lyi 



soon repay their owner for his care by their 

 sleek and contented appearance. It is one of my pet 

 theories that all birds are at least semi-insectivorous, 

 therefore all my so-called ''seed-eaters" used to re- 

 ceive insectile food in addition to the ordinary seeds ; 

 and while it is not absolutely necessary or even essen- 

 tial that the insectile food should be given, I always 

 strongly recommend it. To the young bird-keeper 

 however the mention of such food often seems an in- 

 surmountable obstacle in the pursuit of his hobby, and 

 conjures up visions of mixing all sorts of extra- 

 ordinary ingredients, of any knowledge of which he is 

 absolutely devoid. So if it is decided to give insectile 

 food it is easier in one's initiatory stages to purchase 

 a good one from among the many advertised, for 

 though it is somewhat more costly than making one's 

 own, it saves so much time and worry that it is more 

 than worth the additional expense. After a time when 

 confidence has taken the place of timidity and know- 

 ledge of ignorance, the bought food can be dispensed 

 with and a home made one substituted. 



I have not mentioned the care necessary to ensure 

 as cleanly a condition of the cage or aviary as possible, 

 because I think most young aviculturists give this 

 important matter a due meed of attention. In fact they 

 are often apt to somewhat overdo this part of the 

 business — the poor birds no sooner settle down from 

 one terrific " spring clean " and attack on red mite 

 (the bogey of all bird-keepers) than they are scared 

 out of the few remaining wits left them by another 

 energetic onslaught on the part of their too anxious 

 owner. Very few birds, given opportunities for bathing 

 regularly, fail to keep themselves clean and free from 



