the meadows4 ,the flight of woodcocks is slow and awkward1 but they are very fine game1 the flesh being wholesome and of an excellent flavour2 they are generally cooked without taking out the intestines4 ,in the house1 by beginning with insects and ants' eggs1 the woodcock may be accustomed by degrees to the universal paste4 ,twenty years ago ,i saw1 in an aviary at ,carlsruhe1 a tame woodcock that would come from his cage and show himself to strangers2 it was a male1 and appeared very willing to pair1 if it could have found a mate4 ,,the ,,common ,,snipe4 ,scolopax ,gallinago1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,bcassine1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,heerschnepfe1 ,,bechstein4 ,this ,snipe is nearly the size of the quail1 and inhabits the northern countries of ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america1 migrating in autumn to more temperate parts4 ,its rough beak is black in the front2 its feet are brown2 the head is divided longitudinally by two reddish brown lines2 the back is dark brown1 with streaks across2 the throat is white2 the neck is brown1 speckled with brick red2 the belly is white2 the vent is striped with black2 the quill-feathers are dark brown1 tipped with white2 the tail-feathers are black from the base1 tipped with orange1 and having two dark brown streaks4 ,,observations4--,the snipe darts through the air at a great height1 and descends like an arrow1 continually uttering the cry maicherai4 ,it is found in marshy places1 abounding with bushes and brambles2 in a hole in the ground1 washed by the water1 it lays four or five dusky olive-coloured eggs1 streaked with brown4 ,its common food is worms1 and the grubs of insects1 but it will eat corn1 and the tender roots of marsh plants4 ,every one knows that it is delicate eating2 but many are ignorant that it may be tamed1 and that it is then a very pleasing bird4 ,,the ,,lapwing4 ,illustration ,tringa ,vanellus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,vanneu1 ,,buffon2 ,der gemeine ,kiebetz1 ,,bechstein4 ,this bird is well known throughout ,europe wherever there are water meadows4 ,it is greenish on the back and wings2 black on the breast2 and has red feet1 and a handsome crest4 ,,observations4--,it feeds on all sorts of insects1 small snails1 worms1 and even plants4 ,the young ones are easily tamed4 ,they are first fed on ants' eggs1 and then gradually accustomed to bread1 and even bran mixed with milk4 ,the eggs may be placed under pigeons1 but care is necessary when they are hatched1 as they run the moment they leave the shell4 ,the old birds may be kept in the garden if the wings are clipped1 where they destroy the insects and worms2 but they must be brought into the house in the winter1 and fed at first on bullocks' heart cut in the form of worms1 then with less care1 till by degrees they become accustomed to other meat1 and even to bread4 ,as these birds are much esteemed game1 snares are laid for them in places they frequent in large flocks4 ,they are either taken in nets1 throwing worms as baits1 or with nooses made of horse hair1 and set in the paths they trace in the rushes1 or1 which is cruel and destructive1 in the neighbourhood of their nests4 ,,the ,,ruff4 ,tringa pugnax1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,combattant1 ou ,paon de ,mer1 ,,buffon2 ,die ,kampfhahn1 ,,bechstein4 ,the ruff is about the size of the lapwing1 and is found in the north of ,europe1 near lakes1 ponds1 and extensive marshes4 ,it is almost the only wild bird whose plumage varies like our domesticated ones1 ash-grey1 brown1 black1 and white1 being combined in a thousand different ways1 so that it is rare to meet with two birds alike4 ,the following are the characteristics of the species3--#ast1 a kind of ruff or collar1 formed of long feathers hanging around the neck1 which are raised when the bird is angry1 and stand out on all sides2 #bnd1 the face red1 and covered with pimples2 the beak and feet also red4 ,the colours of the females are more uniform3--pale brown1 the back streaked with black1 the breast and belly white1 and the neck plain without the ruff4 ,it feeds on insects1 worms1 and roots1 and makes its nest in a tuft of grass or rushes4 ,the females are tolerably good for the table1 but the male must be fattened before it is eatable4 ,the irritable and quarrelsome disposition of these birds is astonishing4 ,when two males meet they are often so enraged with each other that a net may be passed over them without their perceiving it4 ,if several are placed in the same cage1 they will kill one another4 ,the young ones may easily be reared2 but it is extraordinary1 that in the house1 their inclination to fight abandons them2 whilst most other birds1 pacific in a state of freedom1 are continually quarrelling and pecking one another when confined4 ,it is customary in the duchy of ,bremen to put these birds into enclosed gardens to destroy worms and other insects1 but they retire into the house for the winter2 and here the old ones still quarrel both for food and the place they wish to lie down in4 ,they are fed on bread soaked in milk1 and meat4 ,,the ,,purr4 ,tringa ,cinclus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',alouette de ,mer1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,meerlerche1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is a marsh bird1 about the size of the redwing1 and is very common on the banks of rivers1 lakes1 and large ponds4 ,when it rises in the air it cries continually tzi1 tzi1 tzi1 tzi4 ,its beak is black1 and its feet dark brownish green2 the feathers on the upper part of the body are grey1 glossy1 and silky1 with blackish bands notched on the sides1 and bordered on the outer edge with rust red2 a whitish streak passes above the eyes1 whilst a narrow dark brown line crosses them2 the under part of the body is pure white1 but the breast is striped with dark brown2 the quill-feathers are black1 the anterior having a broad white streak on the inner web1 the others having the same on the outer web2 the greater coverts are tipped with white1 which form two spots on the wings2 the three middle feathers of the tail are grey brown with black bands2 the others are white1 with dark brown bands4 ,the female is rather larger1 and her plumage is paler4 ,,observations4--,it is easy to obtain this bird1 which has many attractions for the amateur4 ,it runs quickly1 continually shaking the back part of its body1 and repeating1 particularly towards evening1 its loud and tender call1 hidutzt4 ,when wild it eats insects and worms1 found near the water4 ,in the house it will soon eat the universal paste1 if a few meal-worms and ants' eggs are at first thrown amongst it4 ,if there are other birds in the same room1 the water vessel should be removed from the food1 or another vessel devoted to it1 for not being able to swallow what is not soft1 it carries all its food to the water to soak1 and thus renders it dirty4 ,it catches insects very dexterously2 it advances slowly like a cat1 its head bent down1 and then darts forward swiftly and slyly4 ,i admire their habits so much that ,i have one generally in my house4 ,i have observed that all the species of snipes have the habit of turning over any stones they meet with1 to look for insects under4 ,it is very easy to take the purr as soon as the stakes1 sticks1 and other places where they most commonly alight1 are known2 it is only to put bird-lime on them and drive the birds gently towards the part4 ,this and the corn crake are the only two marsh birds that should properly be reckoned among house-birds4 ,,the ,,moor ,,hen4 ,fulica enloropus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,poule d',eau1 ,,buffon2 ,die grnfssiges ,meehuhn1 ,,bechstein4 ,the length of this species is ten or twelve inches4 ,the beak is greenish at the tip1 red towards the base2 the naked spaces above the knees are of the same colour2 the feet are olive green2 the claws are very long2 the head1 the upper part of the neck1 the body1 and the wing-coverts are dark olive green2 the anterior quill-feathers and the tail are dark brown2 the breast and belly are ash-grey2 the vent and edges of the wings are white4 ,in the female the beak is olive brown towards the base1 instead of red4 ,,observations4--,though not web-footed1 this species swims as well as those birds that are1 and has this advantage over them1 that it can rest on trees and bushes by the water side1 like land birds1 and can also run when inclined4 ,its nest is placed among bushes that are in the