STRANGE USES FOR BIRDS AT LUCKNOW.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9093, 2 May 1890, Page 2

STRANGE USES FOR BIRDS AT LUCKNOW.

(The Feathered World.) Some birds are used medicinally, and it is well known what strange ideas native doctors have of the virtues of bird-fiesh. Both the flesh and the brains of the common sparrow, especially the cocksparrow, are in great repute for certain diseases; so a cageful of these familiar chatterers is never missing in the market. Certain species are used in making lovepotions, and are administered by rejected suitors to the objects of their adoration. On the other hand, the blood or the flesh of an owl is supposed to make a person insane who drinks or eats it. On tiua account, men who are devoured by jealousy of a rival or hatred of an enemy, come furtively to the market and, purchasing an owl, in silence carry it home secretly and prepare a decoction which an accomplice will put into the food or drink of the object of their malignant designs. The list of uses for bird-flesh is not exhausted yet. Eating a crow is supposed to prolong life by keeping the .hair black and preventing it from turning gray. The common roller, often called a blue jay, has certain rites performed over it and is then set free, after one feather has been plucked from it. This feather is then worn, as,an amulet, and is supposed to have great potency in averting the evil eye. Another purpose for which birds are purchased every morning is to be set free again. This is done by Hindoos as a work of merit* and by Mahommedans, after certain rites have been performed, as an atonement in imitation of the Jewish scapegoat. It is essential that a bird used for this purpose should be strong enough to fly away, but that does not induce the cruel dealers to feed the birds or to refrain from dislocating their wings or breaking their legs. They put down everything to good or bad luck, and leave the customer to choose a strong bird if he can find one, and to S° away if be cannot. The merit,obtained by setting a bird free is not attributed to the. Deify, but is supposed to come in a largs measure from the bird itself, or from its attendant spirit; and hence birds of good or pad omen, and especially kites and crows, are in mnch demand, and are regularly caught. to be sold for this purpose.