SWEET'S ACCOUNT OF THE G EXITS SYLVIA, 29 



or less, twice in the year ; in the summer or autumn before they 

 take their departure from this country, and again in the latter enci 

 of winter, or before their arrival in spring ; this appears to be a 

 provision of nature, that their feathers may be fresh and strong, 

 to assist them in their flight from one country to another. I sel- 

 dom find that they suffer any inconvenience from moulting, as 

 birds in general are supposed to do ; the only thing to guard 

 against, is to be careful that they do not get chilled with cold, 

 but to keep them rather warmer at that time than they generally 

 are ; I find nothing of more real benefit to them, than to place 

 them out ip the sun as often as possible, which brings out their 

 feathers very quickly. 



These birds are sometimes troubled with warts, or swellings 

 on their feet, particularly in cold weather, which makes them 

 lame, and sometimes it irritates them so much, probably from its 

 itching, that I have known them pull off their claws ; but this is 

 easily remedied, for when they- are observed to be lame, if a little 

 fresh butter be rubbed on their feet, or, what is a great deal bet- 

 ter, a small quantity of cold cream, it will cure them almost imme- 

 diately. I have cured them in a very short time, even when 

 their feet have been swelled very much, and full of knots, or 

 warts. If by accident they happen to break off a claw or toe, it 

 is best to soak it directly in Freeman's Bathing Spirits, which 

 stops the blood immediately, and soon heals the wound. 



I also find that their general food, which is bruised hemp-seed 

 and bread, is apt to become dry on a summer's day, particularly 

 if the cages are placed out of doors ; it must then be moistened, or 

 the birds will not eat of it, as they always prefer it very moist ; 

 it had better be a little over-moist than too dry. I also find that 

 they are fondest of their meat, when mixed up with the bruised 

 hemp-seed and bread, which should be cut up in small pieces, 

 not scraped with a knife, as is generally done ; a little very fresh 

 might be given occasionally, which they will sometimes prefer as 

 a change ; the change of food I consider of the greatest impor- 

 tance, both as to keeping them in good health, and raising their 

 spirits to make them sing ; nearly the whole of mine have been 

 in full song all the winter ; the greater part began to sing in 

 October, and the others in November. 



Bird-fanciers generally keep their Nightingales, or other birds 

 that they consider tender, in a close cage, with wires only in 

 front, thinking it will keep them warm, and preserve their health; 

 on the same principle I had my largest cage made, only with 

 green baize at the top, to keep them from injuring their heads 

 when on their passage ; at the same time I had a less cage, wired 

 all round except on one side, and I was surprised to find that the 



