8 4 



AVIARIES; BIlW-ltOOMS AND CAGES. 



alterations. In size it should be from twenty to twenty- 

 four inches long, ten inches high, and ten deep. The 

 food and water vessels are placed in the front rail, one 

 of them at the extreme end, and the other about seven 



Fig. 9. Lark, Wagtail, or Pipit Cage. 



inches from the other end. At the latter end is a low 

 six-inch 'door, for the purpose of slipping a fresh cut 

 turf into this corner, an inch-wide rail running from 

 front to back keeping.it in position. Although some 

 Lark keepers do not agree with giving their pets a fresh 

 turf, the birds appear to me to greatly enjoy it, and will 

 always sleep on it if given. 



A cage of the above description should be made of 

 light pine. As it is just possible it may at some time 

 be hung in the open air, to make quite secure it should 

 be fitted with two holes in the back, to correspond 

 with two nails in the wall. The cage will then hang 

 perfectly level and be thoroughly secure. A couple of 

 square iron brackets fastened to the wall (the cage to 

 stand upon them) will answer the same purpose. 



CONCERNING DRAWBOARDS. 



In describing the different cages, I have made no 

 mention of drawboards; the Fancier can fit them or not 

 as he chooses. Personally I never use them, but instead 

 fix a rail kept in position by two bent wires. When 

 cleaning their cages out, the inmates are always run 

 into others, which prevents fright, and the cleansing can 

 be done more effectually. The great objection to draw- 

 boards is that they are so likely to warp, and conse- 

 quently fit badly either too tightly, or not tightly 

 enough, either of which is a cause of annoyance. 



