164 BIRD-KEEPER'S MANUAL. 



insect, at least that season. This solution should 

 be marked and carefully put away, as it is rank 

 poison. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REARING OF AMERI- 

 CAN BIRDS FROM THE NEST. 



A difference of opinion exists as to the proper 

 time to take the nests of young birds. Some say, 

 when they begin to feather; others, when the 

 tail feathers begin to grow. When I reared them 

 I always thought it best to let them have as much 

 of the parents' care as possible ; and I always 

 let them get pretty well feathered, before I took 

 them ; and I let them stop until within two or 

 three days of leaving the nest. If they are in- 

 clined to hop out when you get them home, this 

 is easily prevented by throwing a light covering 

 over them, until they get strong enough to stand 

 on their legs. Young birds should be fed at 

 least every two hours, some oftener ; and small, 

 delicate birds, should have, at first, a little every 

 hour. They should be fed as soon after sunrise 

 as possible, and not after sundown. If it is im- 

 possible, owing to the nature of your avocation, 



