< i 
 
 NEW 
 
 4»MmmM MmilTINQ 00., tpNOON OMT. 
 
 1 
 
ICINES, ETC 
 
 jf Seed, per lb., - - IC)C 
 ead^ per cake, - - 05c 
 inal Food, per lb., - loc 
 
 ctivorous Bird Foody 4qc 
 ;r pkt. - . - 05c, & IOC 
 
 Debility, - - - .25c 
 
 :r, 
 
 Food, 
 
 25c 
 2fi;c 
 25c 
 25c 
 25c 
 2Sc 
 25c 
 25c 
 25c 
 25c 
 25c 
 25c 
 '25c 
 
 botanical Pood. 
 
 [. Enclose Stamps for Beply. 
 
COTTAM'S 
 
 NEW ILLUSTRATED BOOK ON 
 
 P.. 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 H.. 
 
 THEIR NECESSARY FOODAND CARE. 
 
 ', v 
 
 Together with Valuable FoRiibi^, for Bird 
 Foods, Treats, Medicin|^|^§^;^ 
 
 
 • • • BY • » . • ^ 
 
 BART. COTTAM, 
 
 London, Canada. 
 
 Vupy-*^^.i. Applied for. 
 
 * * Advertiser Printing Co., London. 
 
 ^ 
 
./ 
 
 r 
 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 .5,.--, 
 
 ^T IS, perhaps, unnecessary to preface the matter contained in 
 the following pages ; but an apology is due to thebird-loving 
 public for the late appearance of this long promised 
 pamphlet. For years I have felt the great dearth of 
 practical information on the subjects herein discussed, 
 and long ago determined to publish the results of my own 
 
 experience in this form, but not until now have I managed to get 
 
 the copy into the hands of the printer. . 
 
 Bom and bred in a country where the Lark, the Night- 
 ingale and other charming songsters are found on the wing 
 in their native element ; where cage birds, especially Canaries, are 
 developed to their highest perfecftion through the keenest competi- 
 tion, created by large sums of money offered annually as prizes at 
 bird shows or exhibitions, held under the auspices of societies 
 organized for the sole purpose of attaining in every respect the 
 most healthy and most perfect birds ; I naturally imbibed a taste 
 in this direction, and for many years was actively engaged in the 
 bird business, carrying at times perhaps the largest and most ex- 
 pensive stock in Canada ; so that under these circumstances, apart 
 from my taste and disposition in the matter, I have been compelled 
 to make a careful study of our little feathered friends, their habits, 
 foods, and diseases, as well as the methods most suitable for keeping 
 them ih health, song, and beautiful plumage, or suffer as a con- 
 sequence great loss by deterioration of stock, by epidemics, and 
 foreign diseases frequently introduced by new importations. There- 
 fore it will be readily seen tjiat I speak on this subject, not from 
 the standpoint of a novice, but from a long and extensive experi- 
 ence very often dearly bought. 
 
^ 4 JPREt>'AOEt 
 
 Tho question has of t«n been asked, is it hot wrong to keep 
 birds in cages. I reply that it is no more wrong to keep birds in 
 cages than it is to keep horses, cows, poultry, dogo, et.'., under suf- 
 ficient restraint to be of service to man. The wrong comes in 
 ^ only when these creatures are neglected or abused. Birdn resemble 
 
 human beings much in physical structure and mental development, 
 •w I'hey have their feelings, and are in every way entitled to our 
 tender care. Most people care only for their bodies, shape, 
 color, general appearance, etc., and neglect to study their little 
 ways and needs, consequently these creatures often suffer through 
 our ignorance. *' Consider the Ravens," and '* behold the fowls 
 of the air," said our great Exemplar, and "are not two sparrows 
 sold for a farthing, yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them/' 
 Each bird has its peculiarities of disposition and character, as 
 well as each member of the human family, and only by watching 
 them closely can we discover these peculiarities, and thoroughly 
 unlerstand how much they know. Their language to each other 
 is wonderful ; and if wo would "consider the lilies of the field *' 
 and *' the fowls of the. air " more, it would be much better for our 
 systems than medicine, for music, birds, and flowers bring health 
 and happy hours. 
 
 Judging from the numerous oral and written expressions of 
 gratitude I have been for many years receiving, my services have 
 been appreciated, and many * ' sweet little pets " have been restored 
 to health and song ; and, as a matter of course, their lives made 
 pleasant, for, like ourselves, a bird will not be disposed to sing if 
 not happy and in health. It is the knowledge of this fact, together 
 with a desire to place my services at the disposal of all, that 
 induces me now to write. 
 
 Truth relating to cage birds and other household pets, however, 
 like truth in general, is too great to be seen by one individual in all 
 its aspects. I have, therefore, not confined myself exclusively to 
 my own experience, but have, when I thought it desirable, given 
 the experience of such men as Br. Bechstien and other celebrated 
 ornithologists and bird fanciers. 
 
 I have not written at this time for those who know all about it ; 
 and, though not at all formidable in appearance, nor claiming com- 
 prehensiveness from an ornithological point of view, the following 
 pages contain ample directions for the proper care of Canaries and 
 other cage birds, and, I trust are, so explicit that the most inexperi- 
 
5»REFAC1S. 5 
 
 enced may grasp and turn them to a practical account. Technical 
 terma have been purposely avoided, bo that all, from the child* owner 
 of a feathered pet, to the gray haired grandfather who used to 
 catch them with the snare or lime in the old land, may have no 
 difficulty in understanding my meaning on every point. 
 
 And now with the hope that my efforts may result in a more 
 tender care and better treatment of our feathered pets, who have so 
 often cheered us in times of depression, I ask for my little work the 
 careful perusal of all who love the birds and appreciate their sweet 
 Bongy and who does not 7 
 
 BART. COTTAM. 
 London, Canada, August, 1894. 
 
 I 
 
■^>>^ 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 AfHcan Parrot. 
 Amerioan Blue Jay. 
 Australian Paroquet. 
 American Robin. 
 Author's Photo. 
 Brazilian Cardinal. 
 Baltimore Oriole. 
 Birds and Kest. 
 Blackcap. 
 Belgian Canary. 
 Blue Jay. 
 
 Blackbird, English. 
 Bobolink. 
 Bullfinch. 
 
 Cardinal, Brazilian. 
 Cardinal, Virginia. 
 Cuban Parrot. 
 Coppy, Lancashire. 
 Chaffinch. 
 English Skylark. 
 English Woodlark. 
 English Robin. 
 English Blackbird. 
 English Thrush. 
 European Nightingale. 
 Fancy Scotch Canary. 
 Gray Linnet. 
 
 Goldfinch. 
 Green Canary. 
 Grosbeak. 
 
 Jay, American, Blue. 
 Japanese Robin. 
 Lancashire Coppy. 
 Linnet, European. 
 Minor, Talking. 
 Mocking Bird. 
 Nightingale, Virginia. 
 Nightingale, European. 
 Norwich Canaries. 
 Oriole, Baltimore. 
 Parrot, African. 
 Parrot, Cuban. 
 Paroquet. 
 Robin, English. 
 Robin, Amerioan. 
 Robin, Japanese. 
 Skylark, English. 
 Scotch Fancy. 
 Starling, European. 
 Thrush, English. 
 Troopial. ^ 
 
 Virginian Red Bird. 
 Woodlark, English. 
 iTorkshire Canary. 
 
 i 
 
C' ■ 
 
 gart. ©ne. ..... 
 
 f CANARIES 
 
 WELL known and so universally admired through- 
 out the world, there is probably no bird beloved 
 and esteemed to the same extent by all classes, 
 from the humblest cottagers to royalty on the 
 throne, as the subject of this chapter. It is a 
 well-known fact that our beloved Queen Victoria 
 takes a great interest in these charming little 
 choristers. The Canary is certainly one of the most 
 charming pets a person can possess. No bird is 
 more engaging, more gay, happy and cheerful in 
 confinement, and, withal, so harmonious. Its powers of imitation 
 and memory are wonderful, and the attachment of manj^of these 
 birds to the individuals who attend their daily wants and treat 
 them kindly is remarkable. To those in pursuit of a harmless and 
 innocent amusement, there is none promising more gratification 
 and enjoyment than the study and care of Canaries. 
 
 There are many varietits of the Canary, differing widely in 
 size, shape, color of plumage, and song ; but as songsters there ai e 
 none to equal the German imported birds. The best come from St. 
 Andreasberg, a village in the Hartz Mountains, Germany, famous 
 for its clear air, pure water, and for the celebrated sonesters bred 
 theie. These Canaries are taught to sing, and are carefully trained 
 by the English Lark, the Nightingale, or the Mocking Bird, and 
 have a long, sweet, silvery trill, with the bell and flute notes, which 
 contrast very pleasantly with the short, choppy notes of our domes- 
 tic Canaries. While other breeders in England and elsewhere try 
 to excel in size, shape, color of plumage, etc., the German breeders 
 aim chiefly at developing the vocal powers of their birds ; and their 
 success in this line has given them a world-wide leputation. As 
 the songs of Mme. Patti are superior to those of an untrained 
 soprano, so are the warblings of a well-trained German bird to those 
 of other varieties ; and, if ^r its song a Canary is kept, a German 
 bird is by far the most satisfactory. To be sure, these imported 
 
% 
 
 CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 birds are somewhat expensive, but after the first cost it takes .. 
 more to keep a bird that will be a credit to the taste and judgment 
 of its owner, than one that will be otherwise. 
 
 CAGES. 
 
 Next to the choice of a bird, the selection of a cage demands a 
 great deal more consideration than it usually get?. A cage may be 
 too small, or too large, too ornamental, or too plain. If it is too 
 small, its poor little inmate is condemned to a life of unutterable 
 misery ; if too large, the bird is simply lost in the immensity of 
 
 
 
 NORWICH CANARY. 
 
 space, dwarfed in fact, and as an ornament tc an apartment, no- 
 where. If the cage iu too ornamental, it enters into competition 
 with the bird for the admiration of visitors ; and if too plain, it 
 looks shabbv. 
 
 Then, bnere are so many varieties to choose from that they keep 
 the judgment in suspense. There are passed in succession before 
 the gaze of intending purchasers a bewildering variety of candidates 
 
BtRD &raV£l. 9 
 
 xor his or her favor. The eyes wander from the simple beauty of 
 the Swiss cottage to the fantastic Chinese pagoda ; to the mystic 
 grandeur of the gothic church ; to the stately Grecian temple ; and 
 the Indian temple with its gorgeously painted domes anc*. minarets. 
 Truly, in the present day, woAers in wire and tin are worthy to 
 be placed on tee roll of artists. 
 
 Taking all things into consideration our experience leads us to 
 pronounce the japanned 10x10 square cage to be the best. Japanned 
 cages, being so eas^' to keep clean, are much more desirable than 
 wood or brass, the latter being ver.v liable to create verdigris, which 
 is exceedingly injurious to the bird. Preference should always be 
 given to cages with false bottoms that wiU draw out, as they are 
 more convenient, leaving the l^ast chance of losing or disturbing the 
 bird when being cleaned. 
 
 In removing the top of a cage always ia]l£id^ hold of the lowest 
 point ; the bird will then fly to the upper part of the cage and there 
 will be no danger of its escaping when the top is lifted. If, how- 
 ever, you get hold of the highest point the bird will naturally flv 
 from the hand and probably escape when the top part is raised. 
 These experiments are easily tried, but, if you make the latter one 
 first, be sure the bird is your own. 
 
 ^:i4^ 
 
 IIRD GRAVEL. 
 
 ^^^:f^ . ■ ■"'''^ 
 
 11 
 
 We will now presume that you are the happy possessor of a 
 genuine St. Andreaaberg Canary, imported direct fk'om the Hartz 
 Mountains, with its low water- bubble, flute aod bell notes, long, 
 sweer, silvery tniriU, etc., and have him placed in a suitable cage. 
 
 A supply of gravel should al'wpays b© kept strewn over the 
 bottom of the cage and renewed at least twice a week. Birds like 
 to flutter and clean themselves in gravel ; it also keeps their feet in 
 better condition and tends to health and general cleanliness. More- 
 over, gravel is absolutely necessary for the health of birds, without 
 which they cannot digest their food properly, as, having no teeth, 
 that operation is performed by the gizzard, where it is ground and 
 reduced to nourishment, much in the same way as corn is ground 
 between the stones in the mill. f ' 
 
 Find sand is frequently used, but it is not sharp enough for the 
 purpose, and often very impure. 
 
 Gravel that is dug from the streets of our cities cannot be used 
 with safety, as it is generally impregnated with various gases that 
 are positively destructive to health. That which has been purified 
 by exposure to the oxygen of the atmosphere is most healthy, 
 (xfavel from the sea shore is the most acceptable to birds, on account 
 of its saline taste ; and it contains in the highest degree every quali- 
 fication that is necessary. Cottam's Bird Gravel consists of 
 imported re-cleaned silver sea gravel and cuttlefish bone mixed, put 
 up in 2^ lb. boxes, and for sale by all grocers, druggists and 
 seedsmen. 
 
10 
 
 CAGE BIRDS 
 
 SEEDS. 
 
 If it be important that your bird should be well supplied witb 
 gravel, it must be admitted that its food is of still greater import- 
 ance In the great majority of diseases to which birds are subject 
 the cause may very frequently be traced to the use of bad or 
 indifferent mixtures of seed. Hemp is frequently mixed with 
 bird seed ; but fed in this way it is exceedingly injurious to 
 the birds. If given at all it should be fed separately and spar- 
 ingly, for several reaf>ons. When it is mixed with other seed 
 
 TUB YORKSHIRE FANCY. 
 
 it causes much waste, as the birds turn out the other seeds and 
 scatter them over the cage, that they may obtain the hemp, of which 
 they are passionately fond, and on this account are induced to eat 
 more than they should and otherwise would. The oil contained 
 in the hemp seed, being very rich, soon has a serious effect on them, 
 and in many cases their vocal powers are entirely destroyed. 
 The Germans never feed a grain of hemp, or to that extent 
 would consider their birds injured. 
 
A MIXSD DIBT. 11 
 
 Many peofde whom the writer has tried to convince on this point 
 have argued, " Why, hemp seed must be good for my birds, because 
 they are vei y fond of it, and it makes them look fat and slick. " That 
 Canaries like hemp is granted ; but this is hardly proof sufficient [ 
 
 that it is good or beneficial. Because they like it so well is one, but 
 not the principal reason why they should not have it. Hemp seed fed 
 to Canaries has the same effect on them that pie and rich cake have 
 upon children; it destroys their digestive organs, and produces and 
 promotes various diseases. That children are fond of pie and rich 
 cakes, and candy, is not to us a sufficient argument for their eating 
 them freely. Birds, like multitudes of the human family, often 
 starve to death amidst plenty. Their digestive powers having 
 been destroyed through abuses of the stomach, are no longer able to 
 extract nutriment sufficient to nourish the various organs of the 
 body, although the amount of food they eat is enormous. 
 
 The best seed mixture for Canaries is composed of four parts 
 choice Sicily or Spanish canary, two parts French or German milieu, 
 and one part German sweet summer rape, ail thoroughly re-cleaned. 
 Cheap English rape is very often substituted for the German, but 
 it is not so good ; it is easily detected, as it is much larger than the 
 German, of a darker color, with a bitter pungent taste ; whereas the 
 German rape is rather small, of a bright maroon color, and sweet to 
 the taste. This summer rope is fed almost exclusively in Germany, 
 but it does not produce sufficient warmth to warrant its being used 
 quite as freely in so cold a climate as ours. 
 
 For further information in regard to proper foods for Canaries, 
 .etc, , see Part Three. 
 
 A MIXED DIET. 
 
 Experiments and experience prove that a mixed diet is neces> 
 sary. Observation shows an habitual excess of any one or more of 
 the great divisions of food over and above the wants of the body 
 will result in the production of a constitutional derangement, and 
 these derangements or diseases often become chronic. 
 
 Man and every other creature, in order to be healthy, useful 
 and happy, must have food in variety properly proportionea. How 
 often is even good seed spoiled and made injurious by being badly 
 mixed and in wrong proportions. 
 
 For many years we were in business as importers of all kinds of 
 cage birds, and constantly had on hand a large stock, principally 
 Canaries ; consequently, we were compelled to make them and their 
 little wants a study in order to keep them in health and song. 
 
 In using Cottam's Bird Seed, the public have the benefit of our 
 long experience in this line, If you really want healthy birds, with 
 beautiful plumage, and choice song, use only Cottam's Choice Ira- 
 ported Re-cleoned and Well-mixed Bird Seed. 
 
 COTTAM'S BIRD SEED. 
 
 In introducing to the trade, and public generally, Cottam's 
 Bird. Seed, an apology is hardly needed, as in the interest of 
 
 i 
 
 
12 OAOB BIRDS. 
 
 our feathered tribe a better class of seed had long become an 
 absolute necessity ; and necessity is said to be the mother of inven- 
 tion. After long and careful examination, we failed to find in the 
 market one single brand of bird seed in packet that could be hon- 
 estly recommended, or even considered safe for birds ; but, on the 
 contrary, we found most of the mixture extremely bad, and posi- 
 tively destructive, both to health and song. That the public should 
 have lost confidence in all bird seeds put up in p ckets is not to be 
 wondered at under these circumstances. In the numerous cases 
 where wo have been consulted in regard to the ailments of birds, 
 loss of song, etc., we have invariably traced the cause of such disease 
 to the use of bad or indifferent mixtures of bird seeds. Good seed 
 is just as important for our birds, if we want to keep them in health, 
 song and beautiful plumage, as good hay is for horses, or sound 
 bread for the human family, etc. ; and yet, good saed is not all that 
 is necessary to keep birds in a desirable condition, a proper mixture 
 of seed is just as importanti Beef, mutton, cheese, etc , maybe all 
 good in their respective places, but let man feed exclusively on any 
 one of these articles, and health will soon be impaired, and life made 
 miserable and short. 
 
 Distinguishing^ Marks — Cottam's Bird Seed is distinguished 
 from inferior and cheaper grades by having a four colored label with 
 "Cottam's Bird Seed " in white letters, four birds, apple blossom, 
 scenery, and Bart Cottam's photo. A five cent cake of our 
 patent Bird Bread is also enclosed in every ten cent package of 
 Cottam's Bird Seed. None genuine without these distinguishing 
 marks. Beware of imitations. If you really desire healthy birds, 
 with choice song and beautiful plumage, use only Cottam's Bird 
 Seed, which has been awarded first prizes and diplomas. For sale 
 by all druggists, grocers and seedmen. // you send us thirty cents in 
 stamps we will serm you, post-paid, six cakes oj our patent Bird Bread. 
 
 GREEN FOOD. 
 
 Green food, such as lettuce, ripe plantain seed, chickweed, 
 groundsel, water-cress, or a little sweet apple, is very wholesome 
 for Canaries as well as other birds, especially in hot weather, when 
 cooling or relaxing food is much needed ; but it may do considerable 
 mischief when given where there is a tendency to diarrhoea Green 
 food is very necessary when feeding egg food, and also with 
 Safl'ronitus or coloring lood. 
 
 See Part Three for further particulars on this subject. 
 
 EGG FOOD. 
 
 This is a very useful article of diet, and iit, in some cases, 
 absolutely necessary. It is made «s follows : Take the yolk of a 
 hard'boiled egg chopped very fine, Zwieback (stale bread crumbs 
 desiccated and powdered), maw or poppy seed, all. in equal propor- 
 tions ; thoroughly mix together with a sprinkling of Cayenne pepper, 
 ^his wil^ be found a very nourishing and strengthening food in cases 
 
BIRP BREAD. 
 
 13 
 
 of debility, during moultlkig aeason, previous to, and after incuba- 
 tion ; and it is especially commendable as food for young birds. It 
 is, however, too stimulating as a regular article of diet ; and a little 
 green food or sweet apple should always be fed with it. 
 
 BIRD BREAD. 
 
 THE WONDER OF THE AGE. 
 
 Cottam's Bird Bread, protected by letters patent, is manu- 
 factured by combining honey, poppy seed and cuttlefish bone, 
 together with twelve other ingredients, each of which have been 
 tested by c:i^perienced bird fanciers, and proved to have been, for 
 many years, most serviceable in the aviary. 
 
 These fifteen different ingredients are compounded in such pro- 
 portions as to insure the most beneficial results on the vocal organs 
 and general constitution of cage birds, but more particularly on 
 Canaries. 
 
 No birds should be without this excelleut preparation, especially 
 during sickness, moulting or incubation ; as it improves the vocal 
 organs, increases song, makes brilliant plumage eradicates disease, 
 promotes the healthy operation of the gizzard, strengthens and 
 sharpens the beak, gives tone and vigor to the whole system and is 
 strongly recommended for birds troubled with mites. 
 
 Cottam's patent Bird Bread is sold at five cents per cake ; but 
 a cake is given away with every ten cent package of Cottam'^ 
 celebrated choice re cleaned and well mixed Bird Seed. 
 
