2l8 



British Cage Birds. 



there is no gas, and very little, if any, artificial heat. For 

 exhibition purposes, it is much better policy to purchase a pro- 

 perly domesticated bird, hand-reared, over the moult, and in full 

 plumage, for 5s. or 10s., than to give Is. for a recently-caughb 

 wild bird. A handsome, well-mottled bird, one or two years 

 of age, in full and perfect plumage and song, and in fine 

 condition and vigorous health, is not dear at los. ; and for 

 an exceptional specimen, one fit to show and obtain a prize, 

 20s. is not by any means an exorbitant sum to pay. 



A wicker cage is best for sending birds in to shows, as 

 then the occupants get the benefit of such air as is procurable 

 whilst kept in the close, unhealthy atmosphere usually ex- 

 perienced at public exhibitions, owing to want of sufficient 

 ventilation. The cage should be inclosed in a properly 

 constructed box, provided with air holes, covered with per- 

 forated zinc, made near the top, at the ends or sides. A 

 small piece of stout plate glass, inserted at each end, or in 

 the front, will give light, and so enable the bird to feed when 

 sent on a long journey, and prevent its being exhausted or 

 fatigued. A drinking-tin, made on the principle of a pocket 

 ink-bottle, to prevent the water running out during transit, 

 would be a desirable acquisition. 



The Song Thrush is most commonly known as the Throstle ; 

 it is also called the Mavis, a poetical designation ; and in 

 some parts of the country it is termed the Garden Thrush, 

 not only on account of its habit of frequenting gardens, but 

 to distinguish it from the Missel and Heath Thrushes. There 

 are pied, and even albino specimens, but these are extremely 

 rare. The Song Thrush would probably breed in an , aviary, 

 under the same conditions as those mentioned in the Chapter 

 on the Blackbird." 



Diseases and their Teeatment. — If a bird droops at any 

 time, and its ailment cannot be diagnosed, give it a spider 

 or two, or a caterpillar, and a few mealworms or ants' eggs, and 

 put a little well-bruised cochineal, or a few shreds of meadow 

 saffron, in its drinking-water. These birds are subject to 

 fits, when kept long in confinement, without a proper change 

 of diet, and especially so durmg the period of the moult {see 

 Chapter V., on " Diseases "). 



These birds are, especially when neglected, liable to be 

 seized with cramp. In such cases, keep them warm and quiet, 



