146 Song Birds. 



glass, should, however, now and then, be cleaned out 

 thoroughly. Tin or zinc is objectionahle either for 

 water or any kind of food. The pans for all kinds of 

 paste, or egg, &c., should he of glass or earthenware. 

 Terra cotta is a nice material to use in aviaries, not- 

 only for the food, hut for the fountain, the flooring, and 

 the plant boxes. 



12. A white marble fountain is the most perfect 

 thing, and when this is arranged with a small jet of 

 water like the small Eau de Cologne fountains, the 

 effect is charming when the gay plumaged birds keep 

 diving through the spray. 



18. The perches should always, in cages and in 

 aviaries of all sorts, be made to take in and out ; and 

 whether they are fixed or moveable, it is necessary to 

 be careful that the birds do not catch their feet in any 

 kind of cranny. Polished deal or maple is the best 

 material, perhaps, after cane for this, but cane is at 

 once a natural round perch for the bird's foot to grasp, 

 perfectly light, and easy to be cleaned. Deal I am? 

 fond of myself, but this is merely because my birds 

 have done well with it ; many other soft woods may 

 be quite as good. Still, deal is quickly cleaned, and 

 not at all apt to crack, which is much in its favour. 



The perches should be kept perfectly clean ; and 

 after washing with yellow soap and water, they should 

 never be returned to the cage or aviary till quite dry* 

 "They should not, however, be dried too quickly, as. 



