WATER FOWL OF INDIA AND ASIA, I2I 
also be barred, the bars being about an inch apart for large and 
less for small birds, and there should be a moveable tray under- 
neath for clearing; or the floor may be made solid and covered 
with a mat or good layer of sand or sawdust. Water should 
be supplied in a securely fixed vessel whence it will not easily 
be spilled, and the grain put in this—in fact, the food for these 
birds should always be placed in water for them. Waterfowl 
which have been for a long time without a bath should be allow- 
ed one with discretion, for after even a short absence from water 
their feathers get disordered, and they become as wet as land 
birds, so that they should not be allowed to stay in too long. 
If precautions like these be observed the care of these birds 
is very easy, and will well repay attention, as good prices can 
be obtained for rare species. 
