23 



hours, put them out every alternate 

 day ; if they fly under three hours, 

 fly them daily. The third week 

 feed them on dried peas, Indian corn, 

 wheat and tares, changing their food 

 every day. On rough or windy 

 weather, Indian corn or peas will be 

 most substantial, and wheat or tares 

 will be best on a still calm day. It 

 is usual to give the birds two days' 

 rest before a long fly, or when they 

 are going to fly for a wager. If the 

 birds are in good condition you will 

 see them standing on tip-toes, beat- 

 ing their wings, and constantly flying 

 about the place. The day before 

 the match, feed them on peas, a 

 small quantity of linseed, and a hand- 

 ful of dried tares. Keep the place 

 in darkness, and feed them at night, 

 with a light. Give them nearly half 

 a crawful of peas, and fill up with 

 canary and rape seed half an hour 

 before letting them out. Should 

 there be a strong wind, extra Indian 



