47 



THE ROBIN REDBHEAST. 



Sylvia Rubecula, 



Description. The upper part of the body, wings, 

 and tail are of an olive brown ; the forehead, throat, and 

 breast, of an orange-red ; belly, white ; length, five in- 

 ches and three quarters. This bird is thought very 

 much of in Europe, particularly in England, being so 

 lively and very handsome a bird ; it is easily tamed, so 

 as to let it out of its cage, and play about a room. It 

 possesses a sweet warbling song. 



lis food may be the same as that of the Nightingale, 

 already mentioned ; it will also eat freely of the poppy 

 seed and bruised hemp, when mixed with the other 

 food. Its cage should be at least eighteen inches long, 

 and in proportion wide and high. This bird is very 

 fond of bathing, and should therefore be daily provided 

 with a bath ; but when allowed to fly about a room, 

 care must be taken not to leave a pitcher, or any large 

 vessel with water within its reach as they are very ipt 

 to make to such, and frequently get drowned : we have 

 known several such instances occur, to our own know- 

 ledge. 



The following beautiful lines are from the pen of 

 Bishop Doane, of New Jersey. 