water1 or on reeds1 and is built of water plants1 especially reeds well interwoven2 it is so firmly fastened1 that if the water rises it floats1 but is not carried away2 the eggs are often surrounded with water4 ,it feeds on insects1 seeds1 and aquatic plants4 ,it is easily tamed1 particularly when taken young2 it likes white bread soaked in milk4 ,i often have these birds in my poultry-yard among my fowls2 they go to a neighbouring pond1 and regularly return after a short time4 ,i never took any trouble to tame them2 they always kept near the water1 by the dunghill1 seeking after insects and grubs4 ,,the ,,corn ,,crake4 ,illustration ,rallus ,crex1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,rale de ,cenet1 ou ,roi de ,cailles1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,wachtelknig1 ,,bechstein4 ,the corn crake being always found with quails in proportionate numbers1 departing with them in autumn1 and returning at the same time in spring1 no doubt deserves the name ,buffon has given it of ,king of the ,quails4 ,it is ten inches in length4 ,the beak is flattish1 greyish brown above1 and bluish red beneath2 the feet are lead grey2 the feathers of the head1 of the back of the neck1 of the back1 and even of the tail1 are black1 edged with reddish grey2 which gives them the appearance of being streaked2 a grey ash-coloured streak passes above the eyes1 another below them2 the wing-coverts and anterior quill-feathers are chestnut brown2 the front of the neck and the breast are dusky ash-grey2 the belly is white1 but the sides and vent are dark brown1 spotted with rusty brown and white4 ,the breast of the female is pale grey1 and the streaks near her eyes greyish white4 ,,observations4--,the male is often heard uttering his kind of croaking notes1 arrp1 schnarrp1 in the meadows and fields1 in the evening and at night2 but is rarely seen to fly4 ,it feeds on insects and grain1 for which bread soaked in milk may be substituted1 when it is in the house4 ,the female lays from eight to twelve greenish grey eggs1 streaked with pale brown1 on the bare ground2 the young ones1 when hatched1 are covered with a kind of black down1 the feathers of varied colours do not appear for three weeks4 ,the hen sits with so much constancy1 that she will often perish by the sithe rather than quit her eggs4 ,the young1 like the young quails1 run under the oat sheaves1 and may easily be caught there by the hand4 ,the agility of these birds1 and their pleasing habits1 render them much admired in the house2 they chirp very much like chickens4 ,i confess ,i like very much to hear the arrp1 schnarrp of the male in the evening near me4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,swan4 ,,web-,,footed ,,birds4 ,the birds arranged in this order are also known1 under the name of aquatic birds4 ,they are distinguished by their feet1 the toes being united by a broad membrane1 which assists them in swimming4 ,several live uniformly on the water1 others in companies on the water and on the land4 ,there are many that may be tamed1 but ,i shall only speak of those that are able to live without being on the water4 ,the number is thus confined to six species1 easily tamed at any age4 ,,the ,,swan4 ,anas ,olor1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le gigne1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,schwan1 ,,bechstein4 ,instead of the common name of tame swan1 ,i prefer that of mute swan1 in order to distinguish this from the whistling1 also called the wild swan1 but improperly1 for in ,russia it is more common to have that tamed than the one under notice4 ,this1 however1 is found wild throughout most parts of ,europe1 and in great numbers in ,siberia4 ,in ,germany1 when a person wishes to have one on a piece of water1 and to keep it there constantly1 he chooses some young ones1 and breaks or cuts the first bone in the wing1 to disable them from flying1 and consequently prevent their departing in the autumn with their wild companions4 ,the swan is larger than a domestic goose1 it is four feet and a half in length1 on account of its long neck1 which it bends in the form of an ,s when it is swimming2 it measures seven feet and a quarter from tip to tip of the wings1 and weighs from twenty-five to thirty pounds4 ,the beak is dark red1 having at the base a large black callous knob1 and at the tip something resembling the head of a nail1 black1 and rather bent2 a bare black triangular streak extends from the beak to the eyes2 the feet are black the first year1 lead grey the second1 and reddish lead grey at last2 the plumage is a snowy white4 ,,observations4--,the story of its melodious death-song is now quite exploded2 the organisation of its windpipe permits only a slight hiss1 a dull murmur1 and a gentle croaking4 ,song1 properly so called1 belongs exclusively to the whistling swan2 a poet may have heard it once1 and without observing the difference between the birds1 have attributed it to the common swan4 ,the latter feeds on insects and aquatic plants2 during the winter corn should be given it1 and it must be kept in a temperate place4 ,the female forms a large nest1 of the stalks of rushes1 reeds1 and other plants1 and lines it with feathers from her breast4 ,she lays six or eight greenish white eggs1 and sits on them five weeks4 ,during this time1 the male is always near her1 driving away and pursuing all that would approach4 ,he has such strength of wing1 that a well-aimed blow of it would break a man's leg4 ,the young ones are at first grey4 ,it is said that swans will live a hundred years4 ,their utility as well as their beauty would merit more attention than is commonly paid to their education1 which is easier than that of geese4 ,lithuania1 ,poland1 and eastern ,prussia1 send several quintals every year to the fair of ,frankfort upon ,oder4 ,many tame swans are also collected on the ,sprey1 round ,berlin1 ,spandau1 and ,potsdam2 particularly in ,may1 to rob them of their down4 ,the skins with the down on them are prepared for pelisses2 powder puffs are also made of it4 ,,the ,,sheldrake4 ,anas ,tadorna1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,tadorne1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,bruntente1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species measures two feet from the tip of the beak to the extremity of the tail2 the beak is smooth1 flattish1 and of a scarlet colour2 a fleshy knob covers the upper base2 the nostrils and nail at the end of the beak are black2 the feet are bluish red2 the head and upper part of the neck are duck green2 the rest of the neck and belly are white2 a wide orange brown band crosses the breast2 the back1 with the wing-coverts1 is white2 the scapulars are speckled with black2 the first quill-feathers are black1 the following violet1 the middle ones rusty brown1 and the last white2 the speculum is green1 reflecting a beautiful violet2 the feathers of the tail are white1 tipped with black4 ,,observations4--,this species1 found in the north of ,europe and ,asia1 hollows out the sand by the sea-shore1 or uses a forsaken rabbit's hole1 or some cavity in a rock1 to form its nest in4 ,the beauty of its plumage has attracted the attention of amateurs1 who tame it1 and keep it in the poultry-yard2 but it is not useful1 its flesh having an unpleasant smell and flavour4 ,it feeds with the other ducks1 and becomes very familiar2 it ever appears intelligent4 ,,the ,,wild ,,goose4 ,anas anser ferus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,l',oie sauvage1 ,,buffon2 ,der wilde ,gans1 ,,bechstein4 ,this is the parent stock of our domestic goose1 and though smaller1 it has a longer neck and larger wings4 ,the upper part of the body is brownish grey1 the under part is greyish white2 the breast is clouded with rusty brown2 the beak is orange and black2 the feet are red4 ,several domestic geese preserve this original plumage1 even to the colours of the beak4 ,,observations4--,this species frequents the shores of the ,north ,sea during the summer2 but in autumn departs in large flights disposed in a triangular form1 and passes the winter in more southern countries1 feeding on the blades of newly-sprung rye4 ,there are places in ,thuringia where thousands of these birds collect in winter2 they are very distrustful1 placing sentinels as soon as they alight1 which are so watchful1 that it is very difficult to take or shoot them4 ,if by chance the wing of one of these geese is shot1 it may easily be kept in the yard with poultry2 they are also taken in snares laid in places frequented by them