Aviary Cage. 121 



this respect, as ill open trays the birds waste their 

 seed terribly, while if they can get into it, it is both 

 scattered about and spoilt. 



Small round holes in front, and wire gauze over 

 the top, prevent this great waste of seed, and though 

 a long row of apparent mouse-trap holes does not 

 look veiy pretty, this is much the best for the birds,, 

 as the wire causes many sharp, painful blows to their 

 eager little bills, which are by no means so insensible 

 as often is supposed to the jars they get. In this^ 

 respect I think the more we return to the old-fashioned 

 drawers and holes the better for the birds ; and the 

 great objection that used to exist to these the 

 dilliculty in thoroughly cleaning wood may be 

 readily overcome. 



I am much in favour of a double set of food-holders,, 

 changing them each day, so as to ensure a good 

 washing, drying, and ailing. And for the inside, it- 

 is most desirable to have a glass or earthenware 

 lining. When several are required, or when one 

 maker is fitting up many cages, it may be worth 

 while having their drawers made on purpose : other- 

 wise, I have found the glass or china trays used for 

 holding pens answer very well for this, and the deeper 

 they are the better. One of these for the seed, and 

 another for the drinking water, would answer very 

 well, the deepest being for water ; and if the drawer 

 is rather longer than these two divisions, it is no* 



