180 The Canary Book. 



consequently preserves the colour of the birds intact; bnt by 

 all means let them have a plentiful supply of fresh air. It is 

 said by some old experienced exhibitors that it is not possible 

 to keep a bird " up " in colour for a whole season ; and that it 

 is necessary for any one to have three or four prize birds to 

 accomplish anything approaching a feat as a successful exhi- 

 bitor ; but I can assure those who feel disposed to try this plan 

 that they will be well satisfied with the result. 



CRESTED BIRDS sometimes have a difficulty in throwing off 

 their head gear when moulting ; when this is found to be the 

 case, remove the feathers by hand. Do it as gently as you can, 

 a few at a time, day by day, until all are withdrawn ; they come 

 off very easily at this time, and do not cause pain to the birds. 

 It is very desirable that the moulting of the crest should not 

 be protracted, or it will appear stunted in its growth. 



If a show-bird has the misfortune to damage a tail- or wing- 

 feather, it should be withdrawn as soon as the mishap is dis- 

 covered. 



Cayenne feeding and artificial heat say about 60deg. Pahr. 

 especially the latter, are great factors in developing and 

 increasing the size of the crest in Crested Norwich and Lan- 

 cashire Coppy Canaries. 



During the process of the moult it is necessary to feed 

 liberally, and more particularly those birds which appear out 

 of sorts, or those that have been bred with for several 

 months. The process of moulting greatly reduces the 

 strength, and frequently impairs the vitality of birds; so 

 that strengthening and invigorating food, and a plentiful 

 supply of pure air, free from draughts, are of considerable 

 importance at this period. Hard-boiled eggs mixed with bread 

 or biscuit, a few groats, a little hemp-seed, inga-seed, maw-seed, 

 and linseed, together with a bit of sweet apple or a moderate 

 quantity of fresh green food, often will tempt them to eat 

 and uphold their strength. Where a large quantity of birds 

 are kept for stock purposes, one or other of the compounds 

 may be used with advantage and at small expense. A bath 

 during warm dry days will be found of much service. 



