TREATMENT IX CONFINEMENT. 31 



seen several such broods, both of the Capercali and the 

 Black-Cock, each numbering eight to twelve. They were 

 so tame that, like common hens, they would run forward 

 when grain was thrown to them. They should always 

 have a good supply of sand and water." 



When speaking of the rearing of the chicks, M. Greiff 

 says : " They are to be supplied with ant-eggs, hard-boiled 

 eggs chopped up and mixed with moistened barley-meal, 

 also pea-haulm and trefoil-grass. They must have plenty 

 of water, which should be so placed that they cannot 

 overturn the pan, for they suffer very much if they get 

 wet when young. Dry sand and mould they should never 

 be without ; when they get larger they eat with avidity 

 cabbage-leaves, strawberries, red whortleberries, and blea- 

 berries; and, when full-grown, barley and wheat. In the * 

 winter they should be provided with tender shoots of pine 

 and birch-buds. I have known many people who thought 

 they treated young birds well by giving them juniper- 

 berries, but they never resort to this kind of food except 

 in case of necessity." 



Though the Capercali in a state of nature may be 

 considered a hardy bird, yet in confinement, especially if 

 recently captured, when it of course suffers from depri- 

 vation of liberty and change of diet, it can hardly be 

 said to support that character. With myself, in spite 

 of every precaution, they not unfrequently died, some 

 apparently from apoplexy, others from worms, others 

 again from diarrhoea ; but, although several medical men 

 dissected the bodies, no positive decision was arrived at 

 as to the cause of death. 



When confined in coops, however, the mortality was 

 greater than in roomy aviaries ; but even in the latter, if 

 roofed in, they never throve well. The better plan is 

 to give them the run, in the daytime, of a small inclo- 

 sure netted over, so that they have the full benefit of air 