 "^i* ■ 
 
 WATER. 
 
 . A daily supply of pure water for drinking purposes should I9 
 given in a thoroughly clean receptacle ; and in very not weather its 
 renewal at least t'^ice each day would be of considerable advantage, 
 
 BATHING. 
 
 The bath should be given daily in warm weather, and occasion- 
 ally in winter, care being taken at all times that the water given for 
 the purpose, and the air of the room are at the right te^iperature, 
 an4 that the^e is qo t«p,dency to cbiU the bird, !^ot oply ag 
 
u 
 
 CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 a luxury, but alao as a necessity the bath should be giyen, and 
 nothing tends to keep down parasites, with which most birds 
 are troubled, or is more conducive to the general health. Some 
 birds like the bath, and will immediately go into it when placed 
 before them ; on the other hand, many only care to wet their 
 head and dress down their plumage in this way. Some birds will 
 take a tepid bath when they will not take a cold one, pud vice versa. 
 Others prefer a sand bath to the water, and are fond of flutter- 
 ing in a dish of clean sand. This desire should always be gratitied, 
 as it is in many ways most beneficial. 
 
 BREEDING CANARIES. 
 
 Almost everyi .lO who takes an interest in birds has a desire to 
 breed them, anc^ the temptation is great along this line ; but for 
 one amateur who in successful in the business twenty make a 
 lamentable failure of !i , and give up the idea in despair. Why ? 
 Simply because they go ah -ut it in the wrong way. And should 
 fortune favor them so far, that one or two of the expected brood 
 come forth alive from the eggs, there are a thousand chances to one 
 against their living. 
 
 Now, breeding Canaries will be found very easy if the following 
 directions on the subject are only carefully followed : First — Pair 
 only such birds as are likely to produce good results. Second — 
 Select the proper season for pairing. Third — Take the necessary 
 pains in the preparation of the nest, and see that it is kept in order, 
 rourth — Provide proper food, both for the old birds and for their 
 newly hatched young. Fifth — Avoid meddling or interfering with 
 them more than is necessary, especially during the period of 
 incubation, 
 
^ki^EblkO OAXARiES. 1$ 
 
 PAiriug should not be set about too early in the year. A 
 popular, though in our opinion erroneous, idea exists that Saint 
 Valentine's day is, of all days in the year, the one looked upon by 
 the feathered tribe as sacred to the worship of Hymen, and many of 
 those who hold in their hands the lives and fortunes of captive 
 birds insist on pairing them on tlmt particular anniversary. But, 
 in this country, according to the opinion of experienced and 
 successful breeders, this is too early. By having the young birds 
 hatched too scon they are sure to be delicate ; they require much 
 warmth, and the heat of the sun is to be preferred, for tne absence 
 of which any amount of artificial warmih will not compensate. 
 Usually the middle of March, when they say iin Ireland that Saint 
 Patrick turns the warm side of the stone, or the beginning of April, 
 is soon enough. The young birds have then the summer before 
 them wherein to acquire strength and get properly on their legs, or 
 wings perhaps. 
 
 For some time before putting the birds together for breeding 
 purposes, the cages in which they are kept should be hung close 
 together, so that they can see and become familiar with each other 
 before mating ; and during this period they should be supplied with 
 hard-boiled egffs chopped very fine and mixed in equal proportions 
 with desiccated stale bread or bun rolled into a powder, together 
 with a little maw or poppy eeed. In addition to their general diet, 
 at this time they should have a few heads of fresh, ripe groundsel, 
 ripe plantain, water-cresses, radish tops, mustard, cress or small 
 salad fresh every day, if at all procurable. Any of these will have 
 a tendency to make them mate sooner than if fed only on their 
 ordinary food. If this advice be carried out the process of pairing 
 will be expedited and made easy. 
 
 It is, also, very desirable that the birds should know and be- 
 come familiar with the person who is to have the care of them. To 
 this end it will be well for that person to occasionally eive them 
 little dainties ; such as small pieces of sponge cake, sweet oiscuit, or 
 bun. If they can be induced to take it from the hand, so much the 
 better. 
 
 See hints on training birds in I'att Three. 
 
 There is no small amount of amusement to be derived from 
 endeavoring to produce birds of a certain type, color or shape ; but 
 the majority of amateurs are content to pair their birds hapnaisard, 
 and let the results be what they may. For the benefit of those in- 
 terested, we herewith intimate the young that may be expected 
 from pairing certain birds. 
 
 JoNQUK (a deep yellow bird) with JoNQUJ.i does not 
 do so well, but they are all right if more delicate colors 
 are preferred. A Jonque cock and a Mealy hen should 
 be matched for definitely marked and high-colored birds. 
 When high-colored splashed or pied t'^anaries are paired there is 
 a very good chance of their throwing' green birds. Again, two 
 green Jonques often produce clear birds. Pied birds are produced 
 by matching a Gbben Jonque cock with a Clear Jonque or a 
 ^ilEALY hen. A Turngrest must, on no account, be matehed 
 
I 
 
 ■ : 
 
 in QAGE BIRDS. 
 
 with another Turncuest, as the offspring will, in that case, 
 inevitably be bald or semi-bald headed. A young maie and an old 
 female will produce mostly male birds, and those of about the sanie 
 age will generally throw nearly equal proportions of males and 
 females. 
 
 BREEDING CAGES. 
 
 For one pair of birds, a breeding cage should be at least 
 twenty-four inches loo^, twelve inches wide, and eighteen inches 
 high. Each pair of birds require two nest boxes ; a basin or 
 bath of fresh water in the cage is also indispensable. 
 
 Before turning the birds into the cage, great care must be 
 taken to thoroughly clean it, as the birds are very apt to be 
 infested with vermin, or with the eggs of minute insects that are 
 certain to prove a source of torment to the mother. The cage 
 should be well washed with strong soft-soap, or with C. W. C , 
 which is far better, and boiling water, both inside and out ; the 
 joints, crevi es and corners receiving extra attention. In addition 
 to this, if the cage is not put together with glue, it is well to let it 
 stand for four or live minutes in a tu^ ot boiling water. This is the 
 old-fashioned plan for clearing a cage of insects, and, in our 
 opinion, the best. Some breeders, now a-days, use carbolic powder 
 to dust the birds, but these methods are more or less injurious. 
 To get properly at the joints, etc., a painter's stiff hog brush 
 can be used with advantage. When the cage has been thoroughly 
 washed the cracks and corners should be well saturated with 
 Cottams Mite Exterminator. This, if well done, will pre- 
 vent vermin from breeding in the cage again that season. Some 
 experienced bi-eeders recommend white- washing the cage within and 
 without. 
 
 Make it a rule, before retiring, to put a white cover over your 
 cage, when you suspect insects ; the red mites will, during the 
 night, crawl upon it from the cage or bird ; it should, however, 
 be removed every morning at daylight and thoroughly examined 
 for vermin. If this be done your bird and cage may be kept 
 tolerably free from the pests. 
 
 The location of the breeding cage is important. It should be 
 placed in a light and airy room, and if the morning sun shines 
 therein so much the better. Drafts should be avoided, for young, 
 callow birds are tender and must be treated accordingly. When 
 the weather is balmy, and the sun shines, the windows may be 
 allowed to remain open for an hour or two in the afternoon, and if 
 the weather be very hot it may be best to leave them open all day. 
 Evea then, however, the cage must not be exposed to a draft. An 
 ev«n temperature in the bird room is indispensable. Too much 
 hea4>H;j|.a3 injurious as too little; it makes the old birds sickly, 
 piftdwies weakeaitig perspiration, under the influence of which they 
 aiw iikely to jpiroKiii^ very weak young. The cage should not be 
 hi^g.tpo high, Aifjbhe atmosphere is the more impure the nearer you 
 get to the ceiling. It should so be placed as to be conveniently 
 
BRKBDIXO GAGKS. 17 
 
 reached for any legitimate purpose, though, if possible, at the same 
 time in a retiring position. On no account must the breeding birds 
 be subjected to the annoyance of being inspected by every person 
 so iachned. If pf>88ible, only one person should attend or go near 
 them, otherwise they may desert their eggs or young. 
 
 Ne«it Boxes should on no account be fixed to the corners or any 
 part of vhe cage, but b^ hung on hcoks or nails, because, despite the 
 utmost precaution, insects will eudeavor to harbor themselves. 
 Nest boxes of wicker-work, tin, or of wood, can be procured ready- 
 made from any bird dealer. Many fanciers, however, assert that a 
 wooden nest box should not be used, it haviug a tendency to harbor 
 insects. This may be so, but the objection can be obviated by 
 having it made of box- wood. 
 
 Many and sdrious are the controversies that have from time to 
 time arisen on the subject of nost-making. Some breeders insist 
 that the bird should be merely supplied with material, and then 
 left to construct the nest for themselves ; while others dogmatically 
 maintain that the nest should be made for them, and in such a way 
 that they can neither improve nor spoil it. Both theories may 
 have something to recommend them, but it must be remembered 
 that Canaries differ as much as people. As a rule, tame Canaries 
 are very clumsy upholsterers and not at all as apt in nest making as 
 are wild birds, yet some Canaries are capable of attending to this 
 kind of work satisfactorily, and the breeder must be guided in his 
 course by the manner in which the birds are observed to act. The 
 following are the best methods for providing a nest : Heavy 
 woollen felt, cotton batting, wool, cow's hair or moss are the most 
 suitable materials. If a ready-made nest is given the birds, the 
 material should be stitched in so that they cannot x>ull it to pieces, 
 if they are so disposed. As before stated, however, all that is 
 necessary with some birds is to simply han^ in the breeding cage a 
 small bundle of nest making materials and leave them to build their 
 own nest. 
 
 In making a nest of cow -hair, moss, batting or wool, great care 
 must be taken to tuck in the material so that it will not get 
 entangled in the hen's feet, for in such an event she is liable to drag 
 the eg£^s or the young birds out of the nest in endeavoring to free 
 herself from it. The materials of which the nest is made should 
 also be sprinkled thoroughly with sulphur that it may not harbor 
 vermin. 
 
 A nest box should be round and concave, three inches and 
 three quarters in diameter, and about two inches deep. 
 
 Some birds have a rather sportive propensity for tearing up 
 their nests and scattering the material over the cage. For these 
 birds the felt and cloth nest is the most suitable. Others are so 
 difficult to please in regard to their nest that they will lay anywhere 
 else in the cage but in it. In this case they should be supplied with 
 extra wadding or cotton ; but if they will not use it the only 
 recourse is to watch them and lift the eggs into the nest, by means 
 of a spoon, immediately on being laid. 
 
 i 
 
li tiAOE BIBtiS. 
 
 HATCHING* 
 
 Canaries geiiaraily have three nests of ydiifag every season, and 
 lay from four to five eggs, seldom more. When they do lay a 
 greater number it is no advantage, for five are as manv so small a 
 bird can conveniently cover. Some hens will break and suck their 
 eggs as soon as they are laid, in which case means should be 
 adopted to prevent their so doing. One method is to give an 
 abundance of palatable food every evening, that the heu may feed 
 early in the morning. Should this not succeed, stronger measures 
 must be resorted to ; a little mustard or bitter aloes put into an 
 empty egg shell and placed in such a position as will be likely to 
 attract her attention will, when she has tasted it, in ^11 probability 
 act as a deterrent in the future. Some hens, on the other hand, 
 are too careful of their eggs, and will, if allowed, begin to sit on 
 them as soon as they are laid, thereby hatching them irregularly. 
 
 The regular time for incubation is fourteen days. Birds are 
 usually hatched one each day, as the eggs were laid, until all of them 
 are hatched. If it should happen that one or more eggs remain in 
 the nest, and do not hatch at the proper time, they should be taken 
 out of the nest carefully — using a teaspoon for the purpose, so las 
 not to handle them — and hold tnem before a strong light. If there 
 is the appearance of blood, place them back carefully, for they 
 may yet be hatched. If, however, the egg be transparent, it may 
 be thrown away worthless. Egfl;s should not be thrown away 
 until they are three weeks old at least. When hatched, the young 
 birds remain blind for seven days. When from eight to ten days 
 old, they should be provided with their last fresh nest, as after 
 that age they are disinclined to change, and, in fact, will not stand 
 it ; but will leave the new nest in which they are placed, thereby 
 exposing themselves to the cold before they are prepared for it. 
 So essential are warmth and perfect quiet to them at this time that 
 their obstinacy in the matter of nests in many instances results 
 fatally. 
 
 When the young birds are from twelve to sixteen days old, the 
 hen will give evidence of her intention to go to nest again by 
 picking up bits of moss and depositing them in another box ; indeed, 
 at this time, she is by no means scrupulous, but will, should she 
 find herself short of materials, pluck the feathers from the back 
 and breast of the nestlings. Hens have been known at this time to 
 denude their young of every feather except those of the tail and 
 wings, and this generally causes the death of the young birds. 
 
 Some hens lay their eggs in the nest along with their fledglings. 
 This, however, seldom occurs when two nests are provided, and 
 must not, on any account, be permitted, for both the young birds 
 and the eggs are then in great danger ; and, although instances arc 
 on record where this procedure has not met with serious results, 
 they are very rare. One inconvenience of having young birds and 
 eggs in the same nest is that the hen is so much occupied with the 
 eggs that she neglects to feed the fledglings. The safer plan is to 
 transfer the young birds along with i^e cock to another cage as 
 soon as new eggs are laid. He will generally feed them; but, 
 
 
VARIimS or THV CAN ART. 19 
 
 should he refuse, they must be fed bv hand. This may be done by 
 feeding them with a small straw on hard-boiled eggs, chopped very 
 fine. Occasionally the old birds will entirely desert their young 
 and leave thorn to starve. This will seldom occur if strict attention 
 is paid to directions for treating the breeding birds. As a rule, 
 this desertion is brought about by the old birds being disturbed too 
 much. The young birds may, in these cases, easily be brought up 
 by hand. The egg food should be given until they can crack seeds 
 for themselves. It may be fed with a quill, from the side of which 
 a small piece has been out, thereby forming a small spoon. 
 
 When from a month to six weeks old, the young birds ought 
 to be able to eat without any assistance, and by this time the old 
 birds M ill most likely have another family to attmd to. It is time, 
 also, that they should be weaned from soft food, cind put on a diet 
 of canary, maw or poppy, and sweet summer rape, which it is best 
 to feed crushed until the young birds are able to crack it for 
 themselves. 
 
 VARIETIES OF THE CANARY. 
 
 Buffon enumerates twenty varieties of the Canary ; but that 
 was a long time ago and many more have since been added to the 
 list, for by crossing and re-crossing varieties may be, and have been, 
 produced ad infinitum. Furthermore, when prominence is |;iven to 
 from twelve to sixteen varieties, the number which the majority of 
 exhibitions admit to the honors of competition is exceeded. The 
 number of varieties is generally limited to eleven with their sub* 
 divisions or classes. 
 
 The True Canary, the original of all the varieties, and native 
 of the Canary Islands and Madeira, has a greyish brown body, merg- 
 ing into yellowish green in the under parts ; the beak and legs are 
 of shining black. Of a stouter build than the golden yellow Canary, 
 it has more of the fullness of the Linnet. Its song is also different, 
 being its own wild native notes, unmixed with those acquired by 
 tr ining when in captivity. The Canary was ISrst domesticated in 
 Italy in the 16th century. During the 300 years of its domestication, 
 it has been the subject of careful selection and of crossing with 
 allied species, the result being the production of birds differing 
 widely in the color of their plumage, and, in a few of its varieties, 
 even in size and form from the original wild species. We herewith 
 give a description of the principal varieties. 
 
 The German Canary as already mentioned, is unrivalled as 
 a songster, but that is the gift of education. Its head is flat and its 
 throat like all good vocalists, well developed. It is small in size, 
 with belly rather flat, and short legs ; in fact, it is not by any means, 
 tlie most attractive of Canaries. Its form may be pronounced 
 stumpy and ignoble in its general appearance. In color, it is gener^ 
 ally of a greenish or mealy yellow, irregularly marked v.'ith patches 
 of black or chestnut. For excellence of song, the Germans leave 
 other breeders far behind. They are constantly endeavoring to 
 improve thi^ Qf^tural vocal poTiyers o| th$ bird, and suoh has be^Q 
 
 y 
 
20 GAGE BIRDS. 
 
 their succegs, that as Bongstera, thoir birds have been given an in< 
 creased value of more than one hundred per cent, above all other 
 varieties. The birds most in favor are those that have learned the 
 song of the Nightingale, Skylark or Mocking-bird, with water- 
 bubble notes, long trills and variations. Some of these birds will 
 sing or whistle complete tunes, and, of course, are valued according 
 to their ability as musicians. They are, hoVever. as we have al- 
 ready stated, when compared with the Belgian or English breeds, 
 small and stumpy in size and wanting in elegance of shape and color. 
 They are the hardiest of all the Canary breeds, and pair well with a 
 Belgian or Yorkshire hen. Aa the (jermans are valued solely for 
 their superior vocal powers, the hens of this variety are seldom, if 
 ever, imported. 
 
 The Belgfian is a bird remarkable both for beauty of color and 
 extraordinary form. It is, taken altogether, a strikingly handsome 
 bird — larger in size than the ordinal y Canary, and has an elongated 
 figure, a snake-like head, and the shoulders are set very high— so 
 high in fact, that in a perfect bird a horizontal line struck through 
 the eyes should strike the top of the shoulder bone ; a perpendicular 
 line from *-he shoulder should pass down through the legs to the perch. 
 Its plumage is clear and of the richest golden color — the breast 
 being prettily tufted. In addition to the general type, fanciers 
 frequently divide the Belgian into as many as six classes— an 
 arrangement which only complicates classification, besides being 
 of no practical utility. For all purposes — even of exhibition — two, 
 or at most, four, classes are sufficient, namely : Clear yellow, clear 
 buff, vnrie^ated and ticked yellow, and variegated and ticked 
 buff. Many judges insist on the ticked birds forming distinct 
 classes of their own. Birds of this variety are held in high esteem 
 by fanciers, for the reason that crossing them with birds of a more 
 compact and robust form, produces young birds of a very beautiful 
 type. The Belgian possesses a fairly good singing voice, which ia 
 the more remarkable on account of the narrowness of his chest. 
 
 The Glasgow Don is the pride and joy of Scotch fanciers, 
 and it is, indeed, a bird of attractive appearance. The Don, or 
 Scotch Fancy (by which latter name it is generally called), is from 
 six to seven inches in length. A vertical line from the tip of 
 the beak is supposed to strike the end of the tail — the bird forming 
 a perfect segment of a circle, of so slight a build that a well-bred 
 bird can be passed through a lady's finger ring. They are bred for 
 beauty of form and plumage, rather than for song, although some 
 of them have very good voices. 
 
 The Turncrest is a variety of the Belgian crossed with other 
 birds, having, with the exception of its crest, no special feature of 
 its own. It is, however, much esteemed by some fanciers. It 
 derives its name from its crest, which is inverted, and looks notl 
 unlike the headgear of a Skye Terrier. This class of birds ia to bel 
 found m' re amon . st the Norwich or Manchester Coppys than any! 
 other, and in some birds of this breed the crest is seen to perfectioaj 
 
 The Lizard, though deriving its name from some supposed 
 fesemblai^ce in plumage ^o the markings on ^h^ reptU^ qf th;^i 
 
 I 
 
VARIinXS Of THE CANARY. 
 
 21 
 
 name, reminds one most of the gold and ail rer* pencilled Hamburg 
 fowl. Thev have the crown of the head either pure white or 
 yellow, ana the upper part offtho body covered with black spots, 
 or sometimes a clear grey or bright orange. The tail, wings, and 
 
 THE BELGIAN. 
 
 'eet are of a dark hue ; the throat and breast of a lighter shade, ap 
 )roachiiiig, more or less, the color of the head. The golden or 
 lilver-spangled Lizard Canary is about five inches long, and is most 
 lifficult to breed perfect in all points. Every time a Lizard moults 
 t becomes paler, and its colors begin to run into each other, so that 
 t is as difi^cnlt to niaintain the points as to bre^d them. J^ hen of sk 
 
22 CAOB BIRDS. 
 
 E 
 
 rey or greon plumage will be best to pair with a cock of this breed, 
 ake other varieties, when the Lizard is intended for exhibition, itl 
 is sub-divided into classes, generally four, according to the markingi 
 and colors ; the most pronounced, however, is the Silver-spangled. 
 The Cinnamon or Quaker is, as its name implies, a bird of 
 unpretentious appearance. It is of a uniform fawn color, the shade' 
 more generally worn by Quaker ladies in days gone by. It is, how- 
 ever, a somewhat handsome bird when evenly marked on its head,! 
 back and wings, with reddish fawn and M'hite body, set off with 
 
 Eatches of golden-yellow on its cheeks, throat and rump. These 
 irds are of German origin but very extensively bred in England. 
 The Yorkshire rancy is a bird originally developed and 
 bred extensively in the nortn of England. They are fine, strong^ 
 specimens of canary dom, robust and vigorous, like the people 
 among whom they are bred. Many persons, however, considerj 
 them wanting in color. They are of a pale buff color, blendine into 
 white towards the back, the hinder part of the thighs, the head and 
 the rump ; the head is brown capped, and the wings terminate with 
 the same color. Not at all lively, they have a solid appearance, 
 and go about their singing in a thoroughly business-like way. 
 Their principal attraction being their size and shape, the longer a 
 bird can be bred, provided it is in proportion, the more valuable itj 
 is. Large numbers of this variety are bred to be sold in London, 
 England. 
 
