The Starling. 



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bird, if kept in a room free from smoke and dust, can be 

 shown in superb condition. The cage should be covered when- 

 ever the room is being swept, and also cleaned out every week 

 at least, and supplied with clean sand and gravel. A bath 

 should be supplied to the bird every alternate day — that is, 

 if the weather will permit. Remember, a frequent change 

 of diet is indispensable to insure good health and condition ; 

 a regular supply of insects, worms, and grubs, will best fulfil 

 these requirements. 



Geneeal Remaeks. — Starlings, although not gifted by Nature 

 with a musical song, are, nevertheless, wonderful imitators and 

 very apt pupils, and if taken young, and hand-reared, can, 

 with ordinary patience and perseverance, be taught to whistle 

 tunes perfectly, providing the instructor is an adept at music, 

 and can whistle or play to his pupils the air he desires them 

 to learn. They can also be taught to speak very plainly and 

 well ; indeed, many learn to speak quicker, and with greater 

 fluency, than Parrots. In teaching, it is necessary to keep 

 the pupils in a room apart from all other birds, and, at 

 the time the lessons are given, to place them in the dark, 

 to secure their attention. Great attention is required to be 

 paid to the pupils. Those who essay to instruct these birds 

 should first gain their confidence ; this can be done by speaking 

 to them in a kind, familiar way, and by dispensing dainties 

 from the hand, such as mealworms, ripe cherries, or a little 

 raw meat. When they become friendly with the instructor 

 the lessons may be begun. Whistle at first a simple air, 

 easy to acquire, and repeat it at least half-a-dozen times a 

 day. At the commencement whistle in front of the cage, 

 but as soon as the pupil attempts the air the lessons may be 

 given from any part of the room most convenient. No other 

 person should be present during the time of instruction, and 

 it would be judicious to prevent, as far as possible, all other 

 noise calculated to distract the attention of the bird. Never 

 attempt to whistle a second tune until the first is thoroughly 

 acquired and well remembered. At the same time a few 

 select phrases, such as "Well done, old fellow!" "Jim is 

 a clever boy!" "Jim is a beauty!" or any other short, 

 emphatic sentences that may be fancied, should be frequently 

 repeated in the pupil's presence at the end of each musical 

 lesson. These should be constantly uttered, until the bird has 



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