46 The Canary Book. 



getting at the seed. By using hoppers of this description, 

 together with a glass water-trough and cover, as already described, 

 and having the cages wired closely, with the wires about two- 

 thirds-of-an-inch apart, it is impossible for mice to intrude in 

 the cages; and only breeders know the difficulty experienced 

 in preventing these nocturnal depredators from interfering 

 with their stock, and the incalculable mischief they do when 

 they gain access ad libitum to the sanctuary of a valuable 

 lot of choice birds. The cages should be hung against a wall 

 or partition, for if left on a stand, or table, the probability 

 is that these pests to fanciers will gnaw a hole through the 

 back or end of a cage. Ornamental hoppers can be made by 



FIG. 32. EGG-DRAWER FOR BREEDING-CAGE. 



the skilful use of a fret-saw. The pattern should be first 

 drawn on paper, and then cut out and pasted on the wood 

 to be operated on, for a guide. Hoppers of this description 

 add much to the appearance of a well-made cage; but unless 

 cages are made of mahogany, walnut, or some similar wood, 

 and French polished, the labour would be wasted. 



EGG-TROUGHS. Fig. 32 is a sketch of a tin or zinc trough 

 tin preferable with a brass or wooden front, for a breeding- 

 cage, and Fig. ,33 represents another tin or zinc trough to be 

 used for any cage in which provision has not been already 

 made for one, or for a show-cage when required. Being made 



