260 THE LESSEE EEDPOLE. 



though, strictly speaking, a native of Sweden, Lapland, Green- 

 land, &c. It is a bird of passage, arriving in Germany in large 

 flights during the second half of October, and departing again 

 in March and April. During this period it frequents those 

 places where there is a plentiful supply of elder-berries. 



In confinement, it matters nothing whether this bird be 

 kept in a cage or allowed to range the room. It is unfortunate 

 that, under these circumstances, the brilliancy of its plumage 

 is of so short duration. 



Food. Elder-berries are its favourite food when in a wild 

 state, though it also eats linseed, rape-seed, &c., moistening all its 

 food in its crop, before subjecting it to the process of digestion. 



If kept in a cage, it may be fed on poppy and hemp-seed, 

 the former of which is the most wholesome. If allowed to 

 range the room, it is content with the first universal paste. 



Breeding. It is a very rare occurrence if a pair build a nest 

 in Germany. 



Diseases. The Lesser Eedpole is subject to the same dis- 

 eases as the Siskin ; though it seems to be peculiarly liable to 

 ulcerated feet, in which the claws frequently drop off. It 

 may be kept alive for eight years or more. 



Mode of Taking. Considerable numbers of these birds are often 

 caught in traps, in the spring and autumn, by means of decoy 

 birds, either of their own species, or Siskins. They are so 

 silly, or so little timorous, as often to become entangled in the 

 limed twigs, at the moment when the fowler is making sure 

 of their comrades which had been already caught. This pecu- 

 liarity, which seems to arise from their slight acquaintance 

 with human beings, is shared by all birds which breed in the 

 extreme North. Their call is Peewit I Krek, Jcrek ! Hoid! 



Attractive Qualities. The Lesser Redpole is recommended 

 to the amateur rather by the beauty of its plumage, than by 

 its song, which is merely a low, continuous twitter. It may, 

 however, be taught to draw up its own water, and perform 

 other similar feats ; as well as to eat out of its master's hand. 

 It is a very affectionate bird ; constantly caressing not only 

 its own mate but even Linnets, Goldfinches, Siskins, and 

 Canaries, if confined in the same cage. It seems, therefore, 

 not improbable that it might be induced to pair with some, if 

 not all of these. 