during the night2 they associate without difficulty with the domestic geese2 but ,i only know one instance of a wild male pairing with a domesticated female4 ,,the ,,scaup ,,duck4 ,anas marila1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,milloninan1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,bergente1 ,,bechstein4 ,this species1 like the former1 passes in autumn from the north to the south4 ,they are caught and shot among the common wild ducks4 ,the scaup duck may be tamed so far as to remain sociably among the domestic ones1 will eat bread soaked in water1 oats1 and barley2 in short1 all that is given to common ducks4 ,its size also is similar1 but it is black1 with the belly and speculum white2 five black transverse lines unite on the white ground of the upper part of the body2 the wings and tail are dusky4 ,,the ,,mallard4 ,anas ,boschas fera1 ,,linn,,us2 ,le ,canoel sauvage1 ,,buffon2 ,der wilde ,ente ,,bechstein4 ,our domestic ducks derive their origin from this species4 ,it is spread throughout ,europe on lakes1 ponds1 and rivers4 ,its length is two feet2 its plumage ash grey1 striped and waved transversely with white and brown2 the head and neck are bright green1 known by the name of duck-green2 the breast is chestnut brown2 the speculum violet green4 ,the female is brown1 like a lark4 ,,observations4--,like other birds of the same order1 the wild ducks unite in large flights in the autumn1 but divide into pairs in summer1 and build their nests either near the water1 among the reeds and bushes1 in the trunks of old trees1 or sometimes even in the depths of woods4 ,they lay from twelve to sixteen eggs4 ,in the forest districts of ,thuringia1 the young ones are met with in considerable numbers1 being led to a neighbouring pond by the parent birds4 ,if1 after having mutilated or lamed the end of the wing1 they are put into a pond with domestic ducks1 they live and pair with them1 become accustomed to their mode of life1 follow them in winter into the house1 without any decoy but being fed plentifully4 ,wild ducks are taken in nets1 snares1 and even with fishing-hooks4 ,by pairing a mallard with a female domestic duck1 a very fine middle race is obtained1 which remains domestic#abe4 ,,the ,,tarrock4 ,larus tridactylus1 ,,linn,,us2 ,larus rissa1 cinereus et nvius1 ,,linn,,us2 ,la ,monette cendre1 ,,buffon2 ,der ,wintermeeve1 ,,bechstein4 ,these birds1 about fourteen inches in length1 change their plumage till they are four years old1 which occasions great variety4 ,in the old ones1 the beak is yellowish green on the outside1 and orange within2 the feet are olive1 and are without the back toe2 the head1 throat1 neck1 the rest of the upper part of the body1 and the tail1 are white4 ,there is often a blackish streak behind the ear2 the back and wing-coverts are pale grey or bluish2 the quill-feathers are white2 the primaries are tipped with black2 those that have a dark grey crescent on the neck have not attained their fourth year2 those streaked are young ones4 ,,observations4--,the tarrocks remain in the north of ,europe during summer1 and go south in winter4 ,in ,february1 when snow comes after mild weather1 great numbers are seen to stop on the ponds and rivers in ,germany1 where many perish2 they may then be taken with nets and snares placed on the banks1 after removing the snow4 ,though their proper food is fish and aquatic insects1 they are contented1 in the poultry-yard1 with bread and other food2 are easily tamed1 and live equally well on the water or the land2 in winter1 they should be kept in a moderately warm situation2 they may even be left in the court1 driving them in the evening into the place appropriated to them for the night4 ,illustration ,,footnotes3 #a ,see reasons for doubting this conclusion in ,professor ,rennie's ,,domestic ,,habits ,,of ,,birds1 ,chap4 xvii4--,,translator4 #b ,this previous recording1 as it is termed1 is not uniform4 ,mr4 ,blyth informs as that he had1 in the year #ahcc1 a blackcap which struck up all at once into a loud song4--,,translator4 #c ,phil4 ,trans4 vol4 lxiii4 #aggc4 #d ,besides1 we cannot say that there is a want of variety in this music4 ,i may again quote ,mr4 ,barington 7,phil4 ,trans473 ,the death of the male parent1 just at the time his instructions were required1 will occasion some variety in the song of the young ones1 who will thus have their attention directed to other birds1 which they will imitate or modify according to the conformation of their larynx2 and they will thus create new variations1 which will afterwards be imitated by their young ones1 and become hereditary1 until a circumstance of a similar nature may introduce greater variations4 ,if care was taken there need not be two birds that sung exactly alike3 however1 these varieties are confined within certain limits4--,,translator4 #e ,if pine and fir branches cannot be obtained1 oak1 elm1 or beech will do1 cut in winter2 though not green1 yet there will be leaves4--,,translator4 #f ,this perhaps depends on the peculiar forms of the bills more than on inclination1 for the fauvette and blackcap often attempt to clean their feet without success4--,,translator4 #g ,see ,rennie's ,,faculties ,,of ,,birds1 ,chap4 ,v41 for experiments on the subject4--,,translator4 #h ,the reason of this union of vegetable and animal food may be easily seen2 the bread supplies the seed for the birds of the first class1 and the milk the insects for those of the second1 while the third and fourth here find their mixed food2 and thus it ought to agree with all4 ,besides1 the birds of the first class do not confine themselves exclusively to seeds2 in their wild state they eat many insects1 and some even feed their young entirely with them2 this proves that animal food is sometimes useful and beneficial to them4--,,translator4 #i ,if a rather large1 flat1 and not very deep vessel be used1 in which the birds can bathe at their ease1 it will make them more healthy and clean4--,,translator4 #aj ,white's ,selborne1 #hvo4 edit4 #ahcc4 #aa ,see ,rennie's ,,habits ,,of ,,birds1 p4 #ac4--,,transl4 #ab ,this1 though the common opinion1 seems incorrect4 ,see ,rennie's ,,habits ,,of ,,birds1 p4 #d4--,,translator4 #ac ,there are varieties in this species3 that with the head grey is rare1 but when quite white is still more so4--,,translator4 #ad ,it is rare in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ae ,it is not a native of ,britain4--,,translator4 #af ,perhaps from not having been given now and then feathers1 the fur and skin of animals1 or even beetles1 to cleanse the stomach4--,,translator4 #ag ,it is doubtful as a native of ,britain4--,,translator4 #ah ,the rook1 7,corvus frugilegus1 ,linnus17 seems here to be confounded with the carrion crow4 ,i say nothing about this species1 as ,i have never heard of one being tamed or instructed4 ,it is about the size of the carrion crow1 and chiefly differs from it in the base of the beak being naked1 and having a rough scabrous skin4--,,translator4 #ai ,it appears that in its course from ,sweden to ,algiers it does not range beyond a degree in longitude1 and is rarely found in ,britain4 ,few birds of this group1 as far as has hitherto been observed1 wander to the right or left during their migration4 ,the roller frequents shady and solitary woods1 and its character is well adapted to them4--,,translator4 #bj ,i once saw one of these birds drink1 after swallowing dry ants' eggs2 it then eat greedily of lettuce and endive4 ,another1 which ,i kept1 liked the outside of lettuces and spinach after having eaten insects1 especially beetles1 which are very heating4 ,to judge from what ,i have observed1 the roller is by nature wild and solitary2 it seldom changes its situation1 except to seek its food or to hide itself from strangers4 ,it is a good thing1 whether kept in a cage or let range1 always to have a box in its way1 in which it may take refuge when frightened2 it will not fail to hide itself there1 and by this means will not be tempted to beat itself violently1 which it does when it cannot fly from the object of its fright4 ,it knows its mistress very well1 lets her take it up1 comes near her1 and sits without any fear on her knees for whole hours without stirring4 ,this is as far as it goes even when tamed4 ,it is neither caressing nor familiar2 when frightened it utters harsh cries1 softer ones when its food is brought1 but crag1 crag1 craag1 at the same time raising its head1 is the expression of its joy or triumph4--,,translator4 #ba ,it is rarely found in ,britain4--,,translator4 #bb ,these young