The American bird fancier; or, How to breed, rear, and care for song and domestic birds : with their diseases and remedies

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IS8I

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LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA,

Class

AMERICAN

ISOition, 3£UbiscU anD

NEW-YORK :
OPtANGKE JUDD COMPANY,

52 & 54- Lafayette Place.

THE

AMERICA! BIRD FAICIER;

OR,

HOW TO BEEED, EEAE, AND OAEE FOE
SCOTG AJSTD DOMESTIC BIRDS;

WITH THEIR

DISEASES AND REMEDIES.

BY

D. G. BROWNE,

AUTHOR OF "THE 8ILVA AMERICANA," "AMERICAN POULTRY YARD," BTC.

NEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLAEGED.

BY
FULLER WALKER, M. D.

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.

NEW YORK:

ORANGE JUDD COMPANY,
1892.

GENERAL

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by the

ORANGE JUDD COMPANY,
In tho Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

INDEX.

PAGE.

American Partridge Ill

Birds, Breeding of 16

Food of 18

Habitation of 11

Plumage of 8

Song of 10

Young of, Time of Remov-
ing from the Nest 18

Blackbird, European 76

Skunk 79

Bob-o-link 79

Bullfinch 56

Breeding .. 57

Description of 56

Food 57

Bunting, Rice 79

Batter Bird 79

Canary Bird 28

Cat Bird 73

Diseases of Tame Birds,

18, 41, 50, 57, 63, 78, 110

Asthma 19

Atrophy, or Wasting 21

Bloody Flux 22

Consumption 21

Costiveness 22

Diarrhoea 22

Epilepsy .. 23

Moulting 25

Obstruction of the Rump

Gland 23

Of the Feet 24

Pairing Fever 26

Parasitic Vermin 26

Pip, or Thrush 19

Rheum 19

Sore Eyes 25

Tumors and Ulcers 25

Tympany, or Bloating 24

Unnatural Fatness 27

Vertigo, or Giddiness 26

Dove, Wild 90

Goldfinch 43

American 53

(3)

j PAGB.

Introduction 5

I Linnet 48

Mavy, Red 71

Meadow Bird 71

Mocking Bird 66

French 71

Orioles 05

Parrcts no

Partridge, American .ill

Domestication ill

Pigeon. Barb 100

Biset .... 91

Broad or Fan-tailed Shaker 87

Capuchin 99

Carrier 94

Dragoon 93

Helmet 102

Horseman 95

Jacobin, or Jack 98

Mawmet, or Mahomet 99

Nun 101

Pouter 96

Rock 87

Tumblers 92

Turbit 100

White-rumped 87

Quail, European 113

Red Pole 43

Reed Bird 79

Rice Bird 79

Bunting'. 79

Troopial 79

Robin, American 53

Redbreast 58

Starling, English 64

Thrasher 71

Thrush, Brown 71

Ferruginous 71

Migrating 58

Red-breasted 58

gong 61

Thistle Finch 43

Yellow Bird... .. 53

174982

IRDS have been regarded, from our
childhood days, as the most delight-
ful objects of animated nature ; no
music falls so tenderly upon the ear, or reaches the heart
sooner, than that of the lovely feathered choristers. Every
person cart find something to admire in birds, from the great
eagle which circles above the Rocky or White Mountains, do-
fying the brilliancy of the sun, to the little brown thrush
which pipes its feeble notes in the hedge. The great variety

O INTRODUCTION.

of their forms, the beauty and brilliancy of their plumage,
their graceful motions, their peculiar habits and manners,
and, above all, their delicious songs, possess charms which
attract the attention of the most indifferent, and win the hearts
of all who love beauty, grace, and sweetness. Every one
has, at some time or other, felt the joy Wordsworth must
have felt when he wrote :

" The birds around me hopped and played,

Their thoughts I can not measure ;
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure."

Watching the birds flying over the green earth, circling in
the warm sunshine, building their nests in lofty trees, darting
in and out of flower-laden shrubs, and having no thought for
the morrow, it may seem to men who are the victims of pas-
sions and conflicting emotions, that these little creatures must
live in brighter and more peaceful regions than any known to
the human family. It is restful and healthful for all men, in
city or country,

" To go abroad rejoicing in the joy
Of beautiful and well-created things,
To thrill with the rich melody of birds,
Living in their life of music ;
To see, and hear, and breathe the evidence
Of God's deep wisdom in the natural world."

Birds, aves in Latin, oiseau in French, and Vdgel in German,
are all bipeds, and are covered with feathers, a covering which
nature has given to no animals of other classes. Nearly all
birds have the power of flight, which is enjoyed by few other
vertebrate animals. The most conspicuous external character-
istics of birds is their plumage, which invests their bodies and
wings, serves as clothing, assists in motion through the air,
and protects from extremes of heat and cold. The internal
temperature of birds is from one hundred and five to one hun-
dred and twelve degrees, Fahrenheit, which is much higher
than that of man and beasts. All the best singing birds belong
to the sub-class Insessores, which is a union of five orders,
comprising a large number of families, in which are such

INTRODUCTION. 7

individuals as the pigeon, humming-bird, whip-poor-will,
cuckoos , parrots, thrushes, crows, etc. A great variety of
birds is embraced in the order of Insessores. For a large ma-
jority of them, their food consists of insects, and their larvae
or eggs ; and while in all the feet are well adapted for perch-
ing, the bill and wings will be found to vary according t3 the
habits of the bird. Swallows, fly-catchers, tyrants, etc.,
pursue their food upon the wing; they possess, therefore,
great powers of flight. The mouth is wide, the bill broad at
tae base, and sometimes armed at the extremity with a slight
hook. Warblers, thrushes, wrens, and many others, seek
their food among the branches and leaves of the trees, feed-
ing mostly upon worms, the chrysalis, or the eggs. They are
possessed of extraordinary agility in hopping about from twig
to twig in search of food. Some birds of the order Insessores
live on seeds and nuts ; such are furnished with a strong,
short beak, quite thick at the base, and two mandibles some-
times working together like a pair of scissors. To this class
belong the finches, sparrows, cross-bills, and many more.

The earliest traces of the existence of birds on the globe
have been supposed to be the so-called birds' tracks in the tri-
assic sand-stones of the Connecticut Valley, many fine speci-
mens of which may be seen in the Museum of Natural His-
tory, Central Park, New York. But it is now thought most of
these tracks were made by reptiles and amphibious creatures.
A nearly complete bird has been recently discovered in the
lithographic slates of Solenhofen. It is supposed to form a
kind of connecting link between birds and reptiles. Fossil
birds have been found in the green sand of New Jersey, the
cretaceous beds of Kansas, and the tertiary deposits of Wyo-
ming and Idaho. A bird with teeth has been found in the
cretaceous beds of Fort Harker, Kansas. The great bird of
Madagascar, JEpiomis maximus, was twelve feet in hight,
and the contents of one of its eggs equal to one hundred and
forty-eight hens' eggs. One of the great extinct birds of New
Zealand had legs and feet nearly as massive as those of the
elephant. Visitors to New York, who are curious in such
matters, may see the skeletons of some of these gigantic birds

4 at the Museum of Natural History.
_

INTRODUCTION.

