8o The Canary Book. 



gravel, are essentials in bird-breeding. A little old lime 

 may be given occasionally; but if a plentiful supply of sand 

 is given it is not really necessary. I never give my birds 

 old lime nothing but sand gathered from the sea-shore and 

 yet I never have a shelless egg, commonly known as a " wind 

 egg." Where sea-sand cannot be procured, freestone bruised 

 small will answer the same purpose, and a little strong 

 salt water, made artificially, and thrown over it, will be found 

 to make a good substitute. 



DIRTY FEET AND LONG CLAWS AND BEAKS. It is highly 

 desirable to clean the feet of birds and cut their claws before 

 they are placed in the breeding-cage. If this be not done, 

 hens with dirt adhering in little hard knots to their feet, or 

 with long overgrown claws, are very apt to indent their eggs 

 whilst turning them a necessary process during incubation 

 and if the abrasion admits the air, the egg is spoilt in con- 

 sequence. I remember a case, however, where an egg was 

 accidentally damaged and a piece of transparent plaster was 

 put over the bruised part very neatly; the egg was 

 hatched, but this was a case where the egg had not been 

 previously sat upon. I do not think it would have succeeded 

 under other circumstances; at least, I have never found it so 

 during my experience. Get a pair of sharp scissors and have 

 some tolerably warm water in a suitable vessel at hand a 

 teacup or even a saucer would answer the purpose ; take hold 

 of the bird gently, but with sufficient firmness to prevent it 

 escaping, hold it on its back, and place the leg you intend to 

 perform upon between your fingers as to avoid any involuntary 

 action at the moment you are about to operate upon its 

 claws. If you can, cut them clean through with one cut, 

 about the centre of the curve of each claw; be careful not 

 to take too much off them or you will cut them into the quick 

 and run the risk of laming the bird. After this operation is 

 completed, immerse the feet in warm water, wash them properly, 

 and dry with a soft cloth. Sometimes the bill, too, gets over- 

 grown and has to be cut ; this is a somewhat delicate opera- 

 tion, and requires considerable skill and care in its performance. 



