144 



British Cage Birds. 



are also partial to inga seed, bruised groats, and hemp 

 seed. 



Bearing the Young. — In the event of any person being 

 successful in breeding these birds in an aviary, the young should 

 be fed and treated in the manner pointed out for the rearing 

 of Brown Linnets, as Mountain Linnets not only associate 

 with these birds in a wild state, but feed on the same food. 



Distinguishing Maeks of Cock and Hen. — The hen is 

 paler in her colours than the cock, and rather smaller in 

 size. The sex, however, is easily distinguished, as the hen 

 bird never possesses the peculiar purple red rump found in 

 male specimens. 



Song. — These birds differ greatly in their individual 

 capacities as songsters, some far excelling others. The song 

 is soft, sweet, and melodious, but of less compass and variety 

 than that of the Brown Linnet. They have no harsh and 

 unpleasant notes. They sing best when kept in a small cage, 

 hung at the side of a window. A little hemp and 

 maw seed, mixed with a little inga and linseed, given to 

 them twice a week, keeps them in excellent condition, and 

 stimulates them to sing more freely. 



Points to be Observed in .Judging. — Select a bird with a 

 round head, and a short, neat bill, deep in the chest, of a 

 rich deep brown, with a vivid reddish purple rump, neat and 

 compact in feather, and of graceful demeanour. 



General Eemarks. — These birds are only met with 

 occasionally in England. In Scotland they are more plenti- 

 ful, living among hills and mountains which abound in scrub 

 wood, and on commons where plenty of provender is to be 

 found, such places evidently being most congenial to their 

 habits. They are not handsome or attractive in appear- 

 ance, consequently, are not worth exhibiting at shows* They 

 do not live to a great age when kept in confinement; five or 

 six years may be reckoned upon as the average period of 

 their existence. They will thrive in an aviary, but sing best 

 in a cage. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Twite is a very 

 healthy, vigorous bird, and seldom on the sick list. It is, 

 however, subject to the same complaints as its congeners, 

 the Brown Linnet and EedpoU, and requires the same treat- 

 ment. During the moulting season it should be kept warm 



