66 



CANARY BIRDS. 



the elaborate nests sold by dealers, and consisting in a 

 hollowed-out block of wood, the nesting-mould of which is 

 pasted over with a fine, thinly-haired skin, and surrounded 

 by a sheltering ridge. These nests are 

 altogether too elaborate, and disturb the bird 

 in its natural functions. I have also seen 

 small flower-pots fastened in the cages used 

 by Hartz breeders, which served as a substitute 

 for the more usual basket, straw, or paste- 

 board nests. Into these pots clean pieces of 

 linen had been put, which were covered over 

 with soft cow-hair, and, upon this groundwork, 

 the birds continue to build their nests. In 

 basket some instances, wooden boxes of 4 inches 

 kest square are also being used for that pur- 

 pose. The bottom of the nest is covered over, to the 

 thickness of from 2 to 3 inches, with ashes and with insect- 

 powder, as a preventive against mites. Upon this layer, 

 another of finely-sifted sand is placed, and the latter is 

 again covered with tender moss, enough to half fill the box ; 

 on this layer of moss, the birds are then expected to build 

 the cavity of the nest. The best of these 

 nesting-boxes should have, 2 inches above 

 the ridge, a cover on which other birds 

 could sit without disturbing the hatching basket nest. 

 hen ; this also prevents filth from falling in, soiling the 

 eggs, and thereby rendering them unfit for use ; the boxes 

 must also not be too low, because the pairing of the birds 

 frequently takes place upon the nest. It is also advisable 

 to surround the boxes, at the sides, with a protective 

 wrapper of stout paper or thin card-board, leaving an 

 aperture at the front only. The females not only prefer 

 to nest in it, but they are also protected against the intru- 

 sion of other birds, and they are also prevented from 



