AVIA11IEX, JURD-ltOOMX AXD CAGES. 89 



If the Fancier wishes to stain the fronts of his cages 

 to resemble any of the hard woods, he can purchase 

 stain mixed with varnish for the purpose. Should this 

 require a little thinning, methylated spirit must be 

 added carefully. It should be applied somewhat quickly, 

 as i\t soon evaporates. 



Instead of this ready mixed stain and varnish, I 

 much prefer to use my own home-made stain, size the 

 work, and finish with a coat or two of varnish. An 

 ounce of bichromate of potash may be purchased for a 

 few pence at the chemist's. Dissolve a little of this in 

 hot water, until it is a little darker than the colour re- 

 quired, and apply it with a brush ; a second coat may 

 be added if thought necessary. 



All brushes used should be thoroughly cleaned in 

 turpentine, and washed in warm' water and soap. But 

 if the work is only put by for a few hours, the paint 

 brushes may be put into an empty jam pot with sufficient 

 water in it to cover them, thus preventing them from 

 getting dry and hard. 