 Manchester Coppies are divided for exhibition purposes into 
 two classes, Yellow and Buff, although committees will not 
 acknowledge two distinct varieties ; and, when admitted to a show, 
 the extra class is simply included in the programme with *'Any 
 other Varieties." The Manchester Coppy Canary is about seven 
 or eight inches in length, and very substantial in appearance. The 
 principal points for which these birds are admired are size, contoui 
 and crest. This particular breed had its origin in Manchester, the 
 cotton metropolis of the world, from which city it takes its name. 
 The word ** Coppy " is a provincialism for crest. 
 
 The London Fancy. — For beauty of form and color, no other 
 breed is comparable with this, and so highly are they prized that it 
 is difficult to obtain a well bred bird out of the great metropolis. 
 These birds are probably the most expensive of the Canary tribe. 
 A rich golden yellow or deep orange is the predominant color in 
 the London Fancy, the flying feathers of the wings etnd tail being aj 
 jet black ; the plumage being generally as brilliant and shining as ii 
 it had just come from the hands of a skilled burnisher* Perfecl 
 birds of this breed are most difficult toproduce, and as before stated 
 command accordingly high prices. The immediate offspring of ij 
 London Fancy may not have a single black feather, without whici 
 a bird is of no value ; and none but breeders of great experien 
 meet with much success in producing them. 
 
 The Norwich Fancy ranks high in the estimation of connoi^f 
 seurs. This variety is divided for purposes of exhibition into froi 
 twelve to sixteen classes. The leading ones, however, are the Cle 
 YellQW, and the Ev^nly-marHed Yellow ; Clear Jiuff^ and J^venlyAli 
 
Varieties of the- canabV. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Inarkeii Butf ; 1?icked, Variegated, and Evenly-marked Yellow ; 
 Evenly-marked Crested Yellow ; Evenly-marked Crested BufF ; 
 Clear Yellow with dark crest, grey or clear ; Unevenly-marked 
 Created Yellow, and Unevenly-marked Created BuflF. The evenly- 
 marked birds as may naturally be suppoael, are very rare ; for to 
 
 LANCASHIRE COPPY — CRESTED. 
 
 ome under that head they must have the marks equally distributed 
 an each wing, eye, and on each side of the tail. Ticked birds are 
 
 Iter. 00 slightly marked that they would easily pass for clear. The 
 
 roy a; ' clear crested birds are not very highly esteemed. The 
 lark crested, if perfect in every other respect, are always awarded 
 ;h(; highest prizes. The Norwich Fancy has a somewhat slender 
 
 ody, with very full neok and chest ; the latter, in the crested 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
24 CAtlE filtlDS. 
 
 classes, being tufted. In color it is of a rich yellow, of golden hue. 
 They are lively and active birds, but of somewhat delicat< 
 constitution. 
 
 The Green Canary derives this name from its color. Generally 
 speaking, this breed is plentiful, though well-bred birds are not 
 often found. Too many of them approach a faded brown color 
 rather than a true green. The shape also of the greater number is 
 objectionable, having more the appearance of the house sparrow 
 than the graceful form of the canary. A well-bred bird should be 
 a very brilliant green, with snake like head, lengthy and tapering 
 in shape. Those most highly prized are from five tcrsix inches long, 
 very slim, of a srass-green color, and standing very erect. A good 
 specimen should be free from dark marks on the back and breast, 
 and from that cloudy or dusky slate color hue so commonly met 
 with in this class of birds. If a bright green cock of this variety 
 be paired with a dark grass-green colored hen a fine brood of strong 
 youne birds may be expected. 
 
 Mule Birds or Hybrids are the product of a cross between 
 different species of the Canary and a male Bullfinch, Linnet, 
 Chaffinsh, Goldfinch or Siskin. Our native Bobolink, the Indigo 
 bird and other birds of a similar size have also been successfully 
 crossed with a female Canary. The Mule birds are said to have 
 song peculiar to themselves, for which they are highly prized. 
 It is the female Canary which is almost invariably employe! in 
 crossing, as it is very difficult, if not impossible to get the females 
 of the allied species to sit on the artificial nests used by breeders. 
 It is affirmed by some emthorities that Mule birds will propagate 
 their own species, but I have never known a single instance of it 
 yet, neither hive I heard of the existence or, seen a living proof of 
 the reproductive powers of the Mule bird, which should and would 
 undoubtedly exist were the assertion to be relied upon. 
 
 W. A. Blackstone, in Cassell's Book on Cage Birds, says :— 
 *' Hybrids are one of those pej-versions— we use the word for the 
 want of a better — of nature's arrangements which remind 
 us, after taking one step, how futile are our efforts in the direction 
 of a new creation, and well it is, no doubt, that they cannot 
 reproduce themselves. Touching this latter point, there is some 
 contradictory evidence to be obtained ; but in the face of the most 
 trustworthy of it (and the most trustworthy generally has a broken 
 link in the chain) there exists the fact that nowhere do we see the 
 living proof of the reproductive power of the Hybrid." 
 
 ,^' 
 
 
1^ 
 
 v ;* 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 SCOTCH FANCV. 
 
^art_ Hcoo , 
 
 I!f[i$ceIIai|80Q$ Cage Biiid^. 
 
 ftenlnlifellMiiil l 
 
 ■MiWailaiB « 
 
 MMMis 
 
 a 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 i 
 
 o g 
 
 PARROTS. 
 
 PI ARROTS are among the most mteresting of cage 
 I birds, The magnificently colored plumage of 
 some varieties, together with their ability to 
 imitate the human voice make them, perhaps, 
 next to the Canary, the most popular birds. The 
 home of the vast majority of parrots is unquestion- 
 ably within the tropics, but the popular belief 
 » I that parrots are tropical birds, is a great mistake. 
 ™*' In South America, at least four species of parrots 
 are found in Chili or La Plata ; oae even being 
 ommon on the bleak coast of the Strait of Magellan. The most 
 )eautiful of these birds, however, are found principally in the coun* 
 ries between the tropics, both in the old and new world. 
 
 Those which inhabit certain parts of Asia and Africa, were 
 mown to Europeans two thousand years ago, and some of them were 
 Lept as pets among the ancient Greeks and Romans. The parrot is 
 enerally considered a handsome bird, and the air of intelligence 
 hey carry, indicative as it is of their powers and capabilities, give 
 hem precedence over others of the feathered race. 
 
 A Parrot's tongue is a minature resemblance of the human 
 ongue, thick, fleshy, soft, and rounded at the extremity ; and it is 
 wing to this formation of the tongue and the structure of the wind- 
 lipe and the various muscles by which it is moved, that the Parrot 
 i capable of imitating so closely the voice of man, the cries of brute 
 nimals, and other sounds and noises. 
 
 We must not miss this opportunity for protesting against the 
 rroneous and most cruel notion that some people entertain, viz., 
 hat it is recessary to cut a bird's tongue in order to make it talk. 
 f a bird of any description will not talk it is because nature has not 
 odowed it with the power or disposition to talk, and slitting its 
 >ngue will not tend in the slightest degree to bring about the de- 
 red end. The practice is worse than useless, besides being a dan- 
 Brous and brutal operation. Pt^rots, no less than other pets, 
 
28 
 
 CAO£ BtKDS. 
 
 should be treated with the greatest kindness, and the most satisfac 
 tory results will invariably follow. 
 
 In order to teach a Parrot to talk it is best to place the bird 
 where it is lively to have absolutely nothing to distract its attention ; 
 he is then more likely to attend to what you wish him to learn. 
 Some recommend covering the bird up, others putting it down a 
 dry well, and these, as well as other methods, have their 
 advantages. A good time to teach Parrots is at dusk, either in the 
 morning or evening, as at this time they are disposed to be 
 more loquacious. Birds learn to talk more quickly from children than 
 from adults, and from women more than from men. The reason is 
 that the pitch of children's voices being generally in a high key and 
 nearer that of the Parrot. 
 
 CCBAN PARROT. 
 
 The African Grey is considered the most intelligent oi 
 Parrots. His voice is the nearest approach to the human voice, and 
 he is capable of whistting whole tUnes and mimicking other sounds 
 very closely ; on this account it is usually the greatest favorite of 
 all Parrots. The African Grey is from nine to eleven inches long, 
 of a general pearl grey or slate color, shading lighter about the 
 eyes, with a black beak and short, red tail. 
 
 The Mexican or Double Yellow-Head is to be classed next 
 to the African Grey as a favorite, and his ability as a singer, to 
 gether with his powers of talking and whistling, general intelligenca 
 and gorgeous plumage, bring him into close competition with the 
 latter. He is much larger than the Grey, measuring from fourteen 
 to sixteen inches in length, and of a more hardy constitution. The 
 
VARlJtTlES Ot THE tARROT. 
 
 20 
 
 plumage of his body is generally cf a beautiful bricht green, with 
 orange forehead and scarlet tipped wings, the shades of orange 
 deepening in color and extending with the age of the bird ; his beak, 
 tongue and feet are nearly white. 
 
 The Amazon, the White-Fronted, the Ha!f> Yellow Head, 
 the Maracaibo, the Bfa2ilian or Blue-Fronted Parrot, the 
 Cubans, together With some of the Paroquets, make nice talkers 
 and very interesting birds, btlt are not to be compared With the 
 Double-Vellow Head and African Grey for general intelligence and 
 ability. Good talkera and intelligent birds may be found in all 
 classes, but those of the two first named breeds are, as a rule, much 
 superior in ability and general intelligence. 
 
 GPAY PARROT. 
 
 The writer has at present in his possession a Rose-Ringed 
 ndian Paroquet which will say the following words distinctly, viz : 
 "Three cheers for the Queen. Hip, nip, hurrah." "Draw 
 words; quick march; D 18 canter." *'0h, dear, what's up? 
 Vide awake the Brigadier. Wide awake, old boy." Whistles a 
 ugle call, and in a very pitiable voice it will say : ** Polly is sick ; 
 
 11 the doctor ; " then, with all the gusto imaginable, " Hang the 
 octor, call the cook ; hang the doctor, call the cook." '• Waiter, 
 
 alter, polly wants some beer ; quick, quick, and bring it here, 
 lie awake old boy." ** Tea and toast for the ladies, and wine and 
 
 kti for polly." ** Tommy, get up, it's six o'clock ; Tommy get up 
 
 id kiss the poor baby." Who are you, eh? What do you want 
 ere? Go away, you dirty quack." "Twenty guineas for the 
 
 
30 
 
 gaok BmM» 
 
 pretty green bird ; take her away, qnick, cage and all — Well worth 
 the money." "Cuckoo cherry tree catch a bird and give it to 
 pully," etc. In all it will say over one hundred and twenty-five 
 words ; besides whistle and dance, dance and sing, but this is how- 
 ever, an exceptional bird. 
 
 In teaching a parrot to talk, articulate distinctly always in the 
 same tone of voice the words you wish him to say, keeping to one 
 sentence until he has mastered that. \ Do not let him hear "Polly 
 wants a cracker," or other undesirable language, and he will never 
 make use of it. 
 
 THE AUSTRALIaIi PAROQUET. 
 
 This is a beautiful bird, very muichriike a parrot in appearance, 
 though smaller, and with a tail longer in proportion than that bird. 
 
 THB BUDaBRIGAK, OR AUSTRALIAN PAROQUET. 
 
 It is of a pretty shade of green, with dark feathers interspersed on 
 the back, the head being a brieht lemon color. They never talk, 
 but are very desirable pets. These birds seem to stand our cold 
 climate remarkably yell. They should be fed on canary seed only, 
 with an occasional bit of green food. Very fond of water, they will 
 bathe as often as given the opportunity, which habit conduces 
 greatly to their maintenance in health. They become very tame, 
 and may be taught many amusing tricks. 
 
PABBOT fOOI>. 31 
 
 THE TALKING MINOR. 
 
 This bird — sometimes called the MusiccJ Grakle, — is about the 
 size of a dove, his color a glossy black, tinged with purple and other 
 colors, there being a conspicuous white stripe on each wmg ; his feet, ^ 
 
 legs and beak are of a ricn yellow. A yellow membrane extends 
 from each side of the head down over the neck, there being also a | 
 
 smaller one under each eye. The Minor, an East Indian, is a soft 1 
 
 billed, or insectivorous bird, and will thrive well on Cottam's Uni- j 
 
 versal Insectivorous Bird Food. As a talker some of these birds are I 
 
 unsurpassed ; they also learn to whistle accurately any tune they [ 
 
 may be taught. They should have a cage at least twenty-five by 
 thirty inches, and about twenty inches high. The bath should be 
 given daily. , 
 
 PARROT FOOD. 
 
 The Parrot is not naturally a grc;at eater, but if tempted by 
 dainties he will eat to gorging ; stale bread crumbs steeped in water, 
 unhulled rice, crushed com and a little hemp seed may be given I 
 
 him as common food, with occasionally dry cake crumbs, a piece of 
 apple and carrots, either cooked or raw. Ifattacked with fits sprinkle 
 his head and shoulders with cold water. For sore feet bathe tnem in 
 warm rum and water, and put abundance of sand in the cage ; if he 
 peckB his feathers his food should be confined to cooling dry arlicles 
 such as will not excite skin humors ; avoid the use of salt ; always 
 )rovide him daily with fresh water ; if vermin appear, a little of the 
 '. !*orsian insect powder blown in among the plumage will soon rid 
 lim of these pests. 
 
 Many varieties of food are recommended for Parrots ; but that 
 suitable for one will not always do for another, though perhaps of 
 the same class. Cottam's Parrot Food which is composed of canary, 
 hemp, sunflower seed, padda, cracked corn, etc., will answer 
 the best in most cases, and rich and greasy food such as bones, 
 flesh, sugar, candy, cake, etc., should always be avoided. Birds 
 fed on the latter variety of food will often be troubled with 
 an irritation of the skin, and pluck themselves bare in the attempt 
 to gain relief. If given plain wholesome food and ordinary care 
 and attention, however, little difficult will be experienced in 
 keeping Parrots healthy and hearty. Occasionally a little green 
 food may be given with great benefit, provided there is no 
 tendency to diarrhoea. A crust of stale bread is very acceptable 
 to most Parrots, and they enjoy munching it very much. Occasion- 
 ally a crust that has been soaked in tea or coffee may be given ; a 
 roasted peanut, small onion, or piece of sweet apple will also be ap- 
 preciated. 
 
 For drinking purposes, cold tea or coffee is much safer -^an 
 water for Parrots to drink, but their desire for drinking is not very 
 great. Some Parrots will bathe freely on their own accord ; 
 and those that do will enjoy an occasional sprinkling with tepid 
 water. Very great care should be taken to keep them warm and 
 free from draughts until the^ave got thoroughly dry after bathing. 
 
32 CAGE BIBDfl. 
 
 Where water, or coffee or te& is not kept in the cage for drinkine 
 purposes, it is necessary to feed more moist food, such as boiled 
 com, stale soaked bread pressed nearly drv. 
 
 Gkavel. — The bottom of the cage should be sprinkled with 
 gravel, which should be removed two or three times a week ; it 
 greatly tends to health and cleanliness, and is excellent for the 
 Parrot's feet. 
 
 DISEASES OF PARROTS. 
 
 Birds of all kinds in confinement are more liable to disease than 
 those living in their natural state. This is due, chiefly, to a lack 
 of exercise, and their inability to procure proper food, together with 
 those remedies which God has doubtles.^ provided for the use of all 
 His creatures, and which their natural instinct has taught them to 
 seek and obtain. 
 
 Diarrhoea, the disease to which ('aged Parrots are most 
 subject, is generally caused by colds It often results from rich 
 and oily food ; sometimes, also, by a sudden ohan{>e of diet, improper 
 food, etc., which is almost sure to bring on tiiis disease. In cases of 
 diarrhcea laudanum, paregoric ptepared chalk, etc , are all excel- 
 lent when administered with discretion. Costiveness is cured by 
 green food, and exercise outside the cage. Gout, shown by swollen 
 feet and closed claws, may biB cured by immerinng the feet in warm 
 water twice per day, letting them soak for 10 or 15 minutes, dry 
 thoroughly, and in a week or so the bird will be all right, but in 
 chronic cases it may take longer. Some Parrots are trL>iibled with 
 fits of various kinds. These are generally brought on by feeding 
 too rich food, dainties, etc., and even, sometimes, proper food 
 in excessive quantities. In such cases put the bird on plain food, 
 as corn, padda, etc., for a time, and it generally will be 
 relieved. Occasional sprinkling with cold water is also recom- 
 mended. The bird must, howevei', be kept extra warm after it. 
 
 A regular temperature free from draught is absolutely necessary 
 for all birds, and this more particularly during the season of moult- 
 ing. The various hints and suggestions in the la»t part of this book 
 should be read over by every parrot owner, as many of them apply 
 forcibly to these birds, and by attending to the advice given on 
 cleanliness, food, etc., diseases will be prevented, which is much 
 better than the cure. 
 
 THE MOCKING BIRD. 
 
 The Mocking Bird, classed by ornithologists in the family of 
 Thrushes, and regarded as forming a distinct section of that 
 family, is undoubtedly the king of songsters. These birds are 
 found in the greater part of the United States, being in the north 
 only a summer visitant ; but though breeding yearly in New 
 England it is not common there, and migrates to the south in 
 winter, passing that season in the Gulf States and Mexico. It 
 appears to be le^s numerous on the western side of the AUeghaniea, 
 though found in suitable localities across the continent to the Pacific 
 Coast. It is rarely found farther northward than Wisconsin, and 
 ' very seldom reaches Canada. , 
 
THE MOOKINO BIRO. 
 
 33 
 
 Of the abilities of this wonderful bird bo much haa been written 
 by various authors that we are tempted to quote them here, and 
 simply add that we believe that they in no way exaggerate the 
 power of mimicry and song possessed by the Mocking Bird. 
 
 Webber, speaking of this bird's song at night, says it represents 
 all the notes of the songs 'ers: " Yes, they are all here ! Hear 
 them each warble, chirp and trill ! How they crowd upon each 
 other ! You can hear the flutter of soft wings as they come hurry- 
 ing forth ! Hark, that rich, clear whistle ! Bob White, is it you ? 
 Then the sudden scream ! Is it a hawk ? Hey ! what a gush, what 
 a rolling, liquid gush ! Ah ! my dainty Redbreast, at thy matins 
 early ! Mew ! what, pussy ? No, the Catbird ; hear its low, liquid 
 love notes linger round the roses by the garden walk ! Hello ! 
 listen to the little wren, he must nearly explode in the climax of 
 
 
 THE MOCKINO BIBD. 
 
 that little agony of trills, which it is rising on its very tiptoes to 
 reach! What now? Quack, quack, quack! Phut, phut, phut! 
 Cock-a-doodle doo ! What, all the barn yard ? Squeak, squeak, 
 squeak! pigs and all! Hark! that melancholy plaint. Whip-poor^ 
 will, how sadly it comes from out the shadowy distance. What a 
 contrast — the Redbird'a lively whistle, shrilly mounting high, 
 higher, highest ! Hark the Baltimore Oriole's gay, delicious, 
 roaring, run-mad, ranting-riot of sweet sounds ! Hark that ! it is 
 the Rain Crow, croaking for a atorm ! Heyday ! Jay, jay, jay ! 
 It is the imperial dandy Bluejay ; hear, he has a strange, round, 
 mellow whistle too ! There goes the little throated warbles, the 
 Woodpecker's sudden call, the Kingbird's woeful clatter, the Dove's 
 low, plaintive coo, the Owl's screeching cry and snapioing beak, the 
 Tomtit's tiny notes, the Kingfisher's rattle, the croT/, the scream, 
 
S4 GAOE BIBD8. 
 
 the ory of love, or hate, or joy, all oome rapidly and in nnexoected 
 contrast, yet with such clear precision, that each bird is fully ex- 
 pressed, to my mind, in its own individuality." 
 
