Introductory. 



5 



Sometimes the occupants of the aviary will use them ; but, 

 as a rule, they appear to be better pleased with a nest of 

 their own construction, built in a spot of their own choice. 



Migration of Birds. — At certain seasons of the year, 

 usually in the autumn and spring months, large numbers of 

 birds of various species migrate, for the purpose of finding 

 a more genial climate and a greater abundance of such food 

 as is necessary for their existence and well-being ; but these 

 birds invariably return to the country they prefer when the 

 season for propagating their species arrives. A great deal 

 of interesting information could be given on this subject ; 

 but it is not my intention to do more than to point 

 out that birds of the genus Sylva — which are chiefly birds 

 of passage — become exceedingly restless in confinement, when 

 the seasons arrive for their periodical migration ; and at times, 

 more particularly towards evening, get so agitated and restless, 

 that they will start up quite suddenly, flutter their wings 

 rapidly, and attempt to fly away by making sudden darts up- 

 ward ; or they will run backwards and forwards, in a most 

 restless and excited manner, along their perches, flapping their 

 wings rapidly, and apparently oblivious to all around them. 

 This feverish excitement, which lasts for a space of two hours 

 or more at a time, continues for a period of ten or twelve 

 days. It appears to affect them most in the spring of the 

 year. 



Insect Food. — "Where nightingales are kept, it is ad- 

 vantageous to obtain and preserve for their use in winter 

 a quantity of wasp comb. This ought to be obtained when 

 the young grubs are well matured, and should be preserved 

 by being first placed in an oven, not too hot, but suffi- 

 ciently heated to destroy the lives of the grubs, and also 

 prevent them from decaying. After this process, the 

 comb should be kept in a dry place, on shelves, or, what is 

 better, on a piece of square-shaped canvas, secured with 

 a string at each corner, and suspended from the kitchen 

 ceiling, or the ceiling of a dry attic, which gets a daily share 

 of sunlight. This will be found most convenient and useful 

 when insect food is scarce and difficult to procure, and the 

 birds greatly enjoy and thrive upon it. 



Mealworms make a very good food for certain birds. To 

 insure a constant supply, get a pint of them (or more if 



