50 TREATISE ON 



but still it is not a rare bird, which may be ex- 

 plained by its having two or three broods in the 

 year. Both male and female are employed in con- 

 structing the nest, which is placed in a liedge or 

 bush pretty near the ground. We have found 

 them in hedges, thora bushes, and amongst the 

 under branches of the silver and spruce iirs. These 

 last conceal it, for the branches must be lifted up 

 or put aside before the nest can be discovered ; but 

 in hedges, &c. it is easily seen, as instinct compels 

 these birds to build so early in spring that the fo- 

 liage has not then had time to spread a green cur- 

 tain round their mossy couch. 



Treatment of the Yoimg. 



\ Tlie young may be taken fi'om the nest aft^r^ 

 they are ten or twelve days old. Wlien they are 

 brought home, put them in a box or round basket ' 

 cage, upon fine diy hay, or fern, and keep them 

 very clean; but if the weather is very cold, or 

 the birds appear sickly, then the box or cage must i 

 be lined with flannel. 



Feed them CA^ery two hours with minced flesh- 

 meat, mixed with crums of loaf-bread, to which add 

 one-third of bruised rape or hemp-seed. With 

 care and attention they will thrive upon this ; and. 



