174 



BRITISH BIRDS 



There is a popular notion abroad that the Robin will 

 live on breadcrumbs, and so he will for a time, but on 

 such a diet he quickly falls into a decline, and unless 

 relieved by the addition of some animal matters in his 

 food will die : meat, raw, may be given in moderation, 

 and crissel or dog-biscuit will stop a gap, but must not 

 be used too freely. In the autumn the Robin eats 



The Robin. 



currants, elder, ivy and other berries, and so forth; and 

 with something similar he ought to be provided in the 

 house, for it is good to imitate Nature as closely as 

 possible in the dieting of cage-birds of all kinds. 



He is extremely fond of bathing, and should have an 

 opportunity provided for him of doing so every day, but 

 not in his cage— rather a little pan placed for his use 

 on the floor, and if this is put on a tray, no mess will 

 result from his splashing about. 



