THE SONG THRUSH. 139 



roof of the cage forming bis only protection. His hardiness is proverbial, and his 

 remarkable constitution seems capable of enduring any degree of cold. His melodi- 

 ous voice will delight whole streets by its loudness and pleasing variety : and, while 

 the voice is very loud, it is always clear and agreeable ; in this respect the Song 

 Thrush when caged cannot be equalled. 



In a wild state the bird subsists on berries of various kinds, and is a greedy 

 devourer of almost any variety of insect food. One of his chief delights is that of 

 cracking a cockle on a stone, and dexterously withdrawing the meat, which is a 

 delicious morsel for him. 



When caged, the prepared food is the bird's regular diet, subject to the changes 

 as given for all soft-bill birds. The changes of diet, and the remedies for diseases, 

 are the same as those of the Mocking-bird. 



A number of small pebbles or stones should be placed in the cage, to supply the 

 want of the cockles which he enjoys cracking in his wild state. He will pick up a 

 pebble in his beak, and beat a tattoo with amusing rapidity on the bottom and against 

 the wires of his cage. 



The cage should be roomy, twenty-four to thirty inches long ; and, if the bird is 

 accustomed to remain outdoors, he should have all sides of the cage except the front 

 protected. With this precaution the cage may be permitted to hang outdoors at all 

 seasons, except the most severe. 



With even common care and attention the Thrush will live in good health and 

 song to the age of ten or twelve years. 



