CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



soft tone in the voice of the Bullfinch, which affords such great pleasure, is absent ; 

 and in its stead is heard the clear, mellow pipe, just like the notes of a well-played 

 flute : and, although the two styles of music are widely different, each bird has his 

 own class of admirers, who think that the music as performed by their own favorite 

 is the best. 



The Albino Blackbirds are a remarkable class. This freak of nature seems to 

 favor the Blackbird more than any other known species, and the appearance of some 

 of the members is quite puzzling. In some parts of Ireland the Albino, or White 

 Blackbird, is held in great veneration ; and, when one is seen in a flock, he is not 

 allowed to be harmed : in fact, the religious superstition which protects birds of this 

 class would prove dangerous to anybody who should be found guilty of catching one 

 of the birds. 



Sometimes the entire body is pure white : in other cases the wing or tail feathers 

 only show the white. It is not related that the flesh of the White Blackbird is any 

 more delicious or tender than his colored brother's ; but it is certain that they are 

 greatly sought for as cage-birds and specimens for museums. 



English Blackbirds have become great favorites in America ; and residents of 

 foreign birth, who do not forget his pleasing song when he roamed the fields with 

 which they were so well acquainted, admire him above any other imported cage-bird. 

 He does not lose any of his pleasing notes when caged, and sings even more con- 

 stantly during the year than when at liberty. Owing to the Blackbird's size, he 

 should have as roomy a cage as possible, and ample bathing facility. In fine spring 

 or summer weather he may always be hung outdoors ; and then his cage should be 

 covered, to protect him from the rays of the sun. 



The Blackbird lives in confinement, when properly cared for, from eight to ten 

 years. The trained birds of this class are not apt to forget their music ; but, during 

 the moulting season, it is better to whistle the air to them daily, so that they will 

 remain perfect pipers. 



The Albinos require the same care as the common Blackbird : only in the case of 

 complete Albinism, or where the eyes are pink, the bird should be hung where a 

 strong light will not reach him ; as it would tend to weaken the eyes. 



The food, care, and treatment for diseases, are the same as given for the Song 

 Thrush. 



