74 Bird-keeping. 



the Italians, caponera d'edera, from its fondness for ivy- 

 berries ; and by the Germans it is known as the monk 

 or moor, from its cowl-like hood. It frequents most 

 parts of England, and is a very active, joyous little 

 bird, seldom seen to advantage in captivity, as it is 

 apt to disfigure its plumage when caught wild and 

 caged, and often loses its feathers when in an aviary ; 

 probably from heating food. Many of the Warblers, 

 too, moult twice in the year, before their migration 

 to warmer climes, and before their return to England. 

 Probably this is a provision for their long flights ; it 

 adds to the difficulty of keeping them in good health 

 in confinement : they require warmth, and nourishing 

 but not heating food. A sunny situation would help 

 the growth of the new feathers ; if that cannot be 

 given, a warm bath might be useful, but any chill 

 afterwards must be carefully avoided. The Blackcap 

 and most of the genus suffer from tender feet, and 

 swellings or warts upon them : a little cold cream will 

 soon cure these. 



The FAUVETTE, GREATER PETTICHAPS, or GAR- 

 DEN WARBLER (Sylvia hortensis) is a lively active 

 bird, and has a sweet song : it is of a delicate brown 

 plumage, with the under wing-coverts pale buff; brown 

 eyes and beak ; the lower part of the body is white. 

 It is a summer visitant of England, and frequents 

 shrubberies and plantations, feeding on insects and 

 fruit. It soon becomes tame and familiar with its 