 Wilson says : " In measure and accent the Mocking Bird faith- 
 fully follows his originals ; in force and sweetness he greatly im> 
 proves upon them. In his native groves, mounted on the top of a 
 tall beech or half-grown tree, in the dawn of day, while the woods 
 are already vocal with a mu titude of warblers, his admirable song 
 rises pre-eminently over every other competitor ; the ear can listen 
 to his music alone, to which that of all other birds seems a mere 
 accompaniment. Neither is this strain altogether imitative. His 
 own native notes, which are easily distinguishable bv such as 
 are well acquainted with those of our own various song birdu, are 
 full, and bold, and varied, seemingly beyond all limit. They consist 
 of short expressions of two or three, or at the most four or six 
 syllables, generally interspersed with intonations, and all of them 
 uttored with great emphasis and rapidity, and continued with un- 
 limited ardor for half an hour or an hour at a time, his expanded 
 wiugs and tail glistening with white, and the buoyant gaiety of his 
 actions arresting the eye, as his cry most irresistibly does the ear, 
 he sweeps round with enthusiastic ecstacy as he mounts or descends, 
 as his songs swell or die away, and, as Bartram has beautifully ex- 
 pressed it, ' he bounds aloft with the celerity of an arrow, as to 
 recover or recall his very soul expired in the last elevated strain.' 
 While thus exerting himself a bystander, destitute of sight, would 
 suppose that the whole feathered tribe had assembled together on a 
 trial of skill, each striving to produce his utmost effects, so perfect 
 are his imitations. He many times deceives the sportsman, and 
 sends him in search of birds that are, perhaps, not within a mile of 
 him but whose notes he exactly imitates ; even birds themselves 
 are imposed upon by this admirable mimic, and are decoyed by the 
 fancied call of their mates, or dive with precipitation into the 
 depths of thickets at the scream of what they suppose to be the 
 Sparrowhawk." 
 
 The male Mocking Bird measures about nine and a half inches 
 in extreme length, and is very slender in proportion, the tail being 
 long, narrow at the base, rounded and somewhat spread at the 
 extremity ; the body color a dull, ashen brown throughout, inclin- 
 ing to ashen grey upon the throat, breast, and abdomen. No less 
 than nine of the principal wine feathers arj white at their base, 
 thus making a bold, white paten, forming the segment of a wheel 
 when the wing is spread out and examined from the inner side. 
 The white wins feathers of the female Mocking Bird never extend 
 over seven or eight feathers, and her back is of a light ashen brown. 
 This, apart ftom the song, is the principal feature of distinction 
 between the male and female. The lower portion of the back in 
 the male is also much darker than it is in the female. The two 
 outer tail feathers of both sex are white, and the rest are white 
 only on their lower halves, the upper side being dark brown, edged 
 with white. 
 
 The Mocking Bird is never bred in captivity, the young birds 
 
THX AMKRICAN ROBtK. SB 
 
 h«ing taken from the nest before being fully fledged. Being an \n- 
 sectivorous bird it requires a great quantity of inaeots to Iceep it in 
 health, more, perhaps, than any other bird. Cottama' Universal 
 Insectivorous Bird Food, being made from ant eggs, beef heart) 
 poppy seed and other ingredients of the very best quality, consti- 
 tutes one of the best foods for all insectivorous birds, and upon 
 which they all do remarkably well. Proof— The writer never nad 
 a single Mocking Bird die on his hands. Meal- worms, flies, apiderst 
 and grasshoppers are most acceptable, and tend to keep hiui in the 
 best condition. The daily bath and plenty of fresh drinking water 
 are very necessary in order that the Mocking Bird be kept in 
 perfect health. 
 
 THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 
 
 Ko book on ornithology would be complete that did not say 
 something about our familiar and welcome favorite, the American 
 Robin. The good will and almost sacred deference manifeated 
 towards the little English Robin Redbreast seems to be shared in a 
 great degree by our own Robin. This almost pious regard for 
 these ]3ira8 appears to have existed for ages, and nas been handed 
 down :for generations, so that even pilfering boys, who, m^ith little 
 compunction of conscience, chase and kill oUier oirds and rob their 
 nests, are more favorably disposed towards them. 
 
 THE AMERICAN ROBIN. 
 
 The Robin is with us here in Canada the greater part of the 
 year, making his appearance very early in the spring, and not 
 leaving until late in the fall. Often before the winter storms have 
 left us, and while the ground is yet carpeted with snovir, this har- 
 binger of spring can be heard from the chimney top, or from the 
 branch<38 of the tallest tree, piping out in the most animated manner 
 his own peculiar "pretty dick, pretty dick, pretty dick," thus 
 iving notice of the early advent of that most joyous season. Every- 
 ody is on the lookout for " the first Robin," and if the phrase, '* as 
 welcome aa the flowers in May," be applicable to anything at all i% 
 
 I 
 

 tJ6 Cage biri-s. 
 
 is to our own big Eobin Redbreast. Right in the depth of our long 
 and severe Canadian winter, the blessings of spring are often antici- 
 pated when we hear our children singing, with its peculiar charm, 
 their school song, " Springtime brings the Robin and the Bluebird 
 home." It does not, &t such times, require any great exertion on 
 the part of the most sluggish imagination to picture to i he mind's 
 eye the early return of these birds, with their yellow beaks spark- 
 ling brown eyes, and beautiful chestnut colored breasts, hopping 
 over our lawns like so many game chickens, as if they claimed a 
 right to the situation, with the full assurance that the claim would 
 be granted. 
 
 The American Robin is about nine inches long, the top of his 
 head and tail are a dusky black ; the remainder of the upper 
 part of his body is of an olive green, while his under part is a beau- 
 tiful shade of chestnut. The feet are inclined to be dark, while the 
 soles of the same are a light yellow. The beak is very strong, and 
 generally of a deep yellow color, darkening towards <be base. The 
 female Robin is not so brilliant in color as the male, b«iiug more of 
 an ashen shade ; and their beaks have a dusky tinge. 
 
 The Robin is a very prolific bird, generally raising two or three 
 broods each year. Their nests, which are a rather bulky stnic ;ure, 
 built of mud and lined with grasses and other vegetable fibre, are 
 generally found in trees, shrubs, and bushes near the dwelling of 
 man. There is one in a tree opposite the writer's house at this 
 present time, and many more in the same neighborhood. The eggs 
 are from four to five in number ; in color, a blue with a greenish tinge, 
 and occasionally inclined to be speckled. Being an insectivorous 
 bird and a hearty eater the Robin consumes an enormous quantity 
 of grubs, bugs, beetles, and other insects infesting our fields and 
 orchards, which prove so destructive to the various crops. We 
 should not, therefore, begrudge them a few cherries, raspberries, or 
 other fruits which they may need, and take from time to time, and 
 which, as a matter of fact, are well earned, for "your Heavenly 
 Father feedeth them " as well as you. Matt vi. 26. 
 
 There is something ' y interesting in the manner in which the 
 American Robin goes ah - our lawn at dusk on a summer evening, 
 pouncing upon the great c i ^ worms from six to nine inches long, 
 drag them from their holes, and,after killing and breaking them up, 
 devouring them. 
 
 The Robin is undoubtedly a great friend to farmers, market- 
 gardeners, and to all who are trying to raise crops, and, also, of 
 incalculable benefit to the country generally. He is very hardy 
 and is easily kept, requiring a large and roomy cage, and about the 
 same food and treatment as the mocking bird ; but, being so 
 common, he is greatly undervalued as a cage bird, but should not 
 be on this account. Very easily tamed, he can readily be taught to 
 pipe and whistle tunes, perform tricks innumerable, and will gener- 
 ally be found an apt and interesting scho'ar. Cottam's Universal 
 Insectivorous Bird Food will be found just the thing to keep the 
 Robin in health and song. 
 
THE BLtJE JAY, 
 
 87 
 
 THE BLUE JAY. 
 
 The Blue Jay, in striking contrast with the jay family of 
 Europe and other American Jays, is perhaps one of the most con- 
 spicuous birds in our woods. In size somewhat lai^er than our 
 Robin. His prevailing color indicated by his name He is too well 
 known to need any detailed description. We may say, however, 
 that he makes an excellent cage bird. His great ability as a mimic, 
 and his handsome plumage of sky blue, intermixed with bright violet 
 and white, together with his very ornamental crest of light blue 
 and purple feathers, which he can elevate or depress at pleasure, 
 make him a very desirable pet. One of these birds, wnich the 
 
 ■■.\N\N 
 
 THB BLUB JAY. 
 
 writer had in his possession, was a most amusing fellow. So ta,me 
 he would allow you to fondle with him, though always ready for a 
 tussle. He would grasp your finger with his beak and wrestle with 
 your hand with surprising energy and vim, till they ached with 
 pain, eventually compelling you to desist. 
 
 These birds should be taken from the nest or caught when very 
 young. Being a soft-billed bird they do well on Cottam's Insecti- 
 vorous Bird Food, and should also have a large number of worms, in- 
 
 it 
 
38 
 
 OAOfi BtBDS. 
 
 sects, etc. They are very fond of bathing. Their general treat- 
 ment should be the same as the robiu, and the remarks in the 
 preceding chapter apply equally to the Blue Jay. 
 
 
 / V ••; 
 
 THE BLUJB ROBIN. 
 
 THE BLUE ROBIN. 
 
 The American Blue Robin, sometimes^ called the "Bluebird," 
 the '• Blue Nightingale," and the '* Cottage Songster," deriving the 
 last name from his habit of building his nest close, and loving to be 
 ne&r the dwellings of man, is a very beautiful bird. His beautiful 
 
THE VIBOINIA NIOHTINGALK. 39 
 
 plumage, the Bweetness of his song, and the sociability of hia 
 nature, to say nothing of his great cnteness, afford plenty of scope 
 for praise and admiration. He is a true Robin in shape, make, 
 habits and general characteristics, and his mode of living in a wild 
 state is indentical Mrith that of the English Robin Redbreast. He 
 is one of the first of the migratory birds to appear amonsst us in the 
 very early spring, and one of the last to leave in the fall. As soon 
 as the trees and shrubs begin to bud, the Blue Robin builds its nest. 
 It lays from five to six eggs for a sitting, and hatchee out two or 
 three broods each season. 
 
 Being an insectivorous bird, it requires an abundant supply of 
 bugs, grubs, beetles, caterpillars and other insechn, and, like tho 
 American Kobin, is very destructive to these pests which so often 
 cause great trouble and loss to farmeis ami market gardeners and 
 others ; it is generally regarded as their ally and friend, and re- 
 ceives much consideration and protection on this account. 
 
 The Blue Bobin is about six and a half inches long — the male 
 being easily distinguished by the rich azure blue tinge of the upper 
 part of his body — the throat, neck, breast, sides and under part of 
 the wings, are a pale chestnut color, and the belly is dusky brown. 
 The female is distinguished by the paler shades of color all over the 
 body. The Bluebird requires much the same food and treatment as 
 the American Robin and the Mocking Bird.. 
 
 THE VIRGINIA NIGHTINGALE. 
 
 The Virginia Nightingale, sometimes called the American 
 Redbird, RedCardiniu, Cardinal Grosbeak, etc., is a native of the 
 Southern States of America and a great favorite amongst bird 
 fanciers throughout the world. Large quantities of them are 
 annually shipped to Europe, The male bird is undoubtedly one of 
 the most handsome birds of the New World, and is about eight 
 inches in length, of a brilliant red color, including the ]oeak, but 
 excepting the throat and parts around the beak which are black. 
 On the top of its head is an ornamental crest, which, when angry or 
 excited, the bird raises, much after the fashion of Cockatoos, giving 
 it a very commanding appearance. The female is the counterpart 
 of the male bird in size, but her plumage is of a sombre russet 
 brown with a slight tinge of dull red relieving the principal wing 
 and tail feathers and her beak, like at of the male bird, is red. 
 
 The Cardinpl, of necessity, loses some of its brilliant color in 
 confinement, but this can be prevented to a considerable extent by 
 giving them roomy cages ; they are very active birds and require 
 plenty of exercise, plenty of pure air, and a liberal supply of pure 
 water for both drinking and bathing purposes daily. A little salt 
 and chalk is often kept in their cage ; the salt helps the bird to 
 retain its color, and the chalk to keep its system regular. 
 
 The Cardinal has a very sweet and pleasing song or whistle. 
 When enjoying freedom they delight in frequenting the thick 
 lOliaged bushe::) which border streams, and there build their nests 
 o[ slender sticks, grass, etc. ; it is here the bird's song is heard in 
 perfection. 
 
40 GAGE BIRDS. 
 
 The crest of red feathers before referred to, which the Cardinal 
 can raise and lower at will, gives it a fierce aspect ; but this is not 
 indicative of its nature, as is shown by the affection which these 
 birds exhibit towards their keepers or anyone who is kind to them. 
 Their tender disposition is also invariably shown with other birds, 
 especially toward the young, which they will often feed ; and it is 
 said they invariably make good foster parents. And yet, while 
 noted for their affection towards other birds, strange to say, they 
 are very ^erce and show no mercy toward their own species. This 
 antipathy toward their own kind is more remarkable in view of the 
 fact that they agree well with the Grey Cardinal, and have been 
 known to build their nests in the same bush with them, not appear- 
 ing to be the least affected by their presence or movements. 
 
 The Cardinal is remarkable for its strength of beak, and is 
 capable of giving a very ugly bite. It can crack the stones of 
 almonds, and Indian maize very expeditiously with its beak ; in 
 
 THE VIRGI.NIA NIGHTINGALE. 
 
 some parts of the country it is known by the name of *' Corn 
 Cra.cker." In its wild state, Indian maize and other grain are their 
 principal food, but they will eat pears, cherries, apples, bees, grubs, 
 beetles, butterflies, in fact, a little of almost anything eatable. 
 
 When kept in a cage the Cardinal does uncommonly well on 
 Cottam's Parrot Food, which is a mixture of cracked corn, canary 
 seed, hemp, unhuUed rice, sunflower seed, in almost equal propor- 
 tions, with an occasional supply of Cottam's Universal Insectivorous 
 Bird Food. Fruit and green food of any kind, meal-worms or 
 insects are excellent, but when these cannot be obtained, dried 
 currants, apples, and a little lean beef chopped up fine are good 
 and acceptable substitutes. 
 
 Diseases. — The Cardinal, being a hardy bird, is easily kept h 
 health and song with ordinary attention ; but if neglected, like 
 other creatures, he soon shows it by loss of song and general de- 
 jected appearance. The Gapes is perhaps the principal disease to 
 which these birds are subject, and is caused by their being kept on 
 wrong food, in vitiated air, with impure water to drink. The 
 eymptoms of the Gapes are so apparent no one can mistake it, 
 
THE BftAKlLTAN CA&DINAL. 41 
 
 as the bird is caused to gape with each breath he takes. A 
 cure is generally effected by saturating a camel hair brush with 
 turpentine, and putting it down its windpipe. The s^nall worms 
 which are the cause of the trouble are thus destroyed. One appli- 
 cation is generally sufficient. Five or six hours after, however, if 
 the bird continues to gape, a second application may be necessary. 
 
 THE BRAZILIAN CARDINAL. 
 
 The Brazilian Cardinal, also known by the name of the Crimson 
 Crested, or Grey Cardinal, is a very pretty and lively bird. His 
 glossy gay coat and brilliant crimson crest, always well kept, 
 together with his hearty, mellow whistle and lively carriage, bespeak 
 
 THE BRAZILIAN CARDINAL. 
 
 the possession of a healthy constitution and contented disposition, 
 which make him a general favorite, and entitle him to rank second 
 only to his gaily colored next of kin, the Virginia Nightingale. 
 
 The bird is a native of South America, and may be seen in 
 flocks in various portions of Brazil. When so many are seen to- 
 gether, their grey plumage surmounted by crimson crests giving 
 them a uniform appearance, they are a very beautiful sight. The 
 Brazilian Cardinal is about seven inches in length, not quite so long 
 nor so robust as the Virginia Nightingale, though not unlike that 
 h\M in some respects. The upper part of its body is of a dusky 
 grey, the lower part of a lighter shade. The head and crest are of 
 a brilliant scarlet. The beak is conical in shape, and of a coral red 
 color. The pointed crimson crest and gay body gives the bird a 
 very smart appearance. The crest of the Brazilian Cardinal, the 
 Virginia Cardmal, and the Green Cardinal are very much alike, but 
 the grey bird does not appear to have control of his gay head-dress 
 as do the other Cardinals, and it is seldom raised. 
 
42 Cage BtR&d. 
 
 The sexes are nearly identical in plumage, and are distinguished 
 with much difficulty by those who have had little experience with 
 them. ^ The song of this bird, while not so loud as that of the 
 Virginia Nightingale, is every bit as sweet. When in confinement 
 they require a large cage, the same food and general attention a« 
 the other Cardinals, with the addition, perhaps, of a somewhat 
 more liberal supply of insects or insectivorous bird food. 
 
 THE GROSBEAK. 
 
 The Rose Breasted Grosbeak, belonging to the same tribe as the 
 Virginia Nightingale, is one of Ihe domestic birds of our neighbors 
 across the line, occasionally coming into [Canada, but comparatively 
 
 THE GROSBEAK. 
 
 seldom caged. Much rarer than his red kinsman, his beautiful 
 plumage and sweet mellow song do not seem to be appreciated as 
 much as they deserve. He sings by night as well as day, and when 
 caged becomes very tame. Canary is the only seed they require, 
 though an occasional allowance of hemp and unhuUed rice may be 
 given ; so fond are they of these two last named seeds that they 
 will eat of them until unable to jump on their perch. With their 
 body of jet Mack, relieved by snowy white, and a bright carmine 
 breast, these birds are indeed a picture. 
 
 THE GREEN CARDINAL. 
 
 The bird, sometimes called the Black-crested Cardinal, is also 
 a native of South America. Its plumage is of a dark olive green 
 above, merging to yellow on the breast and abdomen ; the primaries 
 of the wings and tail are black, fringed with green on their outer 
 edges ; and, like the Grey and Red Cardinals, he possesses a crest, 
 which he can raise or lower at will ; while the crests of the other 
 Cardinals, however, are of a brilliant crimson color, his is of a rich, 
 clear, coal black. 
 
 y 
 
THR BALTIHOBK ORIOLR. 48 
 
 The gexes of this variety are, like the Grey, nearly identical ; 
 and in size and general characteristics he very much resembles hia 
 grey kinsman ; but it is considered superior to that bird as a song* 
 ster. In the matter of food, large roomy cage, and general treatment 
 required by him, the advice given in preceding chapters are appli> 
 cable to these birds. 
 
 THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
 
 Among those fond of amusement with cage pets, these birds 
 always become great favorites, for they are exceedingly active, 
 tricky and intelligent ; while the vivid colors of their plumage, 
 their ability as whistlers and their interesting manner, make them 
 objects of great attraction. Varieties of the Oriole family are very 
 numerous, (our Meadow Lark belongs to the same cl8UBS — Icterus) 
 and are found in all parts of the globe. 
 
 The Baltimore Oriole, known also as the Golden Robin, is sup- 
 posed to have obtained its name from its highly colored plumage 
 of brilliant orange and black, which colors composed the livery 
 worn by the dependents of the Calverts, Earls of Baltimore, the ori- 
 ginal grantees of the State of Maryland. The bird is about eight 
 inches long, thin in proportion and somewhat high on his legs. Its 
 beak is bom colored, lorg, and very sharply pointed ; the ^ead, 
 neck, wings, and tail are of a velvet black ; the outer feathers of the 
 tail yellow ; the whole body being a brilliant orange. The wing 
 coverts are fringed with white, forming a bar that is very striking 
 n contrast with the prevailing color of the bird. But the most 
 remarkable feature of the bird is his eye, which is white with a 
 black pupil, and this contracts when the bird is excited, either with 
 pleasure or anger, and expands when at rest, its movement forming 
 ^n i^de$ to the temper'pf the birdt 
 
44 
 
 CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 m 
 
 The Baltimore Oriole does not attain its full plumage until the 
 third moult. Until then its head and wings are rusty, and the 
 breast has a dull greenish tinge, and at this period the male and 
 female look so nearly alike that it is very difficult to distinguish 
 them. These birds are most skilful architects, suspending their 
 nests from the extremities of the highest branches, usinc long 
 pieces of hemp attached to two forked twigs as stringers, and inter- 
 weaving other material bo as to form a pouch hanging down seven 
 or eight inches, then interlacing this outer frame- work with fine 
 grass fibre, raw cotton, horse-hair, etc., finally downing the top 
 and leaving a round aperture at the side, somewhat like the 
 opening in the nest of the titmouse. 
 
 The food suitable for these birds is much the same aa that for 
 the Mocking Bird smd other soft-billed birds. 
 
 THE BOBOLINK. 
 
 Merrily swinging on briar and weed. 
 Near to the nest of his little dame : 
 Over the mountains, river and mead, 
 Robert of Lincoln is telling his name^ 
 Bob-o-llnk, bob-o-link, 
 Spink, spank, splnk ; 
 Snug and safe is that nest of ours. 
 Hidden among the summer flowers. 
 Ghee, chee, chee. - 
 
 —Bryant. 
 
 THE BOBOLINK. 
 
