THE CAGE BIRD AND THE BIRD-FANCIER. 
465 
Because the inhabitants of these hovels feel that all would 
be desolate were it not for their songsters. He knows that 
in his feathered friend he possesses a domestic companion 1 
endowed with a faithful and cheerful disposition,—one 
worthy of his affection. It is on this account that these 
poor people should be left in undisturbed possession of 
their cage bird, even though it be a Nightingale ! We all 
know that the male is always the songster, and that they 
are more numerous than the female birds; we must be 
aware that all the laws in the universe will not transplant 
the Nightingale, or any other song bird, to a locality it 
does not visit of its own free will. It is well, indeed, that 
there should be laws for the defence and protection of all 
small birds; but still the lover of cage birds should be 
left in peace. 
These bright creatures afford their masters other 
pleasures than those which their song provides. “ I most 
unhesitatingly assert,” says my father, in his work on 
‘ Cage Birds/ “that birds become ennobled by taming : 
see how they learn to distinguish their master, and to 
love him; they greet him when he rises early, or on his 
return after a long or even short absence from home; 
they seek in every possible manner to evince towards him 
their tenderness and gratitude. Those birds which are 
capable of having their intelligence cultivated to a high 
pitch, attain perfection through their contact with man: 
they become tender, grateful, and communicative; they 
acquaint their protector with their joys and sorrows. Is 
it no pleasure to be surrounded by such affectionate and 
loveable creatures ? This pleasure can only be appreciated 
when experienced.” 
I will add, still further, that all birds kept in captivity 
soon get used to their master, and learn to look upon him 
