329 



at first, the bird beino^ gradually brought on to a more 

 wholesome diet ; for the want of the above precaution 

 many good specimens are sacrificed. 



The majority of Tanagers are best kept on the 

 ordinary insectile mixture, containing a liberal pro- 

 portion of sponge cage, an unlimited supply of such 

 fruit as they individually favour ; or " ring the changes" 

 on apple, pear, orange, banana, pomegranate, etc. 

 Milk sop is not essential for them, in fact many of 

 the Cal/zs^e and Tajiagra will not eat it. Most species 

 will take, and are the better for two or three meal- 

 worms daily. Banana meal, and also crushed puppy 

 biscuit are useful ingredients of the insectile mixture 

 for this group. 



In conclusion, I would emphasise my earlier re- 

 marks as to Mellin's Food or Scott's Emulsion ; the 

 judicious use of same will save the lives of many 

 valuable and beautiful birds. 



INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



Practically the whole ground has been already 

 covered, that it simply remains here to mention some 

 of the available foods. 



Nearly all this group will eat ripe fruit, and it is 

 certainly wholesome for them, especially, as many 

 species will not eat green food, not even when minced. 

 Their need may be briefly summed up — live insects 

 and some good insectile mixture. As regards live 

 insects, the mealworm will be the main-stay for most 

 town and city folk ; another valuable insect is the 

 cockroach, popularly known as the black-beetle, and 

 those whose kitchens are blessed (?) with these 