 Very few American birds are detested more heartily by the 
 farmers in some parts than the Bobolink. They are said to come 
 in large flocks from the south every spring, doiiig immense damage 
 to young corn and grain of every description, upon which they 
 descend in thousands. We have no doubt, however, that their 
 presence on the farm is productive of some good, for they feed 
 principally on insects, which would certainly do great harm to th@ 
 9ropa, if not considerable mor^ than the Bobolinl^s themselves. 
 
TUB ENGLISH BLACKBIRD. 45 
 
 A male Bobolink is about seven and a half or eight inches 
 long. His plumage changes twice every year. His summer suit, 
 which comes at the approach of spring, is jet black upon the head, 
 neck, and all the lower portions of the body ; the nape of the neck 
 is crossed by a patch of yellowish white, and the black feathers 
 extending from the collar half way down the back are edged with 
 yellow ; all the rest of the back to the tail being white. The tail 
 itaelf is black, each of the feathers in it being curiously pointed ; 
 the wing coverts are white, and the black feathers of the wing are 
 also edged with white. The beak, feet and legs are of a slate blue, 
 and when the bird is out of color the beak becomes flesh tinted. The 
 winter plumage of the male is similar to that of the female, the 
 white back and wing coverts giving place to rusty black, and the 
 whole of the under part of the bird changing to a dirty yellow. 
 
 They are, like the rest of their species, pugnacious in confine- 
 ment, and not suitable for aviaries ; although occasionally they 
 will live harmoniously with other birds. Their song is varied and 
 rather pretty, and the Bobolink will be found a hearty and cheerful 
 pet, always alive to everything that affects his own interest, es- 
 pecially in regard to matters of food. i 
 
 His principal food in confinement should be canary seed, un- 
 hulled rice and millet seed ; and, as he is a great feeder, care 
 must be taken that he does not get too fat, which he is very liable 
 to do from want of exercise. The daily bath is to, Robert of Lincoln 
 both a luxury and a necessity. 
 
 THE ENGLISH BLACKBIRD. 
 
 Methinks, methinks, a happy life is thine. 
 
 Bird of the jetty wing and golden bill ! 
 t Up in the clear, fresh morning's dewy shine 
 
 Art thou, and singing at tbfne own sweet will ; 
 Thy mellow voice floats over vale and hill, 
 
 Rich and mellifluous to the ear as wine 
 Unto the tast^; at noon we hear thee still : 
 
 And when grey shadows tell of Sol's decline. 
 Thou hast thy naatin and thy vesper song. 
 
 Thou hast thy noontide canticle of praise, 
 For Him who fashioned thee to dwell among 
 
 The orchard-grounds, and 'mid the pleasant ways 
 Where blooming hedge rows screen the rustic throng ; 
 
 Thy life's a ceaseless prayer, thy days all Sabbath days, 
 
 — H. 0. Adams. 
 
 The English Blackbird, a variety of the Thrush, has a rich, 
 mellow song, a golden chain of melody, which binds into one 
 harmonious whole the warblings and strains of several of the 
 sweetest songsters. It is a very noble bird, and being a lively, 
 joyous creature, is peculiarly desirable as a cage biid The Black- 
 bird is never bred in confinement, but is very contented in cap- 
 tivity, provided it be in a large cage. In England they are 
 generally kept in cages of wicker or some hard wood, one side of 
 which is open, the opposite side and ends boarded, and the top 
 shelving down like a penthouse. Any cage, however, providing it 
 be large enough, may be used, though one with a hardwood frame 
 is preferable. The food should be '-''•^ced into boxes outside the 
 
4Q CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 cage. The Blackbird is fond of bathing, and should have water 
 placed in a sufficiently deep receptacle, at least three times a week, 
 particularly in the suininer ; but his cage must not be suffered to 
 remain long wet, or he will be attacked with the cramp, to prevent 
 which, strew plenty of dry, coarse sand or gravel on the floor or 
 false bottom of his cage. 
 
 Blackbirds are usually reared from the nest, which are to be 
 found with the nestlings about the end of April or the middle of 
 May, in a thick bush or cluster of boughs not far from the ground. 
 The nestlings are taken just as the wing feathers have IjKBgun to 
 appear. Even at that early period the males may be known by 
 their darker plumage, by their being the smallest in size, and by 
 the yellow rim round their eyes being brighter than in the females. 
 
 THE ENGLISH BLACKBIRD. 
 
 They are kept warm and fed upon roll or white bread, not too stale, 
 steeped in milk ; they soon become accustomed to their diet, and 
 thrive well on it, but being very free raters, they must not be over- 
 fed at any meal ; one ounce of bread is enough for three or four 
 nestlings for one day. They are at first fed every two hours, from 
 sunrise to sunset, and the food mixed twice a day, for, if it be the 
 least sour, it will kill them. When sufficiently grown to be separ- 
 ately caged, they are shipped ttt all parts of the world. 
 
 The best food for Blackbirds in this country is Cottam's Universal 
 Insectivorous Bird Food, together with raw or cooked beef, shred 
 finely, and mixed with bread crumbs, German paste, stale bun, hard- 
 ^i^e^^ egg, and occasioi^ally a n^eal-worm^ small snail, worm, earwig. 
 
spider, or other insects as a treat. These birds are Tery fond of 
 ripe fruit, which is excellent, and a little variety in food will help 
 to keep them in health and song, and preserve tneir life for years ; 
 Blackbirds will live in captivity from ten to sixteen years. If 
 treated with kindness and properly attended to, they become very 
 familiar, and are sometimes oxceedingly amusing. 
 
 A story is told of a tame Blackbird, brought up from the nest, 
 that used to awaken his mistress soon after the dawn of day, by 
 flying out of bis cage, sitting on her pillow and singing. If she did j. 
 
 not tnen open her eyes he would peck gently at ner eyelids until % 
 
 she looked up at him, when he would sing on again, apparently 
 with the greatest delight. Another story is told of a bird that had 
 bten taught to whistle a certain air. He once heard it played on 
 the pianoforte with variations ; and the variations so offended him 
 that he hissed and fluttered his wings till the performance stopped. 
 He then he gave his version of the air. whistling it all through as 
 he had learned it. This same bird fell into the hands of a lady, 
 whose custom it was to have the evening hymn played and sung at 
 the conclusion of family prayers. He caught the tune, and always 
 accompanied their voices, and from that time regularly whistled it 
 every evening durins; the rest of his life. 
 
 Some Blackbirds also learn to imitate very correctly the songs 
 of other birds. They sing in confinement nearly the whole of the 
 year, with the exception of moulting time. At this period they re« 
 (juire to be kept warm and to be carefully attended to ; otherwise i 
 
 their song and beauty of plumage may be seriously impaired, the '^^1 
 
 former perhaps entirely destroyed. Their song is cheerful, but at 
 times too loud to be agreeable in a room ; in this case, the cage may 
 be placed outside the window in suitable weather, when the bird 
 will delight and enliven the whole neighborhood. • : 
 
 The disease to which the Blackbird is most subject in confine* 
 ment is a stoppage of the oil gland, which is situated on the root of 
 the tail, which, when so affected, merely requiresi to be carefully 
 opened by a needle, and the part anointed with a mixture of fresh 
 butter and sugar. 
 
 THE ENGLISH THRUSH. 
 
 " A flute like melody is thine, O Thrush ! 
 
 Full of rich cadence, and clear and deep ; 
 Upon the sense it cometh like a gush 
 
 Of perfume, stolen from the winds that sweep 
 
 Where spice-isles Kern the bosom of the deep : 
 At early mom, and mid the evetide's hush. 
 
 Pouring thj mellow music thou dost keep. 
 From out the lilac tree or hawthorn bush : 
 I love thee for the love thou bear'st the lowly, 
 
 The cottage garden is thy tav'rite haunt, 
 
 It ever is thy pleasure forth to chant 
 Those blithesome pueans, seeming as it were 
 Thy wish to make all happy dweUing there." 
 
 —H. O. Adams. j 
 
 The English Thrush, Throstle, or Mavis, as it is variously 
 called, is one of the most familiar and deservedly admired of < 
 
 warblers. In its native land, and on migrating to other countries : | 
 
4S 
 
 OAOK ttinvfi. 
 
 on the continent of Europe, it pours forth its full, riv i flood of 
 melody long before the leaves are on the forest boughs ; and certain 
 it is, when this leader of the woodland choir is heard caroling its 
 wild, sweet strains loudly and continuously, it is hailed as a sure 
 indication of coming spring. 
 
 Generally in the neighborhood of water the neot of the Thrush 
 is found, and a very singular piece of architecture it is. Made in 
 the shape of a deep cup, it is fined with a thin, but stiff coating of 
 fragments of rotten wood ingeniousl} spread and plastered, so as to 
 present a smooth interior ; the eggs are sea-green in color and 
 spotted \(ith black. The Thrush is never bred in captivity, and 
 the young are taken from the nest before they are fully fledgod, and 
 fed with white bread soaked in warm milk, with now and then a 
 little maw or crushed hemp seed. When fully grown they are 
 exported to different countries, where they are very much esteemed 
 for their song and appearance. 
 
 THE ENGLISH THRUSH. 
 
 In this country the Thrush will do best when fed upon Cottam's 
 Universal Insectivorous Bird Food. German paste, barley meal, 
 or wheat bran moistened with water, a small earthworm or two 
 may occasionally be given, or a small bit of cooked meat finely 
 shred, together with plenty of ripe fruit. Thrushes require 
 plenty of water, both for bathing and drinking ; their cage, how- 
 ever, must always be dry, and a daily supply of clean gravel should 
 be kept strewn over the floor. They are very fond of insects, 
 small worms, slugs, and snails, of which, when at liberty, they 
 destroy vast numbers. A few of any of these, now and then, will 
 be greatly appreciated as a treat, as will also a few dried berries in 
 Wiimir. It is a very restless bird, constantly in motion, and 
 
THK VtOnTINQALK. 40 
 
 requinis a good sij^d cage, otherwise it will be likely to injure 
 itself. If hung out of window it will be heard for a long distance, 
 and delight its hearers with its rich, melodious son|;. 
 
 These birds can be kept for eight ur ten years in this country if 
 properly fed and carefully attended to. If neglected and suffered 
 to get dirty they are likely to be seized with cramp and lose 
 control of their legs. When troubled this way a little fresh hfty 
 should be kept at the bottom of the caae, .and tne bird fed 
 L/ hand if unable to feed himself. A change in food, of a nourishing 
 kind, as shred meat boiled egg chopped small, barley meal mixed 
 with a little crushed hemp seed, ana plenty of ripe fruit will soon 
 effe t a cure. 
 
 The male Thrush can be readdy distinguished by the black 
 lines running down the sidss of the throat being broader than in 
 the female ; the reddish yellow on the breast of the latter is much 
 paler, approaching nearer a white hue. 
 
 THE NIGHTINGALE 
 
 The voice so touching and sublime, 
 
 So far too pure for this gross earth ; 
 Surely we may deem the chime. 
 
 An Instinct which with God has birth. 
 
 Thy warbling and thy murmurs sweet, 
 
 Into melodious union bring 
 All sweet pounds in nature meet, 
 
 Or float from Heaven on wandering wing. 
 
 —Lamartine. 
 
 The Nightingale, literally " singer of the night," ia a soft-billed 
 bird, foimd in various countries in Europe. It is justly celebrated 
 beyond all others by European writers for the admirable vocal 
 powors which, during some weeks after its return from winter 
 quarters in the South, it exercises at all hours of the day and night. 
 In great contrast to the Nightingale's pre-eminent song is its plain 
 and homely plumage, which is alike in both sexes. It is of a red- 
 dish brown above and a dull grayish white beneath, the breast beine 
 rather darker ; the tail also is of a reddish brown, large and 
 somewhat rounded. 
 
 The male Nightingale is distinguished by the power and bril- 
 liancy of his song ; the muscles of his throat being more robust than 
 those of any other singing bird. It is not merely the strength of 
 voice, but the variety and agreeable transitions, together with the 
 beautiful harmony of his song, for which the Nightingale is so 
 highly prized. He begins by warbling a succession of low plaintive 
 notes, commencing very softly and gradually increasing in volume 
 and strength ; and eventually commencing a )on^ diminuendo 
 which is so gradual the listenc;- is often unable to distinguish the 
 actual termination. Then follow a variety of sharp notes, inter- 
 spersed with a few ascending tones, with which his lays usually 
 conclude. 
 
 On the cocks being joined by their partners, the work, for 
 which the long hazardous journey of both has been undertaken, is 
 speedily begun, and before long the neat is completed. This is of 
 
50 
 
 CAGE BlBDS. 
 
 rather an uncommon kind, beins placed on or near the ground, the 
 out-worka consist'ng chiefly of a greit number of dead leaves, in- 
 geniously placed together, so that the plane of each is almost 
 vertical. In the midet of the mass is wrought a deep cup-like 
 hollow, neatly lined with fibrous roots. But the whole is so loosely 
 constructed that it depends for lateral support upon the stems of 
 plants atnong which it is generally built, and a very ilight touch will 
 disturb its beautiful arrangement. Herein from four to six eggs of a 
 deep olive color are duly laid and the young hatched. I'owardH 
 the end of summer the Nightingale again goes south ; but little, if 
 anything, is known of its winter quarters, which are presumably in 
 the interior of Africa. It has been said to visit the Gold Coast 
 during this season. It lives in its wild state almost entirely on 
 insects, and is, therefore, very difficult to rear in a state of captivity. 
 The best food for them in this country is the Universal In 
 sectivorous Bird Food, ants' eggs, with crumbled white bread 
 moistened with warm milk, and hard boiled egg, and occasionally a 
 little white bread soaked with milk. Meal-worms, spiders, and 
 other insects are very useful with these birds, and bird-gravel 
 
 THE KIOHTINGALE. 
 
 should be kept strewn over the floor of their cage, and plenty of 
 fresh water given to them. A gentleman, who was very successful 
 in rearing Nightingales from the nest, gives the following as a good 
 food for them : three ounces of beef dripping, twelve ounces of 
 peameal, four ounces of coarse Scotch oatmeal, one pint of hemp 
 seed, two oiuices of honey, two ounces of moist sugar, one ounce of 
 maw seed. The dripping and honey are melted to(;etber in a sauce- 
 pan, and the meal and sugar well rubbed in, bo as to leave no lumps 
 in the paste. Then the hemp seed, welljsrushed, and the maw seed 
 added to it, &nd, when cool, it was put into an earthen pan. A 
 small teacupful of this paste was i^jixed every morning wich half of 
 a hard boiled egg, white and yolk, press through a wire sieve. 
 This was sufficient for four birds, and on this paste his Nightingales 
 fioorished. 
 
THB STARLIKO. 61 
 
 Another food is made from peamea^ hard-boiled egg, maw seed 
 and sugar made as before mentioned. Beef shred very fine, and a 
 meal-worm o! two should be fed every day. Boiled turnip, carrot, 
 and beet root may also be given occasionally. A little grated bread 
 ami dried ants' eggs— the latter being considered a specific for most 
 of their ailments — with a spider, earwig, and meal-worm, now and 
 then make an acceptable change. Ants' eggs can be obtained in 
 summer, and they may be fried in a frying-pan on sand over a slow 
 fire, and kept in a jar of sand until wanted. 
 
 Nightingales should not be kept in cages less than eighteen 
 inches long, eight to twelve inches wide, and twelve inches high. 
 The cage must always have a soft roof or covering inside the 
 ordinary one, to protect the bird's head when it flutters and springs 
 up, which it is very prone to do. It is, also, advisable to cover 
 the p<irches with (;reen cloth, firmly sewn on, to give a soft perch. 
 These birds require fresh water daily, not only for drinking pur- 
 poses, but to bathe in. The cage must not, however, be suffered to 
 remain wet, or their feet, which are very tender, will soon be in- 
 jured. It is necessary to remove the scales which form upon their 
 legs and feet about eveiy three months. When the scales become 
 loose and homy, the legs must be soaked in warm water, till they 
 can be removed with the point of a penknife, after which the feet 
 and legs must be well dried and anointed with fresh butter or cold 
 cream. 
 
 Should your Nightingale be observed to tremble and grasp with 
 his feet spasmodically, he is probably sufieriug from cramp. In 
 this case a foot-bath of Sherry wine for three or four minutes is 
 recommended. Warmth is very necessaiy, particularly just before 
 and during moulting ; at this time a spider or two, or a few small 
 green caterpillars should be given occasionally, and a few drops of 
 Cottam's Bird Tonic put into his water-glass each morning. 
 
 THE STARLING. » 
 
 The Starling is a well-known, good natured and merry bird. In 
 its wild state it is an inhabitant principally of £urope. It is about 
 the size of a Thrush, and thou^ at a distance it appears to be 
 black, when near at hand its plumage is seen to be brightly shot 
 with purple-green aid steel-blue, most of the feathers when newly 
 grown being tiiped with bufil These markings wear off in the 
 course of the winter^ and in the breeding season the bird is almost 
 potless. 
 
 A more engaging bird scarcely exists, for though its song has 
 but little melody to recommend it, its sprightly gestures, beai^iful 
 plumage, tractability, cunning and amusing antics make it a great 
 avorite. The niale is cheerful and lively, readily domesticated, and 
 loon becomes one of the family with whom be dwells, and will 
 accommodate himself to them to an amusing exteut ; he seems to 
 now when they are angry with him, ftnd then walks about with a 
 )ecuUar waddling gait. He will 3ven learn to repeat a few words, 
 iqd can b^ tan^ht tq pipe (^ soi^ or ^une ^ but in this case \t (s 
 
52 
 
 GAGE BIRDS. 
 
 necesBary to place him where he can hear do other sound than the 
 tune he is to learn, otherwise he soon forgets what he has learned, 
 or blends it with other sounds. 
 
 Starlings are not bred in captivity. When taken from the nest 
 the young birds are fed every two hours on roll stet ped in warm 
 milk. When they can feed themselves they are given meat shred< 
 ded very iine, insects, crumbs of bread, cut bits of cheese and the 
 German paste. 
 
 In this country they do well on Universal Insectivorous or 
 Mocking Bird Food ; there. are, however, few articles of food that 
 
 THE BKQLISH STARLXNO. 
 
 they will refuse. Nothing too stale, mildewed or sour must be oflTered 
 him, or he will speedily fall a victim to the disease it will be sure 
 to produce. Meal worms he is very fond of, and one or two may be 
 given occasionally. He is exceedingly fond of bathing, and there- 
 fore requires plenty of water ; but on no account must his cage b« 
 suffered to remain wet. They will live ten to twelve years in cap- 
 tivity if properly fed and carefully attended to ; cleanliness for the 
 
THB SKYLARK. fd 
 
 bird, and particularly in his cage, is most essential. Starlings 
 should be kept in large cages, at least two feet long, and twenty 
 inches deep. Round-domed ones are preferable, as in them their 
 plumage is not so liable to be injured. 
 
 THE SKYLARK. 
 
 ' ' ' 
 
 From his low and grassy bed, see the warbling lark arise! 
 
 {y bis grateful wishes led, through the clear, bright morning skies ; 
 
 Jongs of praise and thanks he pours, filling all the arch of space, 
 
 iingiug as he higher soars, toward the throne of heavenly grace, 
 
 3mall bis gifts compared with mine ; small my thanks with his compared, 
 
 ^et I have a soul mvine ; angel's gifts with me are shared. " 
 
 The Skylark, called also the Field Lark, Laverlock, etc., holds, 
 )erhaps, of all birds the foremost place in literature, there being 
 lardly a poet or poetaster who has not made it his theme, not to 
 nention the many writers of prose who have celebrated its abilities 
 18 a songster, in passages that will be remembered as long as our 
 anguage lasts. It is one of our most favorite cage birds, as it will 
 ive for many years in captivity, and, except in the season of moult- 
 Dg, will pour forth its thrilling song many times in an hour for 
 leeeks and months together, while its affection for its owner is 
 generally of the most marked nature. 
 
 The Skylark frequents most, if not all unwooded districts in 
 urope, parts of Asia and Africa, and has been successfully intro- 
 luced on Long Island, in the State of New York, and into New 
 !!ealand, in which latter country it is reported to have given some 
 ittle trouble by reason of its rapid multiplication. They make 
 heir nests chiefly among growing grain — sometimes in a hole in the 
 ground, or in a natural hollow between the furrows — and its eggs 
 nd young are thus protected in a great measure from molestation ; 
 nd, as each pair of birds will rear several broods ia a season, the 
 ggs in each nest varying from three to five, they will, after all 
 osses, considerably increase their stock each season. 
 
