GENERAL CARE 83 



that will get on perfectly in a large aviary will fight to the 

 death in close quarters. 



Some aviculturists have had a prejudice against associat- 

 ing seed-eaters and soft-bills in a single aviary. It is true 

 that in a small cage this may be dangerous, as finches will 

 often eat soft food and become unbelievably fat. But in 

 ample quarters this trouble is not so prevalent, and the mem- 

 bers of a mixed collection may generally be relied upon to 

 choose their own food. 



Most of the bird and animal importing trade of this coun- 

 try, exclusive of game birds, is in the hands of two or three 

 New York firms with German connections. It is a much 

 more serious undertaking than might be supposed, a well- 

 organized force of travelers, collectors and caretakers being 

 necessary, and prohibiting the participation of smaller con- 

 cerns. During good weather and under favorable condi- 

 tions large shipments are received weekly. These arrivals, 

 chief of which, of course, are canaries, are displayed at 

 the establishments of the importers and then selected by 



, the smaller retail dealers. The prices at which these birds 

 are sold are fairly uniform and well established, but those 

 asked by the retailers who distribute them to the public 

 are extremely variable. For instance, piping Bullfinches 

 are wholesaled uniformly at $15 each and usually are 

 bought by dealers simply on the word of the wholesaler, as 



. these birds generally will not perform until they feel at 

 home. After each has displayed his own particular degree 

 of proficiency, the price is set at from $25 for the bird that 

 knows but a single tune to as much as $200 for one which 

 can deliver three or more. The higher prices, of course, 

 are what might be termed " fancy " and few care to pay 

 them. The tyro should be on his guard, and should never 

 pay what seems an exorbitant price until he has assured 

 himself that he is not being fleeced. 



