THE CANARY. 
leads to that maximum of cruelty — bird blinding. I should 
be very sorry to be obliged to tell all the dreadful stories I 
know concerning this species of torture, commonly practised 
by the ruffian class of bird-fanciers for the sake of making 
the poor little creatures sing strong and loud, and as well at 
Canaries should be eternally grateful 
to the man who invented the “ pagoda ” 
cage. It is so much more commodious 
and handsome than the ancient, tiny 
hutch, with its wooden top, and back, 
and bottom. Then again, as it is neces- 
sary that the pagoda should be suspended 
from the ceiling, the inmate has a much 
better chance of obtaining a plentiful 
supply of light and air ; and, more than 
all, as this sort of cage is always in sight, 
poor Dick is less likely to suffer occa- 
sionally the pangs of thirst and hunger, 
through the forgetfulness of his owner. 
Let your bird bathe. No boy acquainted with the luxury of 
the bath will deny it to his feathered pet. Of course the pro- 
cess is accompanied by a little splashing, so it will be as well 
to spread a towel on the carpet before he begins. During the 
hottest portion of the year let him have his bath every after- 
noon, and, if possible, in the full rays of the sun. In the 
winter he will not require the bath so often, but, even then, 
never let him have reason to complain that you do not afford 
bim the opportunity of washing himself when he wishes to do 
so. This may be some little trouble ; but, I assure you, the 
pleasure to be derived from watching the little creature at his 
ablutions will more than repay you. Be careful to make the 
bird’s cage dry and comfortable after he has bathed, and — last, 
but by no means least, — never let your hens have water to 
dabble in while they are sitting. A deep breakfast-saucer makes 
a good canary bath. 
Whatever be the size or shape of your cage, avoid brass 
•wire. Avoid all ornaments in brass, as that metal is certain 
to produce verdigris, which the bird will as certainly peck off 
and poison itself. Likewise, avoid painted wire of all colours ; 
but, especially green, as there is a possibility of its containing 
arsenic, which you need not be told is quite as poisonous as 
verdigris. The sort of wire that should be used is the simple 
150 
midnight as at noon. 
CANARY CAGE. 
