44 "^ PET BIRDS OF BENGAL 



The caged Piddah is out and out a hand- 

 reared nestling, numbers of which are 

 brought down for sale to the Calcutta bazaar 

 every rainy season from the north-western 

 parts of the country. Their 

 Cage-life value is easily guessed, for a hand- 

 reared bird makes a nice pet, and a 

 bold and long-lived cage-bird. Although on 

 account of its diminutive size, it can be kept 

 in the smallest cages, an aviary is its fitting 

 accommodation ; for this bird which is 

 always full of activity wants sufficient space 

 for its sprightly movements. As a matter 

 of fact, the Piddah receives scant treat- 

 ment from its Indian keepers — a very small 

 cage with a dirty air-blocking wrapper is 

 all that is considered material for its exis- 

 tence. And the poor bird has such a lusty 

 and robust constitution, and an affable 

 temper that it readily reconciles itself to 

 its lot ! But to speak the truth, the dingy 

 cage is a veritable hell for the bird, which 

 loves open life and demands ample scope 

 for its unceasing activities. Like the 



