The White thro at. 



283 



The back, wings, and tail ought to be deep, rich, pure, and bright 

 in colour, with a fine luminous grey pervading the head, neck, 

 and back, and a bright pink or rose tint the breast. The 

 wings and tail must be perfect, well-carried, and braced closely 

 together. Good condition and cleanliness are indispensable. 

 The toes and claws should be perfect in form, and the bird 

 steady on the perch and tractable. 



General Eemaeks. — The Whitethroat, although much es- 

 teemed by a great many people, is not so popular as some of its 

 confreres, owing, no doubt, to its extreme shyness, and some- 

 what delicate constitution ; still, it is probably as hardy as any 

 of the Motacilla tribe, the Eobin excepted. It will not winter 

 out of doors without the aid of artificial heat, unless during 

 an exceptionally mild winter ; for this reason, few people, ex- 

 cepting those who may appropriately be termed true fanciers, 

 care to bestow the trouble necessary to keep birds of this 

 species in health and vigour — viz., giving them a constant 

 change of diet, a bath frequently, and regularly cleaning out 

 their domicile at least once a week. Without these precautions 

 and attentions they are short lived ; but with care, and a due 

 regard being paid to their wants, they may be kept in health 

 for periods varying from eight to twelve years. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The moult, as a rule, 

 is the most dangerous complaint to which the Whitethroat is 

 liable. It requires much attention at this period of its exist- 

 ence, a constant change of diet being indispensable. Feed these 

 birds as nearly as possible on the same food as they are ac- 

 customed to eat when at liberty. Place them in the sun, on 

 warm, genial days, for an hour at a time, and keep them very 

 clean, and well supplied with sand and a bath. Whitethroats 

 are liable to the same diseases as Nightingales, Blackcaps, 

 Fauvettes, and other birds of the same species. Vide also 

 Chapter v., on ''Diseases." 



