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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Jjarlington JVLeniorial -Library
THE
AMERICAN BIRD FANCIER;
CONSIDERED WITH
REFEREXCE TO THE BREEDING, REARING, FEEDING, MANAGEMENT, AND PECULIARITIES
CAGE AND HOUSE BIRDS;
WITH REMARKS ON THEIR
lilSEASES AND REMEDIES; DRAWN FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION.
BY D.J. BROWNE,
AUTHOR OF THE SYLVA AMERICANA, THE AMERICAN POULTRY YAB ETC., ETC.
Illustrated with Engravings.
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PUBLISHED BY C. M. SAX TON,
t M. D C C C. L.
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Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie yeai- 1850, Ity
CHARLES M. SAX TON,
In Iho Cork's Office of the District Court of Uv; InUed Slates f<jr the Soutliern
District of New Voik.
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INDEX
PAGES.
Birds, Breeding of Ifi
Food of 11
Habitation of 9
Song of 8
Young of, Time for Removing
from the Nest 16
Blackbird, European 70
Skunk 73
Bob-o-link 73
Bunting, Rice 73
Butter Bird 73
Canary Bird 261
Cat Bird 67;
Diseases of Tame Birds. ... 16, 39, 50, 59, 7-2j
Asthma 17
Atrophy, or Wasting 19
Bloody Flux 20|
Consumption 19
Costiveness 20
Diarrhoea 20
Epilepsy 21
Moulting 23
Obstruction of the Rump Cland 21
of the Feet 22
Pairing- Fever 24
Parasitic Vermin 4
Pip, or Thrush 17
Rheum 17
Sore Eyes 23
Tumors and Ulcers 23
Tympany, or Bloating 22
Unnatural Fatness 25
Vertigo, or Giddiness .
Dove, Wild
Goldfinch
American
Linnet
PAOES.
Mavy, Red 65
Meadow Bird 65
Mocking Bird 60
French 65
Pigeon, Barb 94
Biset 85
Broad or Fan-tailed Shaker 81
Capuchin 93
Carrier 88
Dragoon 92
Helmet 96
Hoi-seman i-9
Jacobin, or Jack 92
Mawmet, or Mahomet 93
Nun 95
Pouter 90
Rock 81
Tumblers 86
Turbit 94
White-rumped 81
Quail, European 104
Raven 77
Red Pole 46
Reed Bird 73
jRice Bird 73
I Bunting 73
I Troopial 73
Robin, American 54
Redbreast 54
Thrasher 65
Thrush, Brown 65
Ferruginous 65
j Migi-ating 54
I Red-breasted 54
I Song 57
Thistle Finch 41
lYellow Bird 51
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGES.:
Aerie 100 Pigeon,
Aviary (Vignette) 5
Bulfinch (Vignette on Title).
Cages for Breeding 15, 32
Canaries and Nest 28]
Canary-Bird Cage 37
Dove, Wild 82,
Goldfinch 431
Linnet 47,
Cage 49'
Pigeon, Bald-pated Tumbler 85 Quail, European
Barb 94 Raven
PAGES.
Dragoon 92
Horseman 90
Houses 98
Jacobin, or Jack 93
Pouter 90
Ring (Vignette) 81
Rock 82
Shaker, Broad-tailed 85
Tumbler, Bald-pated 87
Turbit 95
105
73
85 Robin, European 55
S8 Thrush, Song 58
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ADA^ERTISEMENT.
IN issuing the present little treatise, the publisher would say a word respecting its chai-acter and the manner in which it has been composed. He is fully aware of the limited nature of the work, when compared with the bonudless science of which it foims a part, and woiild have cheeifully extended the subject had he believed the wants and economy of the American public required it. To those who wish turther to pursue the subject, he would recommend the more elaborate treatises of Audubon, Wilson, Bonaparte, Nuttall, and Dekay, for Amerienn bird':, and particularly the works of Di-. Bechstein for the birds of Europe.
An intimate knowledge of Natural Histo)y, being an enthusiastic lover of the feathered tribes, having been familiar with them from his earliest childhood, has well qualified Jlr. Browne for writing this, and if necessary, an extensive work. He will doubtless be recollected by many as the editor of " The Naturalist," a monthly pei-iodical, published in Boston some twenty years ago, and more recently as the author of the " American Poultry Vaixl " and of a treatise on American trees Within the above-n;imed period, he has travelled and resided for a considerable time in vai-ious parts of North and !?outh America, the West Indies, Europe, and Western Africa, (having passed several mouths at the Canary Islands,) for the express purpose of investigating, among other objects, the natural featm-es of those countries, where he had ample opportunities for studying the habits of birds both in a state of natui-e, and in confinement, the most advantageous means of prociu'ing them, and the proper mode of feeding and maintaining them in health.
In order that the author may not be accused of the reproach of wearing " bor- rowed plumes," it is hereby candidly confessed that he has made a free use of the writings of Audubon, Nuttall, and particularly those of Dr. Bechstein, as well as of the "Boy's Treasury of Hports," without giving them, in numerous instances, such credit as the punctilious critic would seem to demand. Be this as it may, the author has endeavored not to deviate from established custom, except in cases where he deemed it expedient to change the language, in pai't, for the sake of brevity, elucidation, or Americanising the subject, or adapting it to om' climate, economy, and social con- dition. Much of the matter, however, and several of the illustrations, he claims to be original.
The publisher, therefore, confidently presents the « American Bird Fancier " to the public with the full belief that it containes such information on the subject, as the taste and economy of our fair cotmtry women and their childi-en require.
C. M. SAXTOJNT.
New York, March 20, 1850,
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I R D S , from their elegant and beautiful coloring, the graceful ease of their flight, their varied music, their ti iider solicitude tor th'Mr young, their singular and engaging instincts, their susceptibility of domestication, and their subserviency to the sustenance of man, have, for ages past, attracted universal admiration, and, as objects of human interest, and even affection, they stand foremost, perhaps, in the entire range of animated nature.
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6 INTKODUCTION. ^
The structure of birds and their habits of life, are wonder- fully adapted to the various functions they are destined to perform. The pointed beak, the long and pliant neck, the gently-swelling shoulder, the expansive wings, the tapering tail, the light and bony feet, are all wisely calculated to assist and accelerate their motion through the yielding air. Every part of their frame is formed for lightness and buoyancy; their bodies are covered with a soft and delicate plumage, so dis- posed as to protect them from the intense cold of the atmosphere through which they pass; their wings are made of the lightest materials, and yet, the force with which they strike the air is so great, as to impel their bodies forward with astonishing rapidity, while the tail serves as a rudder to direct them to the different objects of their pursuit.
The internal structure of birds is no less wisely adapted to the same purposes. Their lungs have several openings, com- municating with corresponding air bags, or cells, which fill the whole cavity of the body from the neck downwards, and into which the air passes and re-passes, in the process of breathing. This is not all ; their very bones are hollowed out with the design of receiving air from the lungs, from which air pipes are conveyed to the most solid parts of the body, and even into the quills and plumelets of the feathers which are hollow or spongy for its reception. As all these hollow parts, as well as the cells, are only open on the side communicating with the lungs, the bird requires only to take in a full breath to fill and distend its whole body with air, which, in conse- quence of the considerable heat of its body, is rendered much lighter than the air of the atmosphere. By forcing this air out of the body again, the weight becomes so much increased, that birds of a large size can dart down from great heights in the air with astonishing rapidity.
This almost universal diffusion of air in the bodies of birds is of infinite use to them, not only in these long and laborious flights, but likewise in preventing their respiration from being stopped or interrupted by the rapidity of their motion through a resisting medium. Were it possible for man to move with
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y INTRODUCTION. 7 y
the swiltness of a swallow, the actual resistance of the air, as he is not provided with internal reservoirs similar to those of birds, would soon suffocate him.
The digestive organs of birds form them into two distinct natural classes; those with cartilaginous stomachs, covered with very strong muscles, called a gizzard; and those with membranous stomachs more resembling those of carnivorous quadrupeds. The former is given to birds, the principal food of which is grain and seeds of various kinds, or other hard sub- stances that require much friction to divide, or comminute, to assist which, gravel is necessary ; the latter is given to birds which feed upon flesh or fish, and whose digestion is accele- rated more by the gastric juice than by the action of the stomach. Those of the first class digest or retain every sub- stance swallowed ; and those which eject or disgorge innu- tritious matter unavoidably taken in, such as feathers, fur, bones, &c., belong to the second class, as is conspicuous in those that feed on fish. Graminivorous birds seem to possess the power of retaining the small stones taken into the gizzard, or evacuating ihem, when they become polished and less useful, but cannot disgorge them. In a state of nature, the quantity of gravel taken in, must be regulated, no doubt, by the sensation of the stomach ; but, wonderful as it may seem, in domesticated animals, those instinctive faculties are deranged. Instances frequently occur where the whole cavity of the gizzard is filled with gravel stones. The food of graminivorous birds is conveyed entire into the first stomach, or craw, where it undergoes a partial dilution by a liquor secreted from the glands, and spread over its surface. It is then received into another species of stomach, where it is still further diluted, after which it is transmitted into the gizzard, or true stomach, consisting of two very strong muscles, externally covered with a tendinous substance, and lined with a thick membrane of prodigious power and strength, in which organ the food is com- pletely triturated, and prepared for the operation of the gastric juices.
Graminivorous birds partake much of the nature and dispo-
8 INTRODUCTION.
sition of herbivorous quadrupeds, agreeing with them in the number of their stomachs, the quality of their food, and the gentleness of their manners. Content with the seeds of plants, with fruits, insects, and worms, their principal attention is directed to procuring food, hatching and rearing their offspring, and eluding the snares of men and the attacks of predaceous animals. The stomachs of carnivorous birds are smaller than those of the graminivorous kinds, and their intestines are much shorter. Many species of birds possess a reservoir for food, called a craw, or crop, which seems to answer the same purpose as the first stomach of ruminating animals. Here it is that the food is softened and prepared for the stomach, or carried to the young.
THE SONG OF BIRDS.
The song of birds is always, if not the expression of love, at least that of pleasure. Thus, the nightingale sings only as long as pairing time or hatching lasts, and is silent as soon as it is compelled to feed its young; whereas, the goldfinch and Canary sing throughout the year, and only cease when moult- ing dejects them. The continuation of the song of these birds, however, by no means proves that it is not occasioned by the stimulus of love.
Song appears to be the especial privilege of the male, whereby it either attracts the female or seeks to obtain her love; for there are but few females which produce notes similar to the song of the male, and these almost exclusively in a state of widowhood. They listen attentively, in fact, to the greater or less perfection or charm of the song of the male, to bestow upon that one their love whom they esteem the most accomplished singer. Thus, the most sprightly hen Canary selects the best singer ; and the chaffinch, when at liberty, will choose from among a hundred males the one whose song best pleases her.
INTRODUCTION.
HABITATION OF CAGE OR CHAMBER BIRDS.
Birds which are kept only on account of their beauty, or for their animation and vivacity, are generally kept best in a room where they can run or fly freely about, and where they can resort at 'night for repose, to a large cage of many compart- ments, or to one or more fir trees. But larger birds should have an apartment expressly appropriated to them, as their fseces smell unpleasantly in a dwelling room, whence also they require constant cleaning. Smaller birds may be allowed to run freely about, having a small tree or a cage hung up for thein to roost in. With this degree of liberty, many birds sing better than when confined in a cage.
Cleanliness is in every respect very important in keeping birds, for they are not only thereby preserved for many years but it keeps them constantly healthy and cheerful ; hence it is necessary that the cage should be cleaned at least once a-week, and birds which run about upon the ground, should have the sand renewed frequently ; the perches also of such as use them should be carefully cleaned. If this be not attended to, the birds will become sickly, and will suffer from lame feet, gout, and other maladies, terminating in the loss of their toes, as all must have experienced who have been accustomed to keep birds, and have neglected cleansing them. In cleaning their feet, It is very requisite that the bird should have them dipped in water before the dirt is removed ; for if this be not done, the skin, to which the dirt closely adheres, comes off with it, which renders the bird not merely lame, but also attracts to the part all the unhealthy humors generated by their unnatural mode of living.
It is in the feet indeed that cage or chamber birds chiefly suffer, and they must be daily examined to see that nothing gets entangled about them, as hair thus twisted wilf frequently cut very deep, and in the course of a few days, that portion of the foot or toe, so tied up, will dry up and fall off". Very great
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10 INTRODUCTION.
attention must be paid to this particular circumstance, as scarcely a bird can be preserved for any length of time with all its toes uninjured. It is not to be denied, however, that many birds keep themselves exceedingly neat, whilst others, even of the same genus, are so uncleanly, that they are not only always soiling themselves, but never clean their feet, beak, nor wings.
Some bird fanciers take delight in making birds so tame as to be taken upon the hand into the open air, or to be allowed to fly away and come back again upon a call. "One of my friends," says Dr. Bechstein, " who has tamed birds as well as otters, adders, foxes, weasels, and martins, so that they would follow him upon a sign given, adopts the following easy and certain method to effect it: — When he wishes to accustom a bird to fly abroad, or to go out with him perched upon his finger or his shoulder, he first teases it with a soft feather in its cage which stands open. The bird soon snaps at the feather, and then at his finger, and it will then come out of the cage, and perch upon the extended finger ; he immediately strokes it, and lays a few choice morsels before it. These, the bird will soon take out of the hand itself He then commences by familiarising the bird with som? peculiar call or whistle, and he carries it, as soon as it permits itself to be grasped in the hand, placed upon his hand or shoulder, from chamber to chamber, taking care to close the doors and windows ; he then suffers it to fly, and calls it back again. As soon as it attends to this call without being scared or frightened, he takes it cautiously into the open air, and thus the bird becomes gradually so accustomed to him that he can carry it abroad or into company without its offering to fly away."
Care, however, must be taken not to carry adult birds, which have been thus tamed, into the open air where they can hear their fellows, in the spring or at pairing time, which are usually the periods when they show indications of resuming their native wildness.
If it is wished to teach a bird to eat out of the mouth, it must be kept for a time in the cage without food, and then ifg> : —-^
^ INTRODUCTION.
when sitting upon the finger its favorite food must be held to it upon the tip of the exteded tongue. Hunger soon teaches it to peck. Such tame birds learn, also, speedily to sing upon the finger. To accomplish this, nothing more is necessary than to induce it by certain tones, motions, and fondling. But it is still further requisite to observe in this process of taming, that, to be effectual, it should be continued for a longer time than is here laid down. May we not presume that the bird will, in the course of a few weeks, do that freely which has been taught, or rather forced upon it, in this short space of time.
FOOD OF TAME BIRDS.
In selecting the food of birds in confinement, it is requisite to do so, as far as is practicable, in accordance with the nature of its food in a natural state. This, indeed, is frequently difficult, if not wholly impossible. Great caution, therefore, must be observed to accustom the birds we keep, or rather their stomachs, by degrees, to the food we are compelled to supply them, although it cannot be denied that there are birds, also, which, as soon as they are placed in the aviary, eat anything that is given to them. But others are more deli- cate, and will not eat at all, partly from grief at the loss of their liberty, and partly from not finding the food they have been accustomed to. Great care must therefore, be taken of these. If such as are known to be delicate — the majority of singing birds — for instance, commence greedily eating as soon as they are placed in the chamber, it is a bad sign ; for they will certainly die, as it implies an unnatural indifference to the loss of their liberty, which is almost always deducible from sickliness. Those which creep into corners and seem for some hours to pine, it is less necessary to be anxious about; but they must not be disturbed until their ill-humor subsides.
Dr. Meyer, of Offenbach, Germany, remarks as follows upon
12 INTRODUCTION. ^
this subject : — " An almost unfailing mode of accustoming birds to their food, which is known to be extremely difficult in many, is thus : Let the bird be placed in a cage in the room where it is purposed to be kept ; give it freely appropriate food and drink in open vessels; leave it thus undisturbed for several hours; then catch it and dip it in fresh water, and again place it in its former cage. It will now sit for some moments thoroughly exhausted, but will soon recover and begin preen- ing itself, and in the course of a few minutes become extremely animated, and then it will certainly eat the food put before it. Doubtless the same cause produces an appetite in birds after bathing as in man."
In order to give some general rules for the best food of cage or house birds, I have divided them, after Dr. Bechstein, into four following classes: —
The first comprehends those birds which live only on .seeds, such as Canaries, goldfinches. Siskins, &c.
The second are those which feed both on seeds and insects, such as quails, larks, cat birds, and mocking birds"; some of these also eat the buds and berries of trees.
The third are those which seek only berries and in.sects, such as nightingales, redbreasts, thrushes, and the like.
The fourth are those which eat insects only, such as wag- tails, woodpeckers, cuckoos, &c.
The birds in the last-named class are the most difficult to preserve ; but most of them, having nothing particular in their song, offer but little compensation for the trouble and care which they require.
Recipe for a General Food. — In proportion to the number of birds, white bread enough must be baked to last for three months. When it is well baked and stale, it must be put again into the oven, and left there until cold. It is then fit to be pounded in a mortar, and will keep several months without becoming bad. Every day a teaspoonful for each bird is taken of this meal, on which is poured three times as much cold, or lukewarm, (but not boiling,) milk. If the meal be good, a firm k paste will be formed, which must be chopped very small on a fe®S> , csi®
' INTRODUCTION. 13
board. This paste, which is very nourishing, may be kept a long time without becoming sour or sticky; on the contrary, it is always dry and brittle. As soon as a delicate bird is brought in, some flies or chopped worms should be mixed with the paste, which will attract it to cat. It will soon be accus- tomed to this food, which will keep it in life and health.
Although the notice of a universal remedy is generally suspicious, the two following sorts of paste have been recom- mended, and used with success, agreeing well with all, or nearly all, tamed birds, if we except those which are con- fined in cages on account of their beautiful songs. They are not only very simple and cheap, but also prevent great loss of time to those who possess a great number of birds.
Universal Paste. — To make the first paste, take a white loaf which is well baked and stale ; put it into fresh water, and leave it there until quite soaked through ; then squeeze out the water and pour boiled milk over the loaf, adding about two thirds the quantity of barley meal with the bran well sifted out, or, v/hat is still better, wheat meal.
For the second paste, grate a carrot very nicely (this root may be kept nearly a whole year if buried in sand) ; then soak a small white loaf in fresh water, press the water out, and put it and the grated carrot into an earthen pan ; add two handfuls of barley or wheat meal, and mix the whole well together with a pestle.
These pastes should be made fresh every morning, as they soon become sour, particularly the first, and consequently hurtful.
Every morning, fresh water must be given to the birds, both for drinking and bathing. When a great many are left at liberty, one dish will do for them all, about eight inches long, and two in width and depth, divided into several partitions, by which means they are prevented from plunging entirely into the water, and in consequence making the place always dirty and damp. A vessel of the same size and shape will do for holding the universal paste, but then it must have no partitions. A
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14 INTKODUCTIOX.
Those birds which devour everything thrown to them, must be protected against the possibility of having any food given to them that contains pepper or much salt, and especially against putrid meat. This is a universal rule of precaution. It may further be observed, that to birds confined in cages, no more must be given than they can eat during the day; otherwise they will accustom themselves to scatter their food out of the vessel, and eat the best first, leaving the worst for subsequent fare; and are consequently to-day well, and drooping to-morrow.
BREEDING.
Therk is but little to be said of the breeding of birds in confinement, as, in the majority of cases, it is difficult to accom- plish, excepting in such as can be thoroughly familiarised, like Canaries. Of breeding places, there are two kinds, one a large cage made of wire or wood, and the other the entire range of a room. Both should be dry, airy, and exposed in our northern climate to the warmth and light of the sun. It is chiefly requisite to supply birds that are to breed with a still, solitary, and spacious abode; and it is preferable to give them an entire apartment in which evergreens are placed that have not lost their leaves. Above all things, it is desirable to make this abode as nearly j'esemble their natural dwelling place as possible, that they may be excited to pair. With every care, however, to render their breeding place like the natural one, it is difficult to supply them with the necessary materials for their nests. This deficiency should be supplied by nests arti- ficially formed of woven cotton, willow, straw, or turned wood, into which they will only have to convey appropriate linings ; for this purpose, they must be supplied with the hair of animals and raw silk, cotton, wool, &c.
Especial care must be taken to furnish the birds with requisite food, which partly contributes to fit old ones for breeding, and which must also be suited to the varying
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INTRODUCTIOX.
15
ages of the reared young. In this particular, I shall nnention what must be done, in the articles relating to the different species described in the subsequent part of this work.
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■ 6 INTRODLXTION.
TIME FOR REMOVING WILD BIRDS FROM THE NEST.
It may be necessary that I should give some general direc- tions about the time at which it is desirable to remove young wild birds, intended to be reared, from the nest. This is when the tail quills shoot forth, and when all the feathers begin to expand, and before the birds can yet completely open their eyes. If they are removed earlier, their stomachs are too weak to endure the food of the aviary, and if it take place later, it is usually extremely dilRcult to induce them to open their beaks to receive food with which they are unacquainted. But there are species of birds which can at all times be easily fed and tamed. As a general rule, all seed-eating birds may be tamed, both adult and young.
DISEASES OF TAME BIRDS.
Like all tame animals, birds that are kept in confinement, are exposed to more maladies than those which live at large;* and especially as they are frequently so closely confined in cages that they have scarcely room to move. These maladies, however, are considerably increased by their having all kinds of delicacies, as pastry, sugar, &c., given them, which spoil their stomachs and usually produce a slow consumption.
The following are the chief maladies which affect birds, and their remedies, as laid down by Dr. Bechstein, the efficiency of which he proved upon his own. Indeed, the variety of birds, as well as the variety of their food, requires also a difference of treatment in their maladies ; and in speaking of each species, I shall have occasion to notice how their peculiar diseases may be treated, when the general remedies are not suitable to their nature.
