5 
do much better than a single one. When first caught, 
the cage in which they are kept should be darkened, 
all but a little light near their food, or they will be 
apt to beat themselves very much, and not be so 
likely to do well ; it is, certainly, a good plan to 
keep several together; particularly in Winter, as 
they will set close together on their perch at night, 
and, by that means, keep each other warm. 
Young birds of any of this genus, may be bred 
up by hand, if the nests are taken as soon as the 
birds are fledged; they may be fed on the same 
kind of food recommended for the old ones, feeding 
them as often as they chirp for food, and giving 
them as much as they will take readily each time, 
not forgetting to let a drop or two of clean water fall 
into their mouths frequently ; by neglecting this, I 
believe to be the only reason that so few people can 
rear young birds. Those bred in this way are very 
tame and familiar; but I do not think them so hardy 
as those that are caught wild. 
