The Blackcap. 



277 



crescent of luminous gold on tlie far distant horizon. Yet 

 another advantage may be claimed for this bird : it will, if 

 caught in the spring, commence to sing before it has been 

 caged many days, especially if put into a room occupied by 

 other birds, will continue to sing until the moulting season, 

 and when freed from that malady will recommence its song. 

 In a wild state, it sings from its arrival in this country, in 

 April, until the end of June or beginning of July. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Good shape ; close, com- 

 pact, unbroken feathering ; a well-defined, broad, glossy black cap ; 

 body colouring clear, distinct, and bright. The tail and wings 

 should be perfect in feather — none being broken or twisted ; toes 

 and nails straight ; eyes bright and clear ; bird steady on perch, 

 and tractable. Good condition and cleanliness are essential. 



General Remarks. — -The Blackcap is a somewhat rare bird, 

 and much valued by the cognoscenti of the bird-loving world. 

 Newly-caught males may be obtained at from 7s. 6d. upwards, 

 according to their merits, the length of time they have been 

 caged, and the prowess they display as musicians ; but a hand- 

 reared bird, highly trained, and an exquisite songster, will often 

 bring several pounds. The female, as well as the male bird 

 sings, but the song of the hen is very inferior to that of the 

 cock. The Blackcap sings all the year round in confinement, 

 excepting during the period of moulting. 



Although having a penchant for a little ripe fruit, this bird is, 

 nevertheless, a most useful helpmate to the gardener, as it is 

 industrious in the destruction of flies and insects injurious to 

 fruit blossoms. These birds would probably breed in confine- 

 ment, under suitable conditions. 



If kept in an aviary, a small border of earth, turned over 

 frequently, with a few maggots or small worms sprinkled over 

 it, will be greatly enjoyed. A good feeding-trough for an aviary 

 containing several different species of wild birds is one 12in. in 

 length, 2in. or S-^in. broad, and Jin. in depth. This should be 

 made of glazed white earthenware, and divided into four or six 

 compartments, in each of which a different kind of food can be 

 placed. It is then easily ascertainable which food the different 

 birds prefer. The trough should be carefully washed out every 

 day, and only one day's supply of soft food given at a time. If 

 glazed earthenware feeding vessels are not procurable, use small 

 glass dishes. 



