BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 131 



ter, and being kept dry and clean. The same 

 food and treatment answers for adult birds. The 

 young redbreasts are very unlike the parents, be- 

 ing spotted with dark-brown on a lighter-brown 

 ground, and having a cry similar to that of the 

 young hedge-sparrow. 



The manner of taking old birds by trap, or 

 limed twig, and their after treatment, is the same 

 as practised regarding the nightingale. 



Damp and cold are detrimental to redbreasts, 

 and may produce cramp. To prevent it, keep the 

 birds warm, clean, and diy. And to cure it, give 

 them two or tliree meal-worms every day. For 

 gout, rub their legs and feet with fresh lard or 

 sweet butter, and occasionally give them a few meal- 

 worms. For giddiness, give them a few spiders, 

 or two or three hog-lice, in Scotland called skla- 

 ters. When moulting they are subject to the pip, 

 {Scottice, " roop,") a swelling near the rump : this 

 must be opened with a needle, and then anointed 

 with lard. If neglected, they will mope, perhaps die. 



The gapes, that is, when they open the bill. 