A bird in all its parts is perfectly adapted for the element in
which it moves, and the functions it has to perform. Its frame
is formed for lightness and buoyancy, and so constructed as to
accelerate its motion in the air. The wings, made of the
1'ghtest material, strike the air with, great force ; the tail acts
as a rudder, enabling the bird to direct its course. The lungs
of a bird are very small, but its body is provided with many
air-cells, which may be inflated or emptied at pleasure. By
filling these hollow parts with air, a bird may become very-
buoyant, and easily sail in the atmosphere. By forcing the
air out, the weight of the bird increases, when it can dart
down from great hights with astonishing rapidity. With such
internal reservoirs of air to draw upon, a bird may fly at great
speed through the atmosphere with no inconvenience in
breathing, or risk of suffocation.

The digestive organs of song birds, for the most part, con-
sist of cartilaginous stomachs, covered with strong muscles.
These organs are given to birds, the principal food of which
is grain and seeds of various kinds, or other hard substances
that require much friction to divide. To aid in this process,
gravel is used. The small stones taken into the gizzard to
assist in the process of grinding the food, are retained until
they have become polished, and, therefore, less useful. By
the time the food has passed thrc agh the third stomach, it
is completely triturated, and prepared for the operation of
the gastric juices. Content with the seeds of plants, with
fruits, insects, and worms, the principal attention of grami-
nivorous birds is directed to procuring food, hatching and
rearing their offspring, and eluding the snares of men and
the attacks of predaceous animals.

PLUMAGE OF BIRDS.

There is hardly anything more wonderful in nature than
the structure of a simple feather. It is graceful in outline,
and unique in form, soft and delicate in texture, and per-
fectly adapted to the use for which it was designed. An
amazing difference exists between feathers of different birds,
from the stout quill of the buzzard's or eagle's wing, to the i

8

^1

INTRODUCTION. 9

shining sparkle from the humming-bird's throat, the plain
but exquisite shadings and markings of the one forming a
•wide contrast with the gaudy and glittering hues of the other.
The male bird is usually .clothed in more brilliant plumage
than the female, and the young of both sexes generally assume
the garb of the female until the f ollowing spring. Color thus
not only serves the purpose of beauty, but also of protection, for
while the gay dress of the male attracts attention, making
him a more prominent mark for the sportsman, the plain dress
of the female, who has the care of the young, secures her from
danger. The partridge and woodcock, in their gray plumage,
which resembles the ground, are secreted from the search-
ing eye of the hawk and kite ; the whip-poor-will wears a
tawny dress, difficult to distinguish from the log upon which
it crouches ; the owl is clothed in gray and brown, closely
resembling the colors of the hollow tree in which it makes its
home ; the ptarmigan, living in cold northern climates, in sum-
mer has its plumage marked with stripes of black or brown,
closely resembling the rocks and barren heaths upon which it
lives. Should these dark hues remain during the winter, it
would fall a prey to the snowy owl or the gyrfalcon, but its
plumage then turns nearly white. The snow-bunting, and
some of the great owls of the North, have a plumage almost
as white as the snow, so that it is difficult to distinguish them
from the mass of surrounding white. The tropical birds which
come to this country, especially from the forests of South
America, are dressed in the brightest plumage, resembling the
t right flowers and intense green leaves by which they are sur-
zounded. The crane, heron, and other water birds, which
d3pend upon their dexterity as fishers for their supply of food,
are clothed with feathers of a white and bluish slate color, so
that the fish, as they glide beneath the water, recognize but
little difference between the plumage of their foe and the blue
heaven above them, studded with clouds. Thus they fall an
easy prey to the birds, which, if robed in darker feathers,
would cause alarm, and send the fish into the depths below.

10 INTRODUCTION.

SONG OF BIRDS.

Different species of birds are able to communicate with each
other through their own peculiar notes. A bird utters cries of
joy or alarm, and is able to express its desires not only to its
own, but to the opposite sex. The song of birds is always the ex-
pression of love or pleasure. The nightingale sings only while
paring or hatching time lasts, and is silent when compelled
to feed its young. The Canary, starling, and goldfinch, sing
all the year round, save when moulting dejects them. The
male bird is the best singer, and uses his song to attract the
attention, or win the love, of the female. The female listens
attentively, and, as a rule, seeks for her companion the most
accomplished singer. The most sprightly hen Canary selects
the best singer, and the chaffinch will choose from a hundred
males the one which pleases her best. A bird is said to war-
ble or quaver when it repeats the strophes, or solitary notes of
its song, in the same order of succession, as the nightingale or
chaffinch. Birds sing when, without regard to any particular
order, they carol out their twittering or chirping notes, inter-
mixed with louder ones ; they pipe when their song consists
of distinct, round, flute-like tones. The reason why one bird
sings stronger and better than another is to be deduced from
the relative size of the larynx. Females do not usually stag,
because their larynx is not so powerful as that of the male.
The nightingale has the most muscular larynx of all singing
birds. "All the notes," says Syme, "comprised in the song
of birds convey delight to the lover of nature ; but the bird-
fancier only prizes their love- warble and notes of defiance.
These notes, and these only, he considers to be their song."

INTRODUCTION. 11

HABITATION OF GAGE OR CHAMBER BIRDS.

Bums 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
fa3ces 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
them 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 will frequently
cut very deep, and in the course of a few days, that portion of
the foot or !oe, so tied up, will dry up and fall off. Very great

12 INTRODUCTION.

attention must be paid to this particular circumstance, as
scarcely a biid 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 some 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 ihus 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 timo, v/hich 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 vhe mou'h, it
uiust be kept for a time in the cage without food, and then

INTRODUCTION. 13

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 accomplisL chis, 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 ic 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. Me; er, of Offenbach, Germany, remarks as follows upon

14 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 i\ow 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 insects,
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. Jt is then fit to be
pounded in a mortar, and will keep several months \\ thout
becoming bad. Every day a teaspoonfut 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, ? firm
paste will be formed, which must be chopped very small on a

INTRODUCTION. 15

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 eat. 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 ard 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, what 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 bave no
partitions.

_ gg

1G

INTRODUCTION.

Tiios.3 birds whjjh 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 foi
subsequent fare; and are consequently to-day well, and
drooping to-morrow.

BKEEDING.

THERE is but little to be said of the breeding of biHs 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 resemble 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 animah
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

INTRODUCTION.

17

ages of the reared young. In this particular, I shall mention
what must be done, in the articles relating to the different
species described in the subsequent part of this work.