* It has been frequently asserted that birds in their natural state are never ill, but this is unfounded. /
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INTRODUCTION. 17 V
Pip, or Thrush. — This is a catarrh, or cold, by which the nostrils are stopped up, and the membrane covering the tongue is hardened by inflammation. In large birds, it is common to remove this skin, taking it off from the base to the tip ; but rough modes should not be us3d for doing it. A little borax, dissolved in water, may be applied to the tongue with a camel- hair pencil two or three times a-day until a healthy action is produced. By this means, this part can again perspire, the saliva necessary for digestion can flow, and the taste and appe- tite return. A mixture of fresh butter, pepper, and garlic, generally cures this catarrh. It is a good thing, also, for the birds to drink the pectoral infusion of speedwell (Veronica officinalis) ; and the nostrils may be opened by passing up a small feather dipped in oil. The rulfling of the head, the beak often open and yellow at its base, and the tongue dry, are the most decisive indications of this disease.
Rheum. — The symptoms of this disease are frequent sneezing and shaking of the head. Some drops of pectoral elixir in the infusion of speedwell, which the sick birds must be made to take, appears to be the most efficacious remedy.
When it is merely hoarseness. Dr. Handel, of Mentz, in France, gave to his birds for several days, as their only drink, a very dilute decoction of dry figs, sweetened with a little sugar, and afterwards purged them, for two days following, with the juice of carrots.
Asthma. — This is a very common disease among house birds. Those attacked with it have their breath short, often open their beaks as if to gasp for more air, and, when agitated or frightened, keep them open for a long time.
The cause of this disease may doubtless be found in the mode of life which the birds lead. Their food is genei'ally too dry and heating, being principally hemp seed, which is very injurious, but liked by all ; and is the more hurtful, as it inclines them to eat too much. If to this, be added the un- changed air of the rooms, particularly those which have stoves instead of chimneys, and the great heat which is kept up
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Y 18 INTKODUCTION. Y
during winter, it is plain that there is much to injure the delicate lungs of the birds.
A moist and refreshing regimen and some aperients, more or less often, according to the violence of the disease, appears the most appropriate remedy. A favorite linnet and goldfinch, mentioned by Dr. Bechstein, when attacked with very bad asthma, were relieved and preserved for several years by the following method : —
The first thing was to leave off hemp seed entirely, confining them solely to rape seed ; but giving them at the same time an abundance of bread, soaked in pure water, and then pressed ; lettuce, endive, or water cresses, according to the season, twice a-week, giving them bread boiled in milk, about the size of a nutmeg. This is made by throwing a piece of the crumb of white bread, about the size of a nut, into a teacupful of milk, boiling it, and stirring it all the. time with a wooden spoon till it is of the consistency of pap. It must be quite cold before it is given to the birds, and must always be made fresh, for if sour, it will prove injurious.
This paste, which they are very fond of, purges them suffi- ciently, and sensibly relieves them. In very violent attacks, nothing but this paste ought to be given for two or three days following, and this will soon give the desired relief
When the disease is slight, or only begun, it is sufficient to give the bread and milk once in three or four days. When employed under similar circumstances, this treatnnient has cured several very valuable birds. It may not be useless here to renew the advice of always giving the birds an opportunity of bathing every day, by putting in their way a saucer, or any other small shallow bath, filled with water, which should never be too cold, and in winter always milkwarm.
One thing which is very injurious to the lungs of birds, and which too often occurs, is the fright occasioned by tormenting them, or by seizing them too suddenly; for the poor little things often rupture a blood vessel in the breast while beating themselves about. A drop of blood in the beak is the sign, and
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' . ISTIIODUCTION. ] 9 y
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a speedy death is the general consequence. If this do not happen, the breathing is not the less dilficult and painful ; and recovery is rare, at least without the greatest care and attention.
Birds that eat insects and worms, occasionally, by acci- dent, swallow some extraneous substance, which, sticking in their throat, stops their respiration and stifles them. The only remedy is to extract the foreign body, which requires much skill and dexterity.
When asthma is brought on by eating seeds, which are too old, spoiled, or rancid. Dr. Handel recommends some drops of oxymel, (honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup,) to be swallowed for eight days following. But the best way is to change the seed, and be sure there is none but good seed in the feeding trough.
Atrophy, or Wasting. — This is caused by giving unnatural food to the bird, which destroys the digestive power of its stomach. In this case, it disgorges its food, ruffles its feathers, and does not arrange them, and becomes thin very fast. The best thing is to make it swallow a common spider, which purges it, and put a rusty nail into its water, which strengthens the tone of the stomach, giving it at the same time its proper and natural food. Green food, such as lettuce, endive, chick- weed, and particularly water cresses, is the safest remedy. A very great appetite is a sign of this disease. A Siskin, men- tioned by Dr. Bechstein, that was dying of atrophy, had nothing but water cresses for three days following, and on the fourth he sung.
Consumption. — This is usually the result of unnatural food, which interrupts the function of digestion, and it is recognised bjr the bird inflating and distending its 'If. The feathers are ruffled, and the flesh dwindles. No better remedy, perhaps, can be found than to give such birds a common spider, which purges them, and to lay in their water a rusty nail, which strengthens the stomach. They must, at the same time, be fed with the best description of their appropriate food. In birds which will eat vegetables, and especially water cresses, this
. 5^ . , ^ ^
Y 20 INTRODUCTION'.
will be found the surest remedy against consumption, or waste. Usually, birds suffering from this malady have a voracious appetite for green food. Dr. Bechstein fed a Siskin, which had already completely wasted, for three successive days, with nothing but water cresses, and on the fourth it re- commenced singing.
CosTivENEss. — This disease may be discovered from the frequent unsuccessful endeavors of the bird to relieve itself Aperients will be of use. If a spider does not produce the desired effect, anoint the vent of the bird with the head of a pin steeped in linseed oil; this sort of clyster generally succeeds. Boiled bread and milk is also of great service.
DiARRHCEA. — This IS a disease to which birds that have been caught recently are very subject, before they are accustomed • to their new food. Most of these die of it; they continually void a white calcareous matter, which sticks to the feathers round the vent, and being very acrid causes inflammation in that part and in the intestines. Sometimes chalybeate water, (iron water,) and the oil clyster produce good effects ; but it is better, if possible, to procure for the bird its most natural food. Some people pull out the feathers from the tail and veiit,, and then rub these parts with fresh butter, but this is a very painful and cruel operation. They also mix the 3nolk of an egg boiled very hard with their food, but this does not succeed very well. If there be any hope of curing this disease, it is by attacking it at the beginning, before inflammation is violent ; boiled bread and milk, a plenty of lettuce, or any other similar green refreshing food, generally effects a cure.
In a case of chronic diarrhoea, which almost reduces the birds to skeletons. Dr. Handel, of France, prescribes chaly- beate water, mixed with a little milk for their drink, which, he says, is an easy and certain cure.
Bloody Flux. — This is a disease with which some parrots are attacked. The best remedy is to make the birds drink a plenty of boiled milk, or even very fat broth ; for their intes- tines, which are very much irritated, require something sooth- ing to protect them from the acrid discharges, which, at the ^ ■- -^
^ _ ^JJ
ISTllODUCTIOX. 21 \''
same time, must by corrected be healing food. Birds in this state, generally do nothing but drink; therefore plenty of boiled milk should be given them, as it nourishes them, as well as acts medicinally, but should it appear to turn sour in the stomach, it must, at least for some time, be discontinued.
Obstruction of the Ruimp Gland. — This gland, which is on the rump, and contains the oil employed for anointing the feathers, sometimes becomes hard and inflamed, and an abscess forms there. In this case, the bird often pierces it itself, or it may be softened by applying fresh butter without any salt ; but it is better to use an ointment made of white lead, litharge, wax, and olive oil, which may be had of any good chemist or apothecary. The general method is to pierce or cut the • hardened gland, in order to let out the matter.
The gland is known to be obstructed when the feathers, which surround it, arj ruffled, the bird never ceasing to peck them, and instead of being yellow it becomes brown. Dr. Bechstein says, this disease is very rare among wild birds, for, being exposed to damp, and bathing often, they make more use of the liquor in the gland, consequently, it does not accu- mulate sufficiently to become corrupted, sour, or cancerous. This confirms the necessity of giving them the means of bathing as often as instinct would induce them, as nothing can be more favorable to their health.
Dr. Handel, after piercing the gland, recommends a little magnesia to be mixed with the bird's drink.
Epjlepsy. — This is a disease with which house birds are very often attacked. What has been found to be most useful in this case, is to plunge the sick birds every now and then into very cold water, letting them fall suddenly into it, and cutting their claws, or at least one or two, short enough for the blood to run.
From bleeding giving so much i-elfef, one would think that this disease is a kind of apoplexy, occasioned by want of exercise and too much food. Bullfinches and thrushes are more subject to it than any other birds, and bleeding always cures them, which has been done with irrcat success in the fol-
mm> — ^
22 INTRODUCTION.
lowing manner, but much delicacy and skill are required, as there would be great danger of laming the bird : — A very small hole is made on the surface of the claw, with a lancet or very sharp penknife ; it is then plunged in lukewarm water, and if the operation be well done, the blood runs like a thread of red silk; when removed from the water, the bleeding stops: no bandage nor dressing is required.
Tympany, or Bloating. — In this disorder, the skin on one part of the body, or even the whole body, rises and swells to so great a degree that it is stretched like a drum. It is gene- rally sufficient to pierce it with a pin, so as to let the air escape, and the bird will be cured.
Disease in the Feet. — House birds are often subject to bad feet. From the second year, they become pale, and lose their freshness. They must be frequently cleaned, taking care to remove the skin ; the thick loose scales ought also to be taken off, but with all possible precaution.
The gout occasions the feet to swell ; they are also so scaly and painful that the poor little bird cannot support itself with- out resting on the points of its wings. Dr. Handel prescribes a warm fomentation with a decoction of soapwort (Saponaria officinalis). If a foot should be bruised or broken, he advises that the diseased bird should bo shut up in a very small cage, the bottom of which is very smooth and even, without any perches, or anything which would tempt it to hop, and put in a very quiet and solitary place, out of the way of anything which might produce agitation. In this manner, the bird will ciire itself in a little time, without any bandage or plaster of any kind.
Dr. Bechstein was of the opinion that the principal cause of bad feet is want of bathing. The scales, contracting from dryness, occasion great pain ; in order to remove them with ease, and without danger, the feet must be softened in luke- warm water. The following method has been used with a bullfinch with success: — Its cage was made with a movable tin bottom, which, being half or three quarters of an inch deep, could hold water, that was put in tepid, to bathe the bird ;
2^ -^wm
INTRODUCTIOX. 23
the perches were then removed, so that the bird was obliged to remain in the water, where it was left for half an hour, sometimes throwing it hemp seed to amuse it. After repeating the bath once or twice, the bird became very fond of it; and it was remarked that its feet became, if we may say so, quite young again. The scales being sufficiently softened, the middle of each was cut lengthwise without reaching the flesh ; this made the sides easily fall off. It is better to remove only two scales a-day, that the bird may not be wearied. By con- tinuing the bath three times a-week, the feet become healthy and supple, and the bird is easy.
Sore Eyes. — The juice of red beet for drink, and also as a liniment, greatly relieves this disorder. Dr. Handel, of Mentz, recommends washing the eyes, when disposed to blindness, with an infusion of the root of white hellebore.
Tumors and Ulcers. — As to the tumors and ulcers which come on the heads of the birds, Dr. Handel touches them with a middling-sized red-hot knitting needle. This makes the watery humor run out, and the wound afterwards dries and heals. To soften the pain, a little liquid black soap is used. If, from the softness of the tumor, matter seems to h^ve formed, it should be rubbed with fresh butter until it is come to a head ; it may then be emptied, and opened by a few drops of essence of myrrh. During all this time, the bird must have nothing but beet juice to drink.
Ulcers in the palate and thi'oat may be cured by making the bird drink the milk of almonds for several days, at the same time lightly touching the ulcers several times a-day with a feather dipped in a mixture of honey and borax.
Moulting. — This occurrence, though natural, is generally accompanied with disease, during which the birds ought to be taken great care of Their food should be changed, but with- out giving any heating delicacies, which are very injurious.
It has been observed that birds always moult at the time when their food is most abundant ; the forest birds may then be seen approaching fields and cultivated places, where, having plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want;
nm : ■ <3Sa
24 INTRODUCTION. ^
indeed, the loss of their feathers prevents their taking long flights, and the reproduction of them occasions a loss of flesh which must be repaired. An abundance of food is therefore necessary, and, following this rule, during moulting, some additional food must be given to house birds, appropriate to the diffiirent species — millet or Canary seed, a little hemp seed, white bread soaked in water, and lettuce, or endive, to those which feed on seeds; with a few more worms and ants' eggs to those that eat insects; all should have bread soaked in boiled milk, warmth, and baths. Nothing has succeeded better than this regimen.
Vertigo, or Giddiness. — This, without being properly a dis- ease, is rather common, and is occasioned by the trick which the birds of the first class have, of turning their head and neck so far round that they fall off their perch. They may be easily cured of this trick by throwing a covering over the top of the cage, which prevents their seeing anything above them, for it is with looking up that this giddiness- comes on.
Pairing Fever. — A disease which may be called the " pairing fever" must not be forgotten here. House birds are usually attacked with it -in the spring, or at the time when the inclina- tion to pair is greatest. Tiiey cease to sing, become sorrowful and thin, ruffle theii* feathers, and die. This fever generally first seizes those which are confined in cages; it appears to arise from their mode of life, which is too uniform and wearying. They may be cured merely by placing them in the window, where they are soon so much refreshed that they forget their grief, their desire for liberty, or for pairing, and resume their liveliness and song.
It has been observed that a single female in the room is sufficient to cause this disease to all the males of the same family, though of different species. Removing the female will cure them directly. The males and females, at this season, must be separated, so that they cannot see nor hear one another. This, perhaps, is the reason that a male, when put in the window, is soon cured.
Parasitic Vermin. — If birds are sometimes restless, especially
om^ <fi
INTRODUCTION. 25
of a night, and if they are observed to be frequently feeling with their beaks about the abdomen, back, or wings, they must be examined to see if no small yellow insects, (lice or mites,) may be discovered upon the body, or between the feathers. If this be the case, they must be sprinkled by means of a small syringe with water, in which quicksilver has been steeped, or with a much diluted infusion of tobacco, for several suc- cessive days, whereby these vermin are destroyed or chased away. Another mode of getting rid of the lice is to bathe the birds frequently, and to give them, daily, fresh or dry sand, and to be very particular in keeping them exceedingly clean.
Unnatural Fatness. — If it be found that the birds become unnaturally fat, which is often the case, especially during autumn, in some species of warblers, their too nutritious food must be changed and Swedish turnips, (ruta-bagas,) be mixed in it, and dry ants' eggs put into their drink, which much checks their corpulency.
-mm
THE CANARY BIRD.
Synonymes.
Fringilla canaria, Of Ornithologists.
Serin de Canarie, ....... Of the French.
Canai-ienvogel, ........ Of the Germans.
„ . S Of the Spaniards
<^=^"'^"°' • J AND Portuguese.
Canarino, Of the Italians.
,, Din ( Of THE British AND
Canary Bird, Canary, ^ Anglo-Americans.
jHE Canary bird, from its beautiful plumage, elegant &t|5 shape, singular capacity, and attractive familiarity, as well as from the charms and melodies with which it enlivens our rooms, has always been agreeable to the fancier, and may, emphatically be called the real " cage bird." Some of them we find melancholy, others cheerful ; some angry, others peaceful ; some intelligent, others dull ; some indus- trious, others idle ; some greedy, others frugal. But they have chiefly made themselves beloved by their animated, powerful, and varied song, which lasts almost throughout the whole year, and with some even during the time of moulting.
THE CANARY BIRD. 27
These birds are also distinguished by their correctness of car, the remarkable skill they possess of imitating all tones, and their excellent memory. Not only do they imitate the notes of other birds, which they greatly improve by mixing them with their own, but they will even learn to utter short words with some degree of correctness. In their wild and undomesticated state, their song is unvaried, as with most other birds, less melodious, of fewer notes, and uttered at longer intervals than with us; at least, I found them so, as far as my observation extended, when a resident of the Canary Isles.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY.
Those birds, from which are descended the Canaries now kept and reared throughout the whole of Europe, and even in Russia and Siberia, as well as in various parts of North and South America, in an unadulterated state, are natives of the Canary Islands, where they breed in pleasant valleys, and on the delightful banks of small rills, or streams. They were known in Europe as long ago as the beginning of the sixteenth century, as we are told, concerning their arrival, that, "A ship, which, in addition to other merchandize, had a multitude of Canaries on board, that were consigned to Leghorn, was wrecked on the coast of Italy, and the birds, thereby obtaining their liberty, flew to the nearest land." This happened to be Elba, where they found so propitious a climate, that they multi- plied without the intervention of man, and probably would have naturalised themselves, had not the wish to possess them been so great as to occasion them to be hunted after until they were entirely extirpated. In Italy, therefore, we find the first tame Canaries, where they are still raised in great numbers. At first, their rearing in Europe was attended with con- siderable difficulty, partly because the mode of treating these delicate strangers was not sufficiently understood, but principally because males, chiefly, and not females, were introduced.
28
THE CANARY
DESCRIPTION.
The Canary bird is five inches in length, of which the tail comprises two inches and a quarter; the beak is five lines long, stout, sharply pointed, and whitish ; the legs are flesh-
C AN ARIES AND NEST.
colored, and eight lines high. The female is scarcely to be distinguished from the male, but the latter has generally deeper and brighter colors ; the head is rather thicker ; the body, in A general, more slender throughout; and the temples and the
^m : <S
Y THE CANARY BIRD. 29
space around the eyes, are always of a brighter yellow than the rest of the body.
The tariginal grey color of this bird, which merges into green beneath, has, by means of domestication, climate, and inter- mixture with other birds, become so multifarious, that Canaries may now be met with of almost every hue; but grey, yellow, white, blackish and reddish-brown, are the prevailing colors, which are individually seen in every degree of shade, or com- bination, and thus present innumerable differences. Those which are of a blackish-grey, or greyish-brown, above, with greenish-yellow beneath, like a greenfinch, are the most com- mon, generally the strongest, and approach the most closely to the original color of tlieir primogenitors. The yellow and white ones have usually red eyes, but are more delicate. The chestnut-colored are the most rare, and in strength and length of life are intermediate. The colors of most Canaries consist of a mixture of these, and that bird is the most prized the more regularly it exhibits the combination of these various shades. That which is most generally admired, at present, is one with yellow, or white, upon the body, and of a dun-yellow color on the wings, head, and tail. Next in degree of beauty, is that which is of a golden yellow, with a black, blue, or blackish- grey head, and similar wings an.d tail. There are also blackish or grey ones, with yellow heads, or with a ring about the neck, white, with brown and black markings, ashy-grey, almost black, with a yellew breast, and white head and tail, all of which have a prominent value. Others, which are irregularly marked, and are variegated, or mottled, are less esteemed.
HYBRIDITY.
As remarked in a preceding page, the original color of the Canary bird is grey, which merges into green beneath, almost resembling the colors of the linnet; but by means of domes- tication, climate, and intermixture with other birds, as the citril finch and serin, of Italy, and* with the Siskin and linnet,
^ 30 THE CANARY BIRD.
of Germany, they have become so multifarious, that they are to be met with of ahnost every color and hue. Furthermore, in Europe, there are societies for promoting the breeds, and premiums are awarded to competitors who come nearest to the model of perfection given out for competition. The hybrids produced by crossing the Canary with other birds, most in favor, may be described as follov.s: —
1. The Cross between the Canary and Goldfinch. — The colors of this variety consist of a very beautiful intermixture of those of both parents. One which has been highly prized, was marked in the middle of the crest with ashy-grey ; the rest of the head, and- the upper part of the neck, was of a silvery white, with a bright orange-red ring round the base of the beak, and another ring of snowy whiteness round the neck ; the back was greyish-brown, striped with black ; the rump, white ; the under part of the body, snow-white ; the vent, the wings, and the first pinion feathers, were also white ; the rest, as well as the coverts, black, edged with yellow, and with a golden-yellow spot in the centre of the wings; the tail was white, with a black lateral spot; the beak and feet, white, the former with a black tip. The mother of this fine bird was white, with a greenish crest. In general, the handsomest varieties are produced when yellow or white Canaries are pared with goldfinches.
2. The Cross between the Canary and the Siskin. — This is per- fectly like the female Siskin, if the male Jaird is a green Canary, but if the latter be white or yellow, it becomes rather brighter and always retains the color and figure of the Siskin.
3. The Cross between the Canary and the Serin is distinguished only by its smaller size, and by its short, thick, beak, from the common grey or green Canary, unless produced by a white or yellow hen.
The Cross between the Canary and the Linnet. — When the offspring of a grey Canary, its only difference is a slightly longer tail ; but it is variegated or speckled when the Canary is yellow or white.
Mm <m
THE CANARY BIRD.
PAIRING AND LAYING.
In order to obtain birds of a brilliant plumage, it is requisite to pair together such as are of similar markings, and the colors of which are regular and distinct. This is best effected in separate breeding cages. Variegated and checkered ones are often produced in aviaries where the birds pair together indis- criminately. Those of a greenish and brownish color, paired with bright-yellow ones, often pi'oduce beautiful dusky-white, or other favorite colors. A requisite precaution to be ob- served is, that a tufted and a smooth-headed bird should be paired together ; for, if two crested ones be placed with one another, a part of the head of their progeny will be bald, or otherwise deformed.
Some males are always dejected, sing but little, are indiffer- ent to their mates, and consequently unfit for breeding; others are too choleric, incessantly snap at, and chase about, the females, and indeed, often kill them and their young ; others, again, are too ardent, persecute the female while she is sitting, tear the nest, throw out the eggs, or continually excite her to pair, until she quits her eggs or neglects her young ; others, in breeding time, sing so incessantly, and so powerfully, that they rupture the small vessels of the lungs, and suddenly drop dead in the midst of their song.
