192 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS. 
given to birds which have not had it of late, or they 
will take too much, which often causes their death. 
Lime is needed by hen-birds when laying, in order to 
form the egg-shell, and is beneficial to birds at all times, 
The best form in which it can be supplied to small birds 
is cuttle-fish bone, which can be obtained from a chemist, 
or picked up on the beach if one happens to live near the 
sea. The ‘‘bone’’ which is brittle and spongy, should 
be securely fastened up by a wire in reach of the birds, 
which gnaw it with ‘great pleasure. Plaster rubbish 
from old houses is also useful. 
Rock-salt is relished by Doves and Parrots, and a lump 
may be kept constantly in their reach. 
REARING YOUNG BirDs. 
This is very troublesome, as the little things require 
such frequent feeding; ‘‘little and often’’ being the 
method to follow. They should not be taken for rearing 
till covered with feathers and nearly ready to fly. The 
young of insectivorous birds of the smaller and more 
delicate kinds are best reared on white ants and small 
grasshoppers; of the larger, on egg-and-satoo paste and 
bread-and-milk, with whatever large insects come to 
hand. The young of seed-eaters need to be fed on paste 
and sop like those of insectivorous birds, not being able 
to digest hard seed till fledged. A small pair of forceps is 
the best thing for feeding young birds with ; failing these, 
a quill toothpick with the tip rounded off answers very 
well. Drops of water must not be forgotten. Hand- 
reared birds generally become delightfully tame, and 
