286 



British Cage Birds. 



singer. If kept in a room with a number of birds of different 

 sorts, it will sing a medley composed of the various notes of 

 their songs. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — This bird is not fitted 

 by Nature for a show bird, as it is clad in a garment of a grave 

 and solemn character. Its musical capability is its greatest 

 attraction. If, however, a bird be required for exhibition, choose 

 one with the following points : Good shape, erect carriage, clear 

 and distinct colours of plumage ; close, compact feathering of the 

 body ; well-formed wings and tail, closely braced, and well 

 carried ; claws perfect. Condition and cleanliness are im- 

 perative. 



General Eemarks. — Owing to the difficulty of obtaining 

 Fauvettes, and to the fact of their being somewhat tender, and 

 difiicult to keep in health and song, they are not so much 

 sought after as they would otherwise be, considering how capable 

 they are of being made into fine musicians. They thrive well 

 in an aviary, but do not sing so fluently there as when kept in a 

 cage ; and, as they are prized chiefly on account of their song, the 

 latter place is to be preferred. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Fauvettes are subject to 

 the same ailments as the Blackcap, Whitethroat, and Nightingale, 

 and the treatment and remedies recommended for these varieties 

 should be resorted to in their case likewise. See also Chapter 

 v., on "Diseases." 