 The majority of young Larks seem to leave their birth-place as 
 ioon as they can shift for themselves, and what becomes of them is 
 »ne of the mysteries of bird life. They do not seem to remain long 
 D one place, the approach of severe weather always being a signal 
 or them to change quarters. On the east coast of both England 
 nd Scotland, they have been observed to cross from Europe in a 
 lonstant stream for days at a time. On such occasions the bird 
 iatchers are busily engaged with their snares or traps, and twenty 
 thirty thousand of them have been known to arrive in London, 
 England, within a very short time ; it is estimated that at least two 
 housand pounds worth of these birds arc annually sold in that city. 
 many of them being trapped each year, the species has been 
 ;h()u^ht to be threatened with extinction ; and on this account, 
 ogether with the seeming cruelty of the practice, measures for their 
 )r()tection have been adopted. When, however, it is con- 
 id ered that, if these birds were left to continue their wanderings, a 
 (uge proportiou of them would die of hunger before reaching a 
 
54 
 
 CAGE BIRDS 
 
 place that would supply them with food, and that of the remainder 
 an enormous proportion would perish at sen, it must be acknow-j 
 ledged that the fate of the larks thus entrapped, is no' worse than 
 what they would otherwise encounter. 
 
 Lovely and delightful aH i& the song of the Lark, it is in apj 
 pearance a very plain bird. It has a brownish plumage, the plain] 
 est, perhaps, except the sparrow, of all the feathered twie. It isj 
 however, the largest of the Lark species, often measuring seven 
 inches from Ihe beak to the tip ef the tail, and despite its insigniiij 
 cant plumage is a sprightly looking bird ; it has a smart silky crest 
 which it can erect at Measure. 
 
 EUROPEAN SKTLABK. 
 
 They are, on first being taken from the nest, fed with cruml 
 of white bread soaked in warm milk, crushed poppy seeds, scalde 
 rape seed and crushed hemp seed, with now and then a few ants] 
 eggs. They require feeding every two hours from early morn till 
 dark at night. The Skylark must have a roomy cage, at leasd 
 eighteen inches wide, to allow him a run, and rather high. Tha 
 roof should be lined with green baize or cloth, that the Lark may nod 
 hurt his head in attempting to soar, which he is very much in thd 
 habit of doing, and the back should be boarded. It should be with] 
 out perches, and the floor must bo strewn with red gravelly sand 
 and powdered chalk, or old mortar well bruised, in Which hi 
 delights to roll. It should be provided with a projetting windc^vj 
 on the bottom of which a fre^n green turf shoula constantly 
 kept. By having two pieci3s of turf, and keeping the extra onei 
 thoroughly watered, the Latk may be kept supplied with fresh turi 
 f^l^ ^he ti^e, a^d should be phanged two pr thr^ tipie^ ^ach yfee\i> 
 
THE WOODLABK. 85 
 
 The Lark thrives best in this country on Cottam's Universal 
 Insectivorous Bird Food mixed with equal quantities of fresh grated 
 carrot and boiled mashed potatoes on alternate days. Occasionally 
 the yolk of a hard boiled egg mixed with grated white bread crumbs 
 may be given, together with a meal-worm daily, ants* eggs, German 
 paste, a small piece of lean beef shred very fine, water- cresses, 
 lettuce and chickweed. A little poppy seed, crushed hemp seed 
 and barley meal or a little ripe fruit may also be given to vary his 
 food. 
 
 Great attention must be paid to cleanliness, as the Skylark, 
 being so much at the bottom of his cage, is likely to get his feet very 
 dirty, and unless kept thoroughly clean, he is apt to contract dis- 
 ease. The claws of the feet are remarkably long ; but this, accord* 
 ing to some writeis, is a wise provision of nature to enable the bird, 
 whose nest, as before stated, is always on the ground, to remove its 
 eggs or young, should any cause arise to induce it to do so. 
 
 Skylarks in confinement are especially liable to diarrhoea, for 
 which a little saffron or tincture of iron, put into their water-glass, 
 will generally be found a specific. They also suffer from yellow 
 scurf, the skin at the root of the beak becoming yellow and scabby. 
 Cooling food, as water-cresses, chickweed, or lettuce, and meal- 
 worms or ants' eggs, spiders, etc., will prove the best remedy for 
 this disease, and will generally be effective. 
 
 THE WOODLARK. 
 
 " Dost thou love to hear the son^-birds of Spring} 
 
 Are their notes as voices of joy to thee ? 
 Then fly to the grove whore the woodlarks sing, 
 
 Rejoicing once more in their vernal glee. 
 The Springtime is come, the Winter is past, 
 
 And the Woodlarks' songs are cheerful once more ; 
 Their sorrows are fled with the wintry blast. 
 
 And soft-flowing lays through the woodlands they pour, 
 Forgetful how lately the wintry winds blew. 
 When they sung the sad notes of their plaintive lu-lo.' 
 
 — Anon. 
 
 THE WOODLifiK. 
 
 The Woodlark is much less in size than the Skylark ; it is, like 
 ihat bird, crested, and has a short tail and long hinder claMU ; but 
 t does not appear to soar and sing far up in the bright sunshine, 
 
56 
 
 OAOB BIRDS. 
 
 preferring to dwell amid the shady umbrage of leufy buphed, andl 
 there pour out those strains that, for sweetness and richneis, are! 
 hardly inferior to the Nightingale. For one thing, indeed, it ig| 
 unrivalled ; it usually retains in confinement all the brilliancy and 
 richness of its natural song, and will sing in the dark as well 
 day, often continuing its strains far into the night. 
 
 The directions as to foods etc. , given in the preceding chapter, ocl 
 Skylarks are thoroughly applicable to the Woodlark, so we need not[ 
 repeat them. The cage for this bird requires to be at least eighteen 
 inches wide, other dimensions in proportion, and should be of teii| 
 placed outside the window, but never between the open window 
 that the draft or current of air will strike it, that the genial sunshine! 
 may inspire the warbler and put him in good humor. He will theq 
 probably be very amusing, stopping abruptly, erecting and depre 
 sing the feathers of the head and neck, and evincing in various way 
 a turn for drollery. Unlike most other birds, the female Wood| 
 lark sings, though, perhaps, not quite so well as the male ; hei 
 song consists of a few strophes, and these usually somewhat inter| 
 rupted and irregular. 
 
 THE ENGLISH ROBIN. 
 
 "Art thou the bird that man loves best, 
 The pious bird with scarlet breast— 
 
 Our little English Robin— 
 The bird that comos about our doors 
 
 When Autumn winds are sobbing? 
 Art thou the Peter of Norway boors, 
 
 Their Thomas in Finland 
 
 And Russia far inland : 
 The bird who by some name or other 
 Ail men who know theo call thee brother— 
 
 The darling of children and men?" 
 
 —WortUtoorth. 
 
 Robin Redbreast is the name of a bird little known 
 this country, except by those, perhaps, in whose memory it 
 associated with many dear ties which still bind them inseparabl]| 
 to the "old land," which, by reason of its manners, no less familial 
 than engaging, has for a long while been a favorite among all classei 
 in the old world. There are, however, few descriptions or represea 
 tations of the bird which give an adequate notion of its charactcrisi j 
 appearance and gesturea— all so suggestive of intelligence. Ill 
 olive-brown back and reddish-orange breast may be easuy imitat 
 by the artist; but the faculty of tracing a truthful outline, 
 picturing the peculiar expression of this favorite bird, has prove 
 to be beyond the skill of almost everyone who has attempted it. 
 
 The Robin exhibits a curious uncertainty of temperament 
 regard to its nesting habits. At times it will place the utnio 
 confidence in man, and again, at times, show the utmost jealousjj 
 The nest, though generally pretty, can seldom be called a work < 
 art ; it is usually built of moss and dead leaves, with a modera^ 
 lining of hair. In this are laid from five to seven wkite e^ 
 
THE ENGLISH AOBIN. 57 
 
 Bprinkled or blotched with light red. In winter, when his favorite 
 food J such as berries and insects, are scarce, he will become 
 very sociable, approaching the habitations of man, timidly at first, 
 but bolder after a time, and at last, if encouraged by a few crumbs 
 of bread, will venture into the door or fly in at the window, and 
 he has even been known to reward his entertainers with a song. 
 Bat no sooner does spring approach, than he returns to his seclusion 
 and seeks a mate. The Redbreast, so far from being a tractable 
 bird, is, as a matter of fact, a quarrelsome and pugnacious fellow, 
 and very difficult to rear in confinement. If caught in spring, 
 before pairing, there is a chance of its living if carefully fed upon 
 bread steeped in milk and a few ants' eggs, meal-worms, with 
 occasionally a little maw seed and crushed hemp seed ; but if taken 
 in winter, and put in a cold room, he is likely to die almost 
 
 THE ENGLISH ROBIN. 
 
 mmediately ; if, by degrees, however, he is moved into a warm 
 oom, he may eventually thrive. After a time, if he can be kept 
 live, he will become quite tame, and, if allowed, be a regular 
 ttendant at the breakfast table, picking up the crumbs and eating 
 read and butter with activity, often singing a merry song of 
 ratitude in return. If thus rendered tame, his pretty colors and 
 reat docility recommend him as an interesting pet. He sings best 
 n the cage when in confinement, and will then pipe very beauti- 
 uUy. As before stated, these birds are seldom seen in this country, 
 here being some little difficulty in getting them acclimatized, 
 ieing a soft billed bird, they thrive on Cottam's Universal Insec- 
 ivorous Bird Food better than anything else, and with much the 
 mc general treatment as the Mocking Bird. 
 
 I 
 
68 
 
 OAOB BIRDS. 
 
 THE GOLDFINCH. 
 
 " Ooldflnch, pride of woodland glade, in thy jot and gold array'd ; 
 Gentle bird that lov'st to feed on the thistle's downy seed ; 
 Freely frolic, lightly sing, in the sunbeam spread thy wing I 
 Spread thy plumage, trim and gay, glittering in the noontide ray ! 
 ^8 upon the thorn-tree's stem perched thou sipp't^t the dewy gem, 
 Fiokle bird, forever roving, endless charges ever loving . 
 
 Now in orchards gaily sporting, now to flbw'ry fields lesorting ; 
 the thistle 8 down, by the gentle zephyrs blown. 
 
 Chasing now 
 
 Lightly on, thou win'st thy way, always happy, always gay. 
 
 -Anon. 
 
 The Ooldfinch is found over the greater parts of Europe and I 
 North America, and eastward to Persia and Turkestan. Its gay I 
 plumage is well matched by its sprightly nature, which, togetherl 
 with its song, make it one of the most favored of cage birds. It iil 
 a granivorous or seed-eating bird, and, as such, may be kept wiihl 
 less trouble than any of the soft-billed species. ' ' Of all cage birds,"! 
 says Bechstein in his handbook, " this is the most delightful, alii{e| 
 for the beauty of its plumage and the excellence of its song, ital 
 proved docility and remarkable clcveruesa." 
 
 THE GOLDFINCH. 
 
 As a matter of fact, however, this bird is surpassed as a song] 
 ster by many other spec'es, but its docility and ready attachmenl| 
 to its owner make up for any defect in its vocal powers. Its son^ 
 however, is somewhat sweet and sufficiently varied to niaike iti 
 notes agreeable to the ear, being mellow in tone, and, perhaps, 
 plaintive. He Eoon becomes familiar and attached to his feeder, an^ 
 may then be safely allowed a flight about the room v^hile his cag 
 is being cleaned. As he is very docile he may be taught many arnu», 
 ing tricks, which he will learn very readily, and, if properH 
 managed, without the least coercion. 1 
 
 The Goldfinch is seen in his glory on a bright autumnal day oJ 
 some common where thistles plentifully grow. There he will be see^ 
 feasting on the down^ seeds, flittering about in the sunshine, ever 
 now and then twitting out his lively song, and as happy as a bir 
 
¥HK LlNNXt. 
 
 SO 
 
 can be. You may, perhaps, approach very Qear to the bird as it 
 clings to the rough stem of its favorite plant, intent on taking its 
 morning meal ; but the moment you are discovered the pretty 
 feeder, with a startled and offended air, retire*) into some neighbor- 
 bg thicket, warning his feathered companions, as he flies, to follow 
 bis prudent example. 
 
 A Goldfinch, being a sprightly bird, should never be confined 
 fn a small cage, although he may often sing the best in it. He is 
 very restless and scarcely ever still, continually fluttering and 
 Winginff about as if trying the strength of ail the wires of his cage. 
 Kor ought he to be put into a bell shaped cage, for he will probably 
 
 ump round it so rapidly as to become giddy. The best sized cage 
 8 about ten inches wide by eight inches deep, and not less than 
 
 welve or fourteen inches high, and should be made of mahogany or 
 >ther hard, close-grained wood. 
 
 A Goldfinch shoWd be fed on canary, sweet German rape, maw 
 
 r poppy seeds, in about equal proportions. It also requires a little 
 
 reen food now and then, as water-cress, lettuce leaf, chickweed, 
 
 lantain, or the like, and u delighted by an occasional feed of the 
 
 histle seed, which it prefers to pick out of the head for itself, and 
 
 ) a hearty feeder. 
 
 If a Goldfinch be placed near a German Canary it will catch 
 
 lany of the notes of the latter, which will tend to improve its song. 
 
 'he Goldfinch, when properly taken care of, will often live from ten 
 
 ) fifteen years in confinement. 
 
 THE LINNET. 
 
 I wadna gie the Llntie's sang, 
 
 Sae merrv on the broomy lea, 
 For all the harps that ever rang 
 
 In all the halls of minstrelsie. 
 Mair dear to me, where bush or breer 
 
 Amang the pathless heather grows. 
 The Llntie's wild, sweet note to hear. 
 
 As on the ev'nin breeze it flows. 
 
 —Bums. 
 
 ,1 
 
 The Linnet is a song bird, frequenting almost the whole of 
 [rope, and in Asia extending to Turkestan. It visits Egypt and 
 
60 
 
 CAGE BtRt>8. 
 
 Abyssinia ia winter, "^nd is abundant at all seasons in Barbary, the 
 Canary Islands and Madeira. According to its sex or the season of 
 the ye».r, it is known as the Red, Grey or Brown Linnet. By many 
 English writers on birds these names have been held to designate at 
 least two species ; but there is now no question among ornithologists 
 on this point, though the conditions under which the bright 
 crimson- red coloring of the breast and crown, of the cocks' 'spriDg 
 and summer plumage is donned, and doffed, may be open to discus- 
 sion. The Linnet has a very agreeable and flute like song, that 
 consists of many connected stanzas, which is the more beuutnul the 
 oftener it utters its high-sounding notes ; it is sometimes soft and 
 mellow, prettily varied and remarkably sweet. The natural song 
 of this bird, as learned from its parents, is rarely forgocten, so that 
 to teach the liinnet the notes of the Nightingale, Lark, or other 
 bird, it is necessary to take it while very young, otherwise it is 
 seldom accomplished. The Linnet is a very *8hy bird, but when 
 tamed it becomes attractive and much attached to those who treat 
 it with kindness. 
 
 THE SISKIN. 
 
 The Linnet in its wild state feeds on all kinds of seed, and its 
 fondness for flax has given it the name it bears ; in common with] 
 most birds, it is very partial to hemp seed, but in confinement itl 
 ought not to have much of either flax or hemp, for their oily nature] 
 will cause it to become too fat. The best food for the Linnet iuj 
 this country is German sweet summer rape, and good Canary seed,] 
 with now and then a little green food, as water- cress, lettuce,] 
 chickweed, or the like. A pinch of salt mixed with its food occa- 
 sionally will be found beneficial. They require a large, oblong] 
 cage, as they become restless and uneasy ; but the objection] 
 to the bell-shaped cages is not so great in their case as withj 
 the Goldfinch. They must have plenty of fresh water for drink f 
 ing purposes ; and are fond of bathing both in water and sand. 
 The duration of their life is much the same as that of the GoldfincbJ 
 from ten to sixteen years. 
 
 Linnets are very liable to surfeit, particularly when they ar 
 kept in a small cage and take little exercise ; warm briead and miiki 
 
TttK CnA>tlNc!t. 
 
 cA 
 
 lettuce seed, or two drops of outor oil put into their drinking 
 wat«r, together with liberty to fly about the room frequently, are 
 reinediea for this trouble. 
 
 THE SISKIN. 
 
 This is another European bird of the Finch tribe. A yellowish 
 green is its predominant color, interspersed with black markings ; 
 its beak and tail are both very short, and the top of the head is 
 altogether black, owing to which fact it is sometimes called the 
 Black headed Thistle Finch. Tts song is agreeable, though short 
 and somewhat low. In Europe the Siskin is a favorite cage bird. 
 In this country it should be fed on maw seed mixed with crushed 
 hemp seed ; care being taken not to overfeed for they are inclined 
 to be greedv. Their treatment in every respect, except as to food, 
 ahould be the same as the Canary. 
 
 THE CHAFFINCH. 
 
 List,-to the merry sbilfa ! on the air 
 
 It sweetly trills a morning song of praise, 
 And flits from bough to bongh, now here, now there, 
 
 Not long in any spot or posture stays ; 
 A lively bird, that in early days. 
 
 When only fitful gleams of sunshine break 
 Athwart the leaden gloom, and misty haze, 
 
 That veil the infant year, will frequent make 
 The leafless woods re-echo to its call. 
 
 Treef, treef ! a low sw^t noto, and then a shrill, 
 And sharp flok, fink I upon the ear doth fall 
 
 Like speech expressive of a sentient will ; 
 As brisk, as merry and as loved a bird, 
 
 As any in the fields and woodlands heard. 
 
 — H. 0. Adams, 
 
 The Chaffinch is a very lively bird, found in various parts of 
 
 lEurope, brisk and quick in its movements, of good vocal powers, 
 
 land one of the most prized of cage songsters ; it is very docile and 
 
 jteachable, and of great aptitude for acquiring musical proficiency. 
 
 In ita natural or wild state, its food in winter consists of seeds and 
 
 grains, and in summer of insects and larvae. Like the Finch tribe 
 
 generally, it is very expert in picking out the kernel of the seeds 
 
 from the husks, and it is indeed a pleasing sight to see the bird 
 
 {thus employed. The male bird may be distinguished by the deep 
 
 preyish-blue of its crown feathers, the sulphur-yellow of its rump, 
 
 le white of the wing coverts being so arranged as to form two con^ 
 
 kpicuous bars, and the reddish-brown passing into vinous red of the 
 
 ihroat and breast. The female is less conspicuous in its coloring 
 
 |han the male, though the young males resemble the females until 
 
 fter the first Autumn moult, when they gradually assume the 
 
 [lumage of their sex. Persons wishing to be certain as to the sex 
 
 ' this bird sometimes pluck a few feathers out of its breast, and 
 
 lie new growth, which takes place in about two or three weeks, 
 
 bws by the absence or presence of the red color whether it be 
 
 le or female. 
 
 Chaffinches are seldom bred in confinement, the young males 
 
02 
 
 CAOB BtRM. 
 
 being removed from the nest as rood as the tail feathers begin to 
 grow, and fed upon soaked rape seed, mixed with crumbs of bread 
 softened with milk. They are not difficult to manage until the 
 moulting time comes on, but then they req^uire much oare and 
 attention. Insect food is esseutial at this time, and ants' eggs, 
 meal-worms and maggots of some kind should be given; warmth 
 and quiet are also to be especially studied for a few weeks. 
 Chaffinches become very tame, and will obey the voice of theit 
 owner with but little training. If kept in covered cases, or in the 
 most shaded part of the room, and not permitted to have the full 
 sunlight until they are perfect in their lesson, they will readily 
 and correctly catch any air or tune that may be whisl.ed or 
 played to them. They soon drop theii* wild notes when they take 
 up the new melody. 
 
 In Europe, young Chaffinches are caught in great numbers in 
 the spring and early part of the summer, and shipped to the 
 various bird marktts. Those caught at this time are usually 
 found to be hardy and more easily trained than the birds reared 
 from the nest ; it being said that birds caught before Whitsuntide 
 
 THE CHAFFINCH, 
 
 will, when caged, sing before the end of the year ; but, if taken| 
 after that period, they will most likely pine away. 
 
 The best food for the Chaffinch, when kept caged, in thuj 
 country, is soaked rape seed, with very little hemp seed, about! 
 once a week, and occasionally a small quantity of green food, ai|] 
 water-cress, lettuce leaves or chickweed, varied now and then withi 
 a little ripe fruit. The cage should be twelve inches high, and atl 
 least eight inches wide. It is not advisable to place this bird in a[ 
 bell-shaped case, as A hops forward and not upward, and soosj 
 learns the habit of twisting, thus being liable to get dizzy. Twr 
 Chaffinches, if kept in the same room, must not be permitted to 
 in sight of each other, or they will interrupt each other's singingj 
 whereas, if they can only he&r, and not see each other, they 
 try their utmost to outvie one another in their song. 
 
TBI BULLflNOH. 6S 
 
 Chaffinches are very subject to the stoppage of the ramp gland 
 and dysentery. In the former trouble, the gland— a small prO' 
 tuberance above the tail designed by nature as a store-house for 
 tho oily secretion with which the bird's feathers are softened — 
 must be carefully opened with a line needle, and afterwards 
 anointed with fresh butter and sugar, mixed together as an ointment. 
 In oases of dysentery, two or three drops of tincture of iron or a 
 sprig of saffron is often sufficient. Too much hemp seed with them 
 is a source of trouble (and this applies, also, to other birds). 
 A little sweet apple, rine fruit or green food will be found very 
 beneficial when the bird is out of condition. 
 