The females have also their defects. Some merely lay, and immediately quit their eggs as soon as laid ; others feed their young badly, bite them, or pluck out their feathers ; others lay with much exertion and labor, and when they should hatch become sickly, or lay again after a long interval.
Those birds which are to be paired for the first time, should be placed together in a small cage or an open room for a week or ten days, to be wonted to one another. If two females are to be paired with one male, they must previously be ac- customed to each other's society by being also kept together in a small cage; and the breeding cage should have two compartments, separated by a board, in which a sliding door
Sa> ^
32
THE CANARY BIRD.
has been made. In one compartment, a lively male may be enclosed with a female. About the cage or room, there should be placed some flax, soft hay, wool, hog's bristles, cow's hair, moss, pieces of thread, cut about a finger's length, paper, shavings, or other diy materials for building the nest, which usually occupies three days. When one female has laid eggs, the sliding door may be moved and the male admitted to the other female; and when they have both laid, this door may be
CANARY BREEDING CAGE.
kept open. The male will visit both females alternately, when they will not trouble themselves about each other ; otherwise, without this precaution, jealousy would incite them to destroy each other's nests and throw out the eggs. In a room or aviary, a male has sometimes two and even three females placed with him ; with one of these, he will more especially pair. But when this favorite is about to sit, the others will receive a share of his attentions, and from the latter usually the greatest number and the best birds are reai-ed.
THE CANARY BIRD. _ 33
The female, as with the majority of birds, is usually the architect, the male only selecting the place and procuring materials, the coarser of which is used for the external struc- ture, and the finer for lining the inside of the nest. The females will sometimes show indications of their instinct by building nests after their own fashion, generally being irregu- lar in figure, and not nicely finished, at least externally. It is in the nest itself, where the pairing takes place, the female attracting the male by a continuous piping note, repeated more quickly the nearer she is to laying. An interval of seven or eight days elapses between the first pairing and laying the first egg. Every day afterwards, nearly at the same hour, an egg is laid, the number varying from two to six.
BREEDING, INCUBATION, ETC.
The month of March is the best time to place the birds in the breeding cage. Of these, there are two kinds, either a large one, made of wire, as is shown at page 15, in which it is better to place a male, and one female, than one male and two females together, like the one shown in the preceding page ; or the birds may have range of an entire room. All breeding places must be exposed to the warmth and light of the sun, and be hung about with nBsts made of turned wood, tin, or little wicker baskets, two for each pair.
When a room is allotted to the purpose, it ought to contain shrubs for the birds to perch or build upon, with a plenty of fresh water to drink and bathe in, that being indispensable for all birds. The light should be admitted into the east or south- east, for the benefit of the morning sun, and the windows should have wire cloth over them, that the birds may enjoy the fresh air. The floor of the apartment should be strewed with clean gravel or sand, on which should be thrown celery or chickweed; but when breeding, they should have nothing except hard-chopped eggs, dried roll, cake without salt, and once in two or three days a few poppy seeds. i^^ ■ ^f
34 THE CANARY BIRD.
When the birds are good breeders, it is needless to attempt to assist nature by artificial means ; and It is best to leave the them entirely to themselves. In other cases, it is customary to remove the first egg, and replace it by an ivory one, placing it in a box filled with clean, dry sand, and .so taking away all the eggs till the last one is laid ; all are then returned to the nest to be hatched. They often lay three or four times a-year, from February to September, and some are so assiduous in pairing, that even moulting does not interrupt them. The eggs are of a sea-green color, marked on one end with reddish- brown or violet spots or stripes. The period of incubation lasts thirteen days.
If, from the sickliness of the male, or of the female, any of the eggs are unimpregnated, they must be taken out of the nest when the hen has sat for a week or ten days, held lightly between the fingers in the sunshine, or in a bright light ; the fecundated ones will then appear filled with veins, while the bad ones will be quite clear, or already addled, the latter of which must be thrown away. The male rarely relieves the female in hatching, nor does she very willingly permit it. Immediately after feeding, she returns to the eggs, and should the male perchance be on the nest at the time, if he should not directly quit, he would speedily be compelled to do so by pecks and blows. ' The young are occasionally killed in the egg, in consequence of loud and near noises, such as heavy thunder, the discharge of fire arms, violently slamming the door, or any other very loud knocking.
FEEDING AND REARING THE YOUNG.
As soon as the young are hatched, the old birds should be supplied with one fourth of a hard-boiled egg, minced very fine, whh some dried roll, or bread, containing no salt, steeped in water, the latter of which should be squeezed or pressed out again. In another vessel, some boiled rape seed should be placed, which has been rewashed in fresh
THE CANARY BIRD. 35
water, to take away the acidity. Some use crackers instead of bread, but this is unnecessary. It is merely requisite to see that this soft food does not become sour, otherwise it will kill the young, and the cause remain unsuspected. Some persons merely give them their usual food, intermixing it with some finely-powdered crackers and hard-boiled eggs, but it has been found by experience, that the diet prescribed above is more efficacious, especially until the young are fledged.
It is now that the male takes the chief part in rearing the young; and upon him devolves the duty of feeding them, in order to allow the female to recover from the exhaustion she has received from incubation.
If it is necessary to feed the young by hand, grated roll or pulverised dry crackers is taken, mixed with pounded rape seed, and kept in a box. As often as it is necessary to feed them, a little of it is moistened with some of the yolk of an egg and water, and given to them from a quill pen. This must be done ten or twelve times a-day ; about four penfuls is the quantity necessary for each meal.
Up to the twelfth day, the young remain almost naked, and require to be covered by the female ; but after the thirteenth, they will feed themselves. In cold, dry years, however, it sometimes happens that the birds get scarcely any plumage at all. When they are a month old, they may be removed from the breeding cage. With the usual food of the old birds, they must be fed for some time upon the kinds above named ; for, the sudden removal from soft food often occasions death, espe- cially in moulting. It is asserted, and not without reason, that those Canaries which are reared in an arbor, where they have space to iiy about within an enclosure of wire, are longer-lived and stronger than those which are reared in a chamber or a confined cage.
It is a curious fact, perhaps not known to every one, that, when
there are two females with one male in a cage, and one dies,
■ the other, if she has not already sat, will hatch the eggs laid by
I her co-mate, and rear the young as her own; and, during this
1 foster-mother care, cautiously avoid the caresses of the male !
S!:.Et>— ■ m
1^ .
36 THE CANARY BIRD.
TO TEACH A YOITNG CANARY TO SING.
When the young birds can eat alone, say at the age of thirteen or fourteen days, and often before quitting the nest, the males commence warbling, and the females, also, but less connectedly and from this, the sexes may be distingnished. To teach a young Canary to sing, he must now be separated fi-om his comrades, as well as from other birds, and placed in a small wire cage, which, at the commencement, must be covei'ed with linen, and subsequently, by degrees, with thicker woollen cloth, when a short air, or other musical piece, must be whistled to him, or a flute, or a small organ may be used. This lesson should be repeated five or six times a-day, espe- cially mornings and evenings, and in five or six months, he will be able to acquire the air, according to the power of his memory. • -
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT OF ADULT BIRDS.
Except during the breeding season, the males may be kept in cages either bell-shaped or like that denoted in the adjoin- ing cut. These may be made of wire or rattan, and should be at least a foot high and eight inches in diameter, with one or more transverse perches.
The female is allowed either to have freedom in the room with her wings clipped, or is placed in a large breeding cage, possessing sufficient space to keep her limbs in constant exercise, and preserve them in health and strength.
In the bell-shaped, or smaller cages, wherein it must be understood only one male should be put, both the eating and drinking vessels must be placed on the outside, at the ex- tremities of the lower perch. These should be surrounded by a cap of tin, so that the bird may not easily scatter its food. Cleanliness will often prevent these delicate songsters from 1 suffering many disoi'ders, and it is very desirable that the k^
t
THE CANARY BIRD.
37
floor of the cage should be made movable, that it may be more easily cleansed and strewed with coarse sand.
Being naturally inhabitants of a warm climate, and ren- dered delicate by constant residence in rooms, and so, in a manner habituated to a temperature similar to that of their own country, great care is necessary in winter, in order that the same or a similar temperature may be preserved, avoiding the exposure to cold air, which, however, refreshes in summer.
CANARY BIRD CAGK.
c: V ^ot be otherwise than prejudicial to them, causing sickness ana even death. To keep these birds in a healthy and happy frame, it is very important to observe that, in summer, they be frequently hung in a cage in brilliant daylight, and if possible, placed in the warm sunshine, which, especially when bathing, is very agreeable to them.
The most important consideration in the management of the male is his food. The more simple and true to nature
ci^^ — — . — -
38 THE CANARY BIRD. Y
this is, the better does it agree with him ; whereas, when too artificially compounded, it renders him sickly and weak. The best food is the " summer rape seed," which is sown in spring. This is distinguished from the " winter rape seed," which is sown in autumn, by being larger and of a darker hue. Gn this diet, these birds thrive very well, but it should be occasionally intermixed with some crushed hemp seed and Canary seed, for the sake of flavoring it ; and this more espe- cially in the spring, when they are intended for breeding. As a treat, we may occasionally give them a mixture of summer cabbage .seed, whole oats or oatmeal, with millet, or some Canary seed. Here, as in most other cases, we should strive to imitate nature.
The hen Canaries may likewise be supplied with the same kind of food as the males ; but in winter, they are content with bread, containing no salt, or merely barley grots, moistened in milk, if given to them fresh every day, without being sour. Besides, both males and females may be given, in summer, some green lettuce, cabbage, groundsel, and water cresses, which must be previously washed and cleansed from anything prejudicial; and in winter, they may be fed with pieces of sweet apples. They require fresh water daily, both for drinking and bathing; and at moulting time, a rusty nail should be occasionally placed in their drinking vessel, as this tends to strengthen the stomach.
TO TEACH THE ADULT BIRDS TO FLY.
Canaries may be taught to fly ; but the trouble and risk are so great that it is hardly worth the time and care necessary to teach them. The male is first allowed its libei'ty in a place where there are trees, and the female is hung at a window, near by, which speedily attracts him back to the cage in case of danger or fatigue. This teaching must be continued for five or six days, but no handling nor violent attempts to catch them should be used.
'mm
mm m
Y THE CANARY BIRD. 39
DISEASES.
The Canary bird, in a state of captivity, seldom enjoying the open air and having but little exercise, is subject to most of the maladies peculiar to the domestic, feathered race. The diseases to wlaich it is particularly liable, may be described and treated as follows: —
1. Rupture. — This is a common malady, especially in young birds, and is a kind of indigestion which causes inflammation of the intestines. The symptoms of this disease are a lean, transpai-ent, blown-up body, full of small red veins, and in which all the intestines seem to have fallen to the lower part of the body, where they become entangled and turned blaclc. Too much nutritious food is the, cause of this evil. All reme- dies appear to have been ineffectual in this malady, but assistance is sometimes obtained from a spare and simple diet.
2. TTie Yellow Gall in the Head and Eyes may be cured by refi-eshing food ; but if there be a tubercle of the size of a hemp seed about the head or eyes, it must be cut off, and the wound anointed with fresh butter.
3. Sweating. — Some females, whilst hatching, have a sweat- ing sickness, which is injurious to the blood, and may be detected by the feathers of the lower part of the body being quite wet. The body of the bird should be washed with brine, and afterwards with rain or spring water to free the feathers of salt, and then rapidly dried by the sun or fire. This may be repeated once or twice a-day. This sickness, however, is not so prejudicial to the bird as is generally supposed.
4. Sneezing. — This is occasioned by a stoppage of the nos- trils, and may be removed by a very small feather dipped in olive oil being passed through them.
5. Loss of Voice. — If the male, after moulting, lose his voice, he must have diet similar to that given to young birds; that is, some thoroughly-baked, stale roll, dipped in boiled milk or water until completely saturated ; then press out the milk and
Em -^il
1®^ — ^il
Y 40 THE CANARY BIRD,
mix it with more or less, say a proportion of two thirds of coarse barley or wheat flour, freed from the husk or bran. Some persons give them a slice of pork or bacon to peck.
6. Constipation is cured by giving them plenty of green food, such as celery, water cresses, chickweed, sallad, «fec.
7. Epilepsy is commonly brought on by too great a delicacy of treatment, and also by timidity, from alarm. Too great an abundance of rich food, and the want of proper exercise, whereby much and thick blood is produced, are the chief causes of this disease. The birds ought to be kept free from alarm, either by catching or tormenting them in any way. When suffering under this complaint, if they are hot, it is recommended to dip them frequently into cold ice water, and then pair their nails so closely as to start blood. A few drops of olive oil, also, given internally have proved serviceable.
8. Overgrown Claws or Beaks require to be pared with sharp scissors. Care must be taken, however, not to cut the nails too close, as the birds would be liable to lose so much blood as to become lame. The end of the " red ray," or vein, both in the beak and claws, when held up to the light, shows exactly how far they may be cut. During the hatching period, also, the nails of the female sometimes must be cut, in order that they niay not be caught by them when in the nest.
9. Lice may be avoided by frequent bathing, cleanliness in the cage, and dry sand mixed with anise seed and scattered on the floor.
©i^-
THE GOLDFINCH.
Sijnoni/mes.
Pi-ingilla carJueli.t,
Chaidonneret,
Distelflnk, Stieglitz,
.lilguero,
Piutacilgo,
Calderino,
(.'oldfinch, Thistle Finch,
Of Orxii Or THK Frkxch. Of the Germans. Of the Spaniards.
Of 'niE PORTIGUESE.
Ok the Italians. ( Of the British and \ Anglo-Americans.
§F all cage birds, this is one of the most delightful, alike from the beauty of its plumage and the excel- lence of its song, its proved docility, and remarkable animation, whose body is almost always in incessant motion — now moving to the right and now to the left. Its song is shrill, agreeable, and heard during all seasons, excepting only at the period of moulting. It contains, besides many warbling and twittering notes, on which it dwells more or less, and the oflener the syllable fink is repeated the more it is admired. Some utter these notes only once or twicfe in their song, and others four or five times in succession. They also repeat airs, and the songs of other birds, but with difficulty; for they have not the same capacity as linnets and Canaries for these acauisitions.
Their docility is extraordinary, for they will even learn to fire small cannons and imitate death. They may also be taught to draw up their food and water in a little bucket.
'SI
m^
®gt^- ■ — — sg^
Y 42 THE GOLDFINCH. W
Mr. Syme, in his excellent treatise on British Song Birds, gives the following amusing particulars respecting this spe- cies : — " The goldfinch is easily tamed and easily taught, and its capability of learning the notes of other birds is well known ; but the tricks it may be taught to perform are truly astonishing. A few years ago, the Sieur Roman exhibited his birds, which were goldfinches, linnets, and Canaries. One appeared dead, and was held up by the tail or claws without exhibiting any signs of life; a second stood on its head with its claws in the air; a third imitated a Dutch milkmaid going to market with pails on its shoulders; a fourth mimicked a Venetian girl looking out at a window; a fifth appeared as a soldier, and mounted guard as a sentinel ; and the sixth acted as cannoneer, with a cap on its head, a firelock on its shoulder, and a match in its claws, and discharged a small cannon. The same bird also acted as if it had been wounded. It was wheeled in a barrow, to convey it, as it were, to the hospital, after which it flew away before the company. The seventh turned a kind of windmill ; and the last bird stood in the midst of some fireworks, which were discharged all round it, and this without exhibiting the least symptom of fear."
The Goldfinch is very generally distributed throughout Europe, occurring in most of the wooded and cultivated dis- tricts. Its song commences about the end of March, and con- tinues till July or August. It may often be found in company with linnets, whose flight it somewhat resembles.
DESCRIPTION.
The goldfinch is five inches and three quarters long, of which the tail occupies two inches. The beak is five lines long, sharply pointed, and very slightly bent, compressed at the sides, whitish, with a horn-colored tip; the slender feet are brownish, and six lines high ; the front of the head is of a bright scarlet red ; a broad margin of a similar color surrounds i
THE GOLDFINCH. 43
the base of the beak ; the chin and reins, black ; the vertex black, terminating in a stripe, which passes the back of the head, and descends the neck on eacli side ; on the top of the neck, there is a white spot ; the cheeks and front of the neck, white ; the back of the neck and back are of a beautiful brown ; the rump whitish, with a brownisli tinge ; the longer feathers are black; both sides of the breast and the flanks of a bright-brown; the middle of the breast, the belly, and the vent, whitish, many of the feathers having a brownish tinge ; the thighs, greyish; the pinion feathers, velvet-black, with whitish tips, which are smallest in old birds, and are sometimes wanting in the first two feathers; the middle of the external
web with a golden-colored stripe an inch long, which, in con- junction with the golden yellow tips of the hinder large coverts, forms a beautiful spot ; the coverts otherwise black ; the tail slightly forked and black ; the two, and sometimes the first three pinion feathers having a white spot in the centre of the inner web; the rest with white tips; sometimes also the third is likewise entirely black at the sides.
The female is a little smaller, not so broadly and beautifully red about the beak; the chin brownish ; the cheeks intermixed with bright-brown ; the small coverts of the wings, brown, and the back of a deeper dark-brown.
The female goldfinch rarely lays more than once a-year, (consequently these birds do not greatly multiply,) and then
m^- : --mm
W 44 THE GOLDFINCH.
from four to six eggs, which upon a pale sea-green ground are marked with pale-red spots and dots, and deep-red stripes. The young are fed from the crop. These, before they first moult, are grey upon the head. They can be reared upon poppy seeds and roll steeped in milk or water. They have greater facility in imitating the song of the Canary than that of any other bird ; and with this bird they will produce fertile hybrids. To effect this, a male goldfinch is placed with one or two hen Canaries, and they very readily pair, especially if the goldfinch has been reared from the nest. The birds which spring from this union are not only beautiful in color and plumage — often yellow, with the head, wings, and tail of the goldfinch — but they will be found to excel in the sweetness and variety of their song. If you are apprehensive that a pair of valuable Canaries will not thoroughly hatch their eggs, nor let their young ones die, remove them to the nest of a goldfinch ; they will not only hatch them, but will also feed the young, which, when nearly full fledged, may be placed in a cage until they can feed themselves, when no further ti'ouble attends their rearing.
The characteristics which mark the principal varieties of this species are as follows : —
1. Goldfinch with a yellow breast.
2. The White-headed Goldfinch.
3. The Black-headed Goldfinch.
4. The White Goldfinch.
5. The Black Goldfinch. The latter are either entirely black, which is caused by
age or in being fed upon hemp seed, or they retain the yellow spots on the wings. Mr. Shelbach, of Cassel, in Germany reared a nest of goldfinches, which he kept entirely secluded from the light of the sun, covering the cage with cloth. These birds were of a jet-black, with yellow spots, but they changed color after moulting. Those goldfinches which become black before old age, usually resume their former color after moulting, but then they do not usually live much longer.
ii^ — ■ <ii)l
THE GOLDFINCH. 45
The goldifinch feeds upon various kinds of seeds, groundsel, succory, salad, cabbage, rape, linseed, Canary, thistle, and alder seeds, &c. In the cage, it must be fed upon poppy seed and hemp seed, the first being given as its usual food. If allowed to run freely about, it will accustom itself to the second description of universal food described at page 13. It may also have given to it all sorts of green things, such as salad, cabbage, lettuce, and water cresses. It eats voraciously, and therefore, when allowed to run about in the chamber, perches upon the trough, and chases away, with a threatening gesture, every bird that approaches ; whereas, it will feed with other birds that have any kind of resemblance to it, at least with respect to the character of their food, such as Canary birds. Siskins, &c.
These birds are very subject to epilepsy. If they happen to have bad and swollen eyes, they should be anointed with fresh butter. Heaviness and greediness, occasioned by feeding too exclusively upon hemp seed, may be removed by giving them in lieu of it soaked salad and thistle seeds. It contributes much to their health, if occasionally supplied with the head of a thistle.
In old age, they become blind, and lose the beautiful red and yellow colors of the head and wings. Although frequently subject to sickness, there are instances of their having lived to the age of sixteen and even twenty-four years.
THE LINNET.
Synonymes.
Pringilla cannabina. Of Ornithologists.
Liiiot, Of the French.
Hunfiing, Launing, , Of the Germans.
Pardillo, Of the Spaniards.
Pintarroxo, Of the Portuguese
FaneUo, Of the Italians.
Linnet, Brown Linnet, i
Whin Linnet, Lintie, V Of the British.
Greater Red Pole, )
T innpt < '^^ "^^^ Anglo
L'"'"''' '{ Americans.
;;^HE linnet, from its natural flute-like voice, excels most other song birds in its power of beautifully and purely imitating melodies and airs which are piped to it, and for this quality it is especially esteemed. It will also learn the song of all the birds in the room or cage that it hears. Its natural song consists of many connected strophies, and is the more beautiful the oftener it utters some high-sounding notes, which are called its " crowing," from its resemblance to the crowing of a cock. It sings both summer and winter, excepting the time of moulting.
DESCRIPTION.
The length of this bird is more than five inches, of which the tail measures two inches and a half The beak, six lines long, is dusky-blue in summer, and in winter greyish-white, with the ^
@8^- <mii
I®- ^1
Y THE LINNET. 47 ^
point brown ; the iris dark-brown ; the feet, eight lines high, are black. There are some very striking varieties produced by the season and age in the plumage of the male, which are not observed in the female, and these have caused great con- fusion in works on birds.