birds like to wash2 but it is dangerous for them to have the water too cold1 or to let them remain too long in it1 as cramp in the feet may be the consequence4 ,in one which we possessed1 the accident was more vexatious as the bird was otherwise in good health1 having followed the above mentioned diet4--,,translator4 #bc ,the natural song is very like the awkward attempts of a country boy with a bad musical ear to whistle the notes of the missel thrush4--,,translator4 #bd ,it is not common in ,britain4--,,translator4 #be ,it may be added that it also walks very gracefully4--,,translator4 #bf ,it appears that the ,psittacus ,ludovicianus1 ,,linn,,us1 ,perruche tte aurore1 ,,buffon1 is the same species4 #bg ,i have1 however1 seen a woodpecker of this species which was reared by a lady1 to whom it seemed very much attached4 ,it had learnt of itself to go and return1 knocking hard at the window if it was shut out4 ,it was very amusing to see it climbing nimbly over its mistress till it had reached her mouth2 it then asked her by light strokes of its beak for the food which she was accustomed to give it2 this was generally a little meat4 ,it disappeared one day1 without any one's knowing what accident had befallen it4--,,translator4 #bh ,a bird of this species1 which had been accidentally winged by a sportsman1 was kept in a small cage of plain oak wood and wire4 ,during a night and a day that his confinement lasted1 his tapping labour was incessant2 and after occupying his prison for that short space1 he left the wood-work pierced and worn like worm-eaten timber4 ,his impatience at his situation was excessive2 his efforts to escape were unremitted1 and displayed much intelligence and cunning4 ,he was fierce1 fearlessly familiar1 and voracious of the food placed before him4 ,at the close of the second day he sunk under the combined effects of his vexation1 assiduity1 and voracity4 ,his hammering was peculiarly laborious1 for he did not peck as other birds do1 but grasping hold with his immense feet1 he turned upon them as a pivot1 and struck with the whole weight of his body1 thus assuming the appearance1 with his entire form1 of the head of a hammer1 or1 as birds may sometimes be seen to do on mechanical clocks1 made to strike the hour by swinging on a wheel4 ,the ,rev4 ,w4 ,t4 ,bree1 of ,allesley1 says1 that having caught a nuthatch in the common brick trap used by boys1 he was struck with the singular appearance of its bill1 so unlike that of any bird he had ever seen4 ,it was blunt at the end1 and presented the appearance of having been truncated in an oblique direction1 as if the natural beak had been cut off4 ,he naturally inferred that it had been fairly ground down to about two-thirds of its original length1 by the bird's pecking at the bricks1 in its efforts to escape from the trap4--,,translator4 #bi ,the parrot crossbill is a very different species1 but is rare4--,,translator4 #cj ,the too great heat has doubtless also something to do with it4--,,translator4 #ca ,however difficult this pairing may be1 it sometimes succeeds very well4 ,a bullfinch and female canary once produced five young ones1 which died on a journey which they could not bear4 ,their large beak1 and the blackish down with which they were covered1 showed that they were more like their father than mother4--,,translator4 #cb ,i do not recommend the employment of bird organs for instructing birds1 because they are rarely accurate1 and their notes are harsh and discordant2 for bullfinches repeat the sounds exactly as they hear them1 whether harsh or false1 according to the instrument used4 ,the good and pure whistling of a man of taste is far preferable2 the bird repeats it in a soft1 flute-like tone4 ,when one cannot whistle well it is better to use a flageolet4--,,translator4 #cc ,mr4 ,thiem1 son of the ,mr4 ,thiem in the text1 arrives annually in ,london in ,april or ,may1 with birds for sale4--,,translator4 #cd ,it is not found in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ce ,those occasionally caught in the ,south of ,england may be purchased in ,london at about #gs4--,,translator4 #cf ,see ,architecture of ,birds1 page #bfe4 #cg ,the want of a bathing place in the narrow cages where these unhappy prisoners are kept is the true cause of this disease4 #ch ,a good deal of imagination may be supposed to be put forth in the translation of the song of these birds4 ,an ,englishman1 a ,frenchman1 or an ,italian would discover in it words in their own language which might express very different sounds4 ,we shall not see with less pleasure here details that are entirely omitted in other works on birds4 ,some will admire1 however far it may go1 an ear exercised in discovering the shades1 niceties1 and1 in fact1 the beauties that delight it1 whilst another would be scarcely struck with any difference4 ,strangers will no longer be surprised at the excessive passion these birds excite where they are studied with so much care4 ,in ,england they are very little prized1 and but seldom kept4--,translator4 #ci ,literally1 to go to the wine2 pronounced vine-gay4--,,translator4 #dj ,ruhl is a large manufacturing village in ,thuringia1 the inhabitants of which1 mostly cutlers1 have such a passion for chaffinches that some have gone ninety miles from home to take with bird-lime one of these birds distinguished by its song1 and have given one of their cows for a fine songster2 from which has arisen their common expression1 such a chaffinch is worth a cow4 ,a common workman will give a louis d'or 7sixteen shillings7 for a chaffinch he admires1 and willingly live on bread and water to gain the money4 ,an amateur cannot hear one that sings in a superior style the double trill of the ,hartz without being in an ecstasy4 ,i have heard them say that one which sings this melody perfectly certainly can converse1 from its pronouncing the syllables so distinctly4--,,author4 #da ,lngsfeld1 where this song was first discovered1 is a large town in the district of ,fulda1 situated a short distance from the ,werra1 which at ,munden takes the name of ,weser1 after its junction with the ,fulda4--,,author4 #db ,it is only eight years since this song was accidentally produced4 ,a shoemaker of ,iambach had given a chaffinch that sung the double trill five young scholars1 one of which struck out for itself this peculiar warbling4 ,from this others were taught1 so that amateurs may have the pleasure of hearing at home a song that is now in fashion1 and pleases many amateurs4 #dc ,the notes of the wild chaffinches in this country are finer than any cage ones ,i have heard in ,germany4--,,translator4 #dd ,the destruction of the sparrows has been so great an evil in the countries where the government had ordered it1 that it has been found necessary to rescind the order4 ,the injury they do to the corn is something certainly1 but it may be exaggerated1 besides1 ought not these useful creatures to be paid8--,,translator4 #de ,it is known from experience that winter rape seed1 which is not hurtful to them in a wild state1 will soon kill them if they are fed on it in the house4--,,author4 #df ,we read in ,buffon1 that the ,goldfinch feeds its young with caterpillars2 this is not natural to the species1 since we find farther on1 that the parent birds disgorge the food into the crop of their little ones1 and do not merely place it in the beak as those birds do that feed their young on caterpillars and other insects4--,,translator4 #dg ,this is a mistake4 ,see ,architecture of ,birds1 p4 #bfh4 #dh ,after having shown the skill and docility of the goldfinch1 we cannot end our praise of the bird better than by giving an instance of his attachment4 ,mad4 ---- had one that never saw her go out without making every effort in his power to quit his cage and follow her1 and welcomed her return with every mark of extreme delight2 as soon as she approached1 a thousand little actions showed his pleasure and satisfaction3 if she presented her finger1 he caressed it a long time1 uttering a low joyous murmur4 ,this attachment was so exclusive that if his mistress1 to prove it1 substituted another person's finger for her own1 he would peck it sharply1 whilst one of his mistress's1 placed between two of this person's1 would be immediately distinguished1 and caressed accordingly4--,,translator4 #di ,it only comes to ,england during winter4--,,translator4 #ej ,it is not so often of epilepsy1 and fat1 that male birds die1 as for the want of pairing4 ,perhaps this may be increased1 thoughtlessly1 by too heating and too succulent food4 ,however