40 



muslin, or such like, instead of wire, which prevents the 

 bird from injuring its head, by flying up, which it is in 

 the habit of doing during the season of migrating. The 

 muslin should hang down from the top over the wire of 

 the side of the cage, far enough to reach down to the 

 upper perch, on which the bird most generally sings ; 

 this precaution keeps them shaded from view, as they 

 are of a timid nature. Its situation to be changed as 

 seldom as possible, and punctual treatment is expressly 

 necessary for this bird more than any other. 



The cage must be cleaned at least twice a week, and 

 the bottom well covered with dry gravel, and a daily 

 bath given. Their feet being very tender should be 

 looked after occasionally, and if found dirty washed with, 

 lukewarm water ; likewise the perches must be cleaned. 

 By neglecting this, their feet would become sore, and 

 cause lameness. In the winter they must be kept in a 

 warm room. If more than one is kept in a room, it is 

 well to place them so that they cannot see each other. 

 In the wild state, these birds feed on small insects and 

 their eggs, also chrysalis, elderberries, and currants. In 

 cages they are best fed as follows : — carrot, hard-boiled 

 egg, stale roll or biscuit, boiled sheep's or calf s heart. 

 An equal quantity of each of the above is grated (the 

 juice of the carrot squeezed out), to which is added half 

 as much ants' eggs* as the whole of the above, and then 



* The ants' eggs are gathered in Germany in great quan- 

 tities, dried, and prepared for exportation: being a very 

 wholesome food for all soft-bill birds, we import them, and 

 ve them on sale at our store. 



