THE EQUIPMENT OF THE AVIARY 



gether in the open air, and representing almost every country 

 on the globe. Fifty-six varieties are represented, and there 

 is absolutely no disease among them. Even more remark- 

 able is the fact that many varieties never before known to 

 breed when in captivity are rearing their young and other- 

 wise testifying to their delight in the equable climate of San 

 Diego and the rational and wise treatment afforded them by 

 their owners. To hear Mr. or Mrs. Sefton talk about 

 their little charges is delightful. The collection of the birds 

 was begun simply as a matter of recreation and pleasure for 

 the owners, and although the magnitude of the collection 

 has brought certain responsibilities and cares, yet their tender 

 love for the birds is most apparent in every word. 



When questioned as to the methods of treatment and 

 care, Mrs. Sefton claimed that while "bird books" were in- 

 teresting and entertaining, they had found very little to really 

 help or guide them in the care and nurture of their pets. 

 The exercise of much common sense and carefully conducted 

 experiment had taught them the best ways of feeding and 

 housing, and the answers to the numerous questions that 

 arise daily. As to matters of feeding (not a small matter 

 at all, when one thinks of the daily demands of seven hun- 

 dred hungry little bills all chirping away for their daily 

 bread) the birds can be very largely trusted to select for 

 themselves the proper food, provided a generous apportion- 

 ment is placed where they can get at it, and by properly 

 proportioning the kinds of grain, meat, cuttlebone, etc. 

 Lettuce, celery, and other green stuff must be supplied daily, 



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