68 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



A shower seems to have an effectual influence upon the 

 song, inasmuch ns it is then that generally the most beau- 

 tiful notes may be heard pealing- forth in the summer 

 twilight. 



Although this bird continues in England the whole of 

 the year, it is still partially migratory, many of them 

 arriving in the South whenever the snow has deprived 

 them of the means of living in the North. 



The Blackbird may be kept in a cage, which should be 

 of willow-work, and large ; when with attention — which he 

 will amply reward with his splendid song — he will do well, 

 except for being apt to break his feathers. It is not quite 

 advisable to place him in an aviary, as he possesses a 

 domineering disposition, and being a large bird — his length 

 being about ten inches — he may become dangerous to the 

 smaller birds, besides eating more than his share of foodJX 