A male three years old or less, is distinguished in spring by the following colors, and by the name of "red pole:" — The forehead is blood-red, the rest of the head reddish ash-colored, the top rather spotted with black ; the cheek, sides of the neck, and the circle round the eyes, have a I'eddish-white tint ; the feathers of the back are chestnut, with the edges lighter; the upper tail coverts are black, edged with reddish-white ; the throat and under part of the neck are yellowish-white, with some dashes of reddish-grey: the sides of the breast are
THE LINNET.
blood-red, edged with reddish- white ; the sides of the belly are pale rust-colored ; the rest of the under part of the body is reddish-white ; the greater wing coverts are black, bordered with reddish-white; the others are rusty-brown with a lighter border. The quill feathers are black, tipped with white ; the first are edged with white nearly to the point ; the narrow beard forms a parallel white streak to the quill feathers; the tail is black and forked ; the four outer feathers on both sides have a broad white border ; that of the two middle feathers is narrower, and reddish-white.
After moulting, in autumn, little red is seen on the forehead, because the feathers become colored from the bottom to the top ; the breast has not yet acquired its red tint, for the white border is still too wide ; but when winter comes, its colors appear.
48 THE LINNET.
Males one year old have no red on the head, and more dashes of black ; the breast is pale-red, waved with pale and dark ; the under part of the feathers on the breast is only a bright, reddish-grey brown ; the edges of these feathers are of a reddish-white; the back rust-color, having detached spots of dark-brown and reddish-white. These birds are known under the name of " grey linnets."
After the .second moulting, if the reddish-grey feathers cr^ blown aside, blood-red specks may be discovered on the forehead, and the red of the breast is only hidden by \..q wide yellowish-white borders to the feathers; these are tlie " yellow linnets," or the " rock linnets," as they are called in Thuringia.
Besides these three different varieties of plumage of the males, there are several clouded, produced by the seasons and old age; for instance, the older they become, the redder tiic head is. Birds brought up in the house never acquire the fine red on the forehead and breast, but remain grey like the males of one year old ; on the other hand, old ones, red when brought into the house, lose their beautiful colors at the first moulting, and remaining grey like the young ones, are no more than grey linnets.
This difference of color does not take place in the females, which are smaller than the males ; the upper part of the body is grey, streaked with dusky-brown and yellowish-white, on the rump, with greyish-brown and reddish-white; these spots are moi"e numerous on the breast ; the wing coverts are a dusky-chestnut. The females are distinguished in the nest by the back being more grey than brown, and by the number of streaks on the breast, which resemble that of the lark ; bird fanciers leave these in the nest and take only the males.
Linnets breed twice a-year, and lay each time from four : six bluish-white eggs, covered all over with flesh-colored and reddish-brown spots and stripes. The male birds may be recognised in the eai-lier stage of their growth by the white ring round the neck, and the white on the tail and wings.
THE LINNET.
49
HYBRIDITY.
It is common for a male linnet to pair with a hen Canary, and hybrids produced by this means are easi y reared, and can scarcely be distinguished from other grey Canaries, either from their appearance or sonsr.
LINNET TAGS.
FOOD AIJD MANAGEMENT.
In confinement, linnets require nothing but summer cabbage seed,* which does not require to be soaked, a.-! they are na- turally seed-eating birds, having a powerful crop and stomach, and can therefore better digest it. Hemp .seed, they must not have at all. They must not be too well fed in the cage ; for, taking little exercise, they would soon die from over-feeding.
• Winter cabbage seed, which does not injure them at liberty, soon kills them in confinement.
&^--
^ ■ — ■ ■ «^g
50 THE LINNET.
They like salt, and, contrary to the general rule, it is therefore well occasionally to intermix some with their food ; and this is an excellent preventive against various maladies. When linnets are allowed to run about, tliey readily feed with other birds t)n 'the universal paste. Some green food must occasionally be given them, as also sand and water, as they like to bathe and dust themselves.
It is best to keep them in square cages, as they are less subject to giddiness in these than in round ones, and sing better. They are not often allowed to range the room, as they are very indolent, remaining immovable in the same place, and running the risk of being trodden upon ; but if a' small tree or a roost be placed in a corner, they may be let out of the cage with safety, as they will remain perched there, only leaving it to eat or drink, and will sing all day long.
The most common disorders of this species are consti- pation, atrophy, and epilepsy; but linnets in confinement will generally live from twelve to sixteen years.
-<$m
THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.
Synonymes.
Friiigilla tristis, Of Ornithologists.
Chardonneret jaune, Of the French.
Amerikanischer Distelfink, Of the Germans.
Jilguero americano, Of the Spaniards.
Pintacilgo americano, Cf the Portuguese.
Calderino americano, Of the Italians.
Yellow Bird, American I { Of the British and
Goldfinch, ) I Anglo-Americans.
jHIS very beautiful and familiar messenger of spring is known throughout this continent from the 49th parallel of north latitude to the savannas of Guiana and Suri- nam. As summer approaches, the males cast off their olive- colored winter suits, and appear in their temporary golden livery, with the front of the head, wings, and tail of a deep black, when they may be heard in concert, tuning their lively notes, several sitting on the same tree enjoying the exhilerating scene, basking and pluming themselves, and vying with each other in pouring forth their varied, soft, and cheerful song. When they sing all together, as they now do, it has a pleasing effect; their favorite note resembles the word bdbee, or may be, the last syllable protracted and much higher than the first. They have also a note, which they utter when flying through the air, that sounds somewhat like the word physician, pro- nounced very rapidly. But the most beautiful part of their song, is, when they raise and sink their voices in such a delight-
52 THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.
ful cadence, that their music, at times, seems " to float on the distant breeze, scarcely louder than the hum of bees ;" it then breaks out, as it were, into a crescerido, which rends the air like the loud song of the Canary.
In confinement, the yellow bird soon becomes familiar and reconciled, its song being nearly as animated and sonorous as its transatlantic congener. According to Mr. Audubon, it is extremely hardy, often remaining the whole winter in the Middle States, and when deprived of liberty, will live to a great age in a room or cage. "I have known two instances," says he, " in which a bird of this species had been confined for upwards of ten years. They were procured in the market of New York, when in mature plumage, and had been caught in trap cages. One of them having undergone the severe train- ing, more frequently inflicted in Europe than America, and known in France by the name of galerien, would draw water for its drink from a glass, it having a little chain attached to a narrow belt of soft leather fastened round its body, and another equally light chain fastened to a little bucket, kept by its weight in the water, until the little fellow raised it up with its bill, placed a foot upon it, and pulled again at the chain until it reached the desired fluid and drank, when, on letting go, the bucket immediately fell into the glass below. In the same manner, it was obliged to draw towards its bill a little charriot filled with seeds; and in this distressing, occupation was doomed to toil through a life of solitary grief, separated from its companions, wantoning on the wild flowers, and procuring their food in the manner in which nature had taught them."
The food of the American goldfinch consists chiefly of the seeds of the various species of thistles, lettuce, hemp, and sun- flower; and in winter, when its more agreeable food is not found in sufficient abundance, it resorts to the fruit and seeds of the elder. It also collects the tender buds of trees, as well as the confervas of brooks and springs, as a variety of its usual fare.
These birds occasionally do some damage to gardens by their indiscriminate destruction of lettuce and flower seeds,
oii>— —
THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 53 ^
and they are therefore often disliked by gardeners ; but their usefulness, in other respects, far more than counterbalances the trifling injuries they produce.
After being caught in trap cages, they feed as if quite con- tented ; but, should it happen to be in the spi'ing that they lose their liberty, and have thus been deprived of the pleasures anticipated from the previous union of a mate, they linger for a few days, pine away, and die. They are very fond of washing and bathing themselves, in clear shallow water, when the weather is mild, after which, they are engaged in picking up particles of sand and gravel, from which the fancier may take a useful hint.
It is stated that it is more difficult to procure a mule, or hybrid, between this species and the Canary, than between the latter and the European goldfinch, although the cross has often been made with success.
THE AMERICAN ROBIN
Synonymes.
Turdus migratorius,
Touid emigrant, Grieve du ) Canada, 5
Auswanderer Drossel,
Tordo migratorio,
Tordo emigrante,
Tordo migrante,
American Robin, Robin Red- 1 breast, Migrating Thrush, \ Red-breasted Thrush, )
Of Orxitikilogists. Of the French.
Of the Germans. Of the Spaniards. Of the Portc'guese. Of the Italians.
; Of the British and Anglo-Americans.
Um-
^s^^HE Amei-ican robin is a saucy familiar bird, fond of man's SjC^^ neighborhood", throughout North America, from the 66th ^^/ parallel of north latitude to the table lands of Mexico, and is more frequently to be seen in our orchards and fields than in the denser woods. The confidence he reposes in us by taking up his abode in our vicinage; the frankness and innocence of his manners ; the simplicity of his thrilling lays, delivered in all the artless energy of true love ; and the pecu- liar pleasure with which we listen to his vocal powers, ever inspires us with attachment and universal respect. Besides, the endearing name he sometimes bears, recalls to mind
THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 55
the well-known legend, so oft repeated in our juvenile days, of the " favorite Robin Redbreast," said to have covered with a leafy shroud the lost and wandering " babes in the wood." He is commonly called " robin," though there is but little resemblance between him and his European congener, except in the single circumstance of his having a red breast.
The American robin, when reared in a cage, is of a lively and gentle disposition, docile, and seemingly content, and the melody and simplicity of his song, of which he is very lavish in confinement, renders him a special favorite. He sings well, readily learns to imitate lively parts of airs, and on the authority of Mr. Nuttall, some have been taught to pipe forth psalms even to so solemn a measure as that of " Old Hundred !" He also acquires a considerable capacity for mimickry, imitating the notes of many of the birds around him, as those of the pe-wee, blue bird, and whip-poor-will. At times, he becomes very tame, and will go in and out of the house with domestic confidence, appear uneasy when left alone, and will follow his owner, come to her call, peck at her finger, or kiss her mouth, with seeming pleasure. His principal song, both in confinement and at large, commences in the morning before sunrise, and at which time it is very loud, emphatic, and full.
The rufous color of the breast becomes deeper in those birds brought up in confinement, and the females are somewhat paler than the males. The young, during the first season, are spotted on the breast with dusk and white.
66 THE AMERICAN ROBTN.
FOOD Al^D MANAGEMENT.
During the winter, according to Mr. Audubon, the robin feeds on the berries and fruits of our woods, gardens, and fields, and even of the ornamental trees of our cities and larger towns. The holly, sweet gum, gallberry, and the poke are those it first attacks; but as these fail, it feeds on the mountain ash, Carolinian cherry, and the azedarach. On the latter, in their annual migrations to Florida and the Southern States, these birds often glut themselves to such an inordinate degree, that they are sometimes found stupified by its narcotic power. In spring and summer, they devour worms and snails. They also pick up from the fields the seeds of maize.
In confinement, this bird feeds on bread soaked either in water or milk, and on most kinds of our native and edible fruits. Being equally fond of insects as when at liberty, he seizes on all that enter his cage, or come within his reach.
The robin is comparatively a hardy and long-lived bird, and instances are reported of its having been kept for nearly twenty years. It suft'ers much in moulting, even in a wild state, and when in captivity, it loses nearly all its feathers at once. In general, when due care is observed to cleanliness, it is freer from parasitic vermin than most other species.
i^g^
THE SONG THRUSH.
Synonyme
Turdus musicus, Grive, Tourd, Singdrossel, Tordo cantador, Tordo, Song Thrush,
Of Ornithologists. Of the French. Of the Germans. I Of the Spaniards
( AND PoRTUOUESK.
Of the Italians. ( Of the British and ( Anglo-Americans.
fHE song thrush is one of the few birds whose clear and beautiful notes animates and makes pleasing the Eui-opean woods. From the summits of the highest trees, it announces, by its varying song, resembling that of the nightingale, the approach of spring, and sings throughout the whole summer, especially in the morning dawn and evening twilight. For the sake of this song, it is kept by fanciers in a cage, whence evening and morning, even as early as February, it will delight a whole street by its loud and pleasing song, when hung outside of the window, or inside, so that the window be a little open. In Thuringia, it is reputed to articulate words. Its strophe was heard formerly more frequently than it is now. Only old and excellent birds still sing it. This thrush will live from six to eight years, if its food be varied.
3*
58 THE SONG THRUSH.
DESCRIPTION.
This species is eight inches and a half long, of which the tail occupies three inches and a half; the beak is nine lines long, horny-brown beneath, and from the middle to the base, yellow ; the irides nut-brown ; the feet pale lead-color, one inch high ; the whole of the upper part of the body olive- brown ; the throat whitish-yellow, with a black stripe extend- ing down its sides; the sides of the neck and breast, pale reddish-yellow, with numerous dark-brown, heart-shaped spots; the abdomen white, with oval dark-brown spots; the inside coverts bright orange-yellow; the pinion feathers grey- browii : the tail feathers the same.
THE SONG THRUSH.
In the female, the two black lines of the Uiroat consist of small stripes, and the breast is pale yellowish-white.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
The food of the song thrush, in a state of liberty, consists generally of earth worms, but in autumn they eat berries of all kinds. Earth worms constitute their chief sustenance, with which they also feed their young. They are easily fed in con- finement, and the universal paste is an agreeable delicacy to them. Barley meal, or merely wheat bran, wetted with water is sufficient to nourish them. But to get them into a state fit for song, they must have a more generous diet, such as roll,
t*^ — — — — ■ ■ ■ <K? Q
THE SONG THRUSH. 59
bread, meat, and many other things which come to table, for they are not dainty. They are fond of bathing.
In confinement, this bird is usually placed within a trellis, or it is put into a large cage of any shape, but at least three feet and a half long, and nearly as high; for, being a large and wild bird, and in constant motion, it easily injures its plumage. It is best that such large birds should have a sepai'ate room appropriated to them, as their copious e.xcrements smell offensively.
The most usual maladies to which this bird is subject are a stoppage of the feather glands, constipation, and atrophy.
M
THE MOCKING BIRD.
Synonymes.
Tardus polyglottus. Of Ornitholooists. Polyglotte, Tourd poly- t Fresch
glotte, Grand Moqueur, | '^"^ ^^^ " R'^-'^ch-
Vielziingler Vogel, Or the Germans.
Tordo poligloto, Of the Spaniards.
Toi'do polyglotto, Of the Portuguese,
Tordo poliglotto, Of the Italians.
Mocking Bii
( Of the British and ( Anglo-Americans.
fH I S " unrivalled Orpheus of the forest and natural wonder of America,'" inhabits the whole continent from the state of Massachusetts along the Atlantic, including several of the West-India Islands, as far south as Brazil ; and from the table lands of Mexico, along the very base of the Rocky Mountains to Oregon, and the western sources of the river Platte. In short, he appears to dwell permanently in the milder regions cf the New World, in either hemisphere; and those bred north of the Delaware, on this side of the equator, are all that ever migrate, in autumn, to more congenial climes.
The mocking bird, though destitute of brilliant plumage, is delicate and symmetrical in his proportions and beautiful in his form. His motions are easy, rapid, and graceful, per- petually animated with a playful caprice, and a look that appears full of shrewdness and intelligence. He listens with silent attention to each passing sound, treasures up lessons
>- m^
THE MOCKING BIRD. 61 ^
from anything vocal, and is capable of imitating with exact- ness, both in measure and accent, the notes of all the feathered race. And, however wild and discordant the tones and calls may be, he contrives with an Orphean talent, peculiarly his own, to infuse into them that sweetness of expression, and harmonious modulation which characterises this inimitable and wonderfnl composer. With the dawn of morning, while yet the sun lingers below the blushing horizon, our sublime songster, in his native wilds, mounted on the topmost branch of a tall tree or bush, pours out his admirable song, which, amidst the multitude of notes from all the warbling host, still rises pre-eminent, so that his solo is heard alone, and all the rest of the musical choir appear employed as mere accom- paniments to this grand actor in the sublime opera of nature. Nor is his talent confined to imitation; his native notes are also bold, full, and perpetually varied, consisting of short ex- pressions of a few variable syllables, interspersed with imita- tions, and uttered with great emphasis and volubility, sometimes for half an hour at a time, with undiminished ardor. These native strains bear a considerable resemblance to those of the brown thrush, with which he is so nearly related in form, habits, and manners ; but like him, rude from cultivated genius, his notes are distinguished by the rapidity of their delivery, their variety, sweetness, and energy. As if conscious of his un- rivalled powers of song, and animated by the harmony of his own voice, his music is, as it were, accompanied by chromatic dancing and expressive gestures; he spreads and closes his light, fanning wings, expands his silvered tail, and, with buoyant gaiety and enthusiastic ecstacy, sweeps around, and mounts and descends into the air from his lofty spray, as his song swells to loudness, or, in sinking whispers, dies away. Wliilc thus engaged, so varied is his talent, that it might be supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled songsters of the air ; and so perfect are his imitations, that even the sports- man is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that have no existence around. The feathered tribes themselves are decoyed by the fancied call of their mates ; or dive with fear
Q^ _ — __ — __ _ -€gi
62 THE MOCKING BIRD.
into the close thicket, at the well-feigned scream of the hawk.
Soon reconciled to the usurping fancy of man, the mocking bird often becomes familiar with his master; playfully attacks him through the bars of his cage, or at large in a room ; rest- less and capricious, he seems to try every expedient of a lively imagination, that may conduce to his amusement. Nothing escapes his discerning and intelligent eye nor faithful ear. He whistles, perhaps, for the dog, who, deceived, runs to meet his master; the cries of the chicken in distress bring out the clucking mother to the protection of her brood. The barking of the dog, the piteous wailing of the puppy, the mewing of the cat, the action of a saw, or the creaking of a wheelbarrow quickly follow with exactness. He repeats a tune of consider- able length ; imitates the warbling of the Canary, the lisping of the indigo bird, and the mellow whistle of the cardinal, in a manner so superior to the originals, that, mortitied and astonished, they withdraw from his presence, or listen in silence, as he continues in triumph.
In the cage, also, nearly as in the woods, he is full of life and action, while engaged in song ; throwing himself round with inspiring animation, and, as it were, moving in time to the melody of his own accents. Even the hours of night, which consign nearly all other birds to silence and rest, like the nightingale, he oft employs in song, serenading the houseless hunter and silent cottager to repose, as the rising moon illumines the darkness of the shadowy scene. His capricious fondness for contrast and perpetual variety appears to dete- riorate his powers. His lofty imitations of the musical brown thrush are perhaps interrupted by the crowing of the cock, or the barking of the dog ; the plaintive warblings of the blue bird are then blended with the wild scream and chatter of the swallow, or the cackling of the hen ; amid the simple lay of the native robin, we are surprised with the vociferations of the whip-poor-will ; while the notes of the garrulous jay, kildeer, woodpecker, Baltimore wren, and many others succeed, with such an appearance of reality, that we imagine ourselves
mp
Y THE MOCKINrr BIRD. 63
I
in the presence of the originals, and can scarcely realise the fact, that the whole of this singular concert is the effort of a single bird. Indeed, it is impossible to listen to these Orphean strains, when delivered by a superior songster in his native woods, without being deeply affected, and almost rivetted to the spot, by the complicated feelings of wonder and delight, in which, from the graceful and sympathetic action, as well as enchanting voice of the performer, the eye is no less gratified than the ear *
DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE MALE AND FEMALE.
The young male bird, which must be selected as a singer, may be distinguished by the breadth and purity of the white on the wings. This white spot, in a full-grown male, spreads over the whole nine primaries, down to, and considerably below, their coverts, which are also white, sometimes slightly tipped with brown. The white of the primaries, also, extends to the same distance on both vanes of the feathers. In the female, the white is less clear, spreads only over seven or eight of the primaries, does not descend so far, and extends considerably further down on the broad than on the narrow side of the feathers. The black is also more inclined to brown.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
In a state of freedom, the principal food of the mocking bird consists of insects, grasshoppers, and worms. Dew- berries from the fields, and many kinds of our cultivated fruits, together with insects, supply the young as well as the parents with food. In winter, they chiefly subsist on berries, particularly those of the Virginia juniper, (red cedar,) wax myrtle, holly, smilax, sumach, sour gum, and a variety of others.
64 THE MOCKING BIRD.
Successful attempts have been made to breed these birds in confinement by allowing them retirement and a sufficiency of room. Those which have been taken in trap cages are accounted the best singers, as they come from the school of nature, and are taught their own wild wood notes. The young are easily reared by hand from the nest, from which they ought to be removed at eight or ten days old. Their food is thickened meal and water, or meal and milk, mixed occasion- ally with tender fresh meat, minced fine. Animal food, almost alone, finely divided and soaked in milk, is at first the only nutriment suited for raising these tender nurslings. Young and old require berries of various kinds, from time to time, such as cherries, strawberries, whortleberries, &c., and, in short, any kind of wild fruits of which they are fond, if not given too freely, are useful. A few grasshoppers, beetles, or any insects conveniently to be had, as well as gravel, are also necessary; and spiders will often revive them when drooping or sick. But, notwithstanding all the care and management bestowed upon the improvement of this bird, it is painful to reflect that his extraordinary powers of nature, exercised with so much generous freedom in a state of confinement, are not calculated for long endurance ; for, after this most wonderful and interesting prisoner has survived six or seven years, blindness often terminates his gay career — thus shut out from the cheering light of heaven, the solace of his lonely, though active existence, he now, after a time, droops in silent sadness and dies. At times, this bird is so infested with a minute species of louse as to be destroyed by it.
Good singing birds of this species generally command from $5 to $15 each, though individuals of extraordinary and peculiar powers have been sold as high as $50, or $100, each, ane even $300 have been refused !
■^&
THE BROWN THRUSH.
Synonymes.
Turdiis rufus, Tourd roux, Rother Drossel, Tordo rojo, Tordo ruco, Tordo rosso,
Brown Thrash, Ferni^nous } Thi-ush, Thrasher, S
French Mockii-g Bird,
Red Uavy,
Or Ornitiiolooists.
Of the French.
Of the Germans.
Of the Spaniards.
Of the Porticuese.
Of the Italians. S Of the British and ll Anglo-Americans.
Of the Southern States. 5 Of Some Parts or New / England.
