309 



(already mentioned) in nn' aviary amply demonstrates that it 

 is not necessary, and the speed with which it putrifies tit 

 conjunction with iny small leisure, also demonstrates to ine 

 that it is undesirable. 



On one point, however, I do venture to be assertive, 

 though I hope not dogmatic, and that is, that the soft 

 food mixture, varied and modified for the different 

 species as stated, will fully meet all requirements, and if 

 sudden exigences call for such extremes, will keep fresh 

 for 48 hours, even during the hottest weather we get 

 in this country. I must emphasise in connection with 

 these conditions, that the mixture must not be wet, but 

 only slightly moistened, i.e. in the phraseolog}'' com- 

 monly used " crumbly moist." 



There are some species, that however freely they 

 may eat of the soft food, etc., for their own sustenance, 

 will only feed their )'oung on live insects. Such 

 fledgelings can only be reared at the cost of infinite 

 labour on the part of the aviculturist, and success is 

 almost hopeless if the birds form part of a mixed 

 series; iftheyliavea small enclostire to themselves, 

 they must have a supply of live insects every two or 

 three hours during daylight. To dwellers in rural 

 districts, live ants' cocoons, spiders, beetles, cock- 

 roaches, smooth caterpillars, small worms and plant 

 lice generally can usually be easily obtained, if the 

 supply is regularly kept up, will suffice for the success- 

 ful rearing of the brood, even town and city folk can 

 secure some of them at the expense of a little extra 

 labour and cash, and with the help of the almost always 

 obtainable mealworm they shotild not always have to 

 write failure after their efforts to assist such species to 

 rear their young to maturity. In a mixed series the 

 task is much more difficult, the supply must be given 



