CHAPTER II. 



BIRD CAGES. 



purchased a bird, the first consi- 

 deration is, which is the best kind of 

 bird cages. 



Of wooden cages those made of mahogany 

 are decidedly the best, as they are less likely 

 to harbor insects than any other. If soft 

 wood is the material it should invariably 

 have two or three coats of paint over it. 

 Green is the best color ; but the wires of a 

 cage should never be painted green, as the 

 metal being non-absorbent, the color will 

 loosen and peel off, and being pecked at and 

 eaten by the bird will cause its death. Wire 

 cages of bell or pagoda shape are mostly 

 used in this country, and are superior to 

 wooden cages, being easily cleaned, and are 

 light and elegant in appearance. The bot- 



