FOR CAGES AND AVIARIES. 5 



case of the soft-billed species there is no question that 

 it is the best way to secure a reliable pet. Provided with 

 a little pair of forceps (see illustration), there is not, 

 or need not be, the slightest difficulty in rearing any of 

 the warblers, from the Nightingale down to the Golden- 

 crested Wren : the last, by the bye, has not been included 

 in the present work for several reasons, one of which is 

 the difficulty in procuring it, and another the amount of 

 care requisite for its preservation, for although it remains 

 with us all the year round, it is almost impossible to 

 preserve it through the winter in confinement, on account 

 of its impatience of cold. 



As each species is passed in review the food most 

 suitable for it will be mentioned, also whether it is or 

 is not a suitable subject for being kept in an aviary out 

 of doors; and as the novice might like to try rearing 

 one or more by hand, the site and appearance of the 

 nest will be indicated, as well as the season of the year 

 when it is most likely to be met with. The difference 

 between the sexes, and between the adult and young 

 birds, where such exists, will be pointed out, and direc- 

 tions given for distinguishing the one from the other. 



As many people lay much stress upon the song, as 

 much information as possible will be afforded on that 

 point, and in each case it will be said whether the bird 

 has any, or what, pretension to be classed among the 

 musical members of the great family of birds; while the 

 migratory species will be differentiated from those that 

 remain with us throughout the year. 



Then some birds are more suited for cage-life, and 

 others do better in an outdoor aviary, or flying about at 

 liberty in a bird-room indoors, and these will also be 

 distinguished from each other; a few species being 

 indicated which can only be acceptably kept in the latter 

 situation. 



The shape and size of the cage suitable for each 

 species are points that need very carefully attending to, 

 if complete success is to be attained ; and as nothing 

 enhances the pleasure of keeping birds so much as the 

 rearing of a brood or broods of young, every possible 