^\HIS large, cheerful, and familiar songster, inferior to none in musical talent, if Ave except the mocking bird, is found in almost every part of the United States from Canada to the shores of the Mexican Gulf, breeding, according to Mr. Nuttall, in all the intermediate space, though more abundantly towards the north. His A'oice somewhat resembles that of the European thrush, but is far more varied and powerful, rising pre-eminent amidst the forest choir. He takes no delight in mimicking the song of other birds, and therefore has no claim to the title of " mocking bird," as he is usually called at the south.
On the first appearance of this bird in the spring, he faulters in his song, like the nightingale, but when his mate commences the cares and labors incident to breeding and rearing her young, his varied and melodious notes are steadily poured out
66 THE BROWN THRUSH.
in all their vigor and strength. In the month of May, while the blooming orchards perfume the air and decorate the landscape, his enchanting voice, in his affectionate lay, seems to give grateful utterance for the bounty and teeming pro- fusion of nature, and falls in pleasing unison with the har- mony and beauty of the season. And even the young birds, in a state of solitary domesticity, without the aid of their parent's voice, already whisper forth in harmonious reverie the pathetic and sweet warble instinctive to the species.
Deprived of other society, in a state of captivity, the brown thrush is exceedingly familiar, cheerful, and capriciously playful. He courts the attention of his keeper, follows his steps, complains when neglected, flies to him when permitted to be at large, and gratefully sings and reposes when perched on his hand. In short, in all his actions, he appears capable of real and affectionate attachment ; but, like many other animals, he is jealous of every rival, particularly any other bird, which he drives from his presence with unceasing hatred.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
According to Audubon, the natural food of this species con- sists of insects, worms, berries, and fruits of all sorts, being particularly fond of ripe pears and figs. In winter, they resort to the berries of the sumach, holly, dogwood, and shriv- elled wild grapes.
In a state of confinement, these birds may be reared in the same manner, and on the same kind of food as their congener, the mocking bird. In the autumn, of the first season, the young begin their musical studies, " repeating passages with as much zeal as ever did Paganini." By the following spring, their lessons are complete and the full powers of their song developed.
Like the American robin, the brown thrush suffers much in moulting, and often nearly loses all his feathers at once.
mm^ — — mi^
THE CAT BIRD.
Synonymes.
Tardus felivox, Of Ornithologists.
Gobe-mouche brun de Vir- ) ginie, Moucherolle de Vir- V Of the French.
ginie, Touid miaulant, j
Miauendrossel, Of the Germans.
Tordo de maullido, Of the Spaniards.
Tordo miante, Of the Portuguese.
Tordo miagolare, Of the Italians.
( Of the British and ) Anglo-Americans.
Cat Bird,
N E of the most remarkable propensities of this quaint '-%^ and familiar songster, which inhabits almost every part of North America from Mexico to Canada, and even Kamtschatka, is the unpleasant, loud, grating, and grimalkin-like mew, Cpay,) that it often utters, on being offended or approached ; and thus coupled with the name of a " wizzard animal," so much disliked by man)', this delightful vocalist, which seeks out the very society of man, and reposes an unmerited confidence in his protection, is generally treated with undeserved obloquy and contempt.
" The cat bird," says Nuttall, " often tunes his cheerful song before the break of day, hopping from bush to bush, with great agility, after his insect prey, while yet scarcely distinguish- able amidst the dusky shadows of the dawn. The notes of different individuals vary considerably, so that sometimes his song, in sweetness and compass, is scarcely at all inferior to
•^ . -«llg
68 THE CAT BIRD.
that of the ferruginous thrush. A quaintness, however, pre- vails in all his efforts, and his song is frequently made up of short and blended imitations of other birds, given however, with great emphasis, melody, and variety of tone ; and, like the nightingale, invading the hours of repose, in the late twilight of a summer's evening, when scarce another note is heard but the hum of the drowsy beetle, his music attains its full effect, and often rises and falls with all the swell and studied cadence of finished harmony. During the heat of the day, or late in the morning, the variety of his song declines, or he pursues his employment in silence and retirement."
About the dawn of day, if at large, the cat bird flirts about with affected wildness, repeatedly jerks his wings and tail, with a noise somewhat resembling a whip, stretching forth his head, opens his mouth, and mews. Sometimes this curious cry is so guttural as to be uttered without opening his bill. He often also gives a squeal as he flies from one place to another.
According to Latham, this bird is also capable of imitating the variable airs of instrumental music, and will sometimes mimick the cry of chickens so as to deceive and distress the parent hen. When reared from the nest, he is easily domes- ticated, becomes a very amusing companion, and seems attached to his cage. Although a pleasant songster, he is seldom kept in confinement, and I believe all attempts at breeding it, have failed.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
The natural food of this species is similar to that of the ferruginous thrush, consisting principally of insects and worms, particularly beetles and wasps, and the various kinds of garden fruits.
[n confinement, the food of these birds may be almost everything that is vegetable, except unbruised seeds, such as bread, fine pastry, containing little or no spices, cakes,
THE CAT BIRD. 69
scalded Indian meal, juicy fruits, and now and then some bread boiled in milk, a few insects, or minced flesh. The young, when taken from the nest, may be fed on ripe cherries, and other kinds of juicy fruits.
" Like all other thrushes," says Mr. Audubon, " this is very fond of bathing and rolling itself in the dust or sand of the roads and fields. Several are frequently seen together in the borders of small ponds or clear rivulets, immersed up to their body, splashing the water about them until completely wetted; then ascending to the top of the nearest bushes, they plume themselves with apparent care, notwithstanding which, they are at times so infested with a minute species of louse as to be destroyed by it."
-<au
THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD.
|
Synonymes. |
||
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Turdus nterula. |
Of Ornithologists. |
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Merle, |
Of the French. |
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Schwarzdrossel, |
Of the Germans. |
|
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Merlo, |
\ |
Of the Spaniards AND Italians. |
|
Melro, |
Of the Portuguese. |
|
|
Blackbird, |
Of the British. |
|
|
English Blackbird, |
Of the Anglo-Americans |
EING a permanent resident throughout the whole of the Old World, even as far north as Sweden, the -^2i© European Blackbird is sufficiently hardy by nature to withstand the climate of nearly, if not all parts of the United States. Of all the thrushes, with perhaps the exception of the American robin, he is the most capable of instruction. His song is rich in melody, and contains some deep notes like those of the nightingale, varied, indeed, with some which are disagreeably harsh. At large, he sings only from March to July, especially at night ; but in the cage, during the whole year except at moulting time. A single bird will enliven a whole street, so pure, distinct, and clear is his note. His memory, also, is so good, that he will learn several airs and melodies without mixing them; and sometimes even to imitate words. Neither does he forget what he has once well acquired.
THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 71
DESCRIPTION.
The European blackbird is about the size of the song thrush, nine inches and a half long, of which the tail comprises four inches. The beak is one inch long, and of a golden-yellow; the irides dark-brown; the feet black, and fourteen lines high. The male is entirely of a deep-black ; the female black-brown, rusty-colored on the breast, and with an ash-colored tinge upon the abdomen; the throat, spotted with light and dark- brown; the beak and the feet, black-brown, appearing also to be rather larger and heavier, and hence it has sometimes been considered a distinct species.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
When wild, the blackbird, like other species of thrush, feeds on all kinds of edible berries, such as the elder, cherry, and mountain ash; and when this food is not abund- ant, it satisfies itself with the tips of the white thorn. At this time, it often seeks for insects near the vicinity of warm springs.
In confinement, these birds are content with the first kind of universal paste, described at page 13, but will also eat bread, meat, and most kinds of food that comes to table. The young, which must be taken from the nest when their quills have but just sprung, can be reared upon roll steeped in milk.
The blackbird should be kept in a large cage, for it is not prudent to allow it to associate with other birds, as either through covetousness or caprice, it will attack the smaller kinds, and even peck them to death. Like all the allied species, this bird is fond of frequent bathing, and consequently should be amply supplied with the means. In captivity, he will live from twelve to fifteen years, especially if his food be varied.
^
THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD.
The blackbird is particularly subject to a stoppage of the oil gland, which may be softened by the application of fresh butter, mixed up with a good deal of sugar, the aperture being enlarged by gently distending it with a needle, or a small knife ; but a lead salve, or rather a salve of litharge of silver, white lead, wax, and olive oil, which must be ordered at an apothecary's, opens it best. The usual remedy is to pierce it with a needle, or to cut off the hardened gland. If this evil have not yet too severely affected the health of the bird, it may be sought to be remedied by puncturing the gland, com- pressing it frequently, bathing the bird Avith a syringe, and plucking out some of the feathers of the tail. The accumulated fat is absorbed in the renewal of the feathers, when the gland resumes its natural functions.
Q®3>--
THE RICE BUNTING.
Of ORNIXnOLOGISTS.
Of the French. Of the Germans. Of the Spaniards. Of the Portuguese. Of the Italians.
Synonymes.
Icterus agripennis, Emberiza oryzivora^ Ortolan agripenne. Ortolan de riz, Reiss Ortolan, Fettammer von Carolina, Hortelano de arroz, Hortelano con ) plumas agrias, ]
Cenchramo d'arroz, Cenchramo com ) pennas agudas, ]
Ortolano di riso,
Rice Bunting, Rice Ti-oopiaJ, Rice Bird, Reed Bird, Boblink, Bob-o-linb, Bob Lincoln, Bob Linkling, Skunk Black- bird, Meadow Bird, Butter Bird,
|HIS well-known and truly migratory bird, familiarly known to everybody by the name of " Bob Lincoln,'' who, as a stranger, perhaps, thinks it a point of polite- ness thus to announce himself, as he sits on a rail of the fence, or the branch of a tree, on his annual return in the spring from the south, inhabits the whole continent of America, from Labrador to Mexico ; although his winter residence appears to be more confined to Cuba, Jamaica, and other West-India Islands than to the main.
^ 74 THE RICE BUNTING. Y
In the month of May, these birds fix their abodes in the "savannahs" of Ohio and Michigan, and the cool grassy "meadows" of New York, Canada, and New England for the purpose, principally, for hatching and rearing their young. The song of the male continues, with but little interruption, during the period of incubation, and his chant, at all times very similar, is both singular and pleasant. " Often, like the skylark, mounted and hovering on tlle^-wing, at a small height above the field, as he passes along from one tree top or weed to another, he utters such a jingling melody of short variable notes, so confused, rapid, and continuous, that it appears almost like the blending song of several different birds. Many of these tones are very agreeable, but they are delivered with such rapidity that the ear can scarcely separate them. The general effect, however, like all the simple efforts of nature, is good, and when several are chanting forth in the same meadow, the concert is very cheerlul, though monotonous, and somewhat quaint. Among the few phrases that can be dis- tinguished, the liquid sound of Bob-u-Iee, or Bob-o-Unk, Boh-o- linki; is very distinct. - _
" To give an idea of the valuable extent of song, and even an imitation, in some measure, of the chromatic period and air of this familiar and rather favorite resident, the boys of this part of New England, [Cambridge,] make him shout among others, the following ludicrous dunning phrase, as he rises and hovers on the wing near his mate: — ^ ''Boh-o-link, '' Boh-o-lhik, ''Tom Denny, ''Torn Denny — 'Come fay me the iivo-and-six-pence you've owed more than a year and a half ago ! — ''tshe 'ishe 'tshe, 'tsh 'tsh 'tshe,'' modestly diving at the same instant down into the grass, as if to avoid altercation. However puerile this odd phrase may appear, it is quite amusing to find how near it approaches to the time, and expression of the notes, when pronounced in a hurried manner."*
This relish for song and merriment, confined wholly to the male, diminishes as the period of incubation advances, and when the young brood begin to flutter around their parents,
* NuttaU.
THE RICE BUNTING. 75
the song becomes less freqent. Sometimes the female is inclined to have a second brood, for which preparation is made while she is yet engaged in rearing the first; but the male generally loses his musical talent about the first week in July ; from which time, or perhaps earlier, his spring or pied dress begins gradually to be laid aside for the more humble brownish- black and brownish-yellow garb of the female, the whole, both old and young, then appearing nearly in the same songless livery, uttering only a chink of alarm when surprised.
When the voice of the male begins to fail, with the progress of the exhausting moult, he flits over the fields in a restless manner, and merely utters a broken 'ioft'Zee ''boVlee, or with his songless mate, at length, a 'weet 'weet, Fleet Vleet, or a noisy and disagreeable cackling chirp. But at the early dawn of day, while the tuneful talent of the species is yet unabated, the effect of their awakening and faultering voices, jingling throughout the wide expanse of meadows is . singular and grand. These sounds mingle like the noise of a distant torrent, which alternately subsides and rises on the breeze, as the performers awake or relapse into rest ; finally, they become more distinct and tumultuous, till, with the opening day, they assume the intelligible character of their ordinary song.
From the varied and changing plumage of this pleasing, and in some respects ludicrous bird, as well as for the singularity of his song, he is eagerly sought after by fanciers, and usually commands a fair price. Large numbers are annually captured in the Northen States in trap cages and fed, almost immediately after which, they resume their song. Many are purchased and carried to Europe, often to the disappointment of the adven- turer, in regard to his profits, as, by the time they reach their destination, they change their livery and cease to sing.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
The food of the rice buntings varies according to the season and locality in which they reside. Although on their early arrival at the north it consists of grubs, worms, caterpillars,
a®^ ^
p~ mm
76 THR RICE BUNTING. Y
beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ground spiders, &c., they frequently feed on the seeds of dandelions and docks, the former of which are oily and sweet. Later in the season, and previous to leaving their native regions, they feed principally on various kinds of grass seeds, paricularly those of millet or other allied species (Panicums). If short of other food, they also attack the ripened fields of barley, wheat, and oats, in which they show their taste for plunder, and flock together like other blackbirds.
About the middle of August, vast parties of these birds enter the states of New York and Pennsylvania on their way south, where, along the margins of the large rivers, they find an abundant means of subsistence, during their short stay, on the seeds of wild rice (Zizania). As soon as the cool nights of October set in, and the wild rice crops begin to fail, these birds take their departure from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and in their further progress through the Southern States, they congregate in large numbers in the rice fields, upon which they greedily feed, and, before the crop is gathered, they have already made their appearance in Cuba and Jamaica, where they subsist on the seeds of the Guinea grass, (Sorghum,) and become so fat as truly to deserve the name of " butter birds," and are highly esteemed for the table.
In a state of captivity, the food of this bird, during spring and summer, should resemble as nearly as possible that of nature; but in winter, he may be fed on rice, boiled in milk, millet, Canary seeds, wheaten bread, soaked in water, and minced animal food, containing no seasoning nor salt.
THE RAVEN.
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Spioni/mcs |
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Cnrviis |
rorar. |
Of ORNiTHoi.or.-sTS |
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foi-bea |
u, |
Of thk French. |
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Gemei |
1 Rabe, Kolkiabe, |
Of thk Germans. |
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Ctiervn |
Of the Spaniards. |
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Corvo, |
( Of the Italians ani ■( PORTIGIESK. |
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Raven, |
Crow, Corby, |
<i Of THE Briti:^h and ( Anglo-Am KRiCANS. |
F all birds which have a convex, round, knife-shaped |%,t^ bill, furnished at the base with hair projecting for- wards, in other words, of all that belong to the tribe of crows, this, from the breadth of its tongue, is the most easily- taught to imitate the human voice. On the ground, he walks in a stately manner, his motions exhibiting a kind of thoughtful consideration almost amounting to gravity. His ordinary voice consists of a hoarse croak, resembling the syllable crock or c7-uck ; but he frequently emits a note not unlike the sound of a sudden gulp, or the syllable cluck, which he seems to utter when in a sportive mood ; for, although ordinarily grave, the raven sometimes indulges in a frolic, performing somersets
-«i
78
THE RAVEN.
and various evolutions in the air. When divination formed a portion of the popular belief in Europe, this bird was held in considerable repute. Trouble was even taken to study its actions and all the circumstances attending its flight, and the various modulations of its voice. Of these, sixty-four diiferent variations were enumerated, without including the more deli- cate intonations, exceedingly difficult to distinguish, to detect which, however, an excessively fine ear was requisite, as its cry, crock and cruel; is so simple! Every distinct change had its peculiar signification, and there were not wanting people
THE RAV
who studied to acquire this knowledge, while others carried their folly so far as to believe that, by eating the heart and viscera of this bird, they could acquire its prophetic powers.
The raven maj' be said to possess a social disposition ; for, after the breeding season has passed, flocks are often seen in the northern parts of Europe and the adjacent islands, amount- ing to one or more hundreds. These birds can perceive an object, as a dead carcass, at a great distance, but that they can smell carrion a quarter of a mile oft', we have no satisfactory ■■ ^1
gS3>- ^
THE RAVEN. 79
proof, neithei- need we believe that they can ; for as we may- account for the phenomenon by their sight, it is unnecessary to have recourse to their other faculties. Ravens have cha- racter in their flight, as men have in their walk. A poet sauntering by a river, a conchologist or fisherman hunting along the shore for shells, a sportsman searching the woods and fields for game, a lady running home from a shower, or a gentleman retreating from a mad bull, move each in a different manner, suiting the action to the occasion. In like manner, ravens, as well as other birds, might communicate intelligence, perhaps, several miles distant, judging by the flight of their neighbors, that they had a prize in view. In this way, a system of telegraphing could be extended over a large extent of country, and a great ninnber of birds might be made to assemble in a single day.
When domesticated and treated with kindness, the European raven, as well as our native variety, becomes attached to his owner, and will follow him about the garden or house, with all the familiarity of a confiding friend.
FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.
Although the raven is omnivorous, its chief food is carrion, by which is here meant the carcases of sheep, horses, cattle, deer, and other quadrupeds, dolphins and cetaceous animals in general, as well as fishes that have been cast ashore. In autumn, it sometimes commits great havoc among grain, and in spring, it occasionally destroys young lambs. It has also been accused of killing diseased .sheep by picking out their eyes ; but of this there is no satisfactory evidence. It annoys the housewives sometimes by flying off with young poultry, and especially by breaking and sucking eggs which the ducks or hens may have deposited, as they frequently do, among the herbage.
When these birds are intended to fly about, the young must be removed when half fledged, about twelve days after they
THE RAVEN.
are hatched, and fed upon meat, snails, and earth worms ; they are also accustomed to eat bread and roll steeped in milk. The description of food they seek, when at large, as young hares, birds, eggs, mice, young geese, chickens, snails, pears, cherries, &4i., renders them partly injurious and partly beneficial.
This bird can be allowed to run at large, or fly about, and if reared from the nest, which must be the case if he- is to be taught to speak, he will return to the place of feeding, upon calling him Jack, the name he usually bears. All glittering metal, especially gold, must be hidden from him, or he, like some other bipeds, will carry it off. To facilitate his speaking, or to give his tongue greater freedom, which is necessary for articulate sounds, the tongue chord is sometimes loosened with the view of increasing or heightening his powers of speech. Individuals, however, have been heard to speak with an un- loosened tongue. The raven is naturally a long-lived bird, individuals having been known to live upwards of one hundred years.
PIGEONS
THE ROCK PIGEON, OR WILD DOVE.
Synonymes.
Of Ornithologists. Of the French. Or THE Germans. Of THE Spaniards. Of THE Portuguese. Of THE Italians.
Colwniba livia,
Colombe, Biset sauvage,
Holztaube,
Paloma toreaz, Paloma del ( campo, S
Pombo bravo,
Colombo salvatico,
Biset, Wild Rock Pigeon, i White-Rumped Pigeon, V Rock Dove, Wild Dove, >
^HE rock or wild pigeon of Europe is well known as the inhabitant of the pigeon houses in various parts of the world, or " dove cots," as they are more frequently called, buildings expressly erected for the purpose of contain- ing colonies of these birds. In this state, where they enjoy a perfect freedom of action, and are nearly dependant upon their
own exertions for support, they can scarcely be called " reclaimed," much less " domesticated." Man, indeed, has only taken advantage of certain habits peculiar to the species, and by the substitution of an artificial for a real cavern, (their natural habitation,) to which the pigeon house may be com- pared, has brought it into a kind of voluntary subjection, without violating, or at least greatly infringing upon its natural condition, and has rendered it subservient to his benefit and use.
DESCRIPTION.
In its natural state, the bill of this bird is blackish-brown ; the nostril membrane red, sprinkled, as it were, with a white powder ; the irides, pale reddish-orange ; the head and throat, bluish-grey; the sides of the neck and upper part of the breast are dark lavender-purple, glossed with shades of green and purplish-red; the lower part of the breast, abdomen, wing coverts, as well as the upper mandible, bluish-grey, the greater coverts and secondaries are barred with black, forming two
ii^— — ^^
PIGEONS. 83
broad and distinct bars across the closed wings; the lower part of the back is white ; the rump and tail coverts, bkiish-grey; the tail, deep-grey, with a broad black bar at the end ; the legs and feet are purplish-red; the wings, when closed, reach within half an inch of the end of the tail.
ORIGEN OF FANCY PIGEONS AND THE COMMON HOUSE DOVE.
It is from the wild rock pigeon, (C. Ihla,) that all those numerous varieties, or, as they are frequently termed, " races," of the common inhabitants of the dove cot have descended, which are so highly prized, and fostered with such care and attention by the ftuicier, or amateur breeder ; for, however diversified their forms, colors, or peculiarit)^ of habit may be, they are all considered as having originated from a few acci- dental varieties of the common house pigeon, and not from any cross of that bird with other species, no signs nor marks whatever of such being apparent in any variety known to us. In fact, the greater part of them owe their existence to the interference and art of man ; for, by separating from the wild rock pigeon, such accidental varieties as have occasionally occurred, by subjecting them to captivity and familiarisation, and by assorting and pairing them together, as fancy or caprice suggested, he has, at intervals, generated all the various races, and peculiar casts, which, it is well known, wlicn once produced, may be perpetuated for an indefinite period, by being kept separate from, and unmixed with, others ; or, in other words, what is commonly termed breeding " in-and-in."