this may be1 if a male that has died thus in spring be dissected1 its reproductive organs will be found exceedingly swelled4 ,it can only be preserved by giving at the time refreshing and moderate food4 ,boiled bread and milk is very useful4--,,translator4 #ea ,they are not natives of ,britain4--,,translator4 #eb ,they are not natives of ,britain4--,,translator4 #ec ,i have observed1 says ,adanson1 that the canary which becomes white in ,france is1 at ,teneriffe1 of a grey1 almost as dark as that of the linnet4--,,author4 #ed ,it is a mistaken idea that the difference of colour in canaries depends on the difference of food4 ,the wild birds vary much more than the domestic1 yet their food is more uniform4 ,the being domesticated1 the want of exercise and natural food united1 may occasion an alteration in the colours of the plumage4 ,my birds have only very simple food1 and yet they are not the less of various colours4--,,author4 #ee ,this practice is not according to nature1 which we can rarely oppose without inconvenience4 ,this plan causes the mother a greater loss of heat1 and burdens her at once with five or six little ones1 which coming together1 disturb rather than please her2 whilst in seeing them hatched successively one after the other1 her pleasure is increased and supports her strength and courage4 ,very intelligent bird-fanciers assure us1 that by not removing the eggs from the female1 and leaving them to be hatched in succession1 they have always succeeded better than when substituting ivory eggs4 ,buffon4--,,translator4 #ef ,it sometimes happens in very dry seasons that the feathers of the young birds cannot develop naturally2 a bath of tepid water employed on such an occasion by ,madame 99 99 99 was so successful that ,i cannot do better than recommend it4 ,the same lady succeeded equally well in similar circumstances in hatching late eggs2 she plunged them for some minutes in water heated to the degree of incubation1 and immediately replaced them under the mother2 in a short time she enjoyed the pleasure of seeing the little ones make their appearance4 ,this interesting experiment may be applied to all sorts of birds1 and may be particularly useful in regard to those of the poultry yard4--,,translator4 #eg ,green birds1 bullfinches1 and even chaffinches1 yellowhammers1 and the like1 have been tried2 but the difficulty augments with the difference of species and food3 for example1 ,i have never seen a male canary very fond of a female yellowhammer1 nor a male of the latter kind of a female canary1 though the plumage may be selected so as to offer a striking resemblance4 ,an ardent bullfinch will sometimes yield to the allurements of a very ardent hen canary4 ,i have myself witnessed it2 but with every care1 it is seldom that the eggs prove fruitful1 and produce young4 ,dr4 ,jassy1 however1 writes me from ,frankfort1 that he has obtained mules of a bullfinch and canary1 by making other canaries sit on the eggs and bring up the young2 and that this plan is pursued in ,bohemia4 ,a tufted or crested female should never be chosen1 because this ornament is very unbecoming to the large head of a mule4 ,my bullfinch1 he adds1 is so attached to the female canary that he mourns all the time they are separated1 and cannot bear any other bird4 ,i possess a nightingale which1 having been for a long time shut up with a female canary1 lives very sociably with her1 and sings as usual2 indeed1 he was so ardent in the spring1 that he paired with her in my presence1 but the eggs were unproductive4 ,i shall try next spring1 if the same thing happens1 to give the eggs to another sitter4--,,author4 #eh ,some do this naturally1 others are taught it in their youth1 by covering the cage and keeping them in the dark during the day1 long enough for them to be hungry2 they are thus forced to eat by candle-light4 ,gradually they become accustomed to this1 and at last sing4--,,author4 #ei ,nothing is more delightful than to hear them imitate the song of the nightingale2 ,i prefer those which have this talent1 and ,i never fail to possess one4--,,author4 #fj ,in ,britain it is partly migratory and partly stationary4--,,translator4 #fa ,if it is difficult to induce larks to sit1 it appears to be very easy to make them take care of a young brood4 ,the instinct1 says ,buffon1 which induces hen larks to bring up and watch over a brood appears sometimes very early1 even before that which disposes them to become mothers1 and which1 in the order of nature1 ought1 it would seem1 to precede it4 ,in the month of ,may1 a young lark was brought to me which could not feed itself2 ,i fed it1 and it could hardly peck up1 when a brood of four young ones of the same species was brought to me from another place4 ,she exhibited a singular affection for these new comers1 which were not much younger than herself2 she nursed them day and night1 warmed them under her wings1 and pushed the food into their mouths with her beak2 nothing could distract her from these interesting duties4 ,if she was removed from the young ones1 she flew back to them as soon as she was free1 without ever thinking of escaping1 as she might have done a hundred times4 ,her affection increased so much that she literally forgot to eat and drink2 and she lived only on the food which was given to her as well as to her adopted young1 and she died at length1 consumed by this sort of maternal passion4 ,none of the young survived her1 they died one after the other1 so necessary had her maternal cares become to them2 so entirely were these cares produced by affection1 and reciprocated4 ,this1 it appears1 is more than could be said of the persons who had the care of these unfortunate little birds4--,,translator4 #fb ,they are not natives of ,britain4--,,translator4 #fc ,i possessed a fine one which died from lice4--,,translator4 #fd ,i saw a colony of starlings established on this plan at an inn at ,leyden4--,,translator4 #fe ,in ,england it continues throughout the year4--,,translator4 #ff ,bathing may prevent the first2 boiled bread and milk administered seasonably relieves1 and even entirely cures1 the other4--,,translator4 #fg ,in ,britain they remain all the year4--,,translator4 #fh ,i have seen the nest in ,scotland4--,,translator4 #fi ,it occurs on the ,rhine at ,ehrenbreitzen1 and ,i have seen it on the ,siebengebirge4--,,translator4 #gj ,i purchased two at ,coblentz1 which lived some time in ,england4 ,individuals have been sold in ,london for seven pounds4--,,translator4 #ga ,it is not found in ,britain4--,,translator4 #gb ,the food of the caged nightingale is probably not sufficiently nutritious for the reed thrush2 no doubt1 also1 it injures the stomach2 perhaps the number of meal-worms with which it is supplied should be increased2 and small beetles should be offered to it1 whose wing-cases and claws1 not being digested by the insectivorous bird1 serve to purge the stomach2 its food1 in short1 should resemble as much as possible that of its natural condition4--,,translator4 #gc ,there are some countries which appear not adapted for nightingales1 and in which they never stop1 as in ,france1 in ,le ,bugey1 as high as ,nantua1 a part of ,holland1 ,north ,wales1 the north of ,england1 excepting the county of ,york1 and all ,scotland and ,ireland4 #gd ,in ,italy they arrive in ,march1 and depart in the beginning of ,november4 ,in ,england they arrive in ,april and ,may1 and depart in the month of ,september4 #ge ,the means of always having a plentiful supply of meal worms is to fill a large earthenware or brown stone jar with wheat bran1 barley or oatmeal1 and put into it some pieces of sugar paper or old shoe leather4 ,into each of these jars1 of about two quarts in size1 half a pint of meal worms is thrown 7these may be bought at any baker's or miller's71 and by leaving them quiet for three months1 covered with a bit of woollen cloth soaked in beer1 or merely in water1 they will change into beetles 7,tenebrio ,molitor1 ,linnus74 ,these insects soon propagate by eggs1 which renew and increase the number of maggots so much that one such jar will maintain a nightingale4--,,author4 #gf ,many persons who are not in a situation to buy ants' eggs 7improperly so called1 since they are the pup in their cocoons71 will doubtless be glad to know the method used for getting them out of the ant-hill4 ,a fine sunny day in summer is chosen1 and1 provided with a shovel we begin by gently uncovering a nest of the large wood ants 7,formica rufa1 ,linnus71 till we arrive at the eggs2 these are then taken away1 and placed in the sun1 in the