English Navies for the Parrots.



41



ever necessary with fresh water, after which they can be slightly

tipped forward to allow the water to escape through the opening at

the bottom which I have mentioned above. All false bottoms should

be scraped daily with a blunt knife or other instrument, and all stale

food removed at the same time. If this is done thoroughly it will

be found more sanitary than using a door covering. I have always

found hay most objectionable for this purpose, although it is in¬

variably recommended by butchers, whu think that cleaning is sim¬

plified by its use. Sand is difficult to obtain at sea, and saw-dust,

of which there is usually a large stock on board, is useful in some

cases, but should to my mind never be used except for seed and

grain eaters.


GENERAL. — It is always wise, when it is intended to bring

many and large cases of birds on board, to advise the steam-ship

agent at the port of departure of one’s intention to do so, so that

arrangements can be made beforehand to receive and house the cages.

It is also to be recommended to make friends on board with the

chief officer and boatswain, who can make matters much more

comfortable for the passenger and his birds if they are favourably

disposed, in the way of rigging up screens, washing down decks, and

moving the cages to more suitable places if a change is necessary.

The chief steward is also a useful man to know, as he can supply

delicacies otherwise unobtainable. With a little tact and care a

voyage with a large collection of birds should thus be made quite

easy and comfortable, and looking after the birds gives one an occu¬

pation on board which is very pleasant, as it breaks the monotony

of a long sea voyage.



ENGLISH NAMES FOR THE PARROTS.


By Dr. E. HOPKINSON.


{Continued from page 354. Vol. VI)


" Wellat,” native name of the KING PARROT.


West African Lovebird, the RED-FACED LOVEBIRD.


West Indian Green Parrot, see under AMAZON, BLUE-FRONTED.

WESTERMANN’S ECLECTUS.


WESTERN BLACK COCKATOO, see under COCKATOO.


Western BLOSSOM-HEADED Paroquet.