Indeed, the fact, that all the varieties, however much they may differ in color, size, or other particulars, if permitted, breed freely and indiscriminately with each other, and produce a progeny equally prolific, is another and a convincing proof of their common and self-same origin ; for it is one of those universal laws of nature, which, if once set aside or not ^
Wm-' ■ ^i
> — — ^.i
84 PIGEONS.
enforced, would plunge all animated matter into indescribable confusion, that the offspring produced by the intercourse of different, (that is, distinct species,) is incapable of further increase. That such an intercourse may be effected, is well known ; but it is generally under peculiar or artificial circum- stances, and rarely when the animals, birds, or whatever they may be, are in their natural state, and in a condition to make their own election. Thus it is in the crosses obtained in a state of' confinement, between the Canary and goldfinch, linnet, &c. But in all these instances, the progeny are invariably " mules," • and as a general rule, are incapable of further production ; for although they may exhibit the passions natural to the sexes, and the females may produce eggs, which, in general, even with extreme care, are found addled and incapable of being hatched. Such, I may add, is the case with hybrids of some of the crosses themselves ; for the mongrel progeny of the wild turtle dove, (Turtur communis,) of Europe, with the turtle of the aviary, (T. risoria,) has been proved, by frequent experiments, to be barren, although the two species whence it originated appear to be closely allied, and a mixed breed is easily procured ; and such I am justified in saying, would be the event, if a cross could be obtained between the rock pigeon, (Columba livia,) and the European wood pigeon, (C ceiias,) or stock dove, as it is improperly called, or with the ring pigeon, (C palumbus,) or any other species.
VARIETIES.
To describe or particularise all the varieties possessed by fanciers, would require a volume in itself; as, in addition to the permanent races, or those which, when kept pure, transmit their likeness to their offspring, there are intermediate casts produced by particular crosses between individuals belonging to the diflCerent varieties, and which, though highly prized in the first generation, are not considered wortliy of further extension ; as their progeny cannot be depended upon, but are
85 f
found to degenerate, and arc liable to run into still more distant and less- valued races.
Among the numerous varieties kept in aviaries by fanciers, which are deemed worthy of being perpetuated by breeding distinct, the following are held in particular esteem : —
THE BROAD OR FAN-TAILED SHAKER.
This beautiful variety of the pigeon tribe receives the name of " fan-tail," from its habit of spreading out the feathers of its tail like a turkey cock, (for the same reason it is called Pigeon paon by the French,) and that of " broad-tailed shaker" from its breadth of tail, and a peculiar quivering motion of the neck, which is regarded as the attitude of courtship. From this motion, it is also sometimes called by the French Pigeon tremhleur paon.
This bird has a full breast, and a short, handsomely-formed, arched neck, which it carries in a graceful swan-like curve. Its tail, according to the rules of the fan*y, should consist, at the least, of twenty-four feathers ; and at the most, of thirty-six, which number it should not exceed ; for, if the tail be over- crowded with feathers, the bird suffers it to droop, a defect never overlooked, although the specimen may be faultless in every other respect.
Fan-tails, whose plumage is pure white, are more highly prized than those displaying red, yellow, blue, and black-pied colors ; their carriage of the neck and tail being considered by far the most striking and elegant.
mm> ^
86 PIGEONS.
Some persons discriminate a variety which they call the " narrow-tailed shaker;" but this is only a degenerate breed of the fan-tail, or the result of a cross. Its neck is shorter and thicker, back longer, and it has not so many tail feathers as the broad-tailed shaker ; neither does it expand its tail so fully, but keeps the feathers rather closed one over the other, so as to resemble a fan when some little way open. The color of its plumage is generally white ; but a few different tints, and even an almond variety, are to be met with occasionally.
These pretty pigeons are so called from their peculiar habit of tumbling backwards in the air when on the wing; besides which, they soar to so great a height as to be almost lost to the view ; when flying, they congregate very closely together ; and if they be good birds and accustomed to each other, they will maintain such a compact flight, that a dozen may almost be covered with a large handkerchief
If the weather be warm and bright, they may be allowed to wing their aerial gambols for four or fiv« hours in succession ; but care must be taken, that no other species of pigeon mix with them, for if they once become familiarised and fly with others, they will gradually drop their highly-prized mode of flight, and of course become worthless. They should never be let out on a dull, heavy, misty morning, nor when a fog appears to be rising, nor during a high wind ; as all such atmospheric variations, by causing desertions from their lofts tend to diminish the stock. A hen tumbler should never be allowed to fly while with egg.
The most esteemed tumblers do not somerset when swoop- ing along, but only when they are beginning to rise, or when coming down to pitch; and to preserve this, and the high-flying properties in his stock, the provident fancier must spare no expencein the purchase of one or two first-rate birds that have been used to soaring, as they will be of much service in train- ing the young ones.
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^ PIGEONS. 87 ^
When the birds are accustomed to their houses, they may be turned out upon the wing, but only once a-day. A bright grey morning is the best time, especially for young birds; and some hemp or Canary seeds must be scattered round their cots, to entice them in, when their hours of liberty have expired.
There is a particularly fine variety of this pigeon, which is called the " bald-pated tumbler," denoted by the cut below, from its having a beautiful snowy white head; it has pearl eyes, and in plumage is exceedingly diversified ; the tail and flight feathers, however, match the head, which is pure white. When a tumbler, either of a black or blue color, has a long dash of white from the under jaw and cheek to a little way down the throat, it is called a " black" or " blue-bearded" bird,
!\LD P4.TED Tl MBLER
as the color may be ; and if this beard be well shaped, and the bird be clean in the tail and flight, as before described, it may be reckoned very handsome and valuable. When these pigeons are dashing along in the brilliant sunshine, the lively contrast of their feathers adds much to the vivacity of their appearance.
There is another and still more beautiful variety of this breed, called by some fanciers the " ermine tumbler," but which is generally known by the name of the " almond tumbler." It is an extremely elegant, and highly-prized variety, and is derived from common tumblers judiciously matched; as yellows, duns, whites, black-splashed, black- frizzled, &,c., so as to sort the feathers.
88 PIGEONS.
When in perfection, tumblers are esteemed by many persons to be the prettiest of all the pigeon tribe; and this high opinion is borne out by the beautiful diversity of their colors, which are so elegant and rich, in some birds, that they have been compared to a bed of tulips. The more they are variegated in the flight and tail, especially if the ground color be yellow, the more they are prized; and a fine bright-yellow ground has the precedence of all others, from its being so exceedingly difficult to acquire, that twenty light-colored birds may be procured for one displaying a deep, richly-tinted ground.
THE CARRIER.
The carrier, Pigeon de Turquie, of the French, is somewhat larger than most of the common pigeons; its feathers lie very close and smooth, and its neck is long and straight. From the lower part of the head to the middle of the upper chap, there is a lump of white, naked, fungous-looking flesh, which is denom- inated the "wattle;" this, in good birds, is met by two small swellings of similar flesh, which rise on each side of the under chap ; and if this flesh be of blackish color, the bird is con- sidered very valuable. The circle round the black pupil of the eye is usually of a brick-dust-red color; but if it be of a brilliant red tint, it adds considerably to the value of the bird ; this circle is surrounded by another of naked fungous flesh, generally about the breadth of a half eagle, the greater the breadth of which, the more it is admired. When the incrusted a ^^ -^^
89 f
flesh round the eye is very thick and broad, it shows that the pigeon will prove a good breeder, and will rear line young ones.
The properties attributed to the carrier, and prized by fanciers, are three in the head, three in the eye, three in the wattle, and three in the beak. The properties of the head con- sist in its being flat, long, and straight; for instance, if the head be very long, narrow, and flat, it is reckoned, in shape, perfect; if the contrary, it is termed a " barrel head." The properties of the wattle of the eye are its. breadth and circular, uni- form shape; for, if one part appear to be more scanty than another, it is termed "pinch-eyed;" and is of comparative little value; while, if it be full, even, and free from irregularities, it forms a " rose eye," and. is highly prized. The wattle should be wide across the beak, short from the head to the point of the beak, and lean a little forward from the head ; as the bird is said to be " peg-wattled"' if it lie flat. The beak must be black, long, straight, and thick ; if it be an inch and a half in length, it is considered a long beak, but it must never measure less than an inch and a quarter; if the beak be crooked, (hook- beaked.) or spindle-beaked, the value of the bird is much diminished. This variety, in general, is either dun or black in color, although Avhite, blue-splashed, and pied specimens occur; the black and dun birds are usually the most perfect in their properties; but as the blues, whites, and pieds are very rare, even inferior birds of these coloi's are of consider- value.
THE HORSEMAN.
Many fanciers suppose the '-horseman" to be a cross breed, either between a tumbler and a carrier, or a pouter and a carrier, and then agam bred from a carrier. In shape, it resembles the can-ier, but it is smaller in all its proportions; its body being less, its neck shorter and the fungous-looking flesh round its eyes not exuberant, so that there is a greater space between the wattle on the beak, than that round the eye.
*^ 90
The most approved colors for this variety of pigeon are the blue, and blue-pied, as they are usually the best breeders. They should be flown twice a-day regularly, when young ; and as they gain strength on the wing, they should be allowed to
THE HORSEMAN,
range loose, without any other birds in company. This variety is the kind generally employed in cai'rying letters ; the genuine carriers being much too scarce and valuable to be commonly used.
THE POUTER.
All pigeons, as is well known, have the capability of in- flating their crops with air; and a fine pigeon, with breast feathers glossed with metallic tints, strutting and bowing, with an inflated crop, around his mate, presents no uninteresting spectacle; but this remark will not apply to this bird. In the " English pouter," or " pouting horseman," there is nothing
m^ — ^mm
PIGEONS. 91 Y
pleasing in its appearance nor graceful in its proportions; indeed, the inflation of the voluminous crop, rendering an erect, stitf, and apparently constrained attitude necessary, gives an aspect of distortion, or a want of a due balance of parts.
The pouter is of large size, often measuring eighteen inches in length from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail. The chest is not really voluminous, though it appears enormous when the crop is distended with air ; the back is concave, and the tail ample ; the tarsi are very long, and covered with downy feathers. These pigeons are of various colors, as blue, rufous, pied, or altogether white. Those birds which are tall, erect, with a very ample crop, and with the colors of the plumage regularly disposed, and according to certain fancy rules, are esteemed the most valuable.
The pouter is formed by a cross between the '• dragon " and the " old Dutch cropper," which latter bird, except in the development of the crop, (whence its name,) had nothing to recommend it. From this intermixture, not without much care and expense, has resulted this favorite variety. The flight of the pouter is buoyant, but not rapid, nor capable of being long sustained. As varieties of the pouter, or rather as breeds allied to it, may- be mentioned the " uploper" and the " Parisian pouter," said to be a beautifull.y-marked bird ; but with these, I luive no personal acquaintance.
Pouters are very expensive birds to rear, as the strain will soon become degenerate. As the old birds pay little attention to the vrants of their young, it frequently happens that the tiny creatures are starved to death. Careful fanciers, thci efore, never allow them to hatch their own eggs, but shift them as soon as they are deposited under a hen " dragoon," that has lately laid; and place the eggs of the latter bird under the pouter, in order that she may commence incubation ; otherwise, she will lay again in a short time, which, often repeated, would, in all probability, kill her. Every pouter must be kept by itself during the winter season; and their coops must be lofty, so that they may not acquire a stooping habit, which is a very great fault. In the spring, every pair of pouters must have '^ — — ^
f 92
two pair of dragoons to tend and feed them; but care must be taken that the dragoons are kept in a loft separate from the pouters, as otherwise, a cross breed would probably be the result, and the stock become degenerate.
Pouting horsemen are not so much in repute as formerly, the " almond tumblers " having almost superseded them.
THE DKAOOON, OR DRAGON.
Dragons are bred between a tumbler and a horseman ; and by frequently crossing them with the horseman, they acquire much strength and swiftness. They are exceedingly good breeders and kind nurses, and are, therefore, often kept as feeders for rearing young Leghorn " runts," pouters, &c.
The dragon is somewhat lighter and smaller than the horse- man ; and one of its chief beauties consists in the straightness of the top of its skull with that of its beak, which, according to the rules of the fancy, should form almost a horizontal line. These birds should be flown and trained while young, in the same way as the horsemen, which they are considered to surpass in swiftness, in short flights of from ten to twenty miles ; but in longer distances, if the horsemen be well bred, they will far outstrip the dragoon.
THE JACOBIN.
This pigeon, often called a " Jack," is, when perfect in its properties, extremely rare. The real Jacobin is a very small bird, and the smaller it is, the more valuable; it has on the
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Y PIGEONS. 93
I
hinder part of its head, inclining towards the neck, a range of inverted feathers, in appearance like the cowl, or cap, of a monk ; and from this pecidiarity, it receives the sobriquet of " Jacobin," or " capper." These feathers are technically termed the " hood," and if they grow compact and close to the head, they enhance the value of the bird considerably ; the lower part of the hood is called the "chain," and the feathers com- posing it should be long and thick.
THE JACOBIN
A small head, very small spindle-shaped beak, and beauti- fully clean, pearl eyes are other properties of this little pet. Yellow, red, blue, and black are the colors usually bred, and in point of color, the yellow birds are preferred befoi'e all others ; however, let the color of the body be what it may, according to the rules of the fancy, the tail, flight, and head must invariably be white; sometimes the legs and feet are covered, with feathers.
THE CAPUCHIN.
In its properties, this variety is closely allied to the Jacobin, and is, by some fanciers, considered a cross between that breed and some other kind. It has a longer beak, and is altogether a larger bird, than the Jacobin ; its hood is extremely pretty, but it lacks the chain.
THE MAWMET.
The Mahomet, commonly corrupted to " Mawmet," is a beau- tiful cream-colored bird, with bars of black across its wings ; ©g^— ^
i^_ — ^^
94 PIGEONS. V
although the surface of its feathers is of a cream-color, the part next the body, the flue feathers, and even the skin, are of a dark sooty tint; it is about the size of a " turbit," but it has in place of a frill, a tine gullet, with a seam of beautiful feathers ; its head is thick and short, and its eyes orange-color, surrounded by a small, naked circle of black flesh ; it has a little black wattle on its beak, which is short and stout, and somewhat resembles that of a bulfinch.
This variety was originally brought from Barbary. In size, It is somewhat larger than the Jacobin ; it has a short, thick beak, a small wattle, and a circle of thick, naked, incrusted flesh round its eyes ; the wider this circle of flesh spreads round the eye, and the more brilliant its color, the more the bird is prized ; the circle is narrow, at flrst, and is not fully developed until the bird is three or four years old.
The plumage of the Barb is usually dun or black ; but there are pied birds of both colors ; these last are held in little esti- mation, as they are supposed to be only half bred ; when the pinion feathers are dark, the irides of its eyes are pearl color ; but when the pinions are white, the irides are red. Some of these birds are ornamented with a tuft of feathers rising from the back part of the crown of the head.
THE TURBIT.
This variety is somewhat larger than the Jacobin. Its head is round, and beak short; from the breast grows a tuft of fea-
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Y PIGEONS. 95 ^
thers named the " purle," spreading in opposite directions, like the frill of a shirt; and from the beak to the purle reaches the gullet.
The colors of this pigeon are mostly yellow, dun, red, blue, and black; and accasionally chequered. According to the fancy, the back of the wings and tail should correspond in color, except in the yellow and red birds, whose tails should be white. A stripe of black should cross the wings of the blue birds, but the other body and flight feathers should be white; they are termed "black-shouldered," or "blue-shoul- dered," as their color may be ; and when of one color only,
THE Tl-RnlT.
these pigeons have been sold as "owls." Turbits are also chosen for the shortness of their beaks, and their spreading "purle;" and if well-trained, when young, they will become excellent flyers.
The nun is greatly admired, from the elegantly contrasting colors of its plumage. Its body is generally white, and its tail and six flight feathers of its wings should be either wholly red, vivid yellow, or black, as likewise its head, which is adorned and nearly covered by a tuft, or " veil," of pure white feathers.
According to its colors, the bird is termed a red, yellow or black-headed " nun," as it may happen to be ; and whenever the feathers vary from this rule, the bird is termed " foul-headed," or "foul-flighted," and is greatly diminished in value; but with such as frequently rear clean-feathered birds, as perfect i
@i^ -mm
-ۤ1
specimens, it is scarcely possible to obtain one entirely free from foul feathers. Smallness of head and beak, a pearl eye, and largeness of veil, are desirable properties in this bird.
THE HELMET.
This variety is a somewhat larger bird than the nun. Its head, tail, and flight are mostly of one color, either yellow, blue, or black tint, and the other parts of the body are generally white ; its head bears a delicate tuft of feathers, differing in color from the body, and in foi'm like a helmet. It is a pretty bird, but is not a fine flyer. It is most useful as a nurse.
To the varieties already enumerated; I might add several others, as the " owl," the " ruff," the " spot," the " lace," the " finnikin," and the " Friezland runt;" but these breeds are not common, nor are they generally held of much account. As for the French, Leghorn and the Spanish " runts," they are not to be placed among the fancy varieties, being remarkable merely for their size, and are appopriate for the dove cot. ;
In a state of nature, the rock dove feeds on grain and seeds of various kinds, as well as on vegetables. According to Montagu, it also devours some kinds of snails, and is particu- larly fond of the Helix virgata.
In a state of confinement or familiarisaiiun, these birds are fond of almost every kind of grain, but old tares are found, by experience, to be the best for them ; horse beans, particularly the smaller sorts, as small ticks, are considered next to tares in point of nutritive properties; oats, barley, wheat, and peas, may be given occasionally, and will be found wholesome varieties of diet. Pigeons are very fond of rape, hemp and Canary seeds, which, however, should only be given occasion- ally ; and new tares should especially be given to young birds very sparingly. Many fanciers make a composition of salt,
o; s^ -— <;
^ PIGEONS. 'J7
lime mortar, and a little clay, mixed with spicy seeds, as caraway, which they allow their pigeons to feed upon at will.
The seed may be scattered on the floor amongst the gravel, although many persons recommend little contrivancrs to put it in, on the score of keeping it cleaner and better.
DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION AND MANAGEMENT.
Familiarised, or fancy pigeons are generally confined in aviaries, or lodged in appropriate buildings attached to or near the house of the breeder, in order that they may be regularly and easily fed, cleansed, and duly attended to in all matters having reference to their condition and health ; for their natural instinct and feeling of liberty have been so nearly effaced, or placed in abeyance by the captivity to which they have been subjected, for so many generations, that they have become nearly dependent upon man for support, and have lost the power or capabilitv, even when allowed to tiy at large, of looking for and finding their own food.-
In these buildings, it is comniou to erect a certain number of boxes, or divisions, against the walls or sides, each calculated to accommodate a pair of pigeons, with their nest and young. They succeed best when separate and distinct from each other, with a small plntlorm, and an entrance ju.st large enough to admit the bird; as when disposed in a continuous row, and open ui from, they are apt to interfere with each other, and, by their jealousies and contentions, prevent the due increase of eggs and young.
The most common shape for a pigeon house is the one repre- sented in the succeeding illustration, but the form is immaterial. It is, however, necessary that the holes should be large enough for the birds to turn round in with ease ; and there should be in j front shelves and partitions of from seven to nine inches in I depth, so as to keep the couples apart, and afford them resting I places ; and two holes for each couple, between each partition, I will be desirable. The cot should be fixed where it will be sjg» ■ — ^
mm^-
screened from cold winds, which are extremely prejudicial to the birds ; a southern or south-western aspect should, therefore, if possible, be chosen : visits from cats and rats must also be carefully guarded against.
!>IGEON HOUSE.
If the young fancier be enabled to fit up a loft over a stable, or other out-building, for a pigeon house, the best arrangement
he can adopt is that shown in the above illustration. The means for exit and re-entrance must be first thought of; and if there be no window in the loft, two holes must be made in the wall, at about five feet from the floor, each sufficiently large to admit a pigeon easily ; a shelf should be fastened on the inside, and another on the outside, of the said apertures ; on j^
mm>-
fICiEONS. 9!)
this latter shelf, a trap, or " aiirie," should be aliixcd, the intent and purposes of which I shall presently explain. At tlie upper part of the loft, rough branches should be placed as perches in the manner shown in the representation. At about four feet from the floor, breeding boxes, according to the number of birds intended to be kept, should be sf^curely lixed to the wall, care being taken to protect them from rats, &c.
Some fanciers furnish their boxes with little earthenware pans, or small baskets, for the birds to deposit their eggs in; although the eggs are not so likely to be broken in the basket.3 as in the pans, the latter, if supplied with straw, are cleaner than the baskets; the pans should vary in dimensions, accord- ing to the class of pigeon for which they are designed. It is well to put two of these receptacles in each little room, as the hens frequently go to the nest again when their broods are about three weeks old, leaving them to the care of their mates. Instead of egg boxes, shelves partitioned off, and having sliding fronts for the convenience of cleaning, are used; if the young fancier intend to keep " pouters," the shelves should be fourteen inches in breadth, and at least twenty inches apart, so that the birds may not acquire the habit of stooping, which depreciates their value.
As pigeons drink differently from most other birds, that is, by taking a long-continued draught, like cattle, a fountain, or large-bottomed glass bottle, with a tolerably long neck, for water, should be provided for their house ; it should be placed on a small three-legged stool, so that its mouth may incline into an earthenware pan, into which the water will trickle slowly, and cea.se when it reaches the level of the mouth of the bottle, and a continued supply of fresh water thus be kept up: two or tlii'ce bricks will serve instead of a stool, to give the bottle the neces- sary elevation.
To insure the thriving of the birds, the loft and shelves should be kept clean, and gravel strown on the floor; indeed, gravel must on no account be omitted, as pigeons are exceed- ingly fond of pecking it.
