96 BLACKCAP. 
retiring, on being observed, into the denser parts of its cover. 
It is also of a solitary nature, more than two individuals 
being seldom seen in company. The cultivated parts of the 
country are its resort. It is capable of being kept in con- 
fnement. In the ‘Zoologist,’ page 356, Vivian Walmesley, 
Esq. relates a curious circumstance of a Blackeap attacking 
a rabbit which he had shot, and appearing to triumph at 
its death. 
It seldom takes along flight, but flits from bush to bush. 
The Blackcap feeds on insects, caterpillars, berries, ivy and 
others, and fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, 
pears, and currants. The first-named are sometimes captured 
when flying, but chiefly found in various parts of the trees 
or bushes which the bird frequents, and in pursuit, or rather 
in search of them, it creeps among the dense foliage, or threads 
its way through the tangled underwood with the most graceful 
nimbleness and minute investigation. rs... 
A very beautiful roundelay is that of the Blackcap, inferior 
only in the estimation of many to that of the Nightingale. 
It is usually first heard in the middle of April, but in very 
mild seasons has been noticed so soon as the 29th. of March. 
It will sometimes be continued until August, if there should 
be a second brood. Its tones, though desultory, are very 
rich, deep, full, loud, varied, sweetly wild and witching. It 
is generally given forth from some of the higher branches or | 
twigs of the bush or hedge. The notes of other birds are 
also imitated—those of the Nightingale, Blackbird, Robin, 
Thrush, and Garden Warbler. The throat is much distended 
in a somewhat curious manner, while the bird is singing. 
When the young are hatched, ‘the song becomes broken, the 
melody gradually ceases, and we hear only the usual call- 
notes. ither are easily interrupted; and a slight noise, or 
the intrusion of a stranger, will induce silence, and the bird 
will remove itself gradually and quietly to the closer parts 
of the thicket; or having gained the edge of a more limited 
shrubbery, it will silently flit to some more extensive and 
secure retreat.’ 
The nest, built about the end of May or the beginning of 
June, is commonly placed in a bramble or other bush, some- 
times in a honeysuckle, a raspberry, or currant tree, about 
two or three fee or rather more from the ground; sometimes 
among nettles. It is made of dry grass and small fibrous 
roots, with occasionally a little moss and hair—the latter as 
