AVIAltlES, BIED-ltOOMS AXD CAGES. 

 ENAMEL AXD DISTEMPER. 



-When black enamel' is used, it should be thinned 

 out somewhat with turpentine, if at all thick, and several 

 coats should be given the work, each one being laid on 

 as thinly as possible. The finished article -will 'then be 

 found to look much superior than with one coat laid on 

 thickly. 



For the interior of stock cages there is a sanitary 

 washable distemper which is an excellent article for the 

 purpose. This should be put on thickly, two coats 

 being quite sufficient for new work. When dirty, it 

 can be well washed and another coat added. Although 

 this distemper is washable, it will not bear hard rubbing, 

 so that it requires another coat, after the periodical 

 scrubbing of the cages. 



For the benefit of the uninitiated I may say that 

 this distemper greatly resembles the ordinary lime-wash 

 in consistency. It is w r hat one might term a water-, 

 colour paint. It can be purchased at most oil shops 

 (with full directions for use) at about the same price as 

 ordinary paint; but it covers much more space, and is 

 therefore cheaper. It can be procured in any colour, or 

 shade of colour. 



The Fancier may at times want to use a little' 

 varnish. Oil varnish dries in a few hours in the 

 summer time, and spirit varnish almost as quickly as 

 one can put it on. The difference in the two is this: 

 the oil varnish is elastic and very durable, while the 

 spirit varnish is rather clearer, but becomes, when dry, 

 brittle and hard, and in some cases will chip off. 



STAINING AND VARNISHING. 



Before varnishing new work it should be sized with 

 two coats. A penny-worth of size will be sufficient to 

 cover several cages. It should be dissolved in a little 

 hot water, and applied with a clean brush, and another 

 coat be added when the first is dry. Then leave it for 

 twelve hours before applying the varnish, which should 

 be put on thinly; two coats are sufficient for any work. 



