382 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



ing the branch to which it was supported, and 

 continued to occupy it after it had been detached 

 and carried into the house. 



Dr. Brewer mentions a bird which was raised 

 from the nest in Worcester, Mass., that became 

 so thoroughly domesticated that even when allowed 

 the greatest freedom as when carried by the 

 married daughter of its mistress, perched upon 

 her finger through the open grounds to her own 

 domicile, made no efforts to regain its liberty. It 

 delighted in occasional acts of mischief as putting 

 its bill through the lace curtains, and seemingly 

 enjoying the noise produced by the rending of the 

 threads on opening the beak. 



The young are fed chiefly with caterpillars, which 

 are disgorged by their parents into their 

 throats, after having been apparently swallowed. 

 They are able to quit the nest in fourteen days 

 after being hatched, but are subject to parental 

 restraints for about ten days longer, when they 

 are able to shift for themselves. Before they are 

 fitted for flying, they climb to the edge of the nest, 

 from which they are frequently precipitated in 

 sudden tempests; but by means of bill, wings, and 

 claws, if unhurt, are able to gain places of security. 

 Dr. Brewer speaks of a fledgling that had both 

 legs broken which was placed in a basket to be 

 nourished by its parents, that was able to gain the 

 margin of the basket by means of its wings and 

 bill, from which it took its departure in a few days. 



In confinement the young are exceedingly play- 



