HOW TO TEACH THE BLACKBIRD. 
twigs, and smearing the twigs well with bird-lime. The 
blackbird is, however, a strong bird, and, unless the quality of 
your bird-lime be first-rate, you will have the mortification to 
see him return again and again for your haws, laughing your 
snare to scorn. Make your bird-lime yourself, and make it as 
follows : Get half a pint of mistletoe berries, put them into a 
pint of cold water, and simmer them by the fire till they begin 
to break. Turn the mess into a sieve, so that the water may 
drain well off ; then mash up the berries with an iron spoon in 
a basin ; then fill up the basin with cold water, and work up 
the mashed berries gently with your hand. This will separate 
any dirt that may remain ; let it settle, pour off the water, 
and the lime is fit for use. Always keep your bird-lime 
covered with water, otherwise it will harden and become 
useless. 
How to Teach the Blackbird. — The blackbird will learn 
any easy tune that is played to him on a flute or other wind 
instrument, and whistle it accurately. If, however, you wish 
to give him this sort of education, you must prepare yourself 
for some little trouble. You must begin with the bird when 
he is two months old, and give him a lesson, all alone in a 
room, in the dusk of the evening and at daybreak in the morn- 
ing. Some birds learn better while their bellies are empty, but 
the blackbird will not stand this treatment. Give him a mode- 
rate breakfast or supper, and then before you begin the lesson 
hang in his sight a lively worm. This is to be a reward for 
good behaviour. Then slowly and distinctly play a few bars of 
the air you wish the bird to learn. He will pay great attention 
while you are playing, with his head on one side and both ears 
evidently well open. After you have repeated the lesson, say 
twenty times, leave off, and keep quiet, giving the bird an 
opportunity to try the ah if he has a mind. If he should 
attempt it, instantly give him the worm, caressing him and 
making a great fuss the while. Do not fear but that in a few 
days he will understand all about the worm, will look out for 
it, and do his best to earn it. 
"When a blackbird once learns a tune, he never forgets it nor 
any part of it. I once knew a bird that could whistle “ Polly 
Hopkins ” with wonderful accuracy. His owner sold him, at 
the same time making the purchaser acquainted with the bird’s 
favourite tune. As soon as the gentleman got him home he at 
once hung up the blackbird, and, going to the piano, struck up 
“ Polly Hopkins.” The bird’s new master, however, introduced 
