38 



FAXCY MICE. 



creatures, unable as they are to stand any prolonged abstinence. 

 Twelve hours without food will kill a mouse, and a much shorter 

 period of fasting may do so ; and they also suffer greatly from 

 thirst if deprived of any food containing moisture. For this 

 reason a bit of apple or moistened bread should be given them 

 when travelling or being shown. 



Fig. 9 represents Mr. Maxey's show-cage, which he is good 

 enough to say that anyone may copy. Its great advantage 

 lies in its compactness and lightness, the cage and travelling- 

 box being in one The lid shuts over the front for travelling, 

 and has an air-hole, and a wire half-circle to hold prize-cards. 



Fig. 10. Wild's Show-cage for Mice. 



In one corner is a fountain food-store. The wire front hinges 

 on to the back, and can easily be ojDened, and a chain keeps 

 the lid from falling too far backwards. The box has a strap 

 for use when closed. 



Fig. 10 represents Mr. Wild's show-cage, " The Ideal." which 

 must not be copied, and is as near perfection as possible. The 

 partition encloses a double compartment, one-half of which 

 forms a warm dormitory, and the other a fountain food-store, 

 the opening of which is shown. The wire door over the entrance 

 to the dormitory opens easily outwards, so that the mouse 

 cannot be shut into its bedroom ; nor can it be shut out of the 