 THE BULLFINCH. 
 
 Better I love thy wood-no' eg wild to hear 
 Than all the melodies that art can teach ; 
 
 Those untaught strains, so simple, soft, and clear, 
 Seem ever near akin to human speech , 
 And greater power have they the heart to reach. 
 
 To please, to soothe, to animate, and cheer ; 
 Swoet leteonsof content, and hope to preach. 
 
 And waken holy thoughts, and memories dear. 
 
 Still in thy woodland covert, then, sweet bird ! 
 Utter thy low sweet call- note to thy mate ; 
 
 Ne'er by the spoiler be the green boughs stirred, 
 Which shelter thee in thy most happy state ; 
 
 Ever may thine be liberty and love ; 
 
 A green world all aroimd, and azure skies above. 
 
 —H. O. Adama. 
 
 The Bullfinch is a bird of a bluish-grey color above, and 
 generally of a bright tile red beneath, the female differing only 
 in having its colors somewhat duller than the male, and a most 
 docile and tractable bird. It has a peculiarly short full appear- 
 ance, with a well set-up, portly body, and a larse, roundish nead 
 joined to it by a very stout "John Bull " sort of neck. The beak 
 is thick and short, and the eye full and round. Its general 
 rotundity of form might be called clumsy, but that its sprightly 
 motions and richly-tinted and glossy plumage give to its whole 
 appearance a graceful dignity most pleasing to the eye. 
 
 The natural song oi the Bullfinch is soft and pleasant, but so 
 
 low as to be scarcely audible ; it has a plaintive melody about it 
 
 which is exceedingly touching. It is very pleasing to watch the 
 
 male bird and hear him pour torth his warblings to hb mate sitting 
 
 in her nest. If, dkected by the call-note, you can make your way 
 
 noiselessly to some hiding place near to the nent, you will see Mr. 
 
 Bull sitting on a branch, making the strangest contortions, while 
 
 I he pipes his song of domestic affection — now bowing his head 
 
 Igravely to hi^ partner, then puffing out his neck and ruffling the 
 
 jfeathers all over his body, until he looks twice his natural size ; 
 
 Inow jerking his tail up and down, and spreading it out like a fan, 
 
 Ihe exposes a fullness of delight which swells his broad and brightly- 
 
 Itinted breast. Meantime, there sits my lady Bull, to whom all 
 
 jthese expressive motions are addressed, in her nest, within which 
 
64 
 
 CAGB BIBDS. 
 
 Vv 
 
 are four or five eggs of a pale blue color, speckled with greyish or 
 reddish brown. The slightest stir or noise stops, in a-mdment, 
 this pantomine of love, and off flies Mr. Bull to hide himself from 
 apprehended danger. 
 
 The manner in which Bullfinches are trained in Germany is 
 thus described in " Bechstein's Handbook of Cage Birds : " 
 
 " No school can be more diligently attended by its master, and 
 no scholars can be more effectually trained to their own calling 
 than in a seminary of Bulliinches. They are divided into classes of 
 six each, and kept in a dark room, where food and music are admin- 
 istered to them at the same time ; so that when the meal is ended 
 the birds most inclined beein to tune up, naturally induced to copy 
 the sounds so familiar to them. As soon as they have initiated a 
 few notes light is admitted, and this at once stimulates their spirits 
 and urges them to sing. In some other training seminaries the 
 birds are not allowed food or light until they have begun to sing. 
 
 THE BULLFINCH. 
 
 When they have been under this course of instruction for some 
 time they are placed singly under the care of a boy, whose sole I 
 business is to play his organ from morning till night, for the 
 instruction of the birds committed to his care, while the class 
 teacher goes his rounds, superintending the progress of his feathered j 
 pupils." 
 
 The round of teaching goes on continuously for a period of nine I 
 months, by which time the birds have acquired firmness, and are 
 not likely to forset or spoil the air they have learned by leaving out] 
 parts or giving uiem in the wrong place. 
 
 At the time of moulting the best instructed birds require 
 have the tunes they have learned repeated to them frequently, or] 
 all their previous learning may be rendered useless. 
 
 BuUnncheb are no^ ored in confinement, most of them being 
 
THE BLACKCAP. 
 
 & 
 
 taken from the uest when very young. To train a young Bullfinch it 
 is essential that he be removed from the nest before his tail feathers 
 are full grown, or has had time to le^rn his father's song. He is 
 then fed on bread moistened with milk and scalded rape seed. In 
 the spring and summer, Bullfiuchss, in their wild state, feed on the 
 buds of trees and bushes, choosing only, it is said those containing 
 the incipient blossoms, thus doing immense injury to orchards and 
 gardens. In autumn and wmter they feed principally on wild 
 fruits and seeds. The best food for the BuUtinch, when caged, in 
 this country, is German sweet summer rape, with a little canary 
 seed added. Hemp seed must only be given occasionally, and then 
 sparingly, as it is too heating and nourishing to be allowed freely. 
 
 If any consequence of such over-feeding be observed, a few warni 
 baths and plenty of green food will generally effect a remedy. 
 liuUfinches are very partial to water-cresses, and a little lettuce 
 leaf, chickweed or groundsel is acceptable. During the moulting 
 season a rusty nail should be put into their water. A little hard 
 boiled egg and bread crumbs, a small piece of ripe fruit, or a few 
 ripe hemes may be given now and then. If they get over- fat, diet- 
 ing them on scalded rape seed and green food will soon reduce their 
 flesh. 
 
 The Bullfinch is a very shy bird, nob associating with other 
 species, and frequents low, wooded districts, being very rarely seen 
 in open countrv. The young remain with their parents during the 
 Autumn and Winter, and pair in the Spring, but not building their 
 nests until May In captivity, however, Bulldnches are usually 
 good-tempered, and often exhibit a strong attachment to their 
 feeder. They are occasionally capricious, and when in this sulky 
 mood can only be prevailed upon to sing by being tempted with a 
 bit of sponge cake, a little water cress, or some other delicacy. 
 
 THE BLACKCAP. 
 
 " Come ye, come ye. to the fcreen, green wood, 
 Loudlv the Blackbird is singing ; 
 The squirrel is feasting on blossom and bud, 
 
 And the curled fern is spr inging. 
 Here you may sleep in 1 he woods so deep. 
 
 When the moon is so warm and so wearr, 
 And sweetlv awake, when the sun through the brake 
 Bids the Blackcap and White-throat sing cheery." 
 
 —Anon. 
 
 This esteemed songster, a native of various European countries, 
 
 has a hood or cap, black in the male, and brown in the female, 
 
 which covers the top of the head. The length of the bird is nearly 
 
 six inches, the tail measuring two and a half inches. Its song ia 
 
 second only to the Nightingale in power and sweetness, and it is an 
 
 admirable mimic, readily picking up the notes both of the Canary 
 
 land Nightingale, imitating the latter so exactly af> to be easily mis- 
 
 jtaken for that bird. It is easily tamed in continemeut, and often 
 
 levJMces great attachment to its feeder. One which was kept in a 
 
 Ihoihouse soon learned to take meal-worms from his master's hand, 
 
 land would fly to the jai* where they were kept as soon as he saw 
 
00 OAOE BIRDS. 
 
 him approach, striving to take his attention by flying before him, 
 or striking him with his wing if he did not notice him as usual. 
 
 The Blackcap can be kept the best in this country upon 
 Cottam's Universal Insectivorous Bird Food, a few meal-worms or 
 ants' eggs may be added, and he will thrive well when fed thus. A 
 paste made of barley meal, aiits' eggs, meal-worms and other 
 insects may be given, together with crushed hemp seed and ripe 
 fruit, as apples, pears, raspberries, elderberries, currants, or 
 cherries, as an occasional treat ; a little boiled milk now and then 
 may be given. If allowed to fly about, which it may be permitted 
 to do, it will pick up anything that comes to the table in the way 
 of bread, vegetables, meat, etc. It is a greedy eater, and swallows 
 everything whole. In winter, dried elderberries soaked in water, 
 when fed occasionally, tend to preserve its health. It is fond of 
 'bathing, and requires fresh water every day, but the bath should 
 not be left too long in the cage. 
 
 THE BLACKCAP. 
 
 The Llackcap requires a cage about the same size as the 
 Nightingale, and prefers being placed in the shade to full sunlight. 
 As he has a habit of picking at the wires of his cage they must not 
 be painted or lacquered or he may be seriously injured thereby. 
 The vessels in which his food is put should be placed outside, so as 
 to prevent his scattering it about or wasting it, which otherwise he 
 will do. The Blackcap together with all other birds, must be kept 
 warm and free from cold draughts of air And sudden changes of the 
 atmosphere. 
 
 The diseases to which these birds are most subject are con- 
 sumption and swelling 4 or warts upon the feet, which are very 
 tender. For the first trouble water-cresses are an excellent 
 specific, and when used in conjunction with ordinary care and 
 attention will do as much good as anything. For the tender feet 
 a little cold ct-eam occasionally applied, after carefully cleansing 
 them, will be found very healing. 
 
¥ltE NOKt>AKieiL. 
 
 THE TROOPIAL. 
 
 ftt 
 
 ¥hle Troopial is a native of South America. He is not at all 
 JDinlike the Baltimore Oriole in appearance, though of much larger 
 \)uild, and the yellow of his body is of a somewhat lighter shade 
 than that of the Qriole. A.sj>iendid songster, he will learn to pipe 
 tunes with remarkable fidelity. The Troopial is a very active and 
 graceful bird, and when caged becomes very tame. Being a soft- 
 billed bird they will do well when caged on Cottanl's Universal 
 
 THE TROOPIAL. 
 
 Insectivorous Bird Food ; they also require a generous supply of 
 insects, and should be given a teaspoonful of scraped raw beef 
 o(;casionally, and treated in all other respects as the Mocking Bird. 
 
 THE NONPAREIL. 
 
 This bird, sometimes called the Painted, Bunting or Painted 
 Finch, is certainly "without an equal" as regards beauty of 
 plumage. Buffon refers to him as 'The Pope," presumably on 
 account of his handsome violet hood. The Nonpareil is about the 
 size of the Robin Redbreast, and resembles that bird in many of 
 it" characteristics. They have no song, however, but are caged 
 pv icipally for their docility and beauty. The cock, when in full 
 plumage, which is not until it is two years old, has the head, neck 
 and lesser wing coverts of bright blue ; the upper part of the back 
 yellow, deepening into green ; and the lower parts, generally, 
 together witn the rump, bright scarlet, tinged on the latter with 
 purple. The hen is green above and yellow beneath ; and the 
 young cocks present an appearance intermediate between th9 
 
68 
 
 CAGE BIBDSt 
 
 matured of both dexes. A^^hen caged, these birds Ought to be fed 
 on canary and millet seed, with plenty of flies and spiders, of 
 which they are very fond. So much does the Nonpareil like to 
 bathe that they have been known to drown themselves by attempt- 
 ing to bathe in a water pitcher or other receptacle too deep for 
 them, when allowed the liberty of the room. He should be daily 
 provided with the means of gratifying this desire for bathing, 
 
 THE JAPANESE ROBIN. 
 
 The Japanese Robin sometimes called Pekin Nightingale and 
 East Indian Sun Bird, is a most beautiful bird, having a sharp 
 sweet song, and being a very desirable cage pet, varying from five 
 and a half to six and a half inches in length. The upper parts of 
 its body are of a brownish olive. The wings and tail feathers are 
 jet black, the former with stripes of gold and white and the latter 
 with white alone Its head is of a deep green, with the beak yellow ; 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE JAPANESE ROBIN. 
 
 »vS\i 
 
 eyes black, circled with white ; throat yellow shading to orange 
 lower down. He whistles every month in the year, and his song 
 is very sweet and attractive. Tame and docile, he is always very 
 active and of a cheerful disposition. He does well on Cottam's 
 Universal Insectivorous Bird Food, mixed on alternate days with 
 
 grated carrot and mashed potato. He has few diseases, and may 
 e treated much the same as other soft-billed birds. He requires a 
 fairly large cage, as he is a very active bird. 
 
 THE JAVA SPARROW. 
 
 The Java Sparrow is a native of the country whose name it 
 bears, and where they abound in immense numbers, being as 
 common there as our ordinary sparrow is here . They do not, how- 
 ever, sing, and are kept, generally in aviaries, for the beauty of 
 
* AFRICAN FIKCHM, ETO. 09 
 
 their plumaee. Of a light slate or ashen grey body, their head ia a 
 glossy black with clear white cheeks. Their bill is of a delicate 
 rose color, and might be taken for wax work. Their plumage is 
 remarkably beautiful, not only as regards color, but also in the 
 arrangement of the feathers, which fit into each other verv closely, 
 presenting a very smooth appearance. Some of these birds are 
 white or of a cream color ; rather scarce and more expensive. 
 Usually sold in pairs, they become very much attached to each other. 
 Seing very tractable birds they will readily learn to perform tricks 
 of various descriptions. They should be fed on canary seed, 
 millet and rice, upon which latter grain they feed almost exclusively 
 in their wild state. 
 
 AFRICAN FINCHES. ETC. 
 
 The following is a description of a number of small Finches which 
 are mostly very suitable for the aviary. They are not kept for 
 their song though some of them have very sweet voices, but for their 
 beauty and agreeable disposition. All these we mention will do well 
 in an aviary, being thoroughly happy in each other's company. The 
 writer has had specimens of nearly all of t "m in a large aviary at 
 one time, and to see them cluster together ol one perch, hugging up 
 to one another as closely as possible, caressing and pluming each 
 other is indeed a very charming sight. If a small box containing 
 some soft material, as cotton batting, etc. , be placed in an aviary they 
 will make a nest for themselves, and cuddle away in it two or three 
 at a time for hours together. To a person confined in the house 
 these little pets will prove a source of endless amusement. These 
 Finches should be fed on millet seed, and a very few of them will 
 eat rape or canary seeds. Coming, as they do, from a warm climate 
 it is advisable to protect them nom severe weather. Ihey will, 
 however, do well in the same temperature as Canaries, providing it 
 is kept clear of drafts and sudden changes. Give them as much 
 sunshine as possible and the bath daily. If properly attended to 
 tkey will keep in good health with little trouble. Their general 
 treatment should be about the same as the Canary, except in the 
 matter of food. 
 
 The Cut-throat Sparrow or Ribbon Finch, as it is sometimes 
 called, is a native of Africa, where it is as common as the Sparrow 
 in England. In size it is a little less than the Sparrow, but 
 resembles it very much in it« habits and principal charactenstics. 
 Its prevailing color throughout is a salmon fawn, each feather 
 finely edged with a whitish tins^e that gives a shell-like wavy 
 appearance to the plumage, which is really very pretty when 
 examined. The male bird has, also, a red band across his throat. 
 These birds are, however, very pugnacious for the aviary and should 
 be kept by themselves, or with birds they cannot injure. 
 
 Cordon Blue Finch, or Crimson Ear Wax- bill, is a most 
 charminff little fellow. The mail bird has a low pleasing song, and 
 spends the most of his time cooing, apparently for his own amuse- 
 
76 dAtiE filRDS. 
 
 ment. Give him a match with the brimstone broken off, or a small 
 twig, and he will jump about his cage holding it in his bill, singing 
 as merrily as possible. 
 
 The Avadavat. These birds come from Africa and from 
 various parts of Asia. They change plumage yearly nntil the third 
 year, when the lower parts of the oody and head are a bright red 
 shaded with black. The beak is red, and the feathers round thd 
 eyes are black, tail black, and wings a reddish-brown color. Nearly 
 all the feathers are tipped with white giving the bird a very pretty 
 appearance. 
 
 St Helena Wax-bill. Its geheral color is a greyish brown 
 with the tail a little decker, and a tinge of red on the underparts. 
 It9 beak is a deep red. All the feathers have dark irregular lines 
 across, giving them a very curious appearance. 
 
 The SafTron Finch is nearly as large as a Canary. It is .^ 
 lively bird, of a bright plumage — a very desirable addition to an 
 aviary. 
 
 The Magpie Finch has a light green head, with brownish back 
 and white throat and breast. His plumage is always neatly ar- 
 ranged, and he is somewhat of a songster. 
 
 The Silver-bill, or Quaker Bird, has a very pretty habit of 
 dancing on his perch, and singing away all the time. Generally 
 kept in couples, they are very affectionate, caressing each other 
 constantly. 
 
 The Zebra Finch, or Orange Breast Wax-bill, is an exceed- 
 ingly small bird, but of a very amusing manner. Being very small, 
 he is a decided novelty. 
 
 The Grey- Blue Finch has a very nice song, though very low 
 in tune. Unlike nearly all foreign birds, thtse Finches will pair 
 and hatch their young in confinement. They will not, however, 
 hatch their young in the spring, but bring them forth in the midst 
 of our winter. 
 
 The Chestnut Finch is another small bird of chestnut- brown 
 color, the tail being black and the coverts of the same being white. 
 
 The Orang^e Cheek Wax-bill is a very neat little bird— its 
 *" image always being neatly arranged. Its beak is of a light red 
 ^olor ; its head grey, with throat and neck brown. 
 
 The Diamond Sparrow, sometimes called the Spotted Side 
 Finch, is an Australian bird. It is of a short and rather stoui 
 bull i ; the uuder part of the body being white and the sides bluck, 
 relieved with white spots. They are very easily tamed, and 
 will create much amusement, if allowed their liberty, by catching 
 flies, of which insect they are very fond. 
 
 Black and White Capped or Tricolored Nuns, so called 
 from the color of their heads — known also as the African Mani- 
 kins—are very pretty birds. The rich color of their chocolate- 
 brown and coal-black bodies contqasting very greatly with the 
 oolor of their caps. 
 
AFRICAN FINCHES, ETC. 
 
 71 
 
 Japanese ' Nims present a very beautiful appearance. They 
 are bred in cages, and are usually very tame. In color, they are 
 pure white, marked more or baa with a salmon shade, and have 
 also a very pleasant song. 
 
 Ihe abjve named birds are but a small selection from the 
 Finch tribe. We have merely mentioned those most frequently 
 found in small aviaries. 
 
 THB ROCK MINOR. 
 
^art- ©I^ree, 
 
 J l!l[ouIting ^e&^Qi], Di^ea^e^, ^c. 
 
 >r< 
 
 » -- — -« 
 
 Ti 
 
 f-^,-r.- 
 
 
 THE MOULTING SEASON. 
 
 HE moulting season is perhaps the most critical 
 period in bird life, and more birds die, or are por- 
 manenth' injured, at this time than at any otner. 
 Their future health, and, as a matter of course, 
 their plumage and song depend mainly on the 
 care and attention bestowed on them, together 
 with the food with which they are supplied. 
 Moulting is particularly trying to young birds 
 passing through this experience for the first time ; 
 and foreign birds, not yet acclimatized, are liable t«? suffer most. 
 It is at this period that many charming songsters lose their vocal 
 powers, never to find them again, as in others they are seriously 
 impaired. While passing through the moulting season, therefore, 
 the greatest care should be exercised, and the chief object should 
 be to hasten the process of moulting, and get it over w))ile the 
 weather is warm, as rapidly as possible ; but more particular. y so 
 in dealing with those birds whose color and plumage i i the lea (ing 
 attractions To accomplish this every means likely to bring it 
 about must be adopted ; but this can only be done by assisting 
 nature, and keeping the birds warm, in a rtgular temperature 
 of about seventy degrees, free from a draft, and on the most 
 nourishing food. Ch*^ap foods, to which, we regret to say, 
 many fanciers have a leaning, must be eschewed ; in short, birds 
 at this time must be treated with as much care as would be bestowed 
 on human beings when sick. 
 
 See chapter of useful hints on food, etc. 
 
 Strong birds get through their moulting much quicker and 
 with more ease than the weaker ones. The best period for moult- 
 ing is from the beginning of August to the middle of September, 
 while the weather is warm. In a healthy bird, moulting really 
 begins early in July, though it is not percept^'ble for some time 
 after to the general eye ; long before, the bird begins to shed 
 its feathers, nature is at work mustering her resources and supply- 
 ing the bird with strength to throw oflf its old plumage, and 
 materials out of which to furnish the new. 
 
74 
 
 CAGE Bmt)8. 
 
 Never, on any account, keep a bird outside in chilly or windy 
 weather, or after sunset, during the moulting season ; for if, as a 
 fesult, you do not lose your bird, you will probably lose his sonj{ 
 and good looks. I have known many people who have left their 
 birds out all night under the verandah during the moulting period ; 
 of course the weather was warm, but the sequel a tew days 
 later has been a funeral ; and they have come to me afterwards, 
 in surprise, wanting to know the reason for such an issue. 
 
