THE BLACKBIRD. 27 



however, for the tamest kinds of birds, such as gold- 

 finches, siskins, and linnets ; those which are very wild 

 and violent, as chaffinches and larks, should be put 

 into a small bag made of linen, the bottom of which 

 must be lined with felt. When brought to the house 

 the violent species must be immediately put into a 

 dark place, and their cages covered with branches or 

 anything else, that they may not injure themselves, or 

 spoil their plumage. A little attention to the birds' 

 actions in such cases will point out what is best to be 

 done, for amongst birds of the same species there is 

 nothing regular in this respect." 



Blackbird. Timid and distrustful, the blackbird 

 seldom enters the area or barn-floor trap, but it is 

 easily caught in the winter with a noose or springe, 

 by using service berries for a bait. It sometimes 

 falls into the large traps set for tits, when the berries 

 are spread over the bottom ; limed twigs put with the 

 berries in a place cleared from the snow, will catch 

 many also ; it also goes to the water trap, but gene- 

 rally at nightfall. 



Blackcap. Every taste but that of the palate must 

 be destroyed if this charming bird is caught for the 

 table. Besides, it is by no means numerous ; but if 

 it is desired as an ornament to the house, snares 

 baited with currants must be laid for it in July and 

 August, the greatest care being taken to save the feet, 

 which are very likely to be broken. Patience is very 

 necessary in order to succeed, for it is a very suspi- 

 cious bird, approaching slowly, and falling into the 

 snare only when pressed by hunger. The same sus- 

 picious disposition causes it to repair with repugnance 

 to the water-trap, though in other situations it de- 

 lights in water, and often bathes. If it perceives 

 anything unusual it will remain for hours without 