BREEDING CAGE.

IP

V 18 INTRODUCTION.

TIME FOR REMOVING WILD BIRDS FROM I HE NEST.

IT may be necessary that I should give some general direc-
tions about the time at which it is desirable to remove young
\\ ild 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 difficult to induce them to open their beaks
to receive food with which they are unacquainted. Bui 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 u hich 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
tUs is unfountleu.

INTRODUCTION. 19

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 used 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 officinaHs) ; and the nostrils may be opened by
passing up a small feather dipped in oil. The ruffling 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 generally
too dry and heating, being principally h<unp 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

INTRODUCTION.

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 oif 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 treatment 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 t
_ 44!

INTRODUCTION. 21 s '

a speedy death is the general consequence. If this do not
happen, the breathing is not the less difficult 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
by the bird inflating and distending itsalf. 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 fiat vegetables, and especially water cresses, this

23 INTRODUCTION.

will be found the surest remedy against consumpti rm, or
waste. Usually, birds suffering from this malady have a
veracious appetite for green food. Dr. Bechstein fed a Siskin,
which had already completely wasted, for three successive
day .3, 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 i-ecently 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 vent, and
then rub these parts with fresh butter, but this is a very
painful and cruel operation. They also mix the yolk 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 ,

INTRODUCTION.

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 RUMP 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 ;
bi 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, are 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.

FPJLEPSY. — This is a disease with which house birds a%e
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 relief, one would think that
this disease is a kind of apoplexy, occasioned by want of
exercise and too much food. Bullfinches and thrushes arc
more subject to it than any other birds, and bleeding always
cures them, which has been done with great success in the fol- ^

34 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.

TYMPAKF 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 soap wort (Saponaria
ojficinalis). If a foot should be bruised or broken, he advises
that the diseased bird shoul 1 be 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
cure 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
drync^.ss, 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 i.sed 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 \vater, that was put in tepid, to bathe the bird;
•

INTRODUCTION. 25

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 have 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 throat 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 tne time
when their food is most abundant ; the forest birds may t\en
be seen approaching fields and cultivated places, where, having
plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want;

28 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 different 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, warm ;h, 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. They cease to sing, become sorrowful
and thin, ruffle their 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 tangle 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

INTRODUCTION. 27

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 smal\ 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.

UNNATUKAL 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.

THE CANARY BIRD.

Synonymes.

Fringilla canarta, ....... OF ORNITHOLOOISTS.

Serin de Canarie, OF THE FRENCH.

Canarienvogel, OF THE GKRMANS.

P, . I OF TUB SPANIARDS

Canano' j AND PORTUGUESE.

Canarino, OF THE ITALIANS.

Omar, Bird, Canary, °

HE Canary bird, from its beautiful plumage, elegant
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,
arid may, emphatically be called the real " cage bird." Some
of them we find melancholy, others cheerful ; sorthi angry,
others peaceful ; some intelligent, others dull ; soim. indus-
trious, others idle; some greedy, others frugal. But the/ have?
chiefly made themselves beloved by their animated, p.:rverfjU
and varied song, which lasts almost throughout tr/3 v'lols
1 year, and with some even during the time of moulting.

• * (28)

THE CANARY BIRD. 29

These birds are also distinguished by their correctness of
ear, 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 AMD HISTORY.

THOSE birds, from which are descendsd 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
Elbu, 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 atler 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, w«re
A introduced.

30

THE CANARY BIRD.

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 flosh-

CANARIES AND NEST.

colored, and eight lines high. The female is scarcely to be
distinguished from the wrale, but the latter has generally deeper
and brighter colors; the head is rather thicker ; the body, in
general, more slender throughout; and the temples and the

THE CANARY BIHD. 31 1

space around the eyes, are always of a brighter yellow than
the rest of the body.

The original 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 their 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 and 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 tho
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 b'rds, as the
citril finch and serin, of Italy, ancf with the Siskin and linnet,

THE CANARY BIRD.

of Germany, they have become so multifarious, that they are
to be met with of almost 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 follows: —

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 bactc 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 bird 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 Jie 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.

T/te Cross between the Canary and the Linne'. — When the
offspring of a grey Canary, its only difference is a slightly
longer tail ; but it is Variegated or speckled wh'-n the Canary
is ellow or white.

THE CANARY BIRD.

PAIRING- AND LAYING-.

IN order to obtain birds of a brilliant plumagt,, it b 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 produce 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 dro'p
dead in the midst of their song.

The females have also their defects. Some merely lay, anc
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, shoulc
be placed together in a small cage or an open room for a
week or ten days, to be wonted to one another. If *wo 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 snail cage; and the breeding cage should have two
compartments, separated by a board, in which a sliding door

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 dry materials for building the nest, which
usually occupies three daya 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 CAQK.

kept open. The male will visit both females alternately, when
they will not trouble themselves about each other ; otherwise,
without this precaution, jealousy would :'i>cite 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 lattei usuaMy
the greatest number and the best birds are reared.

THE CANARY BIRD.

The female, as with the majority of birds, is usually the
architect, the male only selecting the place and procurng
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 nests 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,

36 THE OANART BIRD.

When the birds are gooa 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 sicklines* 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 REABING 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, with 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.

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-bojled eggs, but it has been
found by experience, that the diet proscribed 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 i
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 fly 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
her co-mate, and rear the young as her own; and, during this
foster-mother care, cautiously avoid the caresses of the male !

38 THE CANARY BIRD.

TO TEACH A YOUNG CANARY TO SING.

WHEN the young birds can eat alone, say at the a^e 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
from his comrades, as well as from other birds, and placed in
a small wire cage, which, at the commencement, must be
covered 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, spe-
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 shouM be
at least a foot high and eight inches in diameter, with OD^ 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
suffering many disorders, and it is very desirable that the

THE CANARY BIRD.

39

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 temptrature similar to that of their
own country, great care is necessary in winter, in older that
the same or a similar temperature may be preserved, Avoiding
the exposure to cold air, which, however, refreshes in

C1NARY BIRD CA«K.

cannot be otherwise than prejudicial to them, causing sickness
aiid even death. To keep these birds in a healthy and hapoy
frame, it is very important to observe that, in summer, they
be frequently hung in a cage in brilliant daylight, anc! ii
possible, placed in the warm sunshine, which, especially wl«ea
bathing, is very agreeable to them.

The most important consideration in thf4 manugemen ol
I the male is his food. The more simple and true to nature

lr_

40

THE CANARY BIRD.

this is, th? better does it agree with him; whereas, when too
artificially compounded, it renders him sickly and weak. Tehe
best food is the " summer rape seed," which is sown in
spring. This is distingnished from the " winter rape seed,"
which w sown in autumn, by being larger and of a darker hue.
On 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 liberty in a place
where there are trees, and the female is hung at a window,
near by, which speedily attracts him back tD 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

THE CANARY BIRD. 41

DISEASES.

