434 



British Cage Birds. 



cording to tlieir natural instincts ; it is therefore advisable for 

 the owners of these birds to keep them strictly confined till 

 the breeding season is well over. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Eing-doves are exceed- 

 ingly hardy, and gifted with robust constitutions, and, if well 

 cared for, and given a frequent change of diet, seldom ail 

 anything. If laxness of the bowels be observed, add a little 

 prepared chalk to their drinking-water, and feed for a few 

 days with hemp seed and tares. For other ailments and their 

 treatment, see Chapter V., on Diseases." 



