132 



indeed even more so. In saying this I am guided no 

 more by theoretical considerations than by that prac- 

 tical experience which has proved them to be right. 



(To be continued) . 



ZTbe ifoot) of BirD5 in Captivitv?. 



By H. R. F1LI.MER. 



[Conthiiied fro7n page 18.) 



German Rape is a good seed for such birds as will 

 eat it, and I never knew any harm to result from its 

 use. As a rule Ploceine finches will not touch it, but 

 Dr. Hopkinson found his Silverbills very fond of it — 

 mine will not eat it. I recommend its being given, in 

 moderation, to all birds, British or foreign, which will 

 eat it — but they should not be allowed to live almost 

 entirely on it, to the neglect of canary seed. Care 

 should be taken that it is fresh and free from moisture 

 as it does not keep well. The large winter rape 

 is generally considered a dangerous seed, and I never 

 use it myself, though it may be questioned whether it 

 full}'' deserves the condemnation passed upon it. 



Hemp seed is valuable, but requires to be used 

 with discretion. If crushed, almost all birds will eat 

 it, and I think a little occasionally is good for most of 

 them. It should form part, a considerable part, of the 

 dail}^ food of Goldfinches — but most other species 

 should only have it as an occasional treat, or when 

 rearing 3'oung. It is very fattening and stimulating, 

 but birds which are feeding young appear able to 

 eat any quantity of it without injury to themselves. 



Maiv seed may be useful for occasional use as a 

 pick-me-up, and for checking diarrhoea — but it is 

 extremely fattening. Some birds will eat it which 



