8 
CAGE AND SINGING BIRD^*. 
many of the tears which have been shed over dead birds, 
have proceeded as much from contrition for neglect, as from 
sorrow for the loss sustained ; and our fair readers will, we 
trust, pardon us if v/e remind them, m the words of Thomas 
Hood, that — 
" Evil is wrought by want of thought, 
As much as by want of heart." 
We have here alluded to the cleaning of cages, and may, 
therefore, as well dispose of that part of our subject at once. 
If 3'^oujieep but one bird in a cage in very hot weather, it is 
best to perform this operation every day 5 do it carefully 
and gently, taking out the sliding bottom which all cages 
should have, removing the dirt, washing it if necessary, 
drying it by the fire, or in the sun, and then replacing it 
sprinkled v/ith clean river sand, which, under the name of 
bird sand, may be bought of grocers, oilmen, or dealers in 
birds. Your frequent ministrations to its comforts, if gently 
performed, will attach the songster more closely to you, and 
render it extremely familiar. If you reside in the country, 
and cannot easily procure the sand above described, some 
taken from the bed of a rivei' and dried, or even fine loamy 
earth, will do ; it is not only useful to absorb moisture in the 
bottom of the cage, but also to aid digestion, for which purpose 
the bird instinctively swallows a portion, hence the necessity 
for being carefiil that no marine sand is used, as the saline 
particles would be prejudicial to the bird. 
Where a number of birds are kept, let the cages and 
perches of such as feed on insects or fruit be cleansed, at 
least, every other day. Of this kind are blackbirds, thrushes, 
robins, nightingales, and what are generally called the soft- 
billed birds. tJanaries, finches, and others which feed chiefly 
on seeds, need not be disturbed above twice a week. It is of 
great importance to see that the perches are kept clean, as 
otherwise the feet of the birds which rest on them will be- 
come affected with gout, and other maladies, terminating in 
loss of the toes and permanent lameness, if not in death. 
Even in birds of the same genus, there is often a great 
difference in respect to cleanlmess of habit 5 some soil their 
toes and plumage much more than others, and, making no 
effort to clean them, reanire to be freauently washed f this is 
