Cages and Cage-making* 49 



are made of wood, stout deal, fin. in thickness in the rongh. 

 Between the ends, across the top, is a stout rail or bar, 

 2^in. deep and l^in. thick, let into the ends, mortised to 

 make it firmer and look better. At the bottom of the case, 

 and in a parallel line with the top rail, is fixed another 

 lath, l^in. in depth and breadth ; and in the centre of the 

 case between these rails is fastened an upright stay or 

 support, which is mortised at both ends, placed across and 

 secured to the cross-bars with screws to give it strength. 

 The cages rest against the bars, top and bottom, and this 

 creates a space for air. Opposite this space at either end 

 are three air-holes, each in. in diameter. A metal handle 

 is placed at each end of the case to facilitate its carriage 

 up and downstairs or at shows, and a brass handle is 

 fastened in the centre of the top rail for the convenience 

 of moving it about or carrying it if necessary. A thin 

 lath, 2in. deep, is nailed on each side, in front, next the 

 bottom, to keep the cages firm. Ib is covered with canvas, 

 first tacked on with very small tacks, and afterwards bound 

 round with "list" or binding to make it firmer and more 

 durable ; the latter is likewise tacked on. Along the top on 

 each side small round holes are made, and worked like 

 button-holes ; these are laced up with two pieces of stout 

 twine, secured firmly at each end of the case, and meeting 

 in the centre, where they are tied securely. It will be found 

 necessary to cut the canvas cover a little way down on each 

 side in the middle, to let the cages go in more easily. The 

 portion so cut should be bound with stout linen binding, 

 and made to fasten up with buttons and button-holes; 6in. 

 or Sin. will be sufficient for these openings. At one side 

 (outside) you can have a square piece of canvas bound round 

 with the same kind of binding, and secured at the top edge 

 with a needle and thread to the cover of the case ; this should 

 be made to turn over, like the lapel of a coat, to form a 

 reverse label, with the word " From " on one side, and the 

 word "To" on the other. Make it with two button- 

 holes at the lower comer, and place two buttons above 



