179 



Where the classification has been given, notably at the 

 Palace, the prizes won by these common birds were quite 

 equal to those won b}' the most favoured clear or even- 

 marked. Then, I say, in justice to them, let the market 

 value rise in proportion to their merits as good specimens 

 of their kind. Another cross I think is very often badly 

 used, that between the cock Linnet and hen Greenfinch : 

 a cross not difficult to obtain, but quite as beautiful in 

 its way as the gorgeous plumaged crosses from the Bull- 

 finch. 



My paper will not be complete without a few words 

 about food, feeding, and treatment, and I will at once tell 

 you I am no believer in drugs and prescriptions ; the 

 only exception being some mild aperient or a little tonic, 

 as the case may warrant. I believe far more in prevention 

 than in cure. No bird is of value either as a show bird 

 or a breeder, which has to be continually under the 

 doctor. To study the wants of our birds and to supply 

 them in as natural a way as possible is far more 

 conducive to success than the use of stimulating and 

 forcing food, which they cannot digest or even retain. 

 As proof of this, I have birds now flying out of doors for 

 the past two years in all weathers, that get nothing but 

 plenty of fesli air and plain canary seed with green food 

 in season, and are all in the best of health and in full 

 song, and have never tasted medicine of any kind. 



Feed only on the best seeds procurable, do not over- 

 crowd, allow the bath wlien ever possible, and your 

 birds will want but little else. 



As to feeding the different species, it is too big a 

 subject for my time, but when you have a bird doing 

 well do not imagine that this, that, and the other, that 

 somebody recommends, is going to make it breed or win 

 whatever you like. Leave well alone, and if your birds 

 are not ready to nest when 3'ou want them to, 3'on must 

 wait till they are, and not expect them to go against 

 nature. 



