284 C A VARIES AND CaCE-BiRDS. 



such cages is a frame like that shown in Fig. 72, the cages fitting end to end in the double tray 

 along the bottom, and resting against the centre rails b b and c c. Through the bottom and end 

 rails holes are bored for ventilation, and canvas is tacked along the bottom a a, projecting some- 

 what at the ends. This, being laced up tightly at the top and both ends, makes an admirable 

 package. Square light boxes, or baskets like poultry baskets lined with unbleached linen, made 

 square instead of round, also make capital packages ; and such appliances save secretaries much 

 trouble, as well as being far more secure for the birds than mere canvas. When Belgian or other 

 open cages are sent with ordinary cages, some discretion is necessary, the lighter and weaker open 

 cages being packed on the top. In any case, before fastening up finally, see that the water-tins, 

 packed in flannel, are put insid/; the package, and also that a good supply of the proper food is 

 included. 



The words " LiVE Birds " should be painted as conspicuously as possible on the canvas or 

 other package, independently of the show label. This last is now sent reversible by all the best- 

 conducted shows ; but it is as well to have the owner's address legibly painted on the box, basket, 

 or wrapper, with a small reversible label bearing " From " on one side and " To " on the other. 

 Besides other uses, this tends to prevent loss of wrappers ; which, being usually fitted to so many 

 cages, with proper lacings, are valuable. 



The exhibitor has now done with his birds ; but a few hints respecting the show-room may be 

 of use. In large shows regular staging is often erected ; but a capital effect may be produced with 

 the ordinary furniture of a school-room, or any similar hall furnished with backed seats. Raise 

 these up on anything handy — empty barrels will do very well if nothing better offers — to the right 

 height, back to back, and you have two rows of staging ready ; and if you can afford the hire or 

 otherwise of some baize or other cheap stuff", any suitable colour, and hang it over the seats, backs 

 and all, you have an effect which cannot be surpassed, for almost nothing in the way of cost. 

 Again, the seats being all one length, and the number of cages for each being easily calculated,- the 

 officer in charge will be able to tell almost exactly where any cage is to go as soon as the number is 

 called out. For unpacking, a place must be selected free from draught ; and as each cage is taken 

 out of its package the operator should call out the number to the secretary, or other superintendent 

 in charge, who will check it off" his list and direct what part of the room it is to be taken to. In 

 this way one person as checker can keep several operators at work without confusion, and save a 

 lot of time. As soon as the package is emptied, if it is a canvas it should be folded neatly, 

 with the exliibitors address outside, and put away in the appointed place ; and if food is sent, 

 another person ought at once to see that the cages are supplied. 



We paragragh one hint separately as very important. Some exhibitors send a bit of sponge 

 in each water-tin to avoid mischief; but if not, care should be taken only to fill up the tins at first 

 so that the birds can jnst dip their beaks in. If more is allowed, the chances are that they will 

 begin to splash and drench themselves, and probably not be dry when the judge comes round. 

 Many a prize has been lost through this precaution being neglected, and in particular we remember 

 the beautiful bird known as the " Queen of Crests" being once thrown out at Coventry in this way. 

 As soon as the class is judged, the tins may be filled up fully. 



When all are staged, the secretary will of course see if any are missing, and institute inquiries 

 accordingly ; but we need not here discuss the ordinary clerical work which is common to all 

 fancy-stock exhibitions, of whatever kind. 



