igo 



British Cage Birds. 



reduce the whole to a thin batter, by the addition of a strong 

 solution of infusion of meadow saffron, made as described 

 below, and which ought to be warm when added. When the 

 whole has been thoroughly mixed, strain through a cullender, 

 or sieve, and when cool put in a stone or earthenware jar, 

 provided with a lid ; afterwards cover the paste with a thin 

 layer of clarified honey, arrange the lid, and fasten down 

 closely with a paper or calico covering. This composition 

 will keep good for several months. 



A portion of this Compound should be occasionally given, 

 mixed with any other diet, and will be found most conducive 

 to the health and spirits of all birds that partake of soft 

 food. 



During the process of the moult this paste will be found of 

 the utmost service ; the benefit to be derived from it is incal- 

 culable. Spanish nuts, walnuts, or Brazil nuts, may be sub- 

 stituted for the almonds, to save expense, but the last named 

 are best. 



To make the saffron solution, put 1 drachm (dram) of 

 meadow saffron into a mug, and add 1 a pint of boiling 

 water ; let this infuse for two hours in a hot place, and then 

 strain through a piece of fine muslin, when it will be ready 

 for use. 



For daily use, the following Compounds will be found valu- 

 able : — 



(2) Pea meal, 3 parts; barley meal, 3 parts; wholesome 

 white bread, crumbed fine, 1 part. Add boiling water suf- 

 ficient to make the mixture into a soft paste, and stir well. 



(3) Good Scotch oatmeal, 2 parts ; bean meal, 3 parts ; 

 sound, good figs, -J part. Mix, and form into a moist paste 

 with boiling water. 



(4) Pea meal, 3 parts ; fine breadcrumbs, 2 parts ; good 

 old cheese, grated, ^ part ; ground hemp seed, freed from 

 husks, i part. Mix these ingredients well together, and make 

 into a paste with boiling water. 



Starlings in their natural state feed largely on worms, 

 grasshoppers, snails, caterpillars, and ground insects of all 

 sorts ; they are likewise partial to cherries and straw- 

 berries, elder berries, and currants, and will eat seeds 

 and grain, especially oats, when other food is not pro- 

 curable — in fact, they are not at all dainty in their choice. 



