Introductory. 



3 



acquire some of the notes of their parents or congeners, which 

 they rarely, if ever, forget. I have heard a Linnet sing the song 

 of the Woodlark in a most astonishing manner, and have myself 

 possessed a Goldfinch which sang the song of the Canary per- 

 fectly, and imitated all its call notes to perfection. In Mule 

 breeding this is an immense acquisition. The bird referred 

 to was hatched and reared by Canaries, and never heard 

 the natural note of the Goldfinch. I could give many other 

 instances of a similar character — all due, of course, to artificial 

 training, as all birds, in a wild state, sing the song distinctive 

 to their species, which are possessed of a distinct song, such 

 as the Thrush, Eobin, Blackbird, &c. ; though I have known 

 some of these which have been caged for a series of years, and 

 kept constantly with other birds, occasionally utter a few arti- 

 ficial notes learnt from their companions in captivity. 



Birds resemble human beings in their power of imitation 

 and vocal acquirements, and some greatly excel others in their 

 accomplishments. Very much depends on the formation and 

 development of the larynx, a retentive memory, and the power 

 of imitation ; but even a well-taught bird that has acquired 

 an artificial song may easily be spoiled by being hung for a 

 time along with a bird that sings a different song, and more 

 particularly if that bird happens to be one of its own species, 

 and sings its natural melody. Hence, great care must be taken 

 to keep a trained bird beyond the sound of others whose songs 

 differ from its own. 



Wild Birds Breeding in Captivity. — Very few of the 

 various species of wild birds can be induced to breed in con- 

 finement, even under the most favourable conditions. Those 

 that are disposed to do so must be accommodated with an 

 abundance of room, and the conditions made to resemble, as 

 far as possible, such as are to be found in their natural haunts. 

 An outdoor aviary is best, and the occupants ought to be 

 supplied liberally with such materials as are used by them, 

 when in a wild state, to build their nests ; and under no 

 circumstances must they be interfered with during the process 

 of incubation. Trees and bushes, erected in secluded corners, 

 ought to be provided. If an aviary could be erected so as to 

 inclose a few yards of a natural thorn hedge in the exercise 

 ground attached to it, I think it would be one of the most 

 successful methods of inducing birds to breed in confinement 



B 2 



