304 Caxakies axd Cage-Birds. 



time." Another individual is recorded to have formed a very strong attachment to a dog. 

 Blackbirds are very devoted to their young, and when attacked by any animal will defend 

 their nest most valiantly. A tale is related of a pair that had built a nest near a paled 

 fence, which a cat, by crawling along the paling, endeavoured to approach; thereupon the hen 

 left the nest, flew to meet her in a state of great alarm, and placed herself almost within her 

 reach, uttering the most piteous screams of wildness and despair. The cock-bird, on perceiving 

 the danger, showed the greatest distress, and uttered loud screams and outcries, sometimes 

 settling on the fence just before the cat, who was unable to make a spring in consequence 

 of the narrowness of its footing. After a little time the cock flew at the cat, and succeeded 

 in driving her away. A second time the same scene occurred ; but the Blackbird was again 

 victorious, and the cat became so intimidated at the attacks made upon her that she gave 

 over her attempts to get at the young ones. After each battle the Blackbird celebrated his 

 victory with a song, and for several days afterwards he would hunt the cat about the garden 

 whenever she left the house. 



The ailments of the Blackbird greatly resemble those of the Thrush, and should be treated 

 accordingly. He is, however, subject to another painful disease, caused by the obstruction of 

 the rump gland, which is situated immediately over the tail. This very often swells up in 

 the form of a pimple, and should be, directly it is perceived, anointed with a little fresh 

 butter, which must be free from salt, mixed up with a small quantity of sugar. If necessary, 

 make an incision in the pimple with a needle or small sharp penknife. Bechstein mentions, 

 and particularly recommends, an ointment made of litharge, white-lead, wine, and olive oil. 

 If possible to save the bird without, an incision should only be made as a last resort, as it 

 may destroy the gland, and consequently deprive the bird of the oily matter secreted there, 

 which is used to moisten and plume the feathers, such oil being particularly missed during 

 the moulting season. 



The Ring Ousel, unlike the Redwing and Fieldfare, visits these islands in exactly 

 contrary seasons, arriving in the month of April and departing in October. It is a very shy, 

 wild bird, preferring mountainous or open country, only approaching enclosed lands when the 

 fruit is ripe. It is more common in Scotland and the west and north of England, where 

 heather abounds. In its habits it somewhat resembles the Blackbird, and is, therefore, in some 

 districts designated the "Mountain Blackbird." Its food also is similar, and it may be treated 

 much the same when kept in confinement, not forgetting to supply it freely with elderberries, 

 of which fruit it is very fond. In winter, soak a few dried elderberries or grocer's currants, 

 and mix with its ordinary food. 



The cage should be large, as it is a fine handsome bird, measuring about eleven inches. 

 The bird is almost uniformly blackish-brown, with the exception of a crescent-shaped band 

 of greyish-white across the breast ; the female being rather lighter, whilst the band is narrower 

 and not so distinctly marked. The song is composed of only a few notes, v/hich are loud 

 and sonorous. 



For treatment of ailments, refer to Blackbird. 



