50 The Canary Book. 



and two below to secure it by, as shown in the illustration. 

 Opposite this you can print with ink and a piece of wood, 

 sharpened like a wooden skewer, your name and address in 

 large characters, so that they may be readily seen; and 

 above the address print the words, "Live birds, with care." 

 By using these precautions, your birds are sure to be 

 returned to you in due course, and you avoid the risk of any 

 error being made inadvertently by committee men, or other 

 persons connected with shows, in the bu3tle and 

 excitement of packing for the return journey. A great 

 many fanciers send their birds to exhibitions in canvas 

 wrappers, whilst others merely fold the cages containing 

 the birds in paper covers. Both these plans are objection- 

 able, and entail an unnecessary amount of labour upon both 

 secretaries and other persons who assist at shows, besides 

 running a great risk of having the cages damaged, and 

 their occupants maimed or killed, through their being 

 improperly packed by some inexperienced person. The 

 cost of these cases is very trifling, and they are so ex- 

 ceedingly light that the extra carriage, if any, is very small, 

 and, when compared with the comfort and security which 

 they afford, sinks into utter insignificance. 



In addition to these, wicker-work baskets can be obtained, 

 but the wooden frames covered with canvas are doubtless 

 the best. The canvas covers can be coated with two coatings 

 of boiled linseed oil, and afterwards with two coats of paint, 

 which will make them more durable, and render them to a 

 great extent impervious to rain and snow. Baskets or hampers 

 I consider too draughty, and not sufficiently warm in cold 

 weather. 



