A Plea for the Birds 323 



A cupful of cornmeal mixed with a cupful of 

 German moss meal and a cupful of mealmade from 

 dried peas, and a little molasses added, should be 

 fried for twenty or thirty minutes, and a much 

 appreciated dish will be ready for the caged birds 

 which do not relish hard grain. 



A Russian mulberry tree is one of the best trees 

 for attracting the birds. Among the birds that 

 will visit it are: Kingbirds, orioles, sparrows, star- 

 lings, goldfinches, cuckoos, flickers, robins, scarlet 

 tanagers, thrushes, blackbirds, purple grackles, cat- 

 birds, and redstarts. 



When caged birds do not seem to be thriving, 

 change the food you are giving them. A healthy 

 bird will be lively and spirited at all times except 

 when he is moulting. Crated carrot will often 

 prove to be a beneficial change, and is a good food 

 at any time. 



Insect-eating birds will relish a grasshopper, or 

 some other insect for which they have a natural 

 desire. Be sure to give them some occasionally. 

 They have a right to their natural food. 



Blackcaps and other ripe berries should be given 

 to the shut-in birds daily in berry season. There 

 is no food they will like better. 



