416 THE VETERINARY DOCTOR. 
food, as far as he can, by close observation of the effects of different aru- 
cles that are at hand. To this dificult question the members of our bird 
societies patiently address themselves. It is evident that, to give any trust- 
worthy directions upon feeding, one must divide his subject according to 
the species. Nothing is the cause of more sickness and death among birds 
than giving them any and every article of food simply because they seem to 
relish it, or at least take it readily. 
Gravel, Cuttle-Bone and Salt.—Every cage should be supplied with 
small gravel, and the best kind is that which may be scraped up along the 
lakes and rivers. Fine sand is not a good substitute. Without such a pro- 
vision the digestion is disturbed or entirely interrupted. Again, cuttle-bone 
and crystal salt should be kept within reach, since they afford needed ma- 
terial for the making of blood and bone. A bird may live even years with- 
out them, but it should have the opportunity of getting them as the system 
demands. This remark is not intended to lead to a disregard of the caution 
which fanciers emphasize about putting salt into the food of certain species. 
Macena Biscuits a substitute for the egg-foods which are so ex- 
tensively used, the writer has an article of his own discovery which he 
calls the Macena Biscuit, and which, for canaries, mocking-birds, thrushes, 
parrots and other species, he has found to be much superior. It is men- 
tioned here as an additional food, and not as a necessary part of the follow- 
ing points on feeding and treating. It insures rhythm and flexibility of 
the voice, is the most digestible for both the old and young, and is thus 
suited to all cases of debility in particular. It is an admirable remedy and 
preventive for inflammation of the bowels, and also saves much time and 
trouble in the breeding season. The birds always havea keen relish for it, 
showing a marked preference to it over egg-food, and feed it to the young 
with greater readiness. It is good for old birds in all seasons, is peculiarly 
suitable at breeding times, and the writer has found nothing equal to it for 
the young of all kinds, canaries in particular, up to the age of four or five 
months, as well as in moulting. It will remain in a fit state for food eight 
to ten days in summer and ten to twelve days in winter. When it does be- 
come old, it is readily prepared for use by dipping it in water for three min- 
utes and then squeezing it out. None of the foods for mocking-birds 
which are sold in the market are made after the formula of this biscuit, and 
none keep the song and health in as good condition or favor so long life. 
SPECIAL FOODS FOR DIFFERENT SPECIES. 
Canaries—The canary should not be fed on hemp seed under any 
circumstances. Even when these seeds are mixed with the canary, as they 
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