24 Bird-keeping. 



kept in good health, fed on lean mutton dried and 

 soaked in water for two days before it is eaten. Three- 

 quarters of an ounce a day will be enough for it, in 

 addition to the mice or birds, which are necessary to 

 it that the fur or feathers may cleanse its stomach ; 

 otherwise it will die of decline. The Small Owl is 

 said to be a very clean bird, and to be an amusing pet 

 from its very odd and grotesque gestures ; but it has 

 a hoarse, disagreeable cry, and is apt to be very restless 

 in the breeding season, 



