120 



British Cage Birds. 



that can whistle three airs faultlessly is worth a good round 

 sum. The notes of a bird that has been well taught should 

 be soft and flute-like. 



Those birds which cannot be induced to whistle at com- 

 mand can generally be tempted to do so by showing them 

 a few grains of hemp seed, or by whistling the first few 

 notes of the required air. Should the second plan succeed, 

 be sure to give the bird the seeds as a reward. Birds that 

 cannot by these devices be induced to whistle, can some- 

 times be tempted to do so by placing other birds, which 

 have been instructed in the same song, within sight. 

 Jealousy in this case excites them to display their vocal 

 powers. 



The instruction should extend over a period of eight or 

 nine months, and, after a bird has finished moulting, the 

 tunes he has learnt should be repeated to him for a few 

 weeks, for instances have been known where a bird has lost 

 some of the notes of a tune during this period ; but this 

 does not frequently happen, as Bullfinches have tenacious 

 memories. 



In Germany, where most of the best birds have received 

 their instruction, teaching is made a regular trade, and 

 the men who make their livelihood by it teach them in 

 batches of six in a cage ; the room is darkened, until some 

 of the birds begin to utter a few notes correctly, when 

 some teachers remove the covering, and give them light ; 

 others prefer to keep them in semi-darkness until they can 

 repeat a good part of the tune. The latter plan is the best. 

 Hens, as well as cocks, can be taught to whistle tunes, but 

 never perform with the skill of male birds. 



Diseases and theie Treatment. — The moulting of Bull- 

 finches in confinement is frequently attended with baneful 

 results. At this period of their existence they ought' to be 

 kept in a warm and quiet room that is well ventilated, yet 

 free from a draught ; they should have a frequent change of 

 diet, and be placed in the sun, when possible. A rusty nail 

 placed in the drinking-water is commendable, as it acts as a 

 tonic. 



A few ants' eggs will be relished at this season by a drooping 

 bird, or a little hard-boiled egg, chopped fine, and mixed with 

 stale bread, crumbled, and a sprinkling of maw seed. Give 