middle of a cloth whose corners are turned up over little branches well covered with leaves4 ,the ants1 in order to protect the eggs from the heat of the sun1 quickly remove them under the shelter which is prepared for them4 ,in this manner they are easily obtained freed from dirt1 and from the ants also4 ,in the absence of a cloth a smooth place is chosen1 around which some small furrows are cut1 over which the branches are laid1 which leads to the same result4--,,author4 #gg ,english bird-catchers also express the phrases of the nightingale by words1 or particular names1 sweet1 jug1 sweet1 pipe rattle1 swetswat1 swaty1 water bubble1 skeg1 skeg1 whitlow1 whitlow1 and the like4 #gh ,i possess a nightingale which repeats these drawling melancholy notes often thirty or even fifty times4 ,many pronounce gu1 guy1 gui1 and others qu1 quy1 qui4--,,author4 #gi ,these syllables are pronounced in a sharper clearer manner than the preceding lu1 lu1 c4 #hj ,however difficult1 or even impossible1 it may be to express this song upon an instrument 7excepting1 however1 the jay call1 made of tin1 on which is placed a piece of birch cut in a cross1 and which is held between the tongue and the palate71 yet it is very true that the accompaniment of a good piano produces the most agreeable effect4--,,author4 #ha ,we must not confound true nocturnal nightingales with those which are called mopers4 ,a true nocturnal sings from night to morning without stopping1 while a moper sings only at intervals1 unconnectedly1 and always makes pauses of some minutes between each strain4 ,all nightingales become mopers when they reach five or six years of age2 whence arises the mistake of many persons1 who think they possess a nocturnal when they have really only a moper4 ,the reverse happens sometimes1 also2 for a true nocturnal bird1 caught such1 often loses his power after one or two years of captivity1 and is then a mere moper4--,,author4 #hb ,it must1 however1 be owned1 that of twenty young nightingales bred from the nest scarcely one succeeds in all respects4 ,they seldom possess their natural song in its purity2 they almost invariably introduce1 in spite of all their instruction1 foreign and disagreeable tones4 ,the young which are caught in the month of ,august1 before their departure1 are the best2 they have already learnt their father's song1 and they perfect it the following spring1 if they are placed beside a good singer4--,,author4 #hc ,a nightingale which ,i had given away1 says ,m4 ,le ,manie1 no longer seeing his mistress1 left off eating1 and was soon reduced to the last gasp2 he could not support himself on his perch6 but being restored to his mistress1 he revived1 ate1 drank1 perched1 and had recovered in twenty-four hours4 ,it is said that some have been known1 when set at liberty in the woods1 to return to their masters4 ,it is quite certain that they recognise the voice of their masters and mistresses1 and approach at their call4 #hd ,according to the ,greeks1 ,progn was metamorphosed into a nightingale1 and ,philomel1 her sister1 into a swallow4 ,the ,latins have changed and confused this story1 which the moderns have1 in their turn1 copied without examination4 #he ,it is not a native of ,britain4--,,translator4 #hf ,to prepare this tincture1 take of water four parts1 of black oxide of iron one part2 boil the oxide with the water1 and then pass a current of chlorine gas through the mixture till it will absorb no more2 filter the liquor and evaporate over a slow fire to the consistence of an extract2 when this is cold1 pour upon it of hydrochloric ether three parts2 let it macerate without heat for several days2 then add of alcoholised hydrochloric acid nine parts2 macerate again1 filter the liquor1 and expose it to the sun4--,,translator4 #hg ,this is a mistake2 it is as fond of berries as of insects4--,,translator4 #hh ,this bird also has the art of pleasing by his pretty tricks4 ,he shows a striking affection for his mistress2 utters a particular sound1 a more tender note to welcome her2 at her approach he darts against the wires of his cage1 and1 by a continued fluttering1 accompanied with little cries1 he seems to express his eagerness and gratitude4 ,a young male which ,i had put in the hothouse for the winter1 was accustomed to receive from my hand1 every time ,i entered1 a meal-worm2 this took place so regularly1 that immediately on my arrival he placed himself near the little jar where ,i kept the meal-worms4 ,if ,i pretended not to notice this signal he would take flight1 and1 passing close under my nose1 immediately resume his post2 and this he repeated1 sometimes even striking me with his wing1 till ,i satisfied his wishes and impatience4 #hi ,no doubt his great voracity weakens his stomach1 and by loading the intestines with glutinous matter the vessels cannot take up sufficient nourishment2 it is therefore not conveyed sufficiently to the skin and feathers1 whence proceed the fall of the latter and the enfeeblement of the body4 #ij ,this bird is not known in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ia ,it is however1 by no means easily tamed1 but remains fearful and distant4--,,translator4 #ib ,in ,britain they remain all the year4--,,translator4 #ic ,i have seen some in cages which were entirely fed on white bread which was soaked in hot milk left to get cold1 and they were very healthy4 ,if1 however1 we would feed them well1 they require nearly the same diet as the nightingale4--,,translator4 #id ,it is rarely seen in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ie ,i have made the same observation on the redstart4 #if ,it remains all winter in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ig ,this is a mistake1 as it likes to frequent high elms4--,,translator4 #ih ,it is rare in ,england4--,,translator4 #ii ,it is a remarkable fact1 that this bird1 now so common in ,thuringia1 was a rarity there twenty years ago4 ,this change cannot be attributed to climate or food4 ,what is the occasion of it then8--,,author4 #ajj ,in sitting on house eaves1 and singing in the autumn1 it performs a similar part in ,germany to the red-breast in ,britain4 ,no red-breast on the ,continent becomes familiar about the house like ours2 they keep always in the woods4--,,translator4 #aja ,at a very advanced age the female acquires all the colours of the male1 yet less bright1 as ,i have observed of several birds4 ,such females do not breed afterwards1 and in summer fly from place to place4 ,this peculiarity is also observed in hen-pheasants4--,,author4 #ajb ,it is not found in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ajc ,this ,i doubt4--,,translator4 #ajd ,most certainly a mistake4--,,translator4 #aje ,sweet's ,british ,warblers4 #ajf ,one of these pretty birds1 which ,i had in my room one winter1 ate with pleasure1 and appeared to thrive upon1 a very simple paste1 made of the crumb of white bread dried in an oven and powdered3 a teaspoonful of this was put in a cup1 and three teaspoonfuls of milk1 as hot as it could be made without boiling1 poured over it4--,,author4 #ajg ,it is rare in ,britain4--,,translator4 #ajh ,it is difficult to decide to what genus this species belongs2 it has the characteristics of several4 ,its size1 habit1 food1 mixed insects and seeds1 even its pace1 for when on the ground it rarely hops like the warblers1 but runs quickly head forwards1 like the quails1 scarcely ever resting on trees2 in all this it bears a relation to the larks4 ,now as there are larks that appear to form the link between that genus and the warblers1 the ,alpine warbler may be said to form one also between the warblers and the larks4--,,translator4 #aji ,it is called ,joe ,bent by the ,london bird-catchers4--,,translator4 #aaj ,this cylinder oftens occasions their death4 ,it is only by great address and quickness that they can pass through the hole of communication2 each time they run the risk of being crushed1 especially on coming out1 from the prolonged motion of the machine4--,,translator4 #aaa ,it is not uncommon in ,britain1 such as near ,london1 c4--,,translator4 #aab ,they are fond of picking bones4--,,translator4 #aac ,they are not uncommon in ,britain1 such as about ,london1 c4--,,translator4 #aad ,it is found1 but rarely1 in the fir woods in the north of ,scotland4--,,translator4 #aae ,i have1 however1 seen one old crested tit that was tamed as easily as any other bird4 ,after passing the winter in a cage it refused its liberty in the spring4 ,it was then placed in the garden near the house1 where it remained till evening1 having