194 



British Cage Birds. 



made himself master of them. When once Starlings begin to 

 whistle and speak they learn rapidly. But it is not well to over- 

 task their memories ; a prodigy is only met with occasionally. 

 It is not, as is commonly supposed, necessary to cut the ligament 

 beneath the tongue to enable the birds to articulate words. 

 When one tune or one set of phrases has been thoroughly 

 acquired, proceed with a second ; but those first taught must 

 not be allowed to fall out of use, or they will be forgotten in 

 the course of a few months. The hens will learn as well as 

 the cocks, but they are not so apt in acquiring, neither are 

 they such adepts as performers, after they have been taught, 

 as the male birds. After meals is the best time to give them 

 instruction, and the lessons should be continued for not less 

 than thirty minutes each time. No one need be disheartened 

 if no response is made, or even attempted, by a pupil for 

 several months, as some birds begin to whistle or speak 

 quite unexpectedly, and may have acquired several notes, and 

 probably two or more words, before they will make a venture 

 at airing their acquirements ; and it not- infrequently happens, 

 that those which remain longest mute turn out the most 

 proficient performers. The more domesticated and familiar 

 a bird becomes, the greater is the chance of its turning out 

 well. Patience, however, is a virtue which requires to be 

 fully exercised when birds are chosen for pupils. 



Diseases and theie Treatment. — The Starling is a re- 

 markably healthy, vigorous bird, and, with proper attention, 

 will live in a suitable cage for ten or twelve years, or longer, 

 and rarely ail anything. These birds moult freely, much 

 more so than most species of wild birds when kept in 

 confinement ; but they should not be subjected to sudden 

 changes from cold to heat, or the reverse, or hung in a 

 draughty, cold place. Damp is injurious to all birds, and 

 this should be especially guarded against. To hang Star- 

 lings, and birds of a similar character, outside, in the open 

 air, during the summer months, is a wise and commendable 

 practice, and they should be allowed to remain there alto- 

 gether so long as the nights are not chilly, wet, or boisterous. 

 If these birds are neglected, they become subject to cramp and 

 epilepsy, the latter brought on, no doubt, from the want of a 

 regular change of diet and a supply of animal food. When 

 birds are seized with an epileptic fit, the attacks come on so 



