24 MATING SEASON. 



up against the wall at least a foot above your head, 

 and in a southern aspect if possible, and not moved 

 until you are through breeding for the season. 



There should always be placed in the cage, from 

 a wall of some very old Imildiiig that is being torn 

 down, a piece of mortar to make egg-shells from ; as, 

 without this, the female would lay soft-shell eggs. 



In vain did the oldest of our English poets pro- 

 claim his mandate in ©ur ears, saying, — 



" Foules take heed of my sentence, I pray, 



And for your own ease in f ordring of your need, 

 As fast as I may speak, I v/ill me speed : 



Ye know well how, on St. Valentine's Day, 

 By my statute, and through my governaunce, 



Ye do chuse your mates, and after flie away 

 With him, as I move you with plesaunce." 



From the 14th of February to the middle of May, 

 all birds have what is known as the 



Mating Fever. — This fever, or sexual desire, is 

 the strongest during the latter part of April, and 

 early in May ; and, if not mated, they sit moping 

 with ruffled feathers, cease singing entirely, refuse 

 their food, and often, in their silent sorrow, pine 

 away and die. If their attention can be diverted 

 from this " lovesickness," it should always be done. 

 The better cure is to mate your bird.. If this is incon- 

 venient, place him in the cheerful sunlight, tempt 

 him with dainty morsels of food, talk and whistle to 

 him ; and, if you have a friend who owns a bird, let 

 your bird visit him, and cheerful company will soon 

 restore him ; or a better way still is to leave him at 

 a well kept bird-store. 