hopped about all day1 uttering restless anxious cries4 ,its mistress1 fearing some accident befalling it during the night1 held the cage towards it1 into which it instantly jumped with pleasure4 ,since then it has been allowed to range three adjoining rooms4 ,it is always lively1 coming when its mistress calls1 and perching on her finger1 and seeking in her half-closed hand the flies she may have there4 ,it made a nest in a window-curtain1 into which it would glide secretly in the evening1 but would never go whilst any eyes were turned on that side1 and seized a favourable moment so quickly1 that for some time no one knew where it retired2 when it was discovered1 the curtains were never touched4--,,translator4 #aaf ,this is not quite correct1 the female having small moustaches of a light colour4--,,translator4 #aag ,they abound in the fens of ,lincolnshire1 on the ,thames below ,greenwich1 c4--,,translator4 #aah ,great numbers are brought from ,holland to ,london1 and sell for about five shillings a pair4--,,translator4 #aai ,this is a mistake3 the food given to the young is a sort of thick milky secretion from the stomach of the parent birds1 both male and female4--,,translator4 #abj ,in ,england they are not uncommon in the woods4--,,translator4 #aba ,the close and mephitic air of these rooms1 which are kept warmer whilst a person is ill1 may well produce this apparent sympathy4--,,translator4 #abb ,an erroneous opinion1 which displays more egotism than humanity2 yet do people generally act with more equity and disinterestedness8 #abc ,here is another instance1 in which man1 seeking his own pleasure at the expense of the well being of other creatures1 deceives himself respecting the motives4 ,the poor prisoner does not sing to amuse himself1 or from contentment2 its repeated cries call unceasingly for the mate from which it is separated2 and though they have been vain throughout the day1 he renews them on the morrow1 no doubt1 like man1 supported by hope1--a hope1 alas6 which is never realised6--,,author4 #abd ,it is now uncommon in ,britain4--,,translator4 #abe ,a great many mallards are half domesticated on the water in ,st4 ,james' ,park1 ,london1 and other similar places in ,england4--,,translator4 ,,index4 ,a4 ,accentor modularis1 ,bechstein1 #bbh ,alauda alpestris1 ,linnus1 #ahd ,alauda arborea1 ,linnus1 #agi ,alauda arvensis1 ,linnus1 #agd ,alauda ,calandra1 ,linnus1 #ahe ,alauda cristata1 ,linnus1 #agh ,alcedo ,ispida1 ,linnus1 #hc ,amandava1 #ajd ,ampelis garrulus1 ,linnus1 #ahh ,anthus arboreus1 ,bechstein1 #ahb ,anthus campestris1 ,bechstein1 #ahd ,arbour ,bird1 #bee ,b4 ,babillard1 #bdg ,blackbird1 #aih ,blackbird 7,ring71 #bjj ,blackbonnet1 #aba ,blackcap1 #bbb ,black ,stork1 #bif ,blue-,breast1 #bcc ,bohemian ,chatterer1 #ahh ,bullfinch1 #ib ,bunting 7,corn71 #aaf ,bunting 7,dominican71 #abe ,bunting 7,foolish71 #abj ,bunting 7,mountain71 #aad ,bunting 7,painted71 #abg ,bunting 7,reed71 #aba ,bunting 7,shaft-tailed71 #abe ,bunting 7,snow71 #aab ,bunting 7,sparrow71 #abc ,bunting 7,whidah71 #abd ,butcher-bird 7,great71 #ca ,c4 ,calandra ,lark1 #ahe ,canary1 #aeh ,carrion ,crow1 #ci ,ceram ,lory1 #gc ,chaffinch1 #abh ,chiff-,chaff 7,common71 #beh ,chiff-,chaff 7,rufous71 #bfa ,cinclus aquaticus1 ,bechstein1 #aij ,cirl-,bunting1 ,latham1 #aai ,cockatoo 7,banksian71 #gj ,cockatoo 7,great red-crested71 #fi ,cockatoo 7,great ,white71 #fh ,cockatoo 7,lesser ,white71 #fi ,cockatoo 7,red-vented71 #gj ,columba ,palumbus1 ,linnus1 #bhe ,columba risoria1 ,linnus1 #bhg ,columba ,turtur1 ,linnus1 #bhf ,common ,partridge1 #bij ,common ,quail1 #bia ,common ,snipe1 #big ,coracias garrula1 ,linnus1 #dd ,corn ,crake1 #cjj ,corvus ,caryocatactes1 ,linnus1 #db ,corvus ,corax1 ,linnus1 #cg ,corvus ,cornix1 ,linnus1 #ci ,corvus ,corone1 ,linnus1 #ci ,corvus frugilegus1 ,linnus1 #ci ,corvus glandarius1 ,linnus1 #dj ,corvus ,monedula1 ,linnus1 #dj ,corvus ,pica1 ,linnus1 #dc ,crossbill1 #hi ,cuckoo1 #ea ,cuculus canorus1 ,linnus1 #ea ,cuculus ,persa1 ,linnus1 #hb ,curruca garrula1 ,brisson1 #bdi ,cushat1 #bhe ,d4 ,dipper1 #aij ,doves1 #bhd ,dominican1 #ajf ,dunncock1 #bbh ,e4 ,emberiza ,cia1 ,linnus1 #abj ,emberiza ,ciris1 ,linnus1 #abg ,emberiza ,cirlus1 ,linnus1 #aai ,emberiza citrinella1 ,linnus1 #aad ,emberiza cyanea1 ,linnus1 #abf ,emberiza ,eloeathorax1 #aai ,emberiza hortulana1 ,linnus1 #aag ,emberiza miliaria1 ,linnus1 #aaf ,emberiza montana1 ,linnus1 #aad ,emberiza nivalis1 ,linnus1 #aab ,emberiza paradisea1 ,linnus1 #abd ,emberiza passerina1 ,linnus1 #abc ,emberiza regia1 ,linnus1 #abe ,emberiza ,schoeniclus1 ,linnus1 #aba1 #bfg ,emberiza serena1 ,linnus1 #abe ,f4 ,falco tinnunculus1 ,linnus1 #bg ,fauvette1 #bbe ,fieldfare1 #aie ,finch 7,angola71 #agb ,finch 7,banded71 #aaj ,finch 7,blue71 #ajh ,finch 7,blue-bellied71 #aga ,finch 7,brazilian71 #aga ,finch 7,brown-cheeked71 #aaa ,finch 7,caffrarian71 #ajh ,finch 7,cape71 #ajg ,finch 7,citril71 #aef ,finch 7,glossy71 #afi ,finch 7,lapland71 #aef ,finch 7,liver-brown71 #agb ,finch 7,malacca71 #aaa ,finch 7,mountain71 #acf ,finch 7,purple71 #afi ,finch 7,snow71 #aeg ,flusher1 #ce ,fringilla amandava1 ,linnus1 #ajd ,fringilla ,angolensis1 ,linnus1 #agb ,fringilla ,bengalus1 ,linnus1 #aga ,fringilla ,canaria1 ,linnus1 #aeh ,fringilla cannabina1 ,linnus1 #adj ,fringilla ,carduelis1 ,linnus1 #adf ,fringilla citrinella1 ,linnus1 #aef ,fringilla ,coelebs1 ,linnus1 #abh ,fringilla cyanea1 ,wilson1 #abf ,fringilla ,granatina1 ,linnus1 #aga ,fringilla hepatica1 ,linnus1 #agb ,fringilla ,laponica1 #aef ,fringilla ,linaria1 ,linnus1 #add ,fringilla ,linota1 ,linnus1 #adj ,fringilla ,melba1 ,linnus1 #agc ,fringilla montana1 ,linnus1 #adj ,fringilla montifringilla1 ,linnus1 #acf ,fringilla nitens1 ,linnus1 #afi ,fringilla nivalis1 ,linnus1 #aeg ,fringilla petronia1 ,linnus1 #aec ,fringilla purpurea1 ,linnus1 #afi ,fringilla serinus1 ,linnus1 #aed ,fringilla ,spinus1 ,linnus1 #aea ,fringilla tristis1 ,linnus1 #agj ,g4 ,golden ,oriole1 #df ,goldfinch1 #adf ,goldfinch 7,american71 #agj ,goldfinch 7,green71 #agc ,gowry ,bird1 #aaj ,graecula religiosa1 ,linnus1 #eb ,grakle 7,minor71 #eb ,grasshopper ,bird1 #bfe ,green ,bird1 #ig ,grenadier1 #ajf ,grosbeak 7,cardinal71 #ajb ,grosbeak 7,paradise71 #aje ,grosbeak 7,pine71 #ii ,grosbeak 7,yellow-bellied71 #aji ,guinea-,sparrow1 #fd ,h4 ,hawfinch1 #ajj ,hay-,bird1 #bfb ,hooded ,crow1 #ci ,hoopoe1 #dh ,i ,j4 ,indigo ,bird1 #abf ,jackdaw1 #dj ,jay1 #dj ,k4 ,kestril1 #bg ,kingfisher 7,common71 #hc ,l4 ,lanius erythrocephalus1 ,linnus1 #cd ,lanius ,excubitor1 ,linnus1 #ca ,lanius minor1 ,linnus1 #cb ,lanius spinitorquus1 ,bechstein1 #ce ,lapwing1 #big ,large-beaked ,birds1 #ed ,lark 7,crested71 #agh ,lark 7,shore71 #ahd ,lark 7,sky71 #agd ,lark 7,wood71 #agi ,linnet 7,common71 #adj ,little ,owl1 #bi ,little ,shrike1 #cb ,locustella avicula1 ,ray1 #bfe ,lory 7,black-capped71 #gd ,lory 7,blue-capped71 #gc ,loxia ,astrild1 ,linnus1 #ajc ,loxia ,caffra1 ,linnus1 #ajh ,loxia canora1 ,linnus1 #aaa ,loxia ,capensis1 ,linnus1 #ajg ,loxia ,cardinalis1 ,linnus1 #ajb ,loxia ,chloris1 ,linnus1 #ig ,loxia coccothraustes1 ,linnus1 #ajj ,loxia coerulea1 ,linnus1 #ajh ,loxia curvirostra1 ,linnus1 #hi ,loxia ,dominicana1 ,linnus1 #ajf ,loxia ,enuclator1 ,linnus1 #ii ,loxia erythrocephala1 ,linnus1 #aje ,loxia fasciata1 ,linnus1 #aaj ,loxia flaviventris1 ,linnus1 #aji ,loxia ,malacca1 ,linnus1 #aaa ,loxia orix1 ,linnus1 #ajf ,loxia orycivora1 ,linnus1 #ajb ,loxia punctularia1 ,linnus1 #aaj ,loxia pyrrhula1 ,linnus1 #ib ,loxia sanguinirostris1 ,linnus1 #aje ,m4 ,maccaw 7,blue and ,yellow71 #eg ,magpie1 #dc ,mallard1 #cje ,moor ,hen1 #cjj ,motacilla alba1 ,linnus1 #bce ,motacilla ,boarula1 ,linnus1 #bcg ,motacilla dumetorum1 ,linnus1 #bdg ,motacilla flava1 ,linnus1 #bch ,motacilla ,fruticeti1 ,linnus1 #bbg ,motacilla ,luscinia1 ,linnus1 #bjf ,motacilla ,luscinia major1 ,linnus1 #bbj ,motacilla ,o,enanthe1 ,linnus1 #bci ,motacilla ,phoenicurus1 ,linnus1 #beb ,motacilla ,regulus1 ,linnus1 #bgj ,motacilla rubecula1 ,linnus1 #bcj ,motacilla ,rubetra1 ,linnus1 #bda ,motacilla ,suecica1 ,linnus1 #bcc ,motacilla ,tithys1 ,linnus1 #bej ,motacilla ,troglodytes1 ,linnus1 #bfi ,n4 ,nightingale1 #bjf ,nightingale 7,greater71 #bbj ,nut-,cracker1 #db ,nuthatch1 #he ,o4 ,oriolus ,galbula1 ,linnus1 #df ,ortolan1 #aag ,oxeye1 #bgd ,p4 ,parrakeet 7,blossom-headed71 ,latham1 #fb ,parrakeet 7blue and green71 #ff ,parrakeet 7,borneo71 #fc ,parrakeet 7green1 long-tailed71 #eh ,parrakeet 7red and blue headed71 #fg ,parrakeet 7red-crescented71 #fg ,parrakeet 7red-headed ,guinea71 #fc ,parrakeet 7rose-headed ring71 #fb ,parrakeet 