Cages. 105 



Cages are, however, more difficult to make good 

 in all respects than might be expected ; for, in many 

 points, it is not easy to reconcile health, good appear- 

 ance, convenience for cleaning, wholesomeness, and, 

 often, we must add, economy of expense. 



Paint and brass are hurtful ; zinc cages and those 

 with a. large metal surface are extremely cold ; com- 

 mon wooden ones are supposed to require painting, 

 and to be hard to clean ; while those of mahogany or 

 any ornamental wood are a great deal more expensive. 

 Glass cages again are high in price, and doubtful 

 as regards their usefulness, the slightest chip being 

 even more dangerous than a painted cage could be. 



2. It has often struck me, what particularly good 

 cages could be made of payier in ache. If bands 

 and a tray of this were substituted for the zinc, and 

 the food boxes and cans for the water glasses made 

 in the same material, the birds would have the 

 advantage of an extremely warm, comfortable cage, 

 which could be quickly cleaned and dried, while its 

 peculiar lightness would be a great advantage to 

 those who have to lift it, and particularly in the case 

 of hanging up a large cage. 



I hope to get this idea earned into effect at some 

 time ; at any rate for the cages of the more tender 

 birds, and for perches of every length, and in every 

 sort of cage. Its usual colour is black, but this- 

 might suit well with the bird's bright plumage. 