THE Canary bird, in a state of captivity, seldcvm 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 which 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,
transparent, 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 black.
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. The Yellow Gall in the Head and Eyes may be cured by
refreshing 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

42 THE CANARY BIRD.

mix il 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, &c.

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 may not be caught by them when in the nest.

9. Lice may be avoided by frequent bathing, cleanline-^s in
the cage, and dry sand mixed with anise seed and scatter* <1 on
the floor.

THE GOLDriNCH.

Synonyr/ies.

Fringilla carduelis, OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.

Chardonneret, OF THE FRENCH

Distelfink, Stieglitz, OF THE GKRMANJ.

Jilguero, OF THE SPANIARDS.

Pintac.ilgo, OF THE PORTUGUESE.

Calderino, OF THE ITALIANS.

Goldfinch, ThUtla Finch, { °J£ J SZSSXS

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 season*, excepting only
at the period of moulting. It contains, besides many warbling
and twittering notes, on which it dwells more or less, and the
oftener the syllable Jink is repeated the more it is admired.
Some utter these notes only once or twice 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
acquisitions.

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.
(«J)

THE GOLDFINCH.

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

THE GOLDFINCH. 45

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 each 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 brownish tinge ; the longer
feathers are black; both sides of the breast and the flanks of a
blight-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

THE GOLDFINCH.

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 >"*)ot in the centre of the
inner web; the rest with white tips, .J)metimes 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.

BREEDING.

THE female goldfinch rarely lays more than once a-year,
- (consequently these birds do not greatly multiply,) and then -

fe» <

4S

46 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 gol .finch 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 trouble 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 Whle 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 farmer
color after moulting, but then they do not usually live much
longer.

r

THE GOLDFINCH. 47

FOOD,

THE goldfinch feeds up n varioas kinds of seeds, groundsel,
succory, salad, cabbage, rape, linseed, Canary, thistle, and
aider seeds, &c. In the cage, it must be fed upon poppy seed
ani 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.

DISEASES.

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 Lie 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.

Synonymet.

Fnngilla cannab'na,

Linot,

Haufiing, Lanning,

Pardillo,

Pintarroxo,

Fnnello,

Linnet, Brown Linnet,
Whin Linnet, Lintie,
Greater Red Pole,

Linnet,

OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.
OF THE FRENCH.
OF THE GERMANS.
OF THE SPANIARDS.
OF THE PORTUGUESE.
OF THE ITALIANS.

OF THE BRITISH.

J Or THE ANGLO
\ AMERICANS.

HE linnet, from its natural flute-like voice, ex:els 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. 'rne beak, six lines long,
is dusky-blue in summer, and in winter greyish-white, with the

(48)

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 reddish- 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
fcfr— • -48

50

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 are
blown aside, blood-red specks may be discovered on the
forehead, and the red of the breast is only hidden by the
wide yellowish- white borders to the feathers; these are the
" 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 the
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 more 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 to
six bluish-white eggs, covered all over with ^esh-colored
and reddish-brown spots and stripes. The male birds may
be recognised in the earlier stage of their growth by the
white ring round the neck, and the white on the tail and
wings.

THE LINNET.

HYBRIDITT.

51

IT is common for a male linnet to pair with a hen Canary,
and hybrids produced by this means are easily reared, and
can scarcely be distinguished from other grey Canaries, either
from their appearance or song.

LINNET CAGE.

FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.

IN confinement, linnets require nothing but summer cabbage
seed,* which does not require to be soaked, as 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.

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, they readily feed with other birds on
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.

DISEASES.

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.

THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

Synonymes.

Pringilla tristig,
Chardonneret jaune,
Amerikanischer Distelflnk,
Jilguero araericaiio,
Pintacilgo americano,
Calderino americano,
Yellow Bird, American
Goldfinch,

OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.
OF THE FRENCH.
OF THE GERMANS.
OF THE SPANIARDS.
CF THE PORTUGUESE.
OF THE ITALIANS.
OF THE BRITISH AND
ANGLO-AMERICANS.

HIS 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 babee, 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, wb sn they raise and sink their voices in such a delight-
«»_ (53)

54 THE AMER'fA.N 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 crescendo, 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 indis :riminate destruction of lettuce and flower seeds,

THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

55

and they are therefore often disliked by gardeners ; but their
usefulness, in other respects, far more than counterbalances
the trifling injuries ti.ey produce.

After being caught in trap cages, they feed as if quite con-
tented ; but, should it happen to be in the spring 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 BULLFINCH.

Bullfinches are much admired as cage birds, on account of
their beauty, delicate movements, and tameness, as well as
for their songs. They have considerable capacity as songsters,
and can be taught all sorts of songs, airs, and melodies. A
specialty is made of their education in Hesse, and the district
of Fulda, from whence they are imported for this country.
In some cases, these birds have been taught to whistle three
different airs, without spoiling or confusing them ; but,
usually, as much as they can remember is a simple air with,
perhaps, a little prelude. They allow themselves to become
very tame, and will fly upon and eat out of the hand or mouth,
and will even permit themselves to be handled as if they had
been reared from the nest. It is not an uncommon sight in
the City of New York to see a man in the street with a bull-
finch which he caresses, perched upon a basket, and offers for
sale to the passers-by. Mudie says of this bird that the male
sings in the breeding season, but his song is low, and the bird
is apt to drop into the bush and be silent at the least alarm.

DESCRIPTION.

The length of this bird is six inches and three-quarters, of
which the tail measures two inches and three-quarters ; the
beak is half an inch long, black, short, and thick ; the feet are
slender and black ; the vertex, chin, and beginning of the
throat are of a shining velvet black ; the back, upper part of
neck, etc., ashy gray ; the rump is white ; the front of the
neck, breast, and upper part of the abdomen a beautiful car-
mine ; the rest of the under part of the body white ; the pinion
feathers blackish ; the posterior ones of a steel-blue and red ;
the large covert of the wings of a beautiful glittering black,
with reddish gray tips ; the tail somewhat forked, and of a
glittering steel-blue black. The female is smaller, and has all
the red parts reddish gray, the black brownish ashy gray, with
the feet smaller. There are several varieties of the bullfinch

(56)

THE BULLFINCH. 57

found in confinement, as the white, the black, the variegated,
the bastard, and others.

BREEDING.

They are a very affectionate bird, whether confined or at
large. The female frequently drops her eggs in the room.
They breed like Canary birds, when furnished with a similar
cage, or with a box provided with a fir-tree and moss, but
they rarely rear their young. The nest is badly built. The
female lays from two to six bluish-white eggs. The young
are hatched in two weeks. The male is recognized by the
breast being tinged with red. A good, well-educated bullfinch
is usually an expensive bird. The bullfinch will pair with a
Canary ; a tame hen bullfinch with a spirited male canary.
The produce is a soft and very musical singing mule.

