THE MOCKTNG-niUD. 165 



will prove beneficial in healing the injured part. This disease will be observed to 

 have almost the same outward signs on the bird that asthma has on the Canary. 



Blindness is caused by hanging the bird too high in a poorly ventilated room, 

 where the foul air of burned-out gas, or the poisonous fumes of a kerosene-lamp, 

 will reach him : these cause partial or total blindness. The bird should be removed 

 to fresh air, and fed on the richest diet. When blindness sets in, it is almost im- 

 possible to arrest the course of it ; although the bird may afterwards live in perfect 

 health and song for many years. 



The Beak and Claws of the Mocking-bird frequently need clipping and 

 sharpening, which should be done in the same manner as recommended for the 

 Canary. 



The Legs also require frequent attention : as the bird grows old, the scales 

 which form should be removed, and the legs anointed with glycerine, or some 

 other healing lotion. 



Mocking-birds should have the largest-sized cages ; as they are exceedingly 

 spry, and delight in flying about. When hung in the open air, it is better to protect 

 them from the strong rays of the sun, or from sudden summer storms, by covering 

 the top of the cage with a piece of light canvas. 



