224 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



1838, a London dealer had three living specimens of this species for 

 sale. 



The Starling is a well known and favourite cage bird. Being of 

 a restless disposition, it requires a cage of at least two feet in length 

 and a foot and a half in breadth, or it will injure its plumage against 

 the sides. It is no dainty feeder, but will thrive on the universal 

 paste, insects, bread, or indeed anything which is not sour. Being 

 extremely fond of bathing, it requires a constant supply of fresh water. 

 It may readily be taught to pronounce words or to whistle tunes. Mr. 

 Weir gives an account of an individual kept by a carver and gilder 

 of Edinburgh, that articulated most distinctly the following sentences 

 when he entered the shop, " Come in, Sir, and take a seat. I see by 

 yonr face that yon are fond of the lasses. George, send for a coach 

 and six for pretty Charlie. Be clever, Georgey! I want it immediately." 

 If an adult wild bird be obtained, it may soon be reconciled to the 

 food of the aviary by a diet of mealworms, and will become as tarne 

 as if reared from the nest. 



The habits of the Dipper render it a rather unsuitable bird to keep 

 in confinement, but it will live for some years in an aviary, if fed on 

 the universal paste, to which it must at first be gradually inured by 

 a judicious use of mealworms and insects. 



The Missel Thrush will live in confinement for ten or twelve yeaisj 

 but its song is so loud as to be disagreeable if it is kept in a 

 sitting-room. It will thrive on the universal paste, or wheaten bran 

 moistened with water. If placed in a small cage, it will generally 

 manage to reduce its tail to a mere stump by rubbing against the 

 wires. It is fond of bathing, and must bo kept cool. 



The Fieldfare and Redwing may be treated as the preceding species. 



