20 CLASS AVES. 



is, that it forgets a portion of its native notes, and acquires 

 only a part of the foreign, from which results an interrupted 

 and imperfect song. 



Still if it be deemed necessary to teach it some airs, the 

 mode is this : as soon as it commences to warble, it must be 

 placed in a cage covered with green serge, which is put into 

 a chamber entirely remote from the hearing of every other 

 bird. It must also be free from disturbance of every kind, 

 no one must enter except the person who has charge of the 

 bird, for the utmost tranquillity is indispensably necessary. 

 His cage, during the first eight days, is fastened near the 

 window, after which it is gradually removed thence into the 

 darkest part of the room, where the bird should remain 

 during the whole period of tuition. Six lessons a day will 

 suffice ; two in the morning, two in the middle of the day, 

 and two in the evening ; those in the morning and evening 

 should be the longest, for then the bird is most attentive. 

 The air designed to be taught, should be repeated ten times 

 at each lesson ; the bird will be able to execute two airs with 

 facility, but if more are attempted to be taught, it will 

 generally confound them, and know nothing perfectly. 



A deep toned flageolet is the best instrument for teaching 

 , the nightingale by. The instructor too, must not abandon 

 his pupil, because he hears it warble on in the usual manner, 

 and appear to derive no profit from his lessons. This 

 will often be the case after the moulting, and even during 

 the entire winter, and yet the bird will repeat the airs which 

 it has heard, in the commencement of spring. Among the 

 young birds so brought up, some will sing during the night, 

 but the major part commence in the morning, more or less 

 early according to the season. 



The nightingale taken adult, may be made to sing, if 

 properly treated, if its prison be made as much as possible 

 like its native woods, freed from intrusion, and secured 

 against cold. It should also receive an abundant and 



