340 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[August 29. 
of their experience, in yonr pages, would be very gratefully 
received.—A Country Curate. 
[ \Ye earnestly recommend the above to the attention of our 
readers; the experiments are easily tided, and the results 
may bo very important. We shall be very willing distributors 
ol' the papers to any one who sends us a ready directed and 
stamped envelope .— Ed. C. G.] 
ENGLISH CAGE BIRDS. 
GARDEN WARBI.EE. 
Insessores Dentirostrf.s. Sylviadk. 
Sylvia hortensis ; Motacilla hortensis; Motacilla passerine i ; 
' Ourruca hortensis : Greater Pettychftps; Garden Fauvette; 
Passerine Warbler; Garden Warbler; Billy Wlntethroat; 
Nettle Creeper. 
The Garden Warbler is little inferior to the nightingale, 
and is considered by some to surpass the blackcap, which it 
much resembles, in activity, shyness, and restlessness,— 
secreting itself mostly amidst the dense foliage, beneath 
which it pours forth its melodious and often long continued 
son". It is not so commonly known as the two former birds, 
nevertheless, it is pretty general, but oftener heard than seen. 
Tt is somewhat larger than the blackcap, and its plumage is 
exceedingly plain and unobtrusive. If caught wild, its 
mode of treatment is similar to that of the blackcap, with 
this difference, that in addition to the bread, egg, and hemp- 
sued which should he given to it in a dry state, another 
portion should be mixed or moistened with hot water, a little 
are soft sugar and cream. Beef and egg mixed as for the 
nightingale; fruits of all kinds which are ripe and soft are 
the varieties of food on which it will thrive amazingly, and sing 
continuously. I need scarcely observe, be should be provided 
with a cup of w r ater, and allowed to batlie if so disposed. I lie 
Garden Warbler is most easily reared from the nest, by 
feeding it at regular and short intervals upon fruit, such as 
strawberries cut in pieces small enough for the nestlings to 
swallow; raspberries in like manner and currants, red or 
white occasionally with the paste above mentioned made 
with sugar and cream, and also the beef and egg. I should 
have observed, that grocer’s currants may added when other 
fruit is not to be had with the dry food of bread, egg, and 
hempseed, &c. I have noticed that the Garden Warbler 
will feed most readily on tlie garden cabbage caterpillar, and 
which would be excellent food for those recently captured.— 
W. Rayner. _ . ,, „ _ . , 
[The Garden Warblers arrive in the south of England 
late in April, and gradually advance towards the north as 
summer approaches. They reach Sussex during the latter 
half of April, but in Cambridgeshire Mr. Jenyns mentions 
May 1st as the earliest day of their being heard in nine years. 
Mr. Blyth, in bis excellent edition of “White’s Selborne,” 
mays_ “ Its melody resembles somewhat the continuous note 
of the blackcap, hut is softer, much deeper, and more flute- 
like iu its tone, approaching to the mellifluous warble of the 
blackbird. I have noticed its singing with great spirit against 
a nightingale—determined not to be outdone. Its habits and 
nest, exactly resemble those of the blackcap, but its eggs are 
grayer." It builds in a bush near the ground in a thick 
hedge, and usually lays four eggs. It resorts to gardens at 
the end of summer for the sake of the currants. Mr. Neville 
Wood observed it darting into the air to catch insects, in the 
manner of the spotted flycatcher, which it did with a loud 
snap of the. bill, often taking its stand on a Dahlia stake, 
and returning thither from its hawking.] 
WHITE THRO AT ED FAITVET—WHITE THRO AT. 
Insessores Dentirostres. Sylviad.e Tnsf.ctivor.e. 
Sylvia cinerea; Motacilla sylvia; Curruca cinerea : White- 
throated Warbler; Common Whitethroat; Nettle Creeper; 
Peggy Whitethroat; Whey-beard; Wbeetie-why; Churr; 
Muft'ett, Whattie, Ac. 
This bird is the most common and numerous of all our 
summer visitants. There is scarcely a hedge or a bush 
where it is not both seen and heard ; often rising upwards 
uttering its voluble and notunpleasant notes, with crest erected 
as if with pride, while liis puffed-out throat plainly indicates 
the earnestness of its song. The natural food of this bird 
consists of insects, their larvtB, and fruit. Caterpillars are 
also a very favourite food with it, and when recently cap¬ 
tured, if procurable, is the best description of food for it. 
When inured to confinement, it is readily kept ou the 
nightingale’s and garden warbler’s food. For nestlings, which 
always remain exceedingly tame, and on that account are 
very desirable and interesting little birds, the same description 
of food will suit them as the young of the blackcap or garden 
warbler. I think it of importance with all young birds, to 
supply them often with a drop or two of water after feeding 
them. In confinement, this little bird is very pugnacious, 
and often quarrelsome—perfectly fearless of even a larger bird 
than himself; and as if to show his consequence and prowess 
in driving away his antagonist, either from the food-drawer or 
water-cup, he immediately commences his song, erecting Iris 
crest, and distending his little throat, singing \rith alibis 
might as if in defiance. The plumage of the AVliitethroat Is 
very sober and plain, and is distinguished by its chin and 
throat being perfectly white—lienee its name.—W. Rayner. 
[The Whitethroat arrives between the 20th of April and 
10th of May ; frequenting groves and hawthorn hedges. It 
is very vehement, and scolds with a churring voice, if you 
approach its nest. Its song is among the earliest during 
the mornings of summer; and it perseveres with its notes 
late into the evenings. It is found occasionally in gardens, 
feeding on the raspberries and currants. Its nest is usually 
among brambles and briars; and is elegantly but loosely 
constructed of withered stalks and grass, lined with solter 
grass and a little hair. The eggs, usually five, are regularly 
oval, greenish white and speckled with purplish grey.— 
Macyillivray's Brit. Birds.] 
COOLING DRINKS. 
I recommended in one of my papers, that those who had 
any of the common fruit in their gardens (such as strawberries, 
raspberries, currants, or gooseberries), should boil them with 
sugar and keep them for winter use. These fruits can also be 
turned to another account, and a very pleasant drink can be 
made with raspberries and currants, which will be found very 
useful in cases of illness. Thirst almost always accompanies 
disease, and those who have attended in a sick room well know 
with what pleasure a cool, refreshing draught is received. 
If my receipts for making raspberry vinegar and currant 
acid should attract the attention of any who have a little time 
and a little money to spare (aud how few have not) to lessen 
the discomforts of their poorer brethren, I strongly advise 
them to try them, and bottle a few pints for their use; it will 
be the means of giving a luxury to those who are unable to 
procure them for themselves; and although the necessaries of 
life are certainly to be thought of before luxuries, yet, in sick¬ 
ness, any little extra is duly appreciated. Just enter the sick 
