British Cage Birds. 



come around, and alight on the bushes, near to where the 

 decoy bird is concealed. Upon the bushes should be fixed 

 limed twigs and horsehair nooses. A little experience will 

 soon enlighten any person in the placing of the twigs. 



Young Linnets (nestlings) are easily obtained, as the parent 

 birds never wander far away from their nesting-places. The 

 male bird invariably selects a bush or tree in close proximity 

 to where his mate has her nest, and there sings unrestrainedly 

 his bright and cheerful song, so that the nest is not at 

 all difficult to find out. Search any furze or other bush near 

 the spot where he pours forth his lays, and, failing that, the 

 nearest hedge. The use of a field glass in excursions in search 

 of birds' nests is most useful, as you can watch the birds 

 at such a distance as not to attract their attention, or give 

 them cause for alarm ; and by its use the father can be seen 

 carrying food to his progeny, or his wife. 



Food and Treatment. — The principal food of these birds 

 in a wild state is wild mustard seed, known in the North 

 of England and Scotland as "runch" seed. They also feed 

 on burdock and plantain, turnip, flax, chickweed, dandelion, 

 and groundsel ; and, in fact, most kinds of seeds partaken of 

 by wild birds. In confinement, give them the following 

 mixture : Rape seed, four parts ; linseed and canary seed, each 

 two parts ; millet or inga seed, one part ; and occasion- 

 ally, by way of a change, a little hemp or maw seed, and 

 in summer a lettuce leaf or a sprig of watercress. A bath 

 will be found of much use, especially during warm weather ; 

 and a little salt should be mixed with the sand which is 

 strewed on the bottom of their cages. Brown Linnets are of 

 a plethoric habit of body, hence, food of a stimulating and 

 fattening character, such as hemp seed and linseed, should 

 be given to them sparingly. 



Reaeing the Young. — The first nest of young birds may 

 be found at the latter part of April or the beginning of 

 May, and may be taken at the age of ten days, or earlier. 

 They should at first be placed, with the nest, in a small 

 basket or box, and, when about to leave the nest, should 

 be transferred to a box cage, made with the top to open as 

 a lid, so that they can be got at conveniently ; or the door 

 may be arranged at the back or side of the box if pre- 

 ferred — it is not material. Keep them warm, especially during 



