BLACKBIRD, OR MERLE. 



There are usually two and frequently three 

 broods of Blackbirds in the year ; and thus the 

 song continues through great part of the season, 

 though it is not heard so continually, so long at a 

 time, or from so lofty a perch, as that of the Thrush. 

 Notwithstanding its solitary and hiding habits, 

 the Blackbird is more easily tamed and more 

 patient of restraint than the Thrush.* It is an 

 excellent cage bird, carolling delightfully all the 

 spring and summer ; but it should not be placed 

 in an aviary, as it pursues and harasses the other 

 birds. It will eat readily crumbs of bread, and 

 flesh, either raw or otherwise, and is likewise fond 

 of bread mixed with milk or water. 



Young birds (says Albin) of twelve days old or 

 less, may be raised with little trouble, by taking 

 care to keep them clean, and feeding them with 

 sheep's heart, or other lean unsalted meat, cut very 

 small and mixed with a little bread. While young, 

 they should have their meat moist, and be fed 

 about every two hours. At full growth, they thrive 

 on any sort of fresh meat, mixed with a little bread. 

 When sick or drooping, a house-spider or two will 

 help the bird. They love to wash and preen their 

 feathers ; therefore, when full-grown, water should 

 be set in their cages for that purpose. 



* Mudie's British Birds. 



