THE MOCKING BIRD. 75 



though ill the winter, it would tend to the 

 advancement of his health. 



In the moulting season, however, this treat- 

 ment must be changed; the bird must be 

 taken in the house, and kept warm, quiet, 

 and free from draughts of air, which at that 

 critical period are always injurious. This 

 fatal time for birds, occurs, with this species, 

 about the commencement of August, and 

 continues until the beginning of November. 



During this season, your birds should be 

 richly fed, and have as frequently as possible, 

 spiders, which we before remarked, were an 

 excellent revival to their systems, and also, 

 grasshoppers. These are their principal food, 

 with other insects, at that season, m a state 

 of nature. They should, likewise, have meal- 

 worms, if they be severely affected. 



The mocking bird is subject to few dis- 

 eases, if properly attended to, but when 

 sickly, it is necessary to treat him very 

 kindly. Give him spiders daily, also meal- 

 worms, and disturb him as little as possible. 



Baldness around the eyes, frequently ex- 

 tending over the whole head, seems to be 

 the worst malady to which the bird is liable, 

 and generally proves fatal. It may be 

 known by the bird incessantly rubbing his 

 eyes against the perches of his cage ; we 

 have, however, cured several valuable birds, 

 by anointing the bald parts with flower of 

 sulphur, moistened with water : it allays the 

 Itching, and in most instances will prevent 



