8 OUR NATIVE SONGSTERS. 



the species which were regarded by the Komans 

 as the choicest of feathered game ; and many a 

 sweet chorus of song in the trees of the Roman 

 villas and gardens led to the capture of the 

 singers. Extensive aviaries were formed around 

 the ancient city, in which thrushes, blackbirds, 

 fieldfares, redwings, and other birds of this family, 

 were kept during the whole year, that they might 

 be prepared for the table. A vaulted pavilion 

 formed the aviary ; this was furnished with 

 perches. A carpet was made of green turfs, 

 often renewed, and branches were strewed over 

 the floor. Hire, crowded together in great num- 

 bers, the birds were well fed ; and, lest some 

 wandering wing might be seen, and thus awaken 

 a longing for the green wood, the windows were 

 so placed as that the little captives might receive 

 light without a sight of the blue sky or the sur- 

 roimding country. A clear rivulet ran through 

 the aviary, in order to gratify their love of 

 bathing ; and here the petted birds sang and ate 

 till they were fitted to gratify the taste of tlic 

 luxurious Roman. It may be, that tlie ej)icure jius- 

 titii'd his appetite for singing birds on the ground 

 of the invigorating nature of the flesh of the 