7rose-ringed71 #fd ,parrot 7,amboina71 #ei ,parrot 7ash-coloured71 #ga ,parrot 7blue-faced71 #ge ,parrot 7blue-headed71 #ei ,parrot 7,cardinal71 #fb ,parrot 7,carolina71 #fe ,parrot 7,common ,amazon71 #ge ,parrot 7grey-breasted71 #ff ,parrot 7,illinois71 #eg ,parrot 7,pavouan71 #fd ,parrot 7purple71 #fj ,parrot 7whiskered71 #fa ,parrot 7white-fronted71 #gd ,parrot 7yellow-headed ,amazon71 #gf ,parrot 7yellow71 #ei ,parus ater1 ,linnus1 #bgg ,parus biarmicus1 ,linnus1 #bhb ,parus cruleus1 ,linnus1 #bgh ,parus cristatus1 ,linnus1 #bha ,parus major1 ,linnus1 #bgd ,parus palustris1 ,linnus1 #bhj ,passer domestica1 ,ray1 #acg ,passer montana1 ,ray1 #aci ,passerine ,birds1 #hh ,picus major1 ,linnus1 #gi ,picus medius1 ,linnus1 #hj ,picus minor1 ,linnus1 #hj ,picus viridis1 ,linnus1 #gh ,pies1 #ca ,pipit 7,field71 #ahd ,psittacus stivus1 ,linnus1 #ge ,psittacus ,amboinensis1 ,linnus1 #ei ,psittacus autumnalis1 ,linnus1 #ge ,psittacus ,ararauna1 ,linnus1 #eg ,psittacus ,banksii1 ,linnus1 #gj ,psittacus bimaculatus1 ,sparrmann1 #fa ,psittacus canicularis1 ,linnus1 #fg ,psittacus ,carolinensis1 ,linnus1 #fe ,psittacus cristatus1 ,linnus1 #fh ,psittacus cyanocephalus1 ,linnus1 #ei ,psittacus domicilla1 ,linnus1 #gc ,psittacus erithacus1 ,linnus1 #ga ,psittacus erythrocephalus ,bengalensis1 ,linnus1 #fb ,psittacus erythrocephalus ,borneus1 ,linnus1 #fc ,psittacus erythrocephalus1 ,linnus1 #fb ,psittacus garrulus1 ,linnus1 #gc ,psittacus garrulus ,auror1 ,linnus1 #ei ,psittacus ,guianensis1 ,linnus1 #fd ,psittacus leucocephalus1 ,linnus1 #gd ,psittacus ,lory1 ,linnus1 #gd ,psittacus ,ludovicianus1 ,linnus1 #fe ,psittacus lunatus1 ,bechstein1 #fg ,psittacus ,macao1 ,linnus1 #ed ,psittacus ,manillensis1 ,bechstein1 #fc ,psittacus ,moluccensis1 ,linnus1 #fi ,psittacus murinus1 ,linnus1 #ff ,psittacus nobilis1 ,linnus1 #gf ,psittacus ochrocephalus1 ,gmelin1 #gf ,psittacus passerinus1 ,linnus1 #ff ,psittacus ,pennanti1 ,latham1 #fj ,psittacus pertinax1 ,linnus1 #eg ,psittacus ,philippinarum1 ,linnus1 #gj ,psittacus pullarius1 ,linnus1 #fd ,psittacus rufirostris1 ,linnus1 #eh ,psittacus solstitialis1 ,linnus1 #ei ,psittacus sulphureus1 ,linnus1 #fi ,purr1 #bii ,r4 ,ramphastos picatus1 ,linnus1 #gg ,ramphastos piscivorus1 ,linnus1 #gg ,ramphastos ,tucanus1 ,linnus1 #gf ,raven1 #cg ,red and ,blue ,maccaw1 #ee ,redbill1 #aje ,red-,breast1 #bcj ,redpole 7,lesser71 #add ,redstart 7,black71 #bej ,redstart 7,common71 #beb ,redwing1 #aif ,reed ,bird1 #bhb ,reed ,warbler1 #bff ,ring ,dove1 #bhe ,ring ,parrakeet 7,rose-headed71 ,latham1 #fb ,roller1 #dd ,rose ,ouzel1 #aig ,ruff1 #bih ,s4 ,scaup ,duck1 #cje ,sedge ,bird1 #bfh ,serin-finch1 #aed ,sheldrake1 #cjd ,siskin1 #aea ,sitta ,europoea1 ,linnus1 #he ,sparrow 7,house71 #acg ,sparrow 7,java71 #ajb ,sparrow 7,ring71 #aec ,sparrow 7,tree71 #aci ,starling1 #ahf ,strix passerina1 ,linnus1 #bi ,sturnus collaris1 ,linnus1 #bgc ,sturnus vulgaris1 ,linnus1 #ahf ,swan1 #cjc ,sylvia arundinacea1 ,latham1 #bff ,sylvia atricapilla1 ,bechstein1 #bbb ,sylvia cinerea1 ,bechstein1 #bdd ,sylvia ,curruca1 ,bechstein1 #bdg ,sylvia ,fitis1 ,bechstein1 #bfb ,sylvia ,hippolais1 ,montagu1 #beh ,bechstein1 #bee ,sylvia hortensis1 ,latham1 #bbe ,sylvia icterina1 ,vieillot1 #beh ,sylvia ,locustella1 ,latham1 #bfe ,sylvia ,loquax1 ,herbert1 #beh ,sylvia ,phragmitis1 ,bechstein1 #bfh ,sylvia polyglotta1 ,ranzani1 #bee ,sylvia rufa1 ,bechstein1 #bfa ,sylvia salicaria1 ,latham1 #bfh ,sylvia sibilatrix1 ,bechstein1 #bfc ,sylvia ,trochilus1 ,latham1 #bfb1 #bfc ,t4 ,tarrock1 #cjf ,thrush 7,blue71 #bjd ,thrush 7,missel71 #aia ,thrush 7,reed71 #bjd ,thrush 7,rock71 #bja ,thrush 7,solitary71 #bjc ,thrush 7,song71 #aic ,tit 7,bearded71 #bhb ,tit 7,blue71 #bgh ,tit 7,cole71 #bgg ,tit 7,crested71 #bha ,tit 7,greater71 #bgd ,titlark1 #ahb ,tit 7,marsh71 #bhj ,tom ,tit1 #bgh ,tourako1 #hb ,tucan 7,brazilian71 #gg ,tucan 7,preacher71 #gg ,tucan 7,yellow-breasted71 #gf ,turdus arundinaceus1 ,linnus1 #bjd1 #bjg ,turdus cyaneus1 ,linnus1 #bjd ,turdus ,iliacus1 ,linnus1 #aif ,turdus merula1 ,linnus1 #aih ,turdus musicus1 ,linnus1 #aic ,turdus pilaris1 ,linnus1 #aie ,turdus roseus1 ,linnus1 #aig ,turdus saxatilis1 ,linnus1 #bja ,turdus solitarius1 ,linnus1 #bjc ,turdus torquatus1 ,linnus1 #bjj ,turdus viscivorus1 ,linnus1 #aia ,turtle 7,collared71 #bhg ,turtle ,dove1 #bhf ,u4 ,upupa ,epops1 ,linnus1 #dh ,w4 ,wagtail 7,common71 #bce ,wagtail 7,grey71 #bcg ,wagtail 7,yellow71 #bch ,warbler 7,alpine71 #bgc ,warblers1 #agd ,waxbill1 #ajc ,wheatear1 #bci ,whinchat1 #bda ,white-breast1 #bbg ,white-throat1 #bdd ,white ,stork1 #bie ,wild ,goose1 #cjd ,woodchat1 #cd ,woodcock1 #bif ,woodpecker 7,greater-spotted71 #gi ,woodpecker 7,green71 #gh ,woodpecker 7,lesser spotted71 #hj ,woodpecker 7,middle spotted71 #hj ,woodpeckers1 #gh ,wren1 #bfi ,wren 7,gold-crested71 #bgj ,wren 7,willow71 #bfb ,wren 7,wood71 #bfc ,wryneck1 #ha ,y4 ,yellowhammer1 #aad ,yunx torquilla1 ,linnus1 #ha ,,the ,,end4 99 99 99 99 99 ,crown #hvo1 elegantly bound1 gilt edges1 ,illustrated with #ab beautifully ,coloured ,engravings1 price #cs4 #f;d41 post free4 ,,the ,,canary ,its ,,varieties1 ,,management1 and ,,breeding2 ,with ,portraits of the ,author's own ,birds4 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,,francis ,,smith ,contains descriptions of all the ,different ,varieties of this popular ,household ,favourite1 ,illustrated with ,coloured ,portraits of ,birds in the possession of the ,author4 ,with this book every care has been taken to produce the most ,complete ,manual2 while the ,illustrations1 general appearance of the volume1 and low price at which it is issued1 will render it the most popular work on the subject4 ,,contents4 ,a ,,plea ,,for ,,the ,,canary ,,origin ,,of ,,our ,,own ,,canaria ,,the ,,wild ,,canary ,,our ,,lizards ,,our ,,yorkshire ,,spangles ,,our ,,norwich ,,yellows ,,our ,,london ,,fancy ,,birds ,,our ,,belgians ,,our ,,green ,,birds ,,our ,,cinnamons ,,our ,,turncrests ,,the ,,dominie ,,and ,,the ,,germans ,,preparations ,,for ,,breeding ,,nest ,,boxes ,,and ,,nests ,,our ,,first ,,birds ,,our ,,misfortunes ,,our ,,infirmary ,,on ,,cages ,opinions of the ,press4 ,to the reverend gentleman who gives us this book we owe much2 it is so admirably done as to be thoroughly perfect as far as the subject goes4 ,he tells us everything about the canary1 and in the pleasantest manner1 enlivening his story with many anecdotes4 ,it is written in a tender and loving spirit2 lucky are the birds who have so sympathetic and considerate a master1 and fortunate is the master who owns so many beautiful birds2 for the charming pictures that decorate the volume are so many portraits of 'the author's own pets4' ,mr4 ,smith is not a writer who has produced a book 'to order2' he has obviously loved his task4 ,years of thought and study1 and familiarity with his subject in all its bearings1 have enabled him to tell us everything needful to be known by those who keep the bird--one or many2 how best to be its friend and its doctor2 how to improve without impairing nature2 how1 in a word1 the extremest amount of enjoyment may be derived from the cultivation of those delicious little inmates of our homes4 ,the book is a delightful book2 it may give pleasure to those who do not keep the birds2 but to those who do it will be indispensable4--,art ,journal4 ,a tasteful little book1 written evidently by an enthusiast in the study of the beautiful and innocent creatures whose habits he describes4 ,it is likely to make the canary a greater favourite than ever4--,morning ,star4 ,a large amount of pleasure combined with much curious information1 may be easily enjoyed by families or young folks who choose to follow ,mr4 ,smith's directions4 ,the book is written in a pleasing style1 and will take its place as a popular manual and an ornament for the drawing-room table4--,the ,student4 ,the style in which the author details the various incidents connected with his little pets is so pleasant and so alluring1 that really one feels inclined on laying down the book to rush out forthwith to the nearest dealer1 and without delay secure the necessary material for the formation of an aviary4--,city ,press4 ,this volume contains matter valuable to all who are interested in its subject2 while to those who have never paid attention to the canary the work can hardly fail to open up a source of attraction4 ,the reverend author is an enthusiastic lover of the bird1 and the result of his experience should find favour with all who share his enthusiasm4--,glasgow ,herald4 ,,groombridge ,,and ,,sons1 #e1 ,,paternoster ,,row1 ,,london4