THE BLACKCAP. 



the way of dainties is always welcomed by him : he is epicurean in his tastes, and 

 will be apt to sulk if his whims are not gratified. In the different seasons he, may 

 be fed on insects, beetles, caterpillars, or spiders. A stock of meal-worms should 

 be kept for him. Ants' eggs soaked in boiling water until they swell may be placed, 

 a few at a time, in his prepared food daily : common dried currants soaked in the 

 same way may be at times substituted for the ants' eggs. Ifresh berries of all kinds, 

 and fresh fruits or green vegetables, are relished by him. It is an easy matter for 

 any one to obtain some of the above-mentioned foods, as it should be borne in mind 

 that change of food is necessary for him. 



When the proper food is furnished, although the trouble of feeding and attention 

 is somewhat greater than is usually the case of the average cage-bird, he will not 

 belie his reputation as a song-bird, and will fully justify all the praises that have 

 been written of him. 



The Blackcap requires a somewhat larger cage than the Canary ; the best one 

 being the brass cage 10 x 13 X 15, or the wood frame, tinned-wire one, size 9 x 14. 



SONG. 



I never heard the herald Lark 



Pour forth his matin lay, 

 As, rising from the shadows dark 



Into the golden day, 

 Up, up he mounts on tireless wing, 

 Bearing his tuneful offering. 



I never heard the Nightingale, 



Deep hid within the grove, 

 Trill out his song o'er hill and vale, 



In ecstasy of love, 

 Till all the rustling leaves are still, 

 And softer runs the list'ning rill. 



Yet, hearing thee, I seem to hear 



The Lark at dawn rejoice, 

 And in the gloaming, silver-clear, 



The Nightingale's sweet voice ; 

 And unawares the quick tears start, 

 Such perfect rapture fills my heart. 



AV. W. CALDWELL. 



