PIUEOKS AND AIJ. ABOUT THKM. 2. 



OTHER LOFT POINTS. 



THE nests being completed, the next thing to be considered 

 is the floor eoveriug. This should always be of whatis 

 called '• sharp " sand, i.e. the coarse gritty sand that 

 is so often found along the beds of small streams. The sand 

 that comes out of cellars in many parts of the country is not 

 suitable, being a yellow sticky stuff that contains nothing oi 

 the grit so needed by pigeons. The more coarse the sand the 

 better, but I do not like to see gravel on aloft floor. This 

 sand not only keeps the loft clean, but it gives constant work 

 to the birds. 



It should be raked about once a week witli a loft rake, a 

 light affair with fine teeth, which can be bought in many 

 cities. 



If not purchasable, any carj<euter can make it with a jiiece 

 of oak and wire nails. The floor being smooth, the rake will 

 go over it nicely and remove all the droppings, the sand sift- 

 ing easily through between the teeth. When the sexes are 

 separated In September or Octoljer all of the old sand should 

 be carefully scraped up and thiown away, unless one has 

 flowers. Roses especially thrive wonderfully in the richly 

 impregnated sand that comes from a loft. 



Next come the water cans, and though there are all sorts 

 of cans and fountains advertised, I know of none any bitter 

 and absolutely none so convenient as the common sense can 

 that any tinnei can make. 



Let him take a common two-gallon galvanized iron bucket 

 and set in a top piece, two inches below the rim, leaving out 

 a small edge. Directly opposite the opening let him solder a 

 piece a little larger in size across the rim. Ton can then fill 

 it under a pumji, carry It to the loft as you would a common 

 bucket, set it down on the side and leave it. It will uev v 

 spill a drop. It is the most convenient can ever used. Of 