FOOD.

Bullfinches have been kept in good health upon canary and
rape seed, and occasionally a little hemp seed ; but the last
must be given very sparingly, as these birds are naturally
inclined to get corpulent. In a state of nature, their food con-
sists of the seeds of the fir and pine, the kernels of almost all
kinds of berries, the fruit of the ash, maple, etc. ; buds of the
red beech, oak, and pear trees ; also millet, nettle, and grass
seeds. They require occasionally some green food, cuch as
water-cresses, a bit of apple, berries, or salad.

DISEASES.

Wild bullfinches, which have been caged, ought to live for
eight years. Reared ones rarely attain to the age of six years,
because they have all kinds of delicacies given to them. Sugar
or pastry should not be given them, and their cages should
contain sand and water. They are liable to constipation,
dysentery, epilepsy, melancholy, and dejection, in which state
they sit apart, without being absolutely sick, but do not sing.
At such times they should be fed exclusively upon steeped
rape seed. The remedy for moulting is a rusty nail placed in
the drinking vessel, good food, and ants' eggs.

THE AMERICAN ROBIN.

Synonymies,

Turdus rmgratorius,

Toiird emigrant, Grieve du
Canada,

Auswanderer Drossel,

Tordo raigratorio,

Tordo emigrante,

Tordo migrante,

American Robin, Robin Red- !
breast, Migrating Thrush,
Red-breasted Thrush,

OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.
Or THE FRENCH.

OF THK GERMANS.
OF THE SPANIARDS.
OF THE PORTUGUESE.
OF THE ITALIANS.

!OF THE BRITISH AND
ANGLO-AMERICANS.

|HE American robin is a saucy familiar bird, fond of man's
neighborhood, throughout North America, from the 56th
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. 59

the well-known legend, so oft repeated in our juvenile days,
of the " favorite Robin Redbreast," said to have cr-vered
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.

EUROPEAN ROBIN.

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.

§»

THE AMERICAN ROBIN.

FOOD AND 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 suffers 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.

THF SONG THRUSH.

Synonymes.

TurJus musicut) Or ORNITHOLOGISTS.

Grive, Tourd, Or THE FRENCH.

Singdrosael, Or THE GERMANS.

T A * * (Or THE SPANIARDS

Tordo cantador, j AW) PoRTUQUKSll!t

Tordo, OF THE ITALIANS.

~ „„ an,mou J OF THE BRITISH AND

Song Thrush, j ANGLO-AMERICANS.

HE song thrush is one of the few birds whcse clear
and beautiful notes animates and makes pleasing the
European 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
thai: it is LOW. Only old and excellent birds still sing it.
This thrush will live from six to eight years, if its food be
varied.

(61)

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
redush-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-
brown ; the tail feathers the same.

THE SONO THRUSH.

In the female, the two black lines of the throat consist ot
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 meed, or merely wheat bran, wetted with waier
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,

THE SONG THRUSH. 63

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 separate room
appropriated to them, as their copious excrements smell
offensively.

DISEASES.

THE most usual maladies to which this bird is subject are
stoppage of the feather glands, constipation, and atrophy.

§8*

THE ENGLISH STARLING.

This is a lively and active bird, always gay and very famil-
iar, and will soon become acquainted with the inmates of the
house. It is exceedingly tame, is very tractable and cunning,
and in this quality may be compared with the dog. He espec-
ially catches all the gestures and actions of those with whom
he dwells, and will accommodate himself to them, knowing
when they are angry. They can be taught to whistle a tune,
or speak a sentence very plainly, the female as well as the
male. With enough food to eat, and plenty of water to wash
in, the starling seems to be contented anywhere. They are
very fond of bathing. The starling sings almost throughout
the year, moulting time only excepted.

DESCRIPTION.

This bird is about the size of the American robin redbreast,
and is eight inches and a half long, of which the tail occupies
two inches and a half. The beak is one inch long, of the form
of an awl ; the irides nut brown ; the feet dark flesh color, and
one inch high. The whole body is blackish above half way
along the back, and beneath half of the breast, merging into
shining purple red, and the rest of the upper and under sides
of the body into shining green ; pinion and tail feathers black,
covered with an ashy gray dust. The starling has a spotted
appearance. In the female, the beak is more dark brown than
yellow ; the bright spots are larger, and the margins of the
wing feathers stronger ; it has, therefore, a much brighter and
more variegated appearance. There are several varieties of
this bird, as the white, checkered, white-headed, ashy, and gray.

FOOD.

This is a hardy bird, and in a cage will eat almost anything
given to it. It can be fed on meal and milk, bruised hemp-
seed, and occasionally a bit of beef, cut in small pieces, or
scraped. There should be plenty of gravel in the bottom of
the cage, and water to wash in. The natural food of the star-
ling is worms, grubs, snails, grasshoppers, fruits, flies, buds
of trees, buckwheat, caterpillars, etc.
(64)

ORIOLES.

This is a numerous and beautiful genus of birds, the greater
number of which belong to the American continent. They
are remarkable for docility and sagacity, as well as the inge-
nuity they display in constructing their nests. Among those
kept in cages are the cacique, the red-rumped, and the black-
headed. But the favorite is the icterus oriole, or tropical,
which comes from Brazil, and is a noted whistler. It sells in
the New York market for from $7 to $10. This beautiful spe-
cies is of a lively disposition, and possesses in an eminent de-
gree all the qualifications of his tribe. It easily becomes
domesticated ; will visit every room in the house, will answer
to a name, and come when called. It learns to know the
footsteps of all the inmates of the house, and will sound an
alarm upon the approach of strangers. He will play or fight
with the members of the family, and loves to be fondled, like
a dog. He will sit on the hand of his mistress, and accom-
pany her everywhere.

DESCRIPTION.

This bird is larger than the crow-blackbird; the head,
throat, middle of the back, wings, and tail, are jet black ; the
rest of the plumage is of a bright orange color. Across the
wings there are two oblique bars of white ; on the top of the
head, and below the bill, there are elongated feathers, which
the bird can raise at pleasure. The plumage of the female is
duller and fainter.

FOOD.

Orioles may be fed on meal and milk, with a bit of meat
occasionally, either cooked or raw. Berries in summer, and
black currants in winter, and water to wash every day. They
require a large cage.

(65)

THE MOCKING BIRD.

Synonyme*.
Turdut pot'gfflottu*,

Vielxiinglcr Vogel, Or TUB GBHMAN*.

Turdo pollgloto, Or TUB SPANIARDS.

Tordo polyglottov Or TUB POUTU«UB»C.

Tordo poliglotto, Or THR ITALIANS.

