THE BLACKCAP. 151 



to the discovery of the nest. When in captivity 

 the bird's note is scarcely inferior to that carolled 

 in the boughs ; yet it seems hard to keep the little 

 creature in confinement, for so strong is the instinct 

 for migration, at the proper period, that the black- 

 cap will then fall ill and die. And thus, those 

 who take those wild creatures, and love them well, 

 yet inflict upon them the saddest sorrows. If, at 

 this time, the moon shines brightly into the room 

 where the bird is hung, it becomes most sensibly 

 affected, for it is on moonlight nights that these 

 migratory journeys are commenced. In vain the 

 poor bird flaps its wings, and makes every restless 

 and distracted effort to escape from the cage ; it 

 is compelled to endure the anguish thus often 

 thoughtlessly inflicted, and perhaps to perish from 

 its inward agony of emotion. 



Of all our wild birds, none is known to be of a 

 more affectionate disposition than our little black- 

 cap. This is shown when in captivity by its love 

 to tlie person who attends it. At the approach of 

 its owner, it will utter a call kept for him alone, 

 and the voice becomes quite expressive of tender- 

 ness towards him. It will rush against the bars 

 of the cage as if to reach him more nearly, and 



