152 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



his species. If a Robin Redbreast is tied by the leg inside a small cage, and the 

 door left open, only a short time will elapse before one of his kind is attracted by 

 his flutterings. An immediate attack is the consequence, which results in an easy 

 capture for the bird-catcher ; as the Redbreast is intent only on the destruction of 

 his brother, and unmindful of any danger that may threaten himself. 



Many amusing anecdotes are told of his kindly disposition when caged, which 

 are in direct contrast to his fighting qualities when wild. The following account 

 shows his kindly nature when his opponent was unable to do just battle : 



Two male Redbreasts were captured, and confined in the same cage. From the 

 moment of their imprisonment they seemed to have laid aside their amiable and 

 social demeanor : morning, noon, and night they squabbled, and pecked each other, 

 and fought with a rancor which plainly showed that they each grudged every atom 

 of food or drop of water obtained by the other. This state of affairs was at last 

 brought to an unexpected termination : one of the captives broke his leg, and forth- 

 with the conduct of his companion changed ; he at once took the helpless invalid 

 under his charge with as much tenderness as if he had been one of his own chil- 

 dren, and fed and tended him until the limb was completely restored. After the 

 invalid was strong and well again, neither of the birds showed the slightest incli- 

 nation to resume hostilities. 



The truly parental affection which they exhibit towards the young of entirely 

 different species is mentioned by a bird-lover who put an unfledged Linnet into the 

 cage with a Robin Redbreast. No sooner did the hungry little stranger begin to 

 clamor for food than the parental feelings and sympathy of the Robin were aroused : 

 he at once hopped off to procure a dainty mouthful, which he placed tenderly in the 

 youngster's gaping beak, repeating the performance until the cravings of hunger 

 were completely satisfied. 



It is also related that the Robin will take care of a neglected nest of young 

 Canaries, and rear them with a devotion which cannot be surpassed by the most 

 careful of mothers. 



The song of the Robin when caged is as agreeable as his sweet notes when in a 

 wild state. He is a very constant singer, and he remains in song about ten mouths 

 of the year. 



The bird is more easily cared for than the Canary, and, with proper food and 

 treatment, lives many years : he thrives on regular prepared food, most keepers 

 preferring to use the dry food with grated, raw carrot mixed with it. A few ants' 

 eggs soaked, and mixed with the food daily, and one or two spiders or grasshoppers, 

 are of benefit, and will be eagerly devoured. When the bird has diarrhoea a spider 

 or two is the best cure. Attacks of indigestion are cured by giving spiders or oiled 

 meal-worms. 



A pair of Robin Redbreasts may be as easily mated as a pair of Canaries, 

 requiring the same-sized breeding-cage and nesting material, and plenty of rich 

 food, Avhich should be meal-worms, spiders, ants' eggs, egg-paste, and fresh fruits 

 or berries, and the dry prepared food with carrot. These may all be fed after the 

 young are hatched. Two nests may be reared in a season. 



