268 



OUR DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



one mixture and praise another, because the 

 results depend on the birds and on circum- 

 stances. It is the same with green food, which 



The Tricolok Canary 



some breeders think injurious and others up- 

 hold. It is advisable, however, to give the birds, 

 now and then, a salad leaf, provided it is not 

 too wet and has not been in the salad bowl. 



A single canary in a house does not require 

 a great deal of care. Cleanliness is the great 

 thing ; intelligent observation of the bird will 

 teach the rest. The cleanliness 

 of the cage requires a layer of 

 sand, not too fine, because it might 

 fly up under the bird's wings and 

 irritate him. The bath tub should 

 be kept full of clean water, and if 

 the bird suffers from \ermin, a 

 bit of quassia wood put into the 

 water will help to free him from 

 them. As to the cleanliness of 

 the bird itself (especially if about 

 to be sent to an e.xhibition), it is 

 necessary that the owner should 

 wash it, which is by no means 

 an easy thing to do. 



Here is some advice on the best manner of 

 procedure. First, warm the room and see that 

 it is quiet, with no danger of incursions of 



children or animals. Take three clean, shallow 

 basins and fill one with warm water. Suspend 

 an empty cage, which has been thoroughly 

 cleansed, near a stove or fire. Lay 

 a piece of soft flannel on the floor 

 of it. The two other basins should 

 be placed beside the first and filled 

 with boiling water. After putting 

 a trifle of soda in the first basin, 

 take the bird quietly but quickly in 

 the left hand. Let him be on the 

 palm of the hand, covering him with 

 the thumb if he attempts to beat 

 his wings (which seldom happens). 

 Then dip him up to the head in the 

 first basin ; with the right hand take 

 a soaped sponge, plunge it into the 

 second basin of hot water, and pro- 

 ceed to wash the bird quickly, tak- 

 ing care to spread the wings and 

 to touch every feather (except those 

 of the head) in the direction in 

 which they naturally lie. When all 

 dirt has been removed wash the head very 

 cautiously but without soap. Too much care 

 cannot be taken to guard the eyes, which the 

 bird will close instinctively. After this the 

 third basin of hot water must be used to rinse 

 him off. The essential thing is to hold him 

 firmly, for if he escapes before he is perfectly 



The Gray Wagtail 



dry, the consequences may be fatal. When all 

 the washing is well over, the bird must be prop- 

 erly dried. It is then very difficult to hold him 



