The Bullfinch. 119 



feeding time, or when the bird is not receiving a lesson. By 

 using small cages their attention is more readily gained, as 

 "then they have not too much room to disport themselves, 

 which would be a means of distracting their attention. The 

 birds under instruction must be kept in a room by them- 

 selves, and not allowed to hear another bird sing or whistle 

 any other tune ; neither should an air different from the one 

 they are being taught be played in their hearing until they 

 have acquired the first one perfectly, and practised it for 

 several weeks. It takes a long time for some birds to 

 learn a tune perfectly, and some never acquire one at all — 

 only a part of it. 



The first lesson should be given at breakfast time, if con- 

 venient, the second at mid-day, and the third between five 

 and six in the evening. The lessons should be given as 

 nearly as possible at the same time every day, and not one 

 missed, if the little musicians are to attain proficiency quickly. 

 In time the birds will get to know and understand what is 

 required of them, especially if you applaud or scold them, 

 according to their diligence, intelligence in learning, or vice 

 versd^ as the case may be. The best instrument for the 

 purpose of teaching is the flute, and next to that a tin 

 whistle ; but unless the instructor be himself an adept at 

 playing, a German bird-organ, costing only a few shillings, 

 would be preferable. Each lesson should last at least half 

 an hour. It will be found that some birds pick up the air 

 much more readily than others, and perform it better. It 

 will be necessary to play the tune frequently in their hearing, 

 even after they have acquired it, for fear of their forgetting 

 some of the notes. 



A second air should not be taught until the first be 

 perfectly learnt, and it would be advisable to repeat 

 the first tune once or twice a day whilst the second is 

 being acquired by the bird, lest some part of the first 

 be forgotten, false notes introduced, or passages transposed. 

 On no account must birds learning different tunes be 

 placed within hearing of each other until they are, perfectly 

 instructed in those they are required to perform, for they 

 are very fond of novelties, and readily acquire anything it 

 is not desirable for them to learn. Three tunes are as many 

 as it is prudent to attempt to teach any bird, and one 