«*„.. Or TUB HKITIHII AND
Mocking Bird,

|11 IS "unrivalled Orpheus of the forest and natural
i wonder of America," inhabits the whole continent from
~5/the state of Massachusetts along the Atlantic, including
sevenl of the WestJndia 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 Plattc. In short, he appears to dwell permanently in the
milder regions of 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

THE MOCKING BIRD. 67

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 wondcrfnl composer. With the dawn of morning, while
yd the sun lingers below the blushing horikon, 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.
While thus engaged, so varied is his talent, that it might be
supposed a trial of skill from all the assembled songsters of
th : 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 arojnd. The feathered tribes themselves are
L deooyed by the fancied call of their mates; or dive with fear

4ft

68 THE MOCKING BIRD.

into the close thicket, at the well-feigned scream of :hs
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. Tht barking
of the dog, the piteous wailing of the puppy, the mew-ngof the
cat, the action of a saw, or the creaking of a wh( 2! bar row
quickly follow with exactness. He repeats a tune oJ consider-
able length ; imitates the warbling of the Canary, the lisping of
the indigo bird, and the mellow whistle of the care »nal, in a
manner so superior to the originals, that, mor ified and
astonished, they withdraw from his presence, 01 listrxi in
silence, as he continues in triumph.

In the cage, also, nearly as in the woods, he is full of lift- 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 ourselvos

THE MOCKING BIRD. 69

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 BETV7EEN 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.

IK 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, smi'ax, sumach, sour gum, and a variety of
others.

* Nuttall.

70 THE MOCKING BIRD.

Success* 4! attempts have been made to breed these birds
in confine /nent 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 ol
nature, and are taught their own wild wood notes. The young
are easily reared by hand from the nest, from which thej
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.

Synonymft.

Turdus re/as,

Tourd roux,

Rother Drossel,

Tordo rojo,

Tordo ru^o,

Tordo rosso,

Brown Thrush, Ferruginous

Thrush, Thrasher,
French Mockirg Bird,

RedMavy,

Or ORNITHOLOGISTS.
OF THE FRENCH.
Or THE GERMANS.
OF THE SPANIARDS.
OF THE PORTUGUESE.
OF THE ITALIANS.
OF THE BRITISH AND
ANGLO-AMERICANS.
Or THB SOUTHERN STATED
OF SOME PARTS or NEW
ENGLAND.

I HIS large, cheerful, and familiar songster, inferior to none
in musical talent, if we 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 ail the intermediate space, though more abundantly
towards the north. His voice 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

(71)

73 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.

THE CAT BIRD.

Turdus felivozj Or ORNITHOLOGISTS.
Gobe-raouche brun de Vir- )

ginie, Mouchorolle de Vir- V OF THE FRENCH.

ginie, Toui-d miauiant, )

MiauendrosseL, CT THE GERMANS.

Tordo de maullido, OF THE SPANIARDS.

Tordo miante, Or THE PORTUGUESE.

Tordo miagolare, OF THK ITALIANS.

Cat Bird J ^F THK BRITISH AND

( ANGLO-AMERICANS.

NE 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, ('pay,') that it often utters, on being
offended or approached ; and thus coupled with the name of a
" wizzard animal," so much disliked by many, 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
in sweetness and compass, is scarcely at all inferior to

THE CAT BIRD.

that of the ferruginous thrush. A quaintness, however, pre-
vails in all his efforts, and his song iss 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 1 believe all attempts at
breeding it, have failed.

FOOD AND MANAGEMENT.

THE natural food of this species is similar to that ol the
ferruginous thrush, consisting principally of insects and
worms, particularly beetles and wasps, and the \arious kinds
of garden fruits.

In 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.

75

scalded Indian meal, juicy fruits, and now F/id then some
bread boiled in milk, a few insects, or minced flesh. The
young, when taken from the nest, may be fed on ri^e che/ries,
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 a" 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"

?

T,IE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD.

Synonymea.

Turdus merulO)

Merle,

Schwarzdrossel,

Melro,
Blackbird,
English Blackbird,

Or ORNITHOLOGISTS.
OF THE FRENCH.
Or THE GERMANS.
Or THE SPANIARDS

AND ITALIANS.
Or THE PORTUGUESE.
Or THE BRITISH.
Or THE ANGLO-AMKRIC ANS.

EING a permanent resident throughout the whole ol
tne Old World, even as far north as Sweden, the
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 ^specially 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 EUKOPEAN BLACKBIRD. 77

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. Liko 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.

'

78 THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD.

DISEASES.

THE blackbird is particularly subjec. 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 with 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
i ssumes its natural functions.

THE RICE BUNTING.

Synonymes.

Icterus agripennis, Emberiza oryzivora^
Ortolan agripenne, Ortolan de riz,
Reiss Ortolan, Fettaramer von Carolina,
Hortelano de arroz, Hortelano con )
pluraas agrias, $

Cenchrarao d'arroz, Cenchramo com )
pennas agudas, $

Ortolano di riso,

Rice Bunting, Rice Troopial, Rice Bird, \
Reed Bird, Boblink, Bob-o-link, Bob f
Lincoln, Bob Linkling, Skunk Black- i
bird, Meadow Bird, Butter Bird, ;

OF ORNITHOLOGIW*
OF THE FRENCH.
OF THE GERMANS.

OF THE SPANIARDS.

OF THE PORTUOUKSR.
OF THE ITALIANS.

{ OF THE BRITISH AND
) ANGLO-AM EKICANS.

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 mam.

80 THE RICE BUNTINR.

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 the 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 cheerful, though monotonous,
and somewhat quaint. Among the few phrases that can be dis-
tinguished, the liquid sound of Bob-d-lee, or Bob-o-link, Bob-o-
linke, is very distinct.

" To give an idea of the variable 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 : — * 'Bdb-o-link, 'Bob-d-link, ' Tom
Denny, 'Tom Denny — 'Come pay me the two-and-six-pence you've
owed more than a year and a half ego ! — 'ishe 'tshe 'tshe, 'tsh 'tsh
'tshej 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,

* Nuttall.

THE RICE BUNTING. 81

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 tnc 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 'boUlee 'boWlee, or with his
songless mate, at length, a 'weet 'weet, Vleet Uleet, 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 tiie
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 ricfe buntings varies according to the :»<?ason
and locality in which they Beside. Although on their early
arrival at the north if consists of grubs, worms, caterpillars,

82 THR RICE BUNTING.

beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ground sp.Jers, &c., ih\jy
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 rnilk, millet,
Canary seeds, wheaten bread, soaked in water and mi iced
inimal food, containing no seasoning nor salt.

f

THE RAVEN.

Synonymcs.

Corvus corax,

Corbeau,

Gemein Rabe, Kolkrabe,

Cuervo,

Corvo,

Raven, Crow, Corby,

OF ORNni..)t,o;;:«TS.

OF THK FRENCH.

OF THE GERMANS.

OF THE SPANIARDS.

OF THE ITALIANS AND

PORTUGUESE.
i OF THE BRITISH AND
i ANGLO-AMERICANS.

