BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 103, 



put more, and continue this till the birds are so 

 far tamed as to feed themselves and take both food 

 and water cheerfully from their glass and pan ; 

 then their ^vings may be untied. Some think the 

 best way of rendering the branchers tame, is to 

 confine them in a cage surrounded with boards on 

 all sides except one, which is covered by a green 

 silk net, through which the food is given. 



Treatment of the Young, 



Many prefer the young fi*om the nest to either 

 old birds or branchers, as they are easier tamed, 

 and get more attached to those who feed them than 

 caught birds do. To rear the young is indeed a 

 very delightful amusement, though it certainly is 

 attended with trouble, and requires great attention, 

 9X least for ten or twelve days ; but the attachment 

 of these little warblers amply compensates for the 

 toil bestowed upon them. Young birds ought to 

 be about twelve or fourteen days old before they 

 are taken. If brought away sooner, they no doubt 

 take food more readily; but, from the deli- 

 cacy of their constitutions, many die. Let them 

 therefore be well fledged, if it can be ascertain- 

 ed ; the best time for taking them is a few days 

 before they are able to fly. Take the nest along 



