32 TREATMENT IN CONFINEMENT. 



and sun; and, at nightfall, to shut them up in a close 

 shed, wherehy they are protected both from wind and 

 heavy rains, which are very injurious to them ; as also 

 from cats, owls, and other large vermin. Not that these 

 can ohtain access to the interior of a well-construct nl 

 coop or aviary ; but by their presence they so frighten the 

 birds as to cause them to fly against the bars of their 

 prison, and oftentimes to seriously injure themselves. 

 With me these nightly alarms were of frequent occurrence, 

 and generally attended with disastrous consequences. One 

 morning, indeed, we found two birds quite dead and 

 several others so much injured that they survived a few 

 days only. 



The aviary, it is proper to remark, should be located 

 in a dry and airy situation, though not exposed to cutting 

 winds, which birds detest of all things. The site is of 

 more consequence than may be generally supposed ; for, 

 if low and damp, disease and mortality are frequent ; but 

 if elevated and dry, the birds commonly remain healthy. 

 The Earl of Orkney, whose aviaries were particularly 

 well situated, assured me that out of twelve brace of 

 Capercali he never lost a single bird from causes con- 

 nected with the locality. 



To those who keep Capercali in confinement, the fol- 

 lowing directions as to their treatment may be found 

 useful, being the result of much experience : 



First. If the birds be recently captured, suffer no one 

 but the keeper to go near them. 



Secondly. Always approach them cautiously, so as not 

 to create sudden alarm. 



Thirdly. Whilst near them be as quiet as possible, and 

 retire slowly. 



Fourthly. The site where they are kept should be dry 

 and airy, and a portion of the space allotted to them 

 should be protected from falling weather. 



