The Blackcap. 



275 



is that it frequently damages its plumage, and we consider 

 it unsuitable for an aviary of mixed birds. Its movements, 

 although active, are very undignified — nay, I might almost 

 say clumsy, for when it hops along its belly almost touches 

 the ground, and hence the bird is apt to get its plumage 

 soiled. It seems aware of its awkward method of loco- 

 motion, and rarely leaves the branch or perch which it 

 has selected (usually in a retired corner), excepting for food 

 and water. 



It should be kept in a boxed cage, wired in front only, 

 and with the perches placed low. One about 16in. long, 

 13in. or 14in. high, and 9in. deep, will be most suitable. The 

 top should be made to open back on hinges, and secured by 

 small brass or wire hooks and eyes. The cage should be padded 

 in the same manner as the back of a railway carriage or an 

 €asy chair, to prevent the bird injuring itself. This is especially 

 desirable in the case of newly caught birds, and during the 

 period of migration, as they are very restless at this time, 

 and dash about the cage in an alarming manner, particularly 

 towards evening, darting upward and forward, regardless of 

 all consequences, often continuing in this state of excitement 

 for hours together, and thereby injuring themselves. The 

 cage should be cleaned out once a week, and an abundant 

 supply of sand or gravel provided, as this is most essential 

 to the health of the birds. Blackcaps are very fond of 

 a bath, and should be supplied with one at least every week 

 during mild and genial weather. They endure cold fairly 

 well, but in the winter artificial heat will add greatly to 

 their comfort and well-being, though they must be kept away 

 from the pernicious influence of gas, which will cause them 

 to moult out of season, and do them a lasting injury. The 

 Blackcap is cheerful in confinement, and soon becomes ac- 

 customed to a state of domestication. 



EEAEiNa THE YouNG. — Take the young when ten days old ; 

 certainly not later than twelve days, or they will, most 

 probably, refuse the food offered to them. Feed on bread soaked 

 in warm milk (it must not boil), and give some of the 

 custard meat recommended for older birds ; when they reach 

 the age of three weeks, give a few ants' eggs. As soon 

 as they can pick for themselves, give them the yolk of a 

 hard-boiled egg, mixed with a few chopped mealworms, or 



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