Miscellaneous. 207 



YOUNG BIRDS DYING WHEN A FEW DATS OLD. 



Instances have been known of young birds dying at the age 

 of five to seven days, when every possible attention appears 

 to have been given them by their parents. The symptoms 

 observed are enormous swellings of the bowels, and in some 

 instances they have been known to burst, the cause being 

 constipation. This is probably attributable to feeding too 

 freely with hemp-seed or other astringent diet, or for want 

 of a supply of green food. 



It is necessary to notice whether the young birds evacuate 

 freely; and if not, a few drops of almond or olive oil should 

 be mixed with the egg food. Biscuits are very astringent aa 

 a rule, and for this reason I always recommend wholesome 

 bread being used in preference. I have never had any birds 

 die from this cause, but friends of mine have. 



CHEAP FOOD FOB REARING YOUNG CANARIES. Take lib. 

 of the finest oatmeal and roast it in an oven until it become* 

 of a pale brown colour ; keep stirring it repeatedly to prevent 

 its burning, and when cold add lb. of the best Indian-meal 

 and lib. of good sweet biscuit, finely powdered, 1 table- 

 spoonful of moist or crushed loaf sugar, and a teaspoonful 

 of salt; mix well together in a mortar, and preserve for use 

 in covered tin canisters in a dry place. When required mix 

 with the above a small quantity of German summer rape- seed, 

 first scalded and washed clean, and sufficient water to make 

 the mass crumbly moist, and it is ready for use. 



Another formula is as follows : Take lib. of fine oatmeal 

 and lib. of good wheat-flour, cook in a slow oven until golden 

 brown in colour, keep constantly stirring to prevent burning, 

 and when cold add lb. of ground rice, 6oz. ground Indian- 

 corn, 6oz. moist or powdered loaf sugar, 4oz. crushed hemp- 

 seed free from the husk, 3oz. crushed maw-seed; mix well 

 together and keep in a tin canister in a dry place. This will 

 keep good for many months. When required moisten with 

 warm water, and make into a stimsh crumbly paste as much 

 aa will be needed for one day. It should be prepared tnus 



