12 
CAGE-BIRDS. 
small shot; it should next be put into a frying-pan, set over a gentle fire, 
and gradually stirred with a broad knife, till it be partially roasted and 
dried, the test of which will bo its yellowish-brown color. All insect-eating 
birds may be kept upon this food throughout the year, except when they 
appear drooping and unwell, or at moulting-time, when a few meal-worms 
may be given to them twice or thrice a day. 
THE BREEDING-CAGE. 
The breeding-cage should be constructed of teak or mahogany, and be 
about four feet long, eighteen inches wide, and two feet high; and should 
be made to stand flat on the stand, or it may be hung up against the side- 
wall of a room. The back of this 
cage is of wood, and the sides, 
top, and front, of wire. It should 
have perches of various heights, 
for the birds to hop on, and boxes 
in the further right-hand corner 
for them to build in. The bottom 
should be provided with a slide to 
draw in and out, for the purpose 
of cleaning; and it should have drawers for food, and glasses for drinking 
from. At the proper time a net, filled with moss, hair, and other building 
materials, should be suspended from one of the top bars; and the whole 
should present a cheerful and comfortable appearance. 
