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2161. Linnets.

Cock birds are browner on the back than the hens, and have some of the
large feathers of the wings white up to the quills. Canary and hemp
seed, with occasionally a little groundsel, water-cress, chickweed,
&c., constitute their food.

2162. Skylarks.

The cock is recognised by the largeness of his eye, the length of his
claws, the mode of erecting his crest, and by marks of white in the
tail. It is also a larger bird than the hen. The cage should be of the
following proportions:--Length, one foot five inches; width, nine
inches; height, one foot three inches. There should be a circular
projection in front to admit of a fresh turf being placed every two or
three days, and the bottom of the cage should be plentifully and
constantly sprinkled with river sand. All vessels containing food
should be placed outside, and the top of the cage should be arched and
padded, so that the bird may not injure itself by jumping about.

Their food, in a natural state, consists of seeds, insects, and also
buds, green herbage, as clover, endive, lettuce, &c., and occasionally
berries. When confined, they are usually fed with a paste made in the
following manner:--Take a portion of bread, well-baked and stale, put
it into fresh water, and leave it until quite soaked through, then
squeeze out the water and pour boiled milk over it, adding two-thirds
of the same quantity of barley meal well sifted, or, what is better,
wheat meal. This should be made fresh every two days. Occasionally the
yolk of a hard-boiled egg should be crumbled small and given to the
birds, as well as a little hemp seed, meal, worms, and elder berries
when they can be got. The cages of these birds should be kept very
clean.

2163. Parrots.

Parrots may best be taught to talk by covering the cage at night, or
rather in the evening, and then repeating to them slowly and
distinctly, the words they are desired to learn. They should not be
kept in places where they are liable to hear disagreeable noises, such
as street cries, and the whistling and shouts of boys at play, for
they will imitate them, and become too noisy to be tolerated. Parrots
may be fed upon soaked bread, biscuit, mashed potatoes, and rape seed.
They are fond of nuts. They should be kept very clean, and allowed a
bath frequently. When parrots appear sickly in any way, it is best to
keep them warm, change