GRANIVOROUS BIRDS. 15 



answer for any of the tribe, when adult, 

 in a state of captivity. In the cage they 

 are readily kept to a great age, amply re- 

 paying by their melodious songs the at- 

 tention that they require. They are like- 

 wise highly susceptible of education; and 

 can readily be taught numbers of amusing 

 and extremely interesting tricks. 



The moult of this order of birds occurs 

 in general twice a year; their plumage 

 always being the most beautiful in the 

 nuptial season, though it again changes in 

 the fall to the unostentatious livery of the 

 females. During the moulting season they 

 are always most delicate. 



It will be readily seen that in breeding 

 birds in captivity, the nighest approach to 

 a state of nature will be the most benefi- 

 cial for their nurture, and the production 

 of strong and vigorous young; but of this 

 more hereafter in its proper place. 



