114 On the lieepivg of Snff-BlJhs hi Cages. 



adding a few drops of Lysol or Cond^'-'s Fluid to the water 

 they are washed in, the soil taken away to be re-plenished 

 by fresh, and if this is done at the week-end, then on Wednes- 

 days the droppings accumulated by 'then should be removed, 

 and a little fresh soil put in. 



Food and scoter vessels should bo kept scrupulously 

 clean, and especially the latter washed out every day and 

 re-filled. 



It is quite refreshing to see how birds appreciate 

 fresh Avater, and especially how fond they are of their morning 

 tub. When they do enjoy it, it is a sign of good health, and 

 as a rule you will have little trouble with such birds, their 

 feet are always clean. Once leave them without the fresh 

 water, and you will find they will rather go without than 

 bathe in stale water. 



The sizes of my stock cages are: 



Long. High. Wide. 



For Blackcaps ,18in. x 12in. x 9m. 



„ Warblers 28in. x 15in. x llin. 



„ Nightingales, Thrushes, Shamas— larger in pro- 

 portion. 



But size of cage alone is not everything, the position 

 they occupy in the room has a great deal to do with the well- 

 being of the occupant. 



The best place is opposite the window, where the 

 m-ornrng sun strikes the cage, and hung at a height that when 

 you stand in front of the cage the bird on the perch is 

 about level with your face. 



For;tunately soft -bills are not so subject to Eed Mites 

 as hard -bills, but needless to say you must be on the look- 

 out, therefore keep your cages clean, and if you detect the 

 slightest sign, paint ends of perches and corners with a 

 solution of lysol. 



I do not think that I have any more to say on the 

 subject of cages, except that some birds, shy in their nature, 

 strongly object to being exposed to full view, and feel more 

 happy if part of the open front is covered with lino or some 

 light material behind which they can hide from the gaze of 

 intruders, even that of their own master. 



Some soft-bills are naturally shy ; much depends upon 