F all birds which have a convex, round, knife-shaped
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 cruck ; 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
i raven sometimes indulges in a frolic, performing somersets

(83)

THE RAVEN.

anJ 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 different
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 iis
cry, crock and cruck, is so simple! Every distinct change had
its peculiar signification, and there were not wanting people

TIIK RAV«H.

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 may 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
smoll carrioi* a quarter of a mile off, we have no satisfactory

THE RAVEN.

proof, neither 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 number 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 pardon 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 aie intended to fly about, the young must
be removed when hall 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, &c., renders them partly injurious and partly
beneficial.

This bird can be allowed to run. at large, or fly about, and if
i eared 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 upwarls of one
hundred years.

PIGEONS.

THE ROCK PIGEON, OR WILD DOVE.

Synonymes.

Columba livia,

Oolombe, Biset sauvage,

Holztaube,

Paloma toreaz, Paloma del t
campo, $

Pombo bravo,

Colombo salvatico,

Biset, Wild Rock Pigeon, )
White-Ruraped Pigeon, >
Rock Dove, Wild Dove, )

OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.
OF THE FRENCH.
OF THE GERMANS.

OF THE SPANIARDS.

OF THE PORTUGUESE
OF THE ITALIANS.

OF THE BRITISH AND
ANGLO-AMERICANS.

HE rock or wild pigeon of Europe is well kncwn 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

(87)

»

88

PIGEONS.

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 bv 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 ;
uie 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-rec1 ; 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

PIGEONS. 89

broad and distinct bars across the closed wings; the lower part
of the back is white ; the rump and tail coverts, bluish-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
Lalf an inch of the end of the tail.

ORIGEN OP FANCY PIGEONS AND THE COMMON
HOUSE DOVE.

IT is from the wild rock pigeon, (C. livid,) 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 fancier, or amateur breeder; for, however
diversified their forms, colors, or peculiarity 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,
when 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

90 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 ueen proved, by
frequent experiments, to be banvn, 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 livid,) and the European wood pigeon,
(C. anas,) or stock dove, as it is improperly called, or with the
ring pigeon, (C. palumbus,) or any other species.

VARIETIEa.

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 different varieties, and which, though h'ghly prized in
the first generation, are not considered v ^rthy of further
extension ; as their progeny cannot be depended upon, but are

PIGEONS. Ql

found to degenerate, and are 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, fhe following are held in particular esteenr -

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
trembleur 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.

» : 4$

93 PIGEONS.

Some persons discriminate a variety which they call the
u narro w-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.

TUMBLERS.

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 five 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 '"rom their lofts tend to
diminish the stock. A hen tumblei 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
expence in the purchase of one or two first-rate birds that have
been used to soaring, as they will )e of much service in traia-
1 ing the young ones.

PIGEONS. 93

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.

BALD-PATED TUMBLER.

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," tut
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.

8* : $

94 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 fellow, 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 if is admired. When the incrusted

PIGEONS. 95

flesh round the eye is very thick and broad, it shows that
the pigeon will prove a good breeder, and will rear fine
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 white, 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 colors 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 again bred from a carrier. In
shape, it resembles the carrier, 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.

PIGEONS.

The most approved colors for this variety of pigeon are the
blu^, 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

THK HORSEMAN.

range loose, without any other birds in company. This
variety is the kind generally employed in carrying 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

I

PIGEONS. 97

pleasing in its appearance nor graceful in its proportions;
indeed, the inflation of the voluminous crop, rendering an erect,
stiff, 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 beautifully-marked bird ; but with these,
I have 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 wants of their young, it frequently happens that the tiny
creatures are starved to death. Careful fanciers, therefore, never
allow them to hatch their own eggs, but shift them as soon as
they are deposited under a hen " dragoon," th'it has lately
laid ; and place the eggs of the latter Dird 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

' ' 98 PIGEONS.

two pair of dragoons to tend and feed them; but ca. e must be
taken that the dragoons are kept in a loft separate from the
pouters, as otherwise, a cross breed would probably bo 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 DRAGOON, 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 rije

PIGEONS. 99

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 peculiarity, 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 tho hood is called the " chain," and the feathers com-
posing it should be long and thick.

L

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 before 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 js 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 ;

100 PIGEONS.

although the surface ofits 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 fine 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.

THE BARB.

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 first, 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 arc 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-

PIGEONS.

101

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 conresporid in
color, except in tb^ 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 TURBIT.

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.

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,
\ivid 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
vith such as frequently rear clean-feathered birds, as perfect

102 PIGEONS.

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 varie.y 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 form 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.

FOOD.

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 familiarisation, 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,

PIGEONS.

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 iittle contrivances to put it
in. on the score of keeping it cleaner and better.

DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION 1ND MANAGEMENT.

FAMILIARISED, or fancy pigeons ^re generally confined in
aviaries, or lodged in appropriate b»ildings attached to or near
the house of the breeder, in order tnat 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 havr been so nearly effaced, or
placed in abeyance by the captivity to which they have been
subjected, for so many generatioi ;, that they have become
nearly dependent upon man for support, and have lost the
power or capability, even when Allowed to fly at large, of
looking for and finding their own food.

In these buildings, it is common i > erect a certain number of
boxes, or divisions, against the walls or sides, each calculated
to accommodate a pair of pigeons, #ith their nest and young.
They succeed best when separate and distinct from each other,
with a small platform, and an enhance just large enough to
admit the bird ; as when disposed in a continuous row, and
open in front, 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 h-Jes should be large enough
for the birds to turn round in with ease ; and there should be in
front shelves and partitions of from seven to nine inches in
depth, so as to keep the couples aprt, and afford them resting
places; and two holes for each couple, between each partition,
will he desirable. The cot shoul " be fixed where it will be

104

PIGEONS.

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.

flit

PIGEON HOUSE.

If the young fancier be enabled to tit up a loft over a stable,
other out-building, for a pigeon house, the best arrangement

PIGEON LOFT.

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

PIGEONS. 105

this latter shelf, a trap, or "acne," should be affixed, the
intent and purposes of which I shall presently explain. At
the 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 securely fixed
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 baskets
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
cease when it reaches the level of the mouth of the bottle, and a
continued supply of fresh water thus be kept up; two or three
bricks will serve instead of a stool, to give tbt bottle the neces-
sary elevation.

To insure the thri\ing 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

10G

'IGEONS.

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 Hnges, so that they may be thrown

, ERIK OPEN.

open, and laid flat on tlu 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, prp ents the appearance shown in the
following illustration. This kind of trap is used not only by

AERIE CLOSED.

fanciers, but by amateurs, and is an important appendage to
the loft, both as a means of self-defence to secure strays and
to shut in their own birds. Among amateur fanciers, the first-
rn^ntioned purpose is to secure valuable and favorite breeds
from being deteriorated through stray birds of no value pairing

PIGEONS. 107

with them. When any strays are 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 their 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. Tvv eggs only are laid, and the
young are hatched blind, naked, and helpless, and sedulojsly
fed and cherished by both parents. Several pairs of young

108 PIGEONS.

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
lacieous 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 less 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 great
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

PIGEONS.

