224 



WICHTERICH ON N I H GTI NG A LES. 



amend and correct it. The nervous system being' formed of the prin- 

 cipal organs which are subservient to the sensations, that is to say, to 

 the most essential functions in animals, it is manifest that the con- 

 sideration of such a system should create a deep interest in the 

 zoologist. 



ON CATCHING, TAMING, AND KEEPING NIGHTINGALES. 



BY M. WICHTERICH, OF BONN*. 



I have been informed, that, in England, the greater number of 

 Nightingales confined in cages die within a short time after they 

 are caught, and rarely outlive the succeeding winter. This is so far 

 from being the case with me, that I should be ashamed to say I had 

 ever lost more Nightingales than of any of the other birds usually kept 

 in cages ; though M. Bechstein has also said, in his Natural History of 

 Cage Birds, that all his Nightingales died within no very long time. 



When I have a Nightingale newly caught, I put him in a cage of 

 the form usually called a Nightingale's cage, cover it with a white 

 handkerchief — because any darker colour would intercept the light — 

 throwing in ten or twelve meal worms, previously pinching them on 

 the head, to prevent their crawling away, and about a handful of fresh 

 ants' eggsf. If it do not take to the ants' eggs at first, it will be sure 

 to do so after a few trials, by throwing the meal worms over them. 

 About half a dozen meal worms may be given every three or four 

 hours, for a day or two, till it takes to the eggs ; after six or eight 

 weeks it will not be necessary, except for a treat, or as an occasional 

 change of food. 



As soon as it takes to feed well, it will begin to sing, which will 

 take place at the longest in about eight days ; and it will be impor- 

 tant, unless the cage be kept covered with the white handkerchief, to 

 let it remain in the same place, as change of place will often make a 

 nightingale leave off singing. Ants' eggs, in the quantity of a hand- 



* Translated from M. Wichterich's manuscript communication to the Editor, by 

 Edward Rennie. 



•f The cocoons (not eggs) of the wood ant ( Formica rufa) y which are sold by 

 measure in Germany, and are plentiful in our own woods. — Ed. 



