334 A Plea for the Birds 



Cultivate the purple martins and they will help 

 to get rid of the English sparrow which is such a 

 nuisance. 



Kingbirds will drive away English sparrows, crows, 

 and blue jays, and should be attracted by giving 

 them what they like best to eat. (See pp. 318, 

 323, 3250 



When young birds seem ill and generally out of 

 sorts, try putting into their mouths a mixture 

 of half -whiskey and half -water; or a few drops of 

 paregoric in a spoonful of water. This will usually 

 revive their spirits and stimulate them to normal 

 condition. 



Young birds want food as soon as they are awake, 

 hence the cage should be covered with a dark cloth 

 at night to prevent their waking too early. It is 

 better to cover the cages of all birds at night to 

 prevent them waking the household before the 

 members are ready to stir. 



Birds should have a cage large enough to move 

 around in freely. They must have exercise in order 

 to thrive. One, two, or even three perches will 

 prove a great comfort to them. Remember, 

 under natural conditions they have the whole 

 world in which to roam. 



