REDBREAST. 
57 
Although so friendly with man, this bird is generally 
unsociable with individuals of his own species, whether at 
large or confined in a cage: under both circumstances, they 
are frequently seen to fight. We have, however, found the 
Redbreast very peaceable when confined with small birds 
of different species, and have frequently kept him in a cage 
with nearly twenty others, It is supposed, also, that, in mi¬ 
grating, Redbreasts travel singly, as they have occasionally been 
seen alone at some distance from land. In a communication 
from the Rev. E. J. Moor, that gentleman says: “ A young 
naval friend of mine (Mr. R. Burroughes) told me that as his 
ship was once in the Bay of Biscay, at a considerable distance 
from any land, a common Robin Redbreast was picked up 
one morning on the deck, weak and wounded; it had been 
driven against a mast of the ship in the night, which was 
rough and squally. The bird was attended to, and re¬ 
covered, and continued with the vessel until she reached 
Bengal, where it was taken to land and liberated. It used to 
fly about the rigging, and come down on the deck to be 
fed. Mr. Burroughes added, that it was highly curious 
to see the Robin preparing to shelter itself about the different 
parts of the rigging, &c., upon the approach of any coarse 
weather.” 
Although very sensible on most other subjects, these birds 
very readily fall into a snare or trap ; one is no sooner caught 
than all the Redbreasts within hearing come around to see 
what is the matter, so unbounded is their curiosity ; and one 
after another may be caught in the same manner by leaving- 
one bird in the trap-cage to allure the rest. But although it 
falls into a snare with such incautious precipitation, the Red¬ 
breast is not so easily accustomed to a cage as many other 
birds ; and, unless taken at a suitable season of the year, flags 
and dies after a few days’ captivity. It bears the loss of its 
liberty best in the winter ; and we have kept individuals taken 
