HIS PRIVATE APARTMENT 



THE cage is the bird's private apartment, 

 and to make him happy it must be as well 

 suited to his needs, as comfortable and con- 

 venient, as our rooms are for us. 



The first point to consider is the kind of 

 cage to select. The indispensable quality, in 

 my opinion, is that it shall be entirely of metal, 

 without a particle of wood except the perches. 

 The reason for this preference is that wood 

 is hard to keep sweet and is a harbor for ver- 

 min, while cages of wire, with zinc trays, may 

 be scalded and wiped dry in a moment. No 

 insect can escape destruction, and there is no 

 dampness or odor as from wet wood. 



If but one or two birds are kept, and some- 

 thing very fine is desired, beautiful cages may 

 be bought made of brass wire with zinc trays. 

 These are rather costly, however, and if a 

 cheaper one is decided upon, a very good plain 



