18 INTRODUCTION. 



fi single trough. A little hemp, poppy and rape seed, and a few 

 ants' eggs and bread crumbs, may be occasionally added as a 

 treat. The same pastes suffice also for birds of the third ancl 

 fourth classes* 



In addition to this, all cage-birds need a fresh supply of 

 : water every evening not only to quench their thirst, but, in 

 many cases, to bathe. If a considerable number of birds inhabit 

 the same room, the best plan is to provide for them an earthen 

 vessel, about eight inches in length, and two inches in breadth 

 and depth, divided into several compartments, so that the birds 

 cannot entirely immerse themselves, and scatter the water about 

 with their wings. For Quails and Larks, fresh wet sand is suf- 

 ficient. A general rule as regards birds but one which espe- 

 cially applies to such as will eat whatever is offered them is 

 that great care is necessary not to give them meal which is at 

 all bad, or which has any pepper upon it. I may also remark, 

 that it is the best plan not to give cage-birds a larger supply of 

 food than is sufficient for one day; as they are apt not only to 

 waste it by scattering it about the cage, but also to pick out the 

 best, and leave themselves poorly provided for the future. 



Y. BREEDING OF CAGE-BIRDS. 



IT is neither necessary nor possible to make many general re- 

 marks on the Breeding of Cage-Birds ; as, with the exception of 

 Canaries, which may almost be reckoned among domestic animals, 

 it is very rarely that they can be induced to pair. A chief re- 

 quisite is a quiet, solitary, and roomy habitation ; if possible, a 

 whole room, in which have been placed pine-boughs cut in win- 

 ter, and retaining their leaves. It is especially necessary to 

 make the habitation resemble as much as possible the natural 

 haunts of the birds, in order that they may have the greater 

 inducement to pair. 



As, however, we cannot under any circumstances, and with 

 any degree of care, supply the advantages afforded by nature, 

 or provide the necessary materials for building, it is best to give 

 them nests turned out of wood, or woven of straw or withes. In 

 these the birds will themselves arrange the softer materials, such 

 as hair-, silk, and lint, which should be placed within their reach. 

 Great attention must also be paid to their food at this period ; 

 to supply such as shall at once incline the old birds to pair, and 

 bo appropriate to the age of the young brood. I shall give 



