EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 2Q9 



line the lane sides or farm-fences in his 

 native country. This is given principally 

 from day-dawn until near mid-day, and 

 abounds in spirit and variety. 



In the cage, where he is highly esteem- 

 ed, he becomes very docile, and may be 

 readily taught to whistle tunes, which he 

 does with the greatest clearness and preci- 

 sion. Here, he is a greater favourite thaji 

 the Thrush; but from his pugnacious 

 character, he should never be associated 

 with other birds, it being proper to keep 

 him always alone, and in a large and 

 roomy cage. In a collection of birds, 

 from his peculiar character, the soft mel- 

 low song of the Blackbird is particularly 

 distinct among the sharp trilling voices 

 peculiar to the family of Finches. 



The treatment of this songster must be 

 the same as that prescribed hereinafter for 

 the Mocking-bird, both as regards food 

 and the cure of disease. 



The Blackbird may frequently be ob- 

 tained from our best fanciers, or from the 

 18* 



