HINTS ON CAGE-BIRDS. 
small for the happiness of a single bird, but the brass soon corrodes, 
producing verdigris, which the bird pecks and thus poisons itself. 
The Crystal Palace cage, being often miscalled an aviary, induces 
the purchaser to keep many birds in an area only large enough for 
the health of three or four ; being of an ornamental character, it is 
often stood upon a table in front of a window, and when the window 
is opened the birds are subjected to a direct and continuous draught 
from which there is no escape. If an attempt is made to protect 
them by covering the back and the sides of the cage .with baize, 
immediately a magnificent harbour is provided for red mite. Apart 
from these considerations, the feeding holes in Crystal Palace cages 
are often so large that almost any bird smaller than a Canary— 
certainly any Waxbills or the smaller Mannikins — can slip through 
them and get drowned in the drinking trough. 
1 . 
Mr. Sosierfield’s Box-Cage for a Single Bird. 
After many years’ experience, I have been convinced that lor 
all cages or indoor aviaries the only healthful form is that to which 
the name of “ box ” has been given — that is to say, the back, top, 
bottom, and ends are solid, the front only of open wirework. 
Now, as regards the size of cage to suit various birds, it must 
always be borne in mind that floor space is of the highest importance, 
because all excreta, refuse-food, and splashings from a bath falling 
upon the floor of a cage or aviary produce noxious exhalations, 
tending to imperil the health of the inmates ; so that if a cage be 
1 ft. in cubic measure, or be 1 ft. square and 2 ft. high, it is practically 
only large enough to contain one bird the size of a Norwich Canary. 
On the other hand, if the cage be 2 ft. long, 1 ft. high, and 1 ft. 
deep, it is large enough for two birds of that size. 
2. 3. 
The same Cage shut up, and taken apart for cleaning. 
