SONG BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



croaking, by which the melodious Philomel cannot 

 be recognised ; and it is not surprising that for- 

 merly, in Italy, they gave him a different name 

 under these circumstances. He is indeed another 

 bird a bird — altogether different in respect of 

 voice, and even, in a great degree, in respect of 

 colour of his plumage." 



When wild, Nightingales feed on insects, especi- 

 ally little green caterpillars, flies and beetles, and 

 the grubs of insects hid among moss or in the 

 earth, which are discovered by turning it up. 



In order to obtain the genuine wild notes of 

 these birds, they should be caught shortly after 

 their arrival in this country, by observing their 

 haunts, and scratching up a piece of ground close 

 by, where a trap should be placed, baited with 

 meal-worms, or some such food. When caught, 

 they should be placed in a square, roofed cage, 

 with close wires, covered by paper. The cage 

 should then be placed in some retired situation, 

 away from light, and the bird fed with ants' eggs, 

 meal-worms, and the like. The second or third 

 day after they have been caught, they may be 

 hung outside the window ; when they will begin 

 to sing. After a time the paper may by degrees 

 be removed ; when they will soon become acquaint- 

 ed with the person who attends them, and will 

 often evince considerable attachment. With pro- 

 per management they may be kept for several 

 years in a state of confinement. 



The food recommended by Bechstein for Night- 

 ingales, when fresh ants' eggs cannot be procured, 



