Breeding and Management. 57 



as it would cost more in time and chemicals to cleanse it 

 thoroughly than it would do to pull it off and replace it 

 with new. 



After the breeding season is over, the cages or aviaries 

 should be thoroughly cleansed out, in order to get rid of the 

 little red insects that accumulate at this time, and which 

 torment and annoy the birds so much. They should be 

 scalded out with boiling water, in which two or three good 

 handfuls of common washing soda has been previously 

 dissolved ; after they are dry, they should be brushed over 

 inside and outside, where there are any joints or cracks, 

 with a diluted solution of carbolic acid — one part acid to 

 two of water ; after this process they should stand for half 

 an hour, and then be rinsed out with clean water, and 

 ultimately whitewashed, adding aboub loz. of powdered 

 alum to each pound of whiting ; to make it adhere firmly 

 to the cages, either skimmed milk, or a little thin glue size, 

 should be mixed with it. A small piece of blue stone 

 (sulphate of copper), dissolved in water and mixed with the 

 whiting instead of the alum, is by far the best remedy and 

 preventive of parasites ; but, as it is very poisonous, it 

 requires the utmost care in its use. A little charcoal mixed 

 with the sand with which the floor of the cage or aviary is 

 strewn, is not only a good thing for keeping the birds in 

 health, but also acts as a preventive to parasites. If any 

 insects are observed, the cages should be cleaned out again 

 in the spring. The cleansing process should not, however, 

 be necessary more than once a year. 



Goldfinch and Linnet Mules. — In breeding hybrids from 

 this cross, either the Linnet or the Goldfinch may be the 

 male — it is quite immaterial which. The same precautions and 

 treatment must be observed as that pointed out in the former 

 portion of this chapter, treating on ''Goldfinch and Bullfinch 

 Mules ; " but even greater care must be taken to select a quiet 

 and secluded place in which the birds can breed ; for on no 

 account must they be disturbed during the process of in- 

 cubation, nor for several days after the young brood have 

 made their appearance, or the hens will forsake their eggs, 

 and also their newly-hatched progeny. In all other respects 

 the same instructions must be observed as those previously 

 referred to. The Hybrids resulting from this cross are by 