109

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 days, 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 with 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 "gorge 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 from 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 cor p 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 quality of Venice turpentine spread on a piece of
brown paper.

PARROTS.

Under this general heading is included a large number of
the Levirostres, or large-billed birds, which are brought from
Africa, Brazil, and the West Indies, and distributed through-
out the country by bird dealers. Those most familiar are
the macaws and cockatoos, the toucans, parrots, parrakeets,
and lories. They are usually kept for the richness of their col-
ors, their gracefulness of form, and their ability to articulate
words. The macaws are favorites on account of their large
size, handsome form, rich colors, and graceful deportment.

The gray, or African parrot, although not so gaudily col-
ored as some of his tnbe, is one of the most beautiful and val-
uable. They can be taught to whistle a tune distinctly and
correctly, and they articulate words and whole sentences in a
fine, full, and sonorous bass voice. They are docile and intel-
ligent, forming strong attachments to those who feed them.
They are easily taught when young.

Many of the lories are birds of great beauty and highly in-
teresting manners. Some of the favorite parrots for cages are
known as the red and blue macaw, one of the largest parrots,
being two feet eight inches long, a native of Brazil ; the blue
and yellow macaw; the military macaw; the blue-headed
parrot ; the angola yellow parrot ; the long-tailed green par-
rakeet, and many others, too numerous to mention.

FOOD.

The common staple diet for parrots is bread and milk, or
Indian meal and milk. This food is especially good during
the moulting season. A parrot will eat all kinds of fruit, but
meat, as well as all kinds of pastry and sweetmeats, render it
unhealthy. It drinks but little, being always supplied with
succulent food.

DISEASES.

Thoy are subject to many maladies, especially atrophy or
consumption, for which the remedy is warm, appropriate
food, such as water-cress, and a rusty nail in the water they
drink. They must be carefully tended while moulting, not
only that they may be kept healthy, but also that they may
obtain a perfect plumage.

(110)

AMERICAN PAKTKIDGE.

This family has recently been increased in number by the
addition of several interesting and beautiful species. Three
or four additional varieties have been discovered in California
and New Mexico. The plumage of all the species is plain, and
the tints mostly sombre, but of such exquisite Mendings as to
give them high rank for beauty. To those who reside in the
country the common American partridge is no stranger. It
often frequents the barn-yard in winter, appropriating part of
the food intended for the fowls. It builds its nest at the foot
of a tuft of grass, or corn-stalks, and deposits from fifteen to
twenty eggs. The young leave the nest almost as soon as they
escape from the shell ; they follow their mother in search of
food, and nestle under her wings, the same as a brood of
young chickens. They evince strong attachment for their
kind, and keep in flocks ranging from ten to thirty, and even
more. The food of this species consists mainly of seeds and
berries, although many insects are devoured during the breed-
ing period. Many of these birds migrate to the South during
the autumn ; others seek deep woods, where they find shelter
and provision. The flocks break up about the middle of
March, and the season of mating begins. The period of incu-
bation is about eighteen days. There are two broods in a
season. The second brood appears in the latter part of July,
or the beginning of August. The color of the partridge, like
that of many other birds, is often its protection. Often when
pursued, they will seek an old stubble-field, and sinking to the
ground, they escape detection, their color harmonizing so well
with that of the mould and decayed vegetable matter.

(ill)

AMERICAN PARTRIDGE.
DOMESTICATION.

Like our domestic birds, the partridge may, with pains, be
reared in confinement. A brood of young partridges has
been obtained by hatching under a common Bantam hen. At
first they may be fed on curds, and later on cracked Indian
com and millet. Several days of confinement are necessary
to induce them to f ollow the hen after the fashion of young
chickens. With one wing clipped, they may be allowed to
wander at large in the garden. Eventually, they become very
gentle, and at night will repair to the coop in the garden,
where they will nestle until morning. It is better to allow
the young partridges to be raised by a hen than to attempt to
bring them up by hand. Without much difficulty, these birds
become accustomed to the residence of man, and live on the
most intimate terms with the common poultry.

THE EUROPEAN QUAIL.

Synonymes.

Tetrao coturnix, OF ORNITHOLOGISTS.

Caille, OF THE FRENCH.

Wachtel, OF THE GERMANS.

r>nAnrn,T S ®V THE SPANIARDS AND

Lomiz» \ PORTUGUESE.

Quaglia, OF THE ITALIANS.

QUu.ol»umQ^, j "ssassis:

E SIDES beauty of form and plumage, the song of
the common quail of the Old World is no slight re-
commendation to the amateur. In the breeding sea-
son, that of the male commences by repeating softly, tones
resembling verra, verra, followed by the word pieveroie, 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, verra, pupu, pupu, 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 guilldh! but at other times, it is only a murmur,
resembling the purring of a cat. This bird never sings when

|a v» , «

114

THE EUROPEAN QUAIL.

left to run about in a light room, except during the night, but
continually when in a darkened cage.

When wild, the quail is found throughout the eastern conti-
nent. It is a bird of passage, arriving in Europe in May, and
taking its departure at the end of September.

THK El ROl'EAN QUAIL.

FOOD,

IN a »vild 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, mixed 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
gieat deal, and the water, contrary to the opinion of some

THE EUROPEAN QUAIL. 115

persons, should be clear, and never turbid. It moults twice in
the year, once in autumn, and again in spring; it then requires
rive- sand, and greater attention than at other times.

BREEDING-.

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 feathers grow quickly, for in the autumn they
are able to depart with her to the southern countries. The
males are so ardent, that if one is placed in a room with a
femnle, he will pursue her immediately 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, lay a great many eggs
but rarely sits on them ; yet if young ones are brought her
from the field, she eagerly receives them under her wings
and becomes a very affectionate 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 convoy, 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 the convoy 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
peculiar motions are seen to advantage ; but it is often kept in
a cage of the following make : —

' 116 THE EUROPEAN QUAIL.

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
there are many -hings to call off its attention from its song.

SENT FREE ON APPLICATION.

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

— : OF : —

RURAL BOOKS,

Containing 116 8vo pages, profusely illustrated, and giving
full descriptions of nearly 600 works on the following subjects:

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FIELD SPORTS AND NATURAL HISTORY,

HUNTING, SHOOTING, ETC.,
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PUBLISHERS AND IMPORTERS.

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2 STANDARD BOOKS.

Mushrooms. How to Grow Them.

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Allen's New American Farm Book.

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Henderson's Gardening for Profit.

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Husmann's American Grape-Growing and Wine-Making.

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The Scientific Angler.

A general and instructive work on Artistic Angling, by the late David
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