AVIARIES, BIRD-ROOMS AND CAGES. 29 



with the hose will keep it in fine condition. Failing 

 this a couple of inches of fine gravel looks well. It 

 should not be beaten down, but left loose as laid, and if 

 occasionally gone over with a fine rake wjll always look 

 neat. But before the gravel is laid the earth should be 

 well beaten down, levelled and watered. The watering 

 settles it down and we can then see if it requires any 

 re-laying. 



Good sharp sand should be used in the covered 

 portion. Ordinary builder's sand does capitally, and 

 can be bought fairly reasonably in the London district 

 for about five shillings to six shillings a cart load. In 

 some country places it is even cheaper. Bird-keepers 

 by the sea-side would, of course, be able to get sand 

 from the shore. 



