22 OUR HOME PETS 



the English blackbird, the latter with capacity 

 for eccentricity rarely equalled in any of the 

 feathered folk. The skylark, a favorite cage 

 bird in his native land, does not flourish well 

 with us, according to my experience. He is 

 exceedingly shy, and is some extra trouble, as 

 he needs, every few days, a fresh bit of turf to 

 keep him happy. 



The starling, in his quaint speckled dress, is 

 a social and friendly fellow, droll in his ways, 

 with the queerest song of any bird I know. 



The Brazilian cardinal is a beautiful bird 

 in soft dove-color with brilliant scarlet head. 

 He is a tireless and rather loud singer, but 

 bright and merry, and easily kept in health 

 and spirits. 



This list is surely long enough for every one 

 to select from, and every bird mentioned has 

 been for sale in New York bird stores, though, 

 perhaps, not all at one time. 



