A CAUTION TO FANCIERS. 75 



tible unless the samples are closely inspected. I 

 prefer to buy each of the different kinds of corn 

 separately, and perform the mixing operation 

 myself. 



Pigeons require a constant supply of grit to 

 assist in the digestion of their food ; also a 

 quantity of lime, to furnish materials for the for- 

 mation of the egg-shells. A mixture of sand, old 

 mortar, and crushed oyster-shells answers the 

 twofold purpose admirably. A lump of common 

 salt must never be absent from the flight for the 

 bird to peck at pleasure. This is their one 

 weakness — a love of salt. I will here give a 

 recipe for a delectable confection much affected 

 by the denizens of my aviary. The preparation 

 of it is somewhat tedious, but the high esteem in 

 which the birds hold it well repays for the outlay 

 of trouble. 



Mr. Woodhouse's Salt Cat : — 



I peck of sifted loam and clay. 



I I lbs. of flour. 



I handful of cummin. 



