Brailing. 



99 



need a single feather be ruffled or deranged ; nevertheless, 

 flight is entirely prevented, as the bird has no power of expand- 

 ing the wing. When properly brailed the wildest bird may be 

 placed on the ground, where it can run about freely, but without 

 the least power of flight. This plan is one of great utihty in 

 the transport of very wild birds, as they are quite unable 

 to dash themselves against the roof or sides of the cage in 

 which they are enclosed. 



I need hardly say that should a bird be confined a long 

 time in this manner it would be necessary to loosen the wings 

 alternately, otherwise a stiff or contracted joint might ensue. 

 This would be obviated by allowing the bird the free use of 

 each wing for a short period. 