The " aerie" before mentioned, which is fastened on the
mm —
f 100
shelf outside of the loft, is a trap made of laths. It has two sides and a front only, the wall of the loft forming the back; the front and sides act upon hinges, so that they may be thrown
^^^^iLl
iERIE OPE>
open, and laid flat on the platform, as in the above figure A, B, C ; and on the upper parts of these flaps are fastened strings, united to a single string in the middle of the trap; the string is carried over the swivel E, at the top of the machine, to a hiding place, whence the owner can see all that passes, and when a bird alights within the aerie, he jerks the string, the flaps are elevated, and the bird is immediately a prisoner. The aerie, when shut, presents the appearance shown in the following illustration. This kind of trap is used not only by
fanciers, but by amateurs; and is an important appendage to the loft, both as a means of selt-defence to secure strays, and to shut in their own birds. Among amateur fanciers, the first- mentioned purpose is to secure valuable and favorite breeds from being deteriorated through stray birds of no value pairing
PIG RONS. 101
with them. When any strays arc taken in the trap, they are killed for the table, unless called for and claimed by their owners, within twenty-four hours after their capture, and a trifling sum may then be demanded for trappage.
To ensure the purity of any particular kind, the young males, as soon as they show symptoms of maturity, which may be known by particular gesticulations and their cooing notes, are placed apart in a chamber appropriated for the purpose, with a female of the same variety. Here they remain till a mutual attachment has taken place, after which, they may be returned to the general aviary, or dove house; for, when once an alliance is effected, it generally continues undissolved and inviolate till the death or removal of one of the parties; on which account many different varieties may be kept in the same aviary, or associated together in one building, without much apprehension of having a contaminated breed.
For mating, or coupling pigeons, it is a good plan to build two cots, divided only by a lath partition, by which means the birds will see each other, and may feed out of the same little vessels; when, by giving them plenty of hemp seed, they will soon be fit for mating. When the hen sweeps her tail, put her in the cock's pen, and they will readily agree. Where it is not convenient to make this probationary pen, and you are obliged to place them both in one coop, put the cock in a few days before his mate, that he may- get accustomed to it, and feel himself master, especially if the hen be high spirited; else they will quarrel so fiercely, that iheir disputes will terminate in a total dislike, to one another.
When the pigeons are comfortably matched, allow them the full run of the loft, to select a nest for themselves; or choose a nest for them, and inclose them in it for several days, by means of a slight lath railing, giving them an abundant supply of food and water during the whole time. Both male and female engage in the construction of the nest, and relieve each other in the task of incubation. Two eggs only are laid, and the young are hatched blind, naked, and helpless, and sedulously fed and cherished by both parents. Several pairs of young
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""' 102 PIGEONS. ^f
\
are reared during the season. The young are fed for some days after exclusion from the egg, not on grain, nor insects, but upon a peculiar lacteous secretion, or curd-like matter, which is poured out from a series of glands in the crop both of the male and female, which glands develope themselves into activity by a mysterious law at the proper juncture. This lacteous fluid is very abundant, and will frequently drip from the bills of the pigeons as they approach their young. It is thrown into the open mouths of the nestlings by a kind of exgurgitation, the receiving one and the giver being both in agitation. In the course of a few days, pulse or grain, moistened in the crops of the parents and mixed with this lacteous curdy fluid, is given, the secretion gradually decreas- ing as it is le?s and less required, till at length peas, moistened or macerated in the crop, are alone transferred into those of the young.
About the third day, some of the ordinary food, after mace- ration in the crop, is added, its proportion being increased, till at length, when the young quit the nest, it constitutes their food entirely.
Though fancy pigeons are kept for the sake of their beauty and peculiarities, the ordinary dove-house pigeon is reared almost exclusively for the sake of its flesh, which is accounted in most countries a delicacy. But-how far the rearing of gi'eat numbers of these birds is profitable in our country may admit of question; the quantity of peas, beans, and grain, which even a small flock will annually consume, is enormous. What, then, must be the consumption of flocks of many hundreds?
DISEASES.
The megrims, or epilepsy, is an incurable disorder, in which the pigeon moves about and flutters at random, with its head turned, and its bill resting upon its back.
If the birds suffer much while moulting, remove them to a
103 7
warm place, mix a good quantity of hemp seed in their ordi- nary food, and tinge their water with saffron.
When the birds are affected with the wet roup, give them a few pepper corns once in three or four dajs, and put some green rue in their water.
The dry roup is a husky cough, arising from a cold ; when three or four cloves of garlic should be given to the birds daily.
When your pigeons are infested u-ith insects, fumigate their feathers thoroughly with tobacco.
The canker is occasioned by the cocks pecking each other, which, as they are extremely irritable, they often do. To cure it, rub the part daily with a mixture of burnt alum and honey.
If the incrusted flesh round the eyes of " carriers," " Barbs," or "horsemen," be injured or pecked, bathe it with salt water; and if, in some days, this remedy does not succeed, another lotion composed of three drachms and a half of alum, dissolved in two ounces of water should be tried.
When " pouters" and " croppers" g^oro-g themselves, by over- eating, after long fasting, put the bird, feet downward, into a tight stocking, smoothing up the crop so that, overloaded as it is, it may be kept fi'om hanging down ; then hitch up the stocking on a nail, and keep the bird a prisoner until its food is digested, supplying it with a small quantity of water occasionally. When the bird is taken out of the stocking, it should be put into an open coop or basket, and fed but scantily for a while.
For lameness, or swelled balls of the feet, whether from cold, cuts with glass, or any accident, the most effectual application is a small quantity of Venice turpentine spread on a piece of brown paper.
mB^
THE EUROPEAN QUAIL.
St/nouipnen.
|
Titrao car |
ir7i<>, |
|
Caille, |
|
|
VVachtei, |
|
|
Codorui/, |
|
|
Qiiaglin, |
|
|
Quail. Co!! |
moll UuLiil, |
Ok OENlTHOLOtitSTS.
Of the Fbkxch,
Of the Germans.
J Of thf. Spaniards an
; PORTLUIKSE.
<')f the Itai.i VNS. S Of the liKiri^iH and
/ .\N<:iLD-.\MKRIC,<SS.
^^^E SIDES beauty of form and plumnge. the sono; of ^plm, the common quail of the Old World is no slight re- ^®0^ commendation to the amateur. In the breeding sea- son, that of the male commences by repeating softly, tones resembling verm, verra, followini by the word pieieroie, uttered in a bold tone, with the neck raised, the eyes shut, and the head inclined on one side. Those that repeat the last syllables ten or twelve times, consecutively, are the most esteemed. That of the female only consists of verra, xerra, pupii, piipu, the last two syllables being those by which the male and the female attract one another's attention; when alarmed or angry, their cry resembles guillah! but at other times, it is only a murmur, resembling the purring of a cat. This bird never sings when
i^ f
--^9
THE EUROPEAX QUAIL.
105
lit, but
left to run about in a light room, except during th continually when in a darkened cage.
When wild, the quail is found throughout the ea.sicrn conti- nent. It is a bird of passage, arriving in Europe in May, and taking its departure at the end of September.
In a wild state, the quail feeds on wheat and other corn, rape seed, millet, hemp seed, and the like. It also eats green vegetables, as well as insects, and particularly ants' eggs.
In the house, it is fed on the same food, adding bread, barley meal, mi.xed with milk, the universal paste, and occasionally salad or cabbage, chopped up small, and, that it may want nothing to keep it in health, plenty of river sand for it to roll in and peck up grains, which assist its digestion; but this sand must be damp, for. if dry, it will not touch it. It drinks a great deal, and the water, contrary to the opinion of some
. '- ^:i
i^m -Mm
^ 106 THE EUROPEAN QUAIL. ^
persons, should be clear, and never turbid. It moults twice in the year, once in autumn, and again in spring; it then requires river sand, and greater attention than at other times.
BREEDma.
The quail breeds very late, never before July. Its nest, if it can be called so, is a hole scratched in the earth, in which it lays from ten to fourteen bluish-white eggs, with large brown spots. These are hatched after three weeks' incubation. The young ones, all hairy, follow the mother the moment they leave the shell. Their fiaathers grow quickly, fui- in the autumn they are able to depart with her to the southern countries. The males are so ardent, that if one is fjlaced in a room with a female, he will pursue her itninediately with extraordinary eagerness, tearing off her feathers if she resist in the least; he is less violent if he has been in the same room with her during the year. The female, in this case, lays a great many eggs but rarely sits on them : yet if young ones are brought her from the fields, she eagerly receives them under her wings, and becomes a very aftectionate mother to them. The young must be fed on eggs, boiled hard and cut small, but the best way is to take the mother with the covey, which may be done with a net. She watches over them attentively, and they are more easily reared. During the first year, one would think that all in the covey were females, the males resemble them so much, particularly before the brown shows itself on the throat.
The adult female, however, differs very sensibly from the male: her throat is white, and her breast paler, and spotted with black, like that of the throat.
MANAGEMENT.
In the house, if allowed to range, its gentleness, neatness, and j peculiar motions are seen to advantage; but it is often kept in ^ a cage of the following make : —
fg^- — ^
• -«
THE EUROPEAN QUAIL. 107
A small box, two feet long, one foot deep, and four high, of any shape which is preferred ; in this are left two or three openings, one for drinking at, the other to give light ; besides this all is dark ; the bottom is a drawer, which should be covered with sand, and have a seed drawer at one end; the top is of green cloth; for as the quail often springs up it would hurt itself were it of wood. The case should be suspended during the summer outside the window, for the quail sings much more when con- fined in this manner than if allowed to range the room, where tliere are many things to call off its attention from its song.
ie»-
?
BIRDS, CAGES, AND SEEDS
The Subscribers take this method of informing the public that they keep constantly on hand and for sale, from November to May of each year, a CHOICE COLLEC- TION OF HEALTHY YOUNG BIRDS, roted for the excellence of their song, fine forms, beautifully-marked plumage, and other good qualities, consisting of German and French Canaries, and other European Pong Birds, the prices of which vary according to their ages and qualities.
The prices of Canai-y Birds vary from $2 to $10 each, or S-t to .$15 per pair.
Linnets, from $i to $2.50 each.
Goldfinches, $2 to $2.50 "
Bulfinches $5 to $20 "
Song Thrushes, $6 to $15 "
Nightingales, $10 to $20 ^
Black Caps, $5 to $10 "
European Robins, $4 to $8 "
European Sky Larks, $3 to $20 "
European Wood Larks, $4 to $10 "
European Blackbirds, $4 to $10 "
Mocking Birds, $15 to 25 "
Breeding Cages $1 to $3 "
Gallery Cages $1 to $5 "
Rape Seed, Millet, Canary Seed, Meal Worms, Utensils for Feeding, Materials for building nests, &c., &c., on reasonable terms.
Dui'ing the warmer months of the yeai-, we visit Europe for the purpose of replen- ishing our stock and making ai-rangements for subsequent importations.
All persons interested in this subject are respectfully invited to give us a call.
N.B. For change of place of business after the 1st of May, each year, see advertise- ment in the New-York Sun.
CHARLES REICHE AND BROTHER, ;
162 William street, New York.
-^m
GARDEN IMPLEMENTS
f 0 V € a M c G .
A . 1) . A L L i: A cc CO.. 189 AND 191 WATER STREET, NEW YORK.
The subscribers keep constantly on hand and ofifer I'oi- sale, at their Agi-icultm-al Warehouse and Seed Store, the largest assortment of Agricultmal and Uorticultiu-al Implements, Field imd Garden Seeds to be found in the United States, amon-r which are included the followins;:—
Ladies' Pruning Sheaks.
la'l pair of shears which are very u~'.t'iil for trimuiing box trees and . many other pm-pose*. her pair of pruning' she.u-s with wooden handles, which are handsomely
and finely made; they iue veiy con- venient Ibr triraminii shrubbery, itc.
that i^^ too lane to be cut by the so'
siirsiir hand shears. Fi_' 3. represents a pair of iron-handled
shears, desianed for pruning
ries, rose bushes, &c. They ha\e a
sliding centre and spring, smd make a
perfectly smooth cut.
Fig. 5. represents a Triangular Hoe : Fij?. 6, a Garden Rake ; Fig. 7, a Pruning Saw and Chis- el ; Fig. 8, a Garden Syringe ; Fig. 9, a Forli-backed Hoe ; Fig. 10, a Fruit Gatherer ; Fig. 11, a Garden Trowel ; Fig. 1-2, a light Garden Spade.
Fig. 11.
FiQ. 12.
Besides llie foregoing, our Establishment embraces more than ONE HUNDRED different kinds of Plows, a great variety of Harrows, Cultivators, Rollers, Seed Sowers, Horse Powers, Threshing Machines, Mills, Com-Stalk, Straw, and Hay Cutters, Corn Shelters, Shovels, Spades, Hoes, Scytbt's. Rakes, Knives, &c.
jllso, Seedn For the Field and Garden, — Such as Improved Winter and Spring Wheat, Rye, Pea-s, Rutabaga, Turnip, Cabbage, Beet, Carrot, Parsnip, Clover, and Grass Seeds, &c., &c.
Fertilisers. — Peruvian and Patagonian Guano, Lime, Plaster of Paris, &c., &c.
fVuit and Ornamental Trees and Sliriibs. — Orders taken for these, and executed from a choice of the best Nurseries, Gardens, and Conservatories in the tJnited States.
A. B. ALLEN & CO., 189 and 191 Water St. New York.
The AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST, a monthly publication of 32 pages, octavo ; with nu- merous handsome Embellishments. It is designed for the Improvement of the Farmer, the Planter, the Stock-Breeder, and the Horticulturist. Edited by A. B. & R. L. Allen. Published Ijy C. M. Sa.xton. New York. Price $1 a year. Volume Ninth commenced January 1st., ISoO. Back volumes for sale, handsomely and uniformly bound. Price $1.25.
Sn^Any one procuring Cash Orders for goods in the Warehouse, or Subscriptions for the Americim Agricultm-ist, will be allowed a liberal
C. M. S7\XT0N. PlfBLl^HEli.
1-21 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK,
WotiLP io~pectfulIy call attention to his Assortment of 'NVoiks Appertaining t« Agril^ulture. Rural and Donie~tic Economy, a few of vvliich are enumerated, with the retail prices, from wliich a liberal discount will be made when a num- ber of copies are ordered at oue time. Any book can be sent by mail.
The American Agriculturist, per
vol., $1.25
Allen's, R. L., American Farm
Book 1.00
Allen's, L. F., American Herd
Book 3.00
Allen's, R. L., Diseases of Do- mestic Animals, . . . .76 Aliens, J. F., Treatise on the
Grape Vine 1.00
Hoare on the Vine, . . . .63 Spooner on the Cultivation of tlie Grape Vine, and Making
of Wine, 38
Downing's Fruits and Fruit
Tiees of America, . .1.50 Coles' American Fruit Book, . .50 Thomas' Fruit Culturist, . . .63 Do. " " withAppen-
di.x, 1.00
Ives' New-England Fruit Book, .60 Bridgman's Fruit Cultivator's
Manual, 50
laques' Practical Treatise on the Management of Fruit Trees, . , . • . .50 Kenrick's American Orchardist, .90 Lindley's Guide to the Orchard
and Fruit Garden, . . 1 50 C. M. Hovey's Fruit Trees of America, Colored Plates,
per vol 6.50
Browne's Trees of America, . 4.50 Loudon's Arboretum Britan-
nicum, 65.00
The Complete Gardener and
Florist, 25
Bridgman's Florist's Guide, . .50 tly's American Florist, . .38 Buist's Flower Garden Direc- tory 1.25
Sayre's American Flower Gar- den Companion, . . . .75 Mrs. Loudon's Companion to the
Flower Garden, . . . 1.2i Buist on the Culture of the
Rose 75
Prince's Rose Manual, . .75
Mrs Gore's Rose Manual. . . 1.50 Parsims on the Culture of the
Rose, 1.50
Rose Culturist, 38
Lindley's Theory of Horticul-
tuie, 25
Theodore Thinker's First Les- sons in Botany. . .25 Darlington's Agricultural Bot- any, . ... 1.00 Grays Botanical Text Book, . 1.50 Ghapin's Vegetable Kingdom,
or Hand Book of Plants, . 1.25 Beattie's Essays on Southern
Agriculture, . .1.00
Woods' Class Book of Botany, . 1.50 Piirfridge's Theory and Prac- tice of Agricnl'tnre, . .121.^
Rodgers' Scientific Agriculture, Boussingault's Rural Economy, Boussingault's Organic Mature,. Falkner's Treatise on the Na- ture and Value of Manures, Buel's Farmer's Companion, Buel's Farmer's Instructor, 2
vols.,
Gaylord and Tucker's Ameri- can Husbandry, . Fes8enden's Complete Farmer, Davis' Text Book of Agricul- ture,
Wiggin's American Farmer's
Instructor
Pritt's Farmer's 3ook and Fa- mily Instructor, . Johnson's American Farmer's
Encyclopedia, Donn's Gardener's Dictionary,
4 vols, quarto. Parnell's Applied Chemistry in Arts. Manufactures, and Do- mestic Economv, . Fresenius and Bullock's Ele- mentary Instruction in Chemical Analysis, Chaptal's Chemistry Applied to Agriculture, .... Liebigs Agriculture Chemistry, Liebig's Animal Chemistry, Liebig's Familiar Letters on Chemistry, .... Topham's Chemistry made Easy
for the Agriculturist, . Johnson's Catechism of Agri- cultural Chemistry and Geology, .... Johnson's Lectures on Agri- cultural Chemistry, Skinner's lilements of Agricul- ture
I Gray's ^'lements of Scientific and Practical Agriculture, Robbin's Complete Produce Reckoner, showing the Value, by Pound or Bushel, of all the Diflerent Kinds of
Grain
vVhitmarsh on the Mulberry
Tree,
Dana's Muck Manual, Dana's Prize F.ssay on Manures, The Farmer's Mine, or Source of Wealth, .... Smith's Productive Farming, or Familiar Digest of Recent Discoveries, . The Farmer's Treasure, Thompson on the Food of Ani- mals,
The Complete Farrier, Coles' ^ mericau Veterinarian, . The American Farrier, The Horse, its Habits. Diseases, and Manasemert.
$ .76 1.50 .50
50 1.50 2.00 4.00 10.00
1. 00
.50 .60
C. M. Saxton's Culahguc of Books.
Fouatt on the Horse, . . . $1.75 Miles' Horse's Foot, and How to
Keep it Sound, . . . .25
Hinds' Farrier and Stud Book, . 1.00
Mason's Farrier, . . . . 1.2.5
Stewart's Stable Economy, . 1.00 (Ji'ater's Every Man His Own
Farrier 50
Stable Talk and Table Talk, . 1.00 ^(luatt's Stock Raiser's Manual, 2.50 Clater and Youatfs Cattle Doc- tor 50
Mills' Sportnian's Library, . . l.OO
Skinner's Dog and Sportsmap., . .75
Hawker and Porter on Shooting, 2.75
Frank Forrister's Field Sports, 4.00
Youatt on the Dog, . . . IM
Youatt on the Pig, ... 65
Knowlson's Cow Doctor, . . .25 Guenon's Treatise on Milch
Cows .33
Randall's Sheep Husbandry, . l.dO
Morrel's American Shepherd, . 1.00 Canlield on the Management
and Breed of Sheep, . .1.00
Blacklock's Treatise on Sheep, . .50 Bement's American Poulterer's
Companion, . . . .1.00
Cock's American Poultry Book, .38
Boswell's Poultry Yard. . . ,50
Miner's Bee Keeper's Manual, . 1.00 ^\ eeks" Treatise on the Honey
Bee, ... . .50 Sevan on the Bee, . . . .38 Townley on the Bee, . . . .50 Marshall's Farmer's and Immi- grant's Hand Book, . . 1.00 Stephen's Book of the Farm, 2
vols, octavo 4.00
Ellsworth's Improvements in Arts. Manufactures, &c., in
the United States 25
Bigelow's Plants of Boston and
Vicinity 1.50
Gardiner's Farmer's Dictionary, 1.50 Bement's Journal of floricul- ture. ..." . 2.50 Colmans Continental Ag.Scul-
ture. 1.25
Colman's European Agricul- tural Tour 5.00
Fessenden's New American
Gardener. . . . . .84
Mahon's American Gardener's
Calendar, .... 3.50
Bridgman's Young Gardener's
Assistant. . . . 1.75
Johnson's Dictionary of JVIodern
Gardening, .... 2.25
Gobbet's American Gardener, . .38 Bridijman's Kitchen Gardener's
Instructor 50
Buist's Family Kitchen Gar- dener, 75
Thaer's Agriculture, . . . 1.75 Smee on the Potato Plant, . . .72 Gilpin's Landscape Gardening, . 2.50 Downing's I andscape Garden- ing, 3.50
Downjiig's Cottage Residen- ces, 2.00
LiinK'.s Highland Cottages, , . l..">0
CDttage and Villa Architecture,
by Walter and Smith, 4 vols.flO.OO Elliot's Cottages St Cottage Life, 2.-50 The American Architect, com- ])rising Original Designs of Country Residences, 4to., 1st series, .... 3.5(t
— 2d series, .... 3.50
Peters' Agricultural Account
Book, f-OCjv
The Canary-Bird Farrier, . . .IS'* Bees, Pigeons, Rabbits, and
Canary Birds, . . .38
The Bird Keeper's Manual, . .60 The Birds of Long Island. . . 1.00 Gunn's Domestic Medicine, or Poor Man's Friend. This Book points out in plain lan- ijuage. free from Doctor's Terms, the Diseases of Men, ■Women, and Children, and the Latest and most Approv- ed Means used in their Cure, and is intended ex- ]iressly for the Benefit of Familit'S. It also Contains a Description of the Medi- cinal Roots and Herbs in the United States. By John I'. Gunn, M. D., 1 vol. 8vo., 2 00 The Use of Brandy and Salt, as a Remedy for Various Inter- nal as well as External Dis- eases, Inflammation, and Lo- cal injuries, containing .-im- ple Directions for Making and Applying it. By Rev. S.
