74 



PIGEONS AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



make it safe for a trip of auy distance. If the inside of the 

 box is rough a little x'^pei' pasted around the inside, as far 

 up as the birds reach, and can be ])ut on in a few moments. 

 My regular box when ready for the trip looks like this. 



iJox for Transportation of ilirds Sold. 



It will be noticed that there is only one hole in the top, 

 the hand-hole, for which every messenger will thank you. 

 It offers him an easy way in which to handle the box, and 

 you don't need to tell him for he will take in the situation 

 at a glance and use it. There are no other holes in the top 

 to let in dirt, and the ventilating holes are far above the 

 birds so that no draughts can strike them. At one corner 

 and about two inches from the bottom, cut a sqi.are hole just 

 large enough to bold an ordinary tin cup. Pry off the lower 

 part of the handle, bend it up, and tack it to the end of the 

 handle, bend it up, and tack it to the end of the box till 

 about one third sliows on the outside of the box. 



Then get a common sponge that will till the cup wIjcu sat- 

 urated, and put it in place. If th,'> the trip is a long one, it 

 is well to fasten the sponge in. Birds can be sent on a six 

 days trip, with a water cup of this kind. 



