Rearing Young Birds. 87 



These birds, however, make nothing of attacking any- 

 thing : I have myself seen small Grey-pates hop boldly 

 forward and assault a bird the size of a small Pigeon, 

 so that I am quite unwilling to trust these imprudent 

 small birds any longer in the same cage with large 

 ones till they have grown older and more wise. 



8. A deep bed of moss, covered with wool, and 

 with a small blanket, daily changed for a clean one, 

 is the best arrangement for the nest. The flannel 

 should cover the young birds up completely, and only 

 be taken off for food to be given, which should be 

 done very often, from sunrise to sunset. Every hour 

 is best, eveiy two hours is almost necessary ; and 

 they eat several (about four) quillfuls at each meal. 

 A few drops of water should be also given, one or so 

 occasionally between the supplies of food. It is veiy 

 desirable to give some peculiar call or whistle before 

 uncovering the birds to feed, repeating it often while 

 giving them their food. If they are to learn to whistle 

 tunes, they will thus acquire a habit of association, 

 which will be very useful. 



9. When it is difficult to make them eat, the 

 imitation of the old bird's note will often cause them 

 to do so. It is an important thing, too, to notice 

 how the old birds give the food ; some putting their 

 own bill into the chick's, and others standing up tall 

 and dropping the dinner into the gaping mouth. 

 This should be imitated as nearly as possible. 