Fenton I2>i
Miss Beecher's Domestic Eco- nomy, 76
Receipt Book, . . . .75
Miss Leslie's Complete Cookery, 1.20 House Book. . . . 1.20
Ladies' Receipt Book, . J. 20
Indian-Meal Book, . . .25
Seventy-Five Receipts. . .30
Mrs. Rundles Domestic Cook- ery, 50
Mrs. Child's Frugal Housewife, .40 The Cook's own Book, . . l.OO The American Housewife and
Kitchen Directory, . . .18J!< The ."American Svstem of Cook- ery, . ■ 75
Domestic Cookery, . . . .50 The Practical Receipt Book, . .62 Miss Acton's New Work on
Cookery, . . .1.00
Mrs. Abeel's Skillful Housewife, .25 Mrs. Cornelius' Young House- Keeper's Friend, . . . .50 .\lcott's Young HousekeepfT, . 1.00 The Economical Housekeeper, . .75 Browne's Memoiron Indian Corn, .25 Pedder's Farmer's Land Mea- surer, showing at one View the Contents of any Piece of Land from Dimensions taken in Yards, with a Set of Useful Agricultural Tables, £0 AVebstei'- Kncyclopffidia of Do- mestic H-jmiomy, . . 3 frO
THE AMERICAN FARM BOOK:
Compend of American Agriculture,
Containing a concise and jilaiiily written Kxpositinn of Duties pertaining to th« Cultivation of the Eartli. the Management of the Farm, &.C., Stc, on prac- tical scientific princiules.
SY R. L. ALLKiV.
The cheapest and most valuable book for a farmer ever printed : being a com
plete Guide, both practical and scientific, for the
MANAGEMENT OF THE FARM.
Besides the varied practical knowledge which this book imparts, and which is indispensable to the proper management of every dejiartment of agriculture, it gives the elements of other information highly necessary to a successful farmer, as History, Geology, Chemistry, Botmy, Anatomy, Physiology, and iMechanics' These branches ot knowledge are given as applicable to agricultural pursuits, and when properly understood will essentially aid and assist the firmer. In fact, a knf wledge of these sciences is a sure key to wealth for any agriculturist. It gives the mode of preparation, and tht! ed'ects of all kinds of manures ; the origin, texture, divisions, and description of every variety of soils ; the economy of sowing, reaping, and mowing, irrigation and draining ; cultivation of the grasses, clovers, grains, and roots ; Southern and miscellaneous products, as cot- ton, hemp, flax, the sugar cane, ricc. tnbacco, hops, madder, woad. Stc. ; the rearing of fruit— apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, SiC. ; farm buildings hedges, ice. ; with the best methods of planting, cultivating, and preparaiiou for market. Illustrated by lOl) engravings.
The reader can form some idea of the above work, from the fact that it treats of 800 different subjects important to a farmer. It contains 3-54 pages, and is beautifully tiouiid in cloth, gilt, suitable for a library. Price only One Dollar. Notices of the Press. The autluu has been one of the most able contributors to the agricultural presj for the last ten years ; aside from this he is a practical farmer and stock-breeder, iiiia consequently knows from his own e.xperience what he is writing about. Commercial Advertiser.
This book is by a gentleman of known experience ; the work is e.xceeUinglv :!ii>ap, and the farmer will find it a valuable book of reference. — y. Y. Express.
1 1 IS in fact a brief encyclopedia on the subjects treated, and the farmer will An I appropriate information on almost any subject coming withm his reach. — ■\rir York Observer.
.'lere is a book for the million, precisely what its title indicates. Coinpasse'l within its pages, the reader will find the subject of soils, manures, crops, and Animals, treated in a style easily comprehended. — Spirit of the Times.
This work is what might be expected from one so well qualified for the undei- lakmg. — Boston Cultivator.
\Vc are gbid to meet a publication which can interest, as well as improve the condition of the human race. We commend the work to every American farmer. — 'Jhristian Intelligencer. Why shall not every gootl farmer economize his muscles by storing his mind 7 ^'e h' York
il ought to be found in every fanner's library. — Jerseyman.
It is really a great satisfaction to get hold of an American treatise on Agricul- lu.'-e, that has a plain, practical, common sense character of its own. The author of this work is already known to the agricultural public as a thorough practical (armer and stock-breeder. That he well knows what he is about on a farm, these li:igcs abundanly show. iS'o mere book-maker could have written such a book ; and we rray add, also, that no mere practical farmer could have written it. A •'good practical work" can only be written L/y a man who has both thought and acted well. What distinguishes this volume, is its conciseness, its clearness, and Us jierspu'uous treatment of the subject in hand. We think, therefore, that Jlr. .-^lien's volume, the basis of which is good practical farming, as practised by tlf best cultivators in tiie fiiileU Stales, willi an intelligent reference to lliose princi- ples of science which lie at the root of all successful practice, is likely to be of as much or more real seriiite to us, than any work on agriculture vet issued from the press, and we gladly cdiuiucirl :l tc ihe peiusal of evei-y ('ni. oJ our temlera engaged in Ihe cultivation of land —.4. J Powninfc's Horluullurisi
THE
AMERICAN POULTRY YARD;
COMPRISING THE
ORIGIN, HISTORY, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF
Ponustic ^Joitltvp;
WITH
Complete Directions fm- their Breeding, Crossing, Rearing,
Fattening, ami Freparntion for Market;
Including Specific Directions for Caponising Fowls, and for the
Treatment of the Principal Diseases to which they are subject.
DRAWN FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION,
Illustrated by Numerous Engravings
By D. J. BROWNE.
With an Appendix, embracing the Comparative Merits of Different Breed of Fowls.
Br SAMUEL ALLEN.
Price $1, in cloth — 75 cts. xmth paper covers.
Published by C. M. SAXTO]\', 121 Fulton Street, N. Y.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
Mr. Browne was bred and brought up a practical faiiuer. From his intimate know- ledge of the history and habits of our domestic animals, having devoted, probably, more attention to the subject, as a whole, by reading and observation, than any other individual in the country, the task of preparing this work was assigned to him. — Salem Register.
g"h« style of the engra\'ings and the mechanical execution of the work ai-c excellent. — Maine Farmer,
An extensive work on poultry, embracing every information desired. — JV. H. Tele- graph.
We commend the book and the subject to the thoughts of fanners. — Vt. Watchman.
Every one who may purchase a copy, upon a perusal of the same, will be fully satis- fied that their money was well spent.— Bj-i.sio/ Pkanii.
It is one of the best treatises on the Domestic Fowl ever published. — JVew-Haven Palladium.
The details into which this book enters, on all the subjects connected with the pro- fitable raising of fowls, ai-e precisely of that minute and practical chaiacter which is needed. — jV. Y. Evangelist.
We are glad to see that the evident demand for information on the subject of rearing Domestic Fowls has called out so valuable a work as the one before us. — JV. 1'. Daily Tribune.
It contains matter to interest a,nd instruct upon almost eveiything that conccnis the poultry yard, and bears the impress in its pages that its editor was well qualified to fulfill the task he undeitook. — American Farmer.
It is the most complete book of its class ever published, and quite indispensable to all who are interested in raising poultry.— CAariestoji, .?. C, WeeUhj Gazette.
No fanner among us would remain a day longer without the work, did he but know its value. — Railway Register.
It is unquestionably the cheapest and best work of the kind extant, and should have a place in evei-y farmer's librai-y.—Germantown, 0/iio, Gazette.
The volume is enriched by an Appendix from the the pen of Mr. Samuel Allen, an experienced breeder of fowls, who has taken much jjains to improve the stock in this CdUlltiy.— .A", r. Weel:h! Tribiinr.
THE AMERICAN BEE-KEEPER'S MANUAL.
BY T. B. MINER,
350 pp. 12mo. 35 Eagravings. Price $1.
PUBLISHED BY C. M. SAXTON, 121 FULTON ST., N. \.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
" The most complete work on the Bee and Bee-keeping we have yet seen."— ^^ Y. Tribune.
" Mr. Miner lias handled this subject in a masterly manner."— iV. Y. True Sun.
" He has written a work of the most fascinating interest." — N. Y. Svrtday Dis- patch.
" It will interest the general reader. It is indeed a charming volume. — Com mercial ^idctrliser.
" This is a truly valuable work, and very interesting." — Morning Star.
" It is decidedly the best work wc have ever seen."— £os/oji Daily Mail.
■'Mr. Miner has performed his task with signal ability."— Scjen<!/ic American.
" It does high credit to the observation and intelligence of the author." — ChriS' lian IvlelUgcncer.
'• This is the most comprehensive and valuable work on the Honey-bee that has ever come under our notice." — Journal of Commerce.
" To appreciate the value of the honey-bee one must get this book and read it attentively."' — Noah's Messenger.
" "We like it for its independent tone, and the amount of practical information fhat it contains." — Literary World.
" We have been greatly edified and entertained by this book, from which ths reader will collect a great deal of excellent information. — The Independent.
" This JB probably the most complete manual of the kind ever published. It will richly rei)ay the general reader, too, by the variety of interesting facts it con- tains."—iJos^mj Traveller.
" It is a most excellent and useful treatise, and happily svpplies a Tacuum tha-t had long existed." — Boston Times.
'•This volume has all the charm of a romance and admira'jly displays the habits of this insect." — O^gan.
" This volume is what it pretends to be. (more than can be said of many works) and all who want a full and thorough history of the nature and management o( of the bee should have it in their possession." — Scientific ^itnerican.
'■ It is neatly printed, well illustrated and clearly written and contains a great deal of practical information." — Mirror.
'• This work probably contains better instructions in regard to bees than any which have ever appeared." — Sun.
" The practical directions are the result of evident experience, and being ^laicdy sndcoajisely stated, are excellent, It is so much better than can ba obtained els^'vb'^re that we commend it to favor." — N. Y. Evangelist.
*• It is an -lyr.'llent book and the best published on the subject."— Boitun Oliv* Branch.
THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST;
A MONTHLY PERIODICAL
fSeslQmts to fmprobe ti)e JFatmer, ti)e |9laiiter, t|)e Stocfe^aSweTreT, anU tf)e ^horticulturist.
A. B. ALLEN, Editor.
" Agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and the most noble employment of man." — Washington.
TERMS.
FOR SINGLE COPIES ONE DOLLAR PER ANNUM.
THREE COPIES TWO DOLLARS.
EIGHT COPIES FIVE DOLLARS.
TWENTY COPIES TWELVE DOLLARS.
The American Agriculturist is now in the seventh year of its publication From its commencement it took a high stand ; and has ever since been considered by the press and all unbiased judges, as the LEADING PERIODICAL of its class , in America. It has a large and rapidly increasing circulation throughout the United States, the Canadas, and other British possessions, the West Indies, and South America ; and we may fearlessly assert, that it has given more reliable in formation on rural subjects, and been perused with greater general satisfaction, than any paper of the kind yet published.
The American Agriculturist treats of every description of domestic animals and poultry ; their characteristics, breeds, the best and the worst ; their advanta- ges and disadvantages ; their mode of breeding, feeding, rearing, and treatment ; their uses, profits, management, &,c. It also treats of all cultivated crops, inclu- ding fruits, shrubbery, &c. ; the best seeds, mode of planting, cultivating, gather- ing, and preparing for markets ; the general principles of vegetation and the laws of vegetable life. It describes the principles of mechanics as applied to machine- ry used by farmers and planters ; the best machinery and implements for agri- culture, their uses and the particular superiority of some over others, and their adaptedness for particular purposes, &c.
Address all subscriptions to C. M. SAXTON, 121 Fulton St., New York.
It also gives the latest improvements in those implements which may have been made, and suggests others ; tells where they are to be found, and the benefits that will follow from their use. It also specifies new objects of cultivation, and how they may be better prepared for a profitable market and more general use. These are a part only of the objects of this paper ; yet they, with the other subjects treated, are of universal interest and general application. Nineteen-twentieths of all that is to be found in it is of the same use to one part as to any other part ol America. Yet we find people constantly objecting that it is not printed in their particular section of country, and that it is not suited to their wants. Does it make any difference where a boy acquires his education, provided it be a good one and he be correctly taught ? Where he studies his profession of divinity, medicine, or even law ? Cannot he take the principles he has acquired, and apply them equally well in any part of America ? Are not the blessed sunlight ol heaven, the rain, the dew, the heat, and the frost, though sometimes differing in degree, of equal relative efl'ect wherever they are felt, whether within the tropics or the polar circles, the eastern or western hemisphere?
If the question were as to a choice between a good paper printed here or there, It were another matter. But thro'jgh'^ut extensive regions this is not the case, and it is either a good paper or notit: < all ; and even if there were one for every particular section of country, we rp'gnt still urge a general circulation for our own ; for no one will embrace all that is important to be known.
AMERICAN ARCHITECT,
Jomplete in 24 Nos., at 25 cents each, or $5 for 24 Nos. $6, bound in 2 vols.
PUBLISHED BY C. M. SAXTON, NEW-YORK.
The object of this publication is to introduce ORIGINAL DESIGNS of Countrs Seats adapted to the varied taste and circumstances of an American population: from the elegant Villa to the simple Cottage and plain Farm-House ; from Planters' Mansions to Village Domicils. In a word, every variety of Rural Residences will be embraced, in order to meet the views of every person desiring a Country House. In respect to style, cost, arrangement, finish, &c., utility will never be sacrificed : economy in the outlay, with an appropriate style, will always be kept in view. The requisite details, specifications, plans, and direc tions, with a careful and reliable estimate of the cost, will accompany each design These are essential features of a Practical Work, and no labor will be spared in their preparation.
Of the diversity of human dwellings, whether marked by elegance, convenience, or utility, or by the want of them, none can compare in national importance and philosophical interest with the Farm-House— the Homestead of our species.
A triple value attaches to that class of men which feeds all others. With pri- meval farmers, man's social faculties were first unfolded. With them society began : and among whatever people its shaft has become polished and its capital enriched, it still rests on the cultivators of the soil. So, of their profession, agri- culture is the great parent of the arts, while its prepared products will forever oe the most essential of aU manufactures. Then it was in their dwellings that Architecture itself had its birth ; it was they who first abandoned the tent with pastoral life, and began to devise and construct fixed and permanent abodes.
The estimates we give are based on New York prices ; including the best ma- Jerials, workmanship, and finish. There is no doubt that in many parts of the country, they may be materially diminished in every one of these respects— evep to the extent of one-half.
The selection of designs by those about to build Country Residences is com monly attended with embarrassment and always with expense. When furnished :.^y professional men, from general ideas communicated by proprietors, they are Beldom satisfactory. The American Architect, by furnishing a collection of designs Adapted to all tastes and means, will remove every difficulty in the choice, and i;ave money expended on Plans of no use. It will furnish twelve Elevations, Plans, and Specifications in each year, at a price not exceeding one-seventh of the usual charge for one.
Every handsome residence adds value to the grounds attached to it ; hence the importance of having such, by those who invest capital in this species of property.
With regard to utility— the proper distribution of the apartments and their adaptation to the purposes intended is the most important point to be attended to, and they are governed by the Plans.
From among the great number of notices, we select the following:—
" The price is only 25 cents for each number, and it is surely next to impossible but that such a periodical will obtain a wide circulation." — New York Tribune.
" This work promises to supply a want which has long existed, and to be ot essential value." — Salem Register.
" This work cannot fail to be useful and popular." — Boston Bee.
" This is a good and beautiful work, and well adapted to efl5ect a much desired reform in American Architecture." — Boston Traveller.
Thi Cost of buUding from the Plans given, wUl be from $600 to $5,000, with comp 9te Specifications from a first-rate Mason and Carpenter, and the pncei given an be depended upon.
GUNN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE,
OB POOR MAN'S FRIEND ; IN THE HOURS OF AFFLICTION, PAIM
AND SICKNESS, A SAFE AND RELIABLE GUIDE.
Raymond's copy, price three dollars.
This Book points out in plain language, free from doctors' terms the Diseases of Men, Women, and Children, and the latest and most improved means used in their cure ; and is intended expressly for the benefit of families. It also contains descriptions of the Medical Roots and Herbs of the United States, and how they are to be used in the cure of diseases. It is arranged on a new and simple plan, by which the practice of Medicine is reduced to principles of common sense.
This invaluable book has passed through many editions ; it has now been re- vised and improved in every respect, and enlarged to nearly double its former size ; and contains nine hundred octave pages.
It does not propose to dispense with physicians in severe cases. But it does propose to save thousands and tens of thousands annually, by putting the means of cure into every man's hands, and of saving many valuable lives (which is of far more importance) by instructing individuals how to check disease in its begin- nings, before it has acquired too much strength to resist and overcome.
Opinions of the Press.
"We seldom take up a book of this class with any favorable impressions; lor we fear quackery and pretension have been at work for the 'poor man;' but in this work all our prejudices were conquered. Professional men as well as others, we see cheerfully recommend this book; which has, in its ample pages, much ol the necessary instruction to ward off or to cure disease."— iVcie York Express.
" It is written in an easy, plain, and familiar style, ajid points out the diseases of men, women, and children, and the latest and most approved means used in their cure. The language and arrangement are so simplified as to bring it within the capacity of those who possess a very limited education. The object and de- sign of the author seems to be to remove all that technical phraseology which is used in medical works gei>erally. and thus simplify the practice of that science which the head of every family should be acquainted with. It is generally recom- mended to our professional readers as a guide in cases where it is not deemed necessary te have the services of regularly educated practitioners. This book should find a place in every family." — Boston Mail.
" This is a work of Family Medicine on the plan of Dr. Ewell. It is the most Dlain-written, untechnical book of the kind we have met with ; a decided improve ment on both Buchan and Ewell. It is printed in a very superior style, revised from the first edition, and containing a variety of useful information not hitherto laid before the vulgar eye. It treats of the passions. It has also a catalogue ol medicines, with their properties and doses, and the diseases and manner in which they are treated ; comprising a synoptical Materia Medica, exceedingly useful in families, and m >iu particularly to captains of vessels and planters, who cannot conveniently procure medical advice. It is an excellent hook."— New Orleans True American.
" If we judge of the merits of the book by the immense number of copies already sold, and the very flattering testimony of medical men of the first standing, (and among the number, several of the most distinguished members of the faculty in our city,) it is a va uable compendium of the modern practice of physic, and must prove a valuable assistant to families, particularly in sudden emergencies, and in ftU situations where regular professional attendance cannot be commanded." — Louisville Journal.
" The great advantage it possesses over all other books of the kind is, that the author has avoided all Latin terms ; this is what has brought Dr. Gunn's work mto such extensive family use." — New Orleans Picayune.
" As a medical Vade Mecum. it has for years stood high ; and now, since its re- vision, (Raymond's copy,) will take the lead of all similar -works."— Mobile Daily Advertiser.
" Its extensive sale has established .'ts worth, and stamped it as a standard and useful hook."— Kentucky Gazette.
UT" On the receipt of Three Dollars, Dr. Gunn's book will be sent, free oj eostage, to any part of the United States.
All letters must be addressed, (post-paid,) to C. M. SAXT0N,121 FcltonSt New Yoik.
" Raymond'a Copjt " is the only complete edition, and is so marked on the back
NEW-YORR AGRICULTURAL WAREHOUSE
AND SEED STORE. A. B. ALLEN & CO.,
189 & 191 WATER STREET, KEW YORK.
Fakmers. rianters. and Gardeners -.vill find in our Warehoui-p. the largest and most comjilete assortment of Agricultural and Horticultural Implenrents. Field and Garden Seeds. Fertilizers. Fruit and Ornamental Trees, kc. &c., in New York. A few of the articles we enumciate below. Our implements are mostly- made up from NEW and highly-improved patterns, and are warranted to l,e of the best materials, put together in the strongest manner, and of superior finish. Plows -Of these we I'.ave upwards of FIFTY different kinds, among which
are Cotton, Rice, and Sugar Plows, at $2 to 4.50
Two and Four Horse Plows, of dif- ferent sizes, and for all kinds of soils — stony, sandy, loam, or clay ; also for stubble and sward land. Some of these have patent clevies attached to them, thus enabling the olT-horse. in plowing a wet meadow, to
SOBSOiL Plow, with WHrEL, Dial-Cli-vis, and Draft-Kod. walk on the solid ground, instead of a miry, tresh-plowed furrow. Others are
Neio York Agricultural Warehouse.
adapted to trench-plowing, enabling the farmer to turn up virgin earth in a deep soil. These plows are strong enough to grub up roots, heavy bogs, &c. They
likewise answer for shallow ditching $5 to $20
One Horse Plows for the North, with single and Double Mold-Boards. The last are admirable to work between the rows of root crops and corn, when not over Z% feet apart, as they turn the furrow both ways, thus doing double the work of a single mold-board $3 to$6
Cultivator
Setd Sowe should be without them
Subsoil Plows for deep plowing $5.50 to 16,00.
Double Mold-Board or Fluke Plains for furrowing to plant. cultivate and ditch ; and the largest made expressly for plant ing the sugar cane, $3.50 to 9.00.
Side-mil Shifting- Mold- Board or Swiv- el Plows, for turning the furrow in either direction, $5.00 to 16.00.
Paring Plows, for shaving off" the turf preparatory to burn- ing $15.00.
Harrows. — A com- plete assortment of gquare, triangle, and double triangle fold- ing, harrows, with wrought iron oi steel pointed teeth, td to 16.00.
Some of these plows are made expressly for light sandy soils, others for a loam, or stiff' clay, which thi-y work in the best manner. Being made by patent machinery, they are superior to anything of the kind ever before sold in this market.
Rice Trenching Plow.— This does the same work as the hands per- form on a rice plantation with trenching hoes, equally well, and with much greater rapidity than a negro can work. No Planter $6 to 6.50
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