BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 125 



a seed of hemp, and calls " Robie!" he instantly 

 flies at it, picks it from between the finger and 

 thumb, darts off, and this so rapidly that one 

 cannot detect how he extracts the seed. He is a 

 fine healthy bird, in full feather, though only fed 

 on hempseed,* loaf-bread, and what flies he can 

 catch, with now and then a spider. 



His manner of feeding is rather curious : — A slice 

 of bread is put down, which he pecks at from one 

 point, generally near the centre of the piece, until 

 he has made a hole through it ; he then begins at 

 another place, and does the same : He is very in- 

 quisitive, and it is amusing to observe him when 

 any thing is brought into the apartment, such as 

 books, paper, &c. — At first he advances with great 

 caution; but, finding the object motionless, he ven- 

 tures nearer, hops round it, but never appears 

 content till he has got upon it, and never quits it, 



• About six weeks since, and after this article was written, this 

 bird lost his voice; his eyes watered much and appeared sore, he 

 held up his head, seemed dull, drooped, and was evidently un- 

 well,— the effect, perhaps, of too much hemp-seed. We suggested 

 to the gentleman, to give the bird insect-food alone, which was 

 done ; he ate greedily sklaters, centipedes, soft grubs, &c. In a 

 few days his voice returned, he sung as usual, seemed cheerful, 

 and in every respect appeared quite well. 



