60 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



vertically, with 4 or 5 inches space between, will answer if iron bars can not be had. 

 A space of 5 or 6 inches should be left between this grating and the bottom of the 

 box. There should he a stout bar acros.s the rear end, with 4 inches space lietween 

 it and the bottom for cleaning out. The rear door, sHding up, should fill the entn-e 

 space above this bar. Cleats should l)e nailed across the bottom mside, a little sand 

 should be scattered on it, and over this a good bedding of straw or similar material. 



A box for a rhinoceros should have the top, over the animal's head, hned with 

 heavy sheet iron. 



Tapirs and sirine. — Boxes for these animals should be similar to the last, only 

 lighter, and with bars 8 inches apart and with 3 inches space at bottom, in front and 

 back. 



Monl-eys. — Boxes should be large enough to allow the animals to move about. The 

 front may be of heavy wire netting or a grating of light l)ars, with a space of 2 inches 

 at the bottom for i)utting in water pan and food and for cleaning out. A piece of 

 burlap or blanket should be tacked across the top edge in front, to be let down when 

 the temperature is low or the box is bemg moved. A little bedding of straw or simi- 

 lar material should be ])ut in. 



Monkeys l)ear transportation best when several are sent together, but any that are 

 vicious must be shipped by themselves. 



RodcntH. — Boxes for gnawing animals should be similar to tho.se for monkeys, but 

 lined with tin or sheet iron. Of most species it will be safe to put several individuals 

 together. 



Small catii, vvaseln, etc. — Boxes should be of sufficient size to permit free movement. 

 Front should be clo.sed with stout wire netting or light iron grating, a space being 

 left at the bottom for food and water. 



Birds. — Boxes for birds should have tight back and bottom. For the other three 

 sides and fop a frame covered with wire netting will answer, burlap or other cheap 

 material being jmt over this to protect the birds from draffs. The front maybe kept 

 uncovered except when the box is l)eing moved. 



Boxes for long-billed l)irds should have a door in the front so that a pail or other 

 deep vessel for water may be set inside. 



Parrots and macaws require metal cages, as they quickly destroy wood. 



Boxes for ostriches, emues, and cassowaries should be tight to a height of about 6 

 inches above the level of the bird's back. Above that point the sides, and also the 

 top, should be made of slats, with the space between them so narrow that the bird 

 can not put its head through. The sides of the box should be padded up to the level 

 of the l)ird's breast. 



There should be a sliding door in one end of the l)ox sufficiently large to admit the 

 bird, and this will also answer for puffing in pail for water and feed. 



Hay is most satisfactory for l)edding, I)ut other dry material of similar character 

 will answer. This bedding material should be cut into short lengths; otherwise the 

 bird will get it twisted about its feet. 



Eeptdes. — Snakes may be shipped in boxes having tight sides and bottom and top 

 covered with small-mesh wire netting. An old blanket or some soft, dry grass should 

 be put into the box, also a little sand. 



Iguanas and other lizards requre the same style of box as snakes. Dry sand only 

 should be put in the bottom. 



FEEDING AND CARE. 



General instructions. — It is not expected that the directions for feeding, given 

 below, can always be closely followed. It may happen that the articles specified are 

 not obtainable, and that others not mentioned, but equally good, can be had in 

 abundance. 



Whenever the animals to be shipped have been for some time in captivity it will 

 be advisable to obtain full information regarding the manner of caring for them, and 

 the food to which they have been accustomed. 



Care should be taken that animals are not overfed; if they do not eat all that is 

 given them the quantify should be reduced at once. 



Such animals as antelope, deer, hippopotamus, etc., that have been fed on hay and 

 grain, will relish fresh grass and other green food when it is obtainable, but it should 

 be given in small quantities at first. 



The cages should be cleaned each day, and all remnants of food should be removed 

 as soon as the animals finish eating. 



Water should be given twice a day. The pan should be taken out when the 

 animal is through drinking. The pan is best put into the cage empty, then lilled 

 from a common sprinkiing pot which has had the "rose" removed. 