 Canaries generally moult when from nine to twelve weeks 
 old, some a little eooner, others a little later ; degrees of health and 
 strength causing these variations. In their first moult, they are 
 more susceptible to disease than at any other period. Colds con- 
 tracted at thi<i time bring on swelling and inflammation of the 
 bowels, and frequently, if not promptly dealt with, terminate 
 fatally. During the first season, ttiey only cast their down 
 feathers ; but every year after they throw oflF their entire plum- 
 age. As a rule, the young birds do not moult their wing and 
 tail feathers until they are a year old, and the new ones are 
 usually much longer than the old ones. 
 
 Egg food and bird bread will be found particularly beneficial 
 while the moulting is going on ; and if it be desired to have the 
 plumage of ye'low birds a deep and brilliant orange, plenty of 
 saffronitus or coloring food should be fed ; it should also be given 
 to the birds for one month previous to moulting taking place. 
 
 Many fanciers moult their birds, especially those for show 
 purposes, in a dark apartment curtained on fr m draft, and feed 
 safTronitus or coloring food almost exclusively at this time. 
 
 See article on saffronitus. 
 
 DISEASES. 
 
 Inflammation of the Bowels is the most serious ailment to 
 which birds are Hubject. It generally occurs immediately before 
 or during the season of moulting, M'hen the birds are in a weak and 
 dtrbilitated condition, and is often brought about by keeping the 
 bird in a room where there is a fire during the day time, but which 
 is allowed to go out during the night, and when the temperature 
 falls the bird receives a chill. Sour food, aecayed vegetables or 
 fruit, and inferior bird seed and non-nutritious food of any kind, 
 especially just before and during moulting, is the cause of the 
 worst form of the diseaso. It is, however, easily cured if the 
 
 E roper means are reported to ; but if permitted to run too far, the 
 ird will most likely be sacrificed ; or, if it does survive the 
 attack, it will probably remain a miserable, dejected creature for 
 the rem\inder of its life at all times liable to a relapse. 
 
 The principal symptoms of this disease are a dull and heavy 
 appearance, feathers much disarranged, a restless movement of the 
 eye, roosting on both feet — contrary to the manner in which birds 
 generally roost when in health (i. e., on one leg) — and a swelling of 
 the body, together with the head being kept under one wing, aod 
 sometimes there is a perceptible shiver. When these symptoms are 
 observed, the bird shoula be taken in the hand and gently ex- 
 
DISKAflRS. 
 
 75 
 
 amined. If it is suffering from inflammation of the bowels the 
 belly will be much swollen, of a dark red uolor, and when the 
 feathers are blown aside, the veins will appear full to bursting. 
 Should the bird appear attenuated, there is but scant hope ; but if 
 it has not fallen off in hesh, usually it may be cured speedily. 
 The excretions of a bird suffering from this disease are small in 
 size, hard and black, accompanied with but little white discharge. 
 In health, they should be large and moist, though firm. Inflam- 
 mation of the bowels, however, is often accompanied with a relax, 
 which is frequently mistaken for diarrhwa. 
 
 As sooii as possible, after the attack, the bird should be placed 
 in a cage by itself, and unless it be of the long breed, or is already 
 very much reduced in flesh, purgatives should be at once adminis- 
 tered. A very small drop of castor oil put down the throat will 
 generally produce the desired effect, and allay the inflammation at 
 the same time. If the bird be very much reduced, however, castor 
 oil is too powerful, and in any case the remedy must be used with 
 the greatest discrimination and care. It is best to feed a prepara- 
 tion of lunch biscuit boiled in milk to the consistence of a thin 
 paste, to which add a very slight sprinkling of cayenne pepper, the 
 whole being sweetened with coarse brown sugar, and from four to 
 six drops of black molasses put in the water earh morning. This 
 should be fed exclusively for several days. It will gently move its 
 bowels, an<l, if the bird is not too far gone, will rapidly restore it 
 to health. A few drops of spirit of sweet nitre should also be put in 
 the drinking water, and the bird kept in a very warm and regular 
 temperature until better. The cage should be thoroughly cleansed, 
 and fresh gravel given every day. 
 
 Diarrhoea or Dysentery is a disease to which Canaries and 
 most birds are subject, particularly in cold weather. It is frequently 
 caused by a sudden change of temperature, or food, sour or unripe 
 food, decayed vegetable, hemp seed, dirty or improper mixture of 
 seed, and often by impure water. The presence of diarrhea or 
 dysentery soon becomes evident, and a remedy should be speedily 
 applied. The most successful is alternate doses of rheum and mer- 
 curius, mixing four or five drops of each in two separate vases of 
 water. (See remedies). The oird should be kept warm and sup- 
 plied with nourishing food. Biscuits boiled in milk is about the 
 best. A little tincture of camphor dropped into their water, or a 
 lump of sugar will also be useful. 
 
 Constipation. The symptoms of this disease generally are a 
 puffed and swollen appearance about the body, and apparent diffi- 
 culty in evacuation. It is usually brought on by over feeding, 
 especially stimulating food. Hemp seed, fed to some birds, even 
 in small quantities, is likely to produce this complaint. The best 
 remedy is one drop of castor oil a day, until the bird is in health 
 again ; a little raw, moist sugar, mixed with soft food or milk 
 and bread, should also l>e given. Sometimes a little black molasses, 
 with a very little bicarb of magnraia, added daily to the bird's drink- 
 ing water, is sufficient U> effect a cure. Green food is very bene- 
 figi^l in constipation, (See remedies). 
 
76 OAOr BIRDS. 
 
 Bad Feet. This diiiease is generally the retiult of a bird being 
 kept in a dirty cage. Very often one perch is placed over another, 
 BO that the droppings from the bird on the perch above falls on 
 the perch below, in which their feet become clogged. Neglect- 
 ing to give the oath regularly, and leaving them without fresh 
 gravel, wherein to scratch and dust themselves, is another cause. 
 When found in a clogged or inflamed condition, the bird's 
 feet should 1)6 bathed and washed several times a day in warm 
 water, and then dressed with glycerine. If the swelling and 
 inflammation does not readily suDside, a dressing of arnica, in 
 the proportion of four or five drops to half a teacup of warm 
 water, may be tried. This mode of treatment, if persevered in 
 for a few days, will, in most cases, effect a cure. 
 
 The Claws and Beaks of l)irds confined in cages rec^uire to be 
 trimmed occasionally. This should be done carefully with a pair 
 of sharp scissors. Too much must not be cut off or the bird may 
 be considerably injured, and possibly permanently crippled, instead 
 of helped. By holding up a bird's claws to the light, the point to 
 which the blood circulates can be easily seen, and if care be taken 
 not to cut so close to this i oiut as to draw blood, no harm will 
 result. We have known birds to get their claws entangled in the 
 wire and to be so injured that they had to be destroyed. A case 
 of this sort has been brought under the writei's notice within the 
 last few days. If the bird's bill be not cut occasionally, the top 
 beak may grow so much over the under one as to prevent the bird 
 from eating. The claws and beaks should only bo cut, however, 
 when it is absolutely necessary, which is very seldom. 
 
 LOSS OF VOICE. 
 
 All birds, especially Canaries, are liable to lose their voice 
 occasionally,' more frequently during moulting thtm at any other 
 time. We do not now refer to their ceasing to sing during moult- 
 ing time, for most birds stop singing at this season of the year, but 
 to their being unable to chirp *' Pretty Dick " or "Pete, Pete," 
 and even when moulting is over, and when they should begin to sing 
 again they sometimes remain mute. This trouble generally arises 
 from colds, which may have produced inflammation of the respira- 
 tory organs or larynx, or it may originate jtrom weakness, cramps 
 or paralysis. A little gum arable and a few drops of paregoric, 
 say twenty to thirty drops put in the drinking water twice or thrice 
 a week, and a liberal supply of lettuce and linseed mixed, often 
 removes the complaint. Some bird fanciers hang a piece of fat pork 
 in the cage for the bird to peck at. When a bird is suffering from 
 this affection, he will distend his throat to the utmost of his power, 
 although otherwise in good health, throw back his head, opening 
 his beak to the wideitt extent, and go systematically through all the 
 various movements usually made when singing, with all the energy 
 he can muster, but not a sound can be heard. 
 
 See article on patent ^ird Bread and Song Restorer* 
 
0OTTAM*8 BIRD PROTBOTOR. 
 
 VERMIN. 
 
 77 
 
 Puratites are said to be curses on legs, and most bird fanciers 
 have an idea what this ineuns. 
 
 Canaries, as well as other cage bird«, are often infested by 
 small, red lice, which are so minute as to be nearly invisible to the 
 naked eye, and their presence remains frequently undiscovered 
 until the poor little sufierer not only becomes thoroughlv wretched 
 and emaciated, but frequently dies under the suffering inflicted by 
 its tormentors. Every bird is more or less troubled with vermin, 
 l)ut they general y manage to keep them under, when in health an'l 
 when ffiven the opportunity, by frequent bathing and dusting 
 themselveR with sand. Hens, especially, are the victims of these 
 turmentoi-s while sitting, and many broods of young birds have 
 been destroyed by these pests immediately on being hatched. 
 
 Cottain's Bird Protector and Mite Exterminator are sure and 
 never-failing remedies for the mite pest, which often is so trouble* 
 some and even destructive to cage birds and poultry, particularly 
 in hot weather or during the period of incubation. At the same 
 time, these articles are-.harmless to the youngest or smallest of 
 birds when used according to directions. 
 
 COTTAM'S BIRD PROTECTOR. 
 
 How to Rid a Cage of Mites is a question we are frequently 
 asked, and the answer is as follows : 
 
 1st. The cage should be thoroughly cleaned after of course, 
 the bird is taken out : the perches must be rubbed with the *' Bird 
 Protector ; " also the joints, cracks and crevices, where vermin are 
 likely to lodge, should be painted with the same. This method 
 will be found effectual, and the same treatment applied once evt-ry 
 three months will generally be sufficient to keep a clean cage and 
 protect the bird from vermin. 
 
 2nd. After the operalion described above, put one drop of the 
 " Bird Protectf r " on the finger and rub it under each of the bird's 
 wings. The Mite Exterminator should be puffed into the bird's 
 plumage, by the aid of a powder puff, once a day until every 
 vestige of mites are destroyed. Covering the cage with a white 
 cloth each night will often attract the mites from the bird and 
 cage, and the end desired will sooner be attained. Examine, of 
 course, the cloth each morning for the cause of trouble. 
 
 The above treatment applied to poultry of every description 
 will be found effectual. Cats, dogs, etc., may be rid of flea?, etc., 
 by putting a few drops on their skin, all along their back, from 
 head to tail. 
 
 ''Mite Exterminator" is sold in 10c. and 25o packets. " Bird 
 Protector" is sold in 10c. and 25c. bottles. 
 
 For sale by all druggists, grocers and seedsmen. 
 
 Lice are a great annoyance to birds, and sometimes do serit^ne 
 injury ; not fo much by sucking their bloo<l, as some people 
 suppose, but by harrassing them in tha night so as to prevent 
 
78 
 
 CAGE BIRDH, 
 
 sleep, which is more important to all animals than food Sleep 
 less nights produce weariness, loi^s of voice, disease, and eventually 
 death. 
 
 The writer, however, never had much trouhle in keeping down 
 parasites, as they como and accumulate with dirt and neglect, but 
 soon disappear before systematic cleanliness. This is the only re- 
 liable and permanent cure. Washing the cage in strong alum 
 water will assist in keeping vermin away. In preparing the nest 
 for the breeding cage, the material of which it is made should be 
 thoroughly sprinkled with sulphur, or Mite Exterminator, which 
 is far better, so that it will not harbor vermin. 
 
 EGG BOUND. 
 
 This trouble proceeds from cold, together, perhaps, with feed- 
 ing the hen on food of a very heating and binding nature, and is also 
 one of the consequences arising from breeders pairing their birds 
 tf o early in the season. It m?.y arise from want of sufficient 
 exercise, the hens being frequently kept in too small a cage. 
 Should the symptoms be observed in time, the remedies are simple 
 enough, and no apprehension need be experienced. Hens, when 
 laying, generally appear dull and heavy ; but if observed to crouch 
 on the floor of their cage, or sit all of a heap on the perches, and 
 take to sleeping in the nest, an egg should be looked tor, and if it 
 has not come to hand, the hen should be examined. If the bird is 
 found swollen, it may be taken for granted that she is egg bound. 
 In most instances it will l sufficient to dip a small camel-hrir 
 pencil in castor oil, and inr.^rt it gently and gradually into her 
 vent, applying a little around the outside to allay inflammation ; 
 a drop or two may also be inserted in the beak. She will then be 
 almost certain to lay the following morning. 
 
 Very often, holding the hen with her vent over a narrow- 
 mouthed jug full of boiling water, and steaming her well, will give 
 immediate relief; hut it requires great care that she does net get 
 ccM after it. 
 
 As a preventive a tablespoonful of salt, mixed with twico the 
 quantity of mortar, and made into a hard ball, may be placed 
 in the cage — indeed, a breeding cage ought, at all times, to be 
 furnished with this article for the birds to pick at. Many breeders 
 place great faith in change '^f diet in cases of this nature; but 
 mere change of diet alone is of littJ tvail. In car.es of emergency, 
 prompt measures are required. It jan, however, do no harm to 
 put the hen, for a day or twp, on a regimen of relaxing fopd, in- 
 cluding boile4 bread and milk, sweetened with moist sugar. 
 
 ASTHMA. 
 
 Some Canaries are very sirbject to Asthma ; others are never 
 aflected ^)y it. In some, the disease is easily brought under, while 
 with others it is very obstinate. Medicine gives but little lelief in 
 this disorder, 2nd that only temporary. Change of food is the only 
 phtMice the little sufferer hiMS. Hemp seed must be entirely cut off, 
 
tSBJ-UL BlNTS ON fOOD. 
 
 70 
 
 if fed at all, and the bird fed on rape seed only, soaked in water ; 
 but a little should be soaked at a time, as it soon grows sour. Let- 
 tuce, chick-weed, groundsel or water -cresses, in season, niaybefed 
 with advantage. Twice a w ek, for a change, it may have the boiled 
 bread and milk made solid. When the case is far advanced, it is 
 almost impossible to effect a permanent cure ; the disease has its seat 
 in the delicate organs of the throat and chest, and, though sometimes 
 relieved, almost invariably ends fatally. A good paste for asth- 
 matic birds may be made by thoroughly desiccating good wh > 
 bread and then soaking it with just enough milk to make a thi j< 
 or solid paste ; a little choice summer rape may be added. German 
 paste is an excellent food for birds suffering with this disease. (See 
 remedies). 
 
 MATING FEVER. 
 
 Many cage birds, especially those trapped or taken from the 
 nest, will, in the spring months, evince much uneasiness, sometimes 
 growing melancholy, neglecting to dress themselves and cease sing- 
 ing entirely ; some will even pine away and die. This is caused by 
 their ungratiBed sexual desire. The remedy in some caset: m simple 
 — changing the bird to another cage, in a new location where its 
 attention will be diverted to the new surroundings, will o!ten be 
 effective Place the cage in the cheerful sunlight, indulge him with 
 an , occasional dainty morsel, talk and whistle to him. If you 
 usually have no other birds it would be well to place him in 
 company with one for a short time, and he will in all probability, 
 regain his wonted cheerfulness. 
 
 USEFUL HINTS ON FOOD. 
 
 Insectivorous, or more commonly called soft- billed birds, as the 
 Mocking Bird, Robin, Thrush, Skylark, etc , whose natural food is 
 insects, and therefore require such food when caged or a substitute 
 for it in some form or other, if we are to keep them in health and 
 song. We herewith mention the insects, etc., most suitable for 
 those birds, together with the best methods of obtaining them. 
 
 Meal Worms. These are invaluable to all soft-billed or 
 insectivorous birds, and also to many of the omnivorous class. 
 They are considered very nutritious and invigorating. Meal 
 worms, sufficient to supply any ordinary avi;\ry, may be easily bred 
 without much trouble or expense. Iwo tins, not less than say 
 fourteen inches square, and twenty iuches deep, with a circular 
 hole in the top about ten inches in diameter, are required. In one 
 of these place ? number of pieces of old shoes, small pieces of carpet 
 or sacking, a few biscuits, v> ith bran or meal sufficient to three- 
 parts fill the tin, and then put in from fifty to a hundred meal 
 worms, which can be obtained from any miller or flour dealer. The 
 top of the tin must be covered with a piece of thick cloth or carpet, 
 which should be moistened each day. The worms will multiply 
 very fast, and if the tin be kept in a warm place and is not dis 
 turned for a few months the colony will have become sufficiently 
 strong to keep you well supplied for a long time. 
 
10 
 
 CAOK btRDS. 
 
 The worms, after being put in the tin, soon turn into 
 chrysalides, from which ultimately emerge beetles of a dark brown 
 color, and of an elongated shape. The beetles lay an amazing 
 number of eggs in the corners and folds of the sacking, leather, 
 etc , after which the beetles die. From these egga come forth the 
 meal worms. Thirty or forty of these beetles will produce a suffi- 
 cient number of meal worms for any ordinary aviary. Care should 
 be taken to retain sufficient worms to start a fresh stock, whi'^h 
 may be breeding in the other tin while the firdt lot is being used. 
 It is necessary, in order to maintain a constant supply, to resist the 
 temptation of using any of those reserved for stock breeding until 
 they have actually gone through the above stages in breeiling. 
 
 Spiders are an excellent food either for insectivorous or omniv- 
 orous birds. They have great medicinal properties, and will some- 
 times quickly restore a sick bird to health and vigor when nothing 
 else will ; two or three fed each day for a short time will often 
 make a marked change in a sick bird. 
 
 Gentles or Mag^gots are a very nutritious and stimulating 
 diet, in some instances especially ; and most birds are very fond of 
 them. A piece of meat hung in some out of the way place will 
 yield an unlimited number. 
 
 Ants' Eggs are very useful in the aviary, especially when they 
 can be obtained fresh. They can be obtained dried from any bird 
 store. Before using the dried ones pour boiling water over them, 
 though not more than they will absorb, and let them soak for about 
 a quarter of an hour, covered with a saucer to prevent too rapid 
 evaporation. When cold they may be fed either by themselves or 
 mixed with other food. If they can be obtained from the ant hills 
 in summer they may be fried in a frying paa on sand over a slow 
 fire, and kept in a jar of sand until wanted. 
 
 Zwieback, or Desiccated Food, should always be kept on 
 hand, being used as it is in the preparation of so many foods for 
 birds. It IS prepared as follows : Stale bvead crumbs should be 
 thoroughly baked until all moisture is evaporated, then powdered 
 in a mortar and thoroughly dried again. In this state it may be 
 kept in a bottlo or jar for months. Zwieback iray be used in a 
 variety of ways. A spoonful added to a little scraped carrot or 
 sweet turnip, together with a few shop currants, or mixed with egg 
 and boiled potatoes, makes very acceptable food for some insectiv- 
 orous birds ; many of them will live entirely on it. 
 
 Eggs form a very nutritious n>nd invigorating article of diet 
 when pi operly prepared. The egg should be boiled for about one 
 hour, afterward H chopped fine or grated. Portions of egg. Zwie- 
 back and maw seed, together with a sprinkling of pur*v cayenne, 
 should be thoroughly mixed, and if the bird is any v ay costive a 
 little raw brown sugar may be added. This is an exceli'int food for 
 weak birds, especially just prior to breeding, and for the *ledgling8. 
 
 Ox Heart is used largely in making insectivorous bird food. 
 It is prepared as follows : Thoroughly boil the heart, after which 
 remove every particle of fat ; chop the lean meat into small pieces, 
 then place it in an oven until dry enough to grind or reduce to 
 
trSE^UL HINTS O^ fOOD. 61 
 
 powder. Place in close jar or tin read^ for use. Beef liver is 
 sometimes substituted for the hearts, but it is not so nutritious. 
 
 German Paste No. i. To a pint of fresh pea meal and two 
 or three ounces of maw seed, add two new laid eggs, previously well 
 beaten, and mix all thoroughly together ; th^n add about two 
 ounces of treacle or, what is far better, honey, and sufficient beef 
 dripping to just moisten the whole ; when thoroughly mixed and 
 free from lumps, place it over the fire in a frying pan or kettle, 
 stirring briskly until the food is thoroughly scalded, taking care 
 that it does not burn or become smoked. When done, run it 
 through* a fine wire sieve into a sheet of paper, allowing it to 
 remain untouched as it falls from the sieve until cold ; then put it 
 lightly, as loosely as possible, into a glass bottle, and it will keep 
 for months. This is highly nutritious, and an excellent food for 
 insectivorous birds. 
 
 German Paste No. a. Another paste may be made by bruis- 
 ing in a mortar eight ounces of genuine sweet German summer rape ; 
 blow away the husks, and add a small slice of wholesome stale 
 white bread ; roll these together, and thoroughly desiccate; reduce 
 the mass to a powder, and keep it in a tin canister or glass bottle 
 with a wide neck, tightly corked to keep out the air, otherwise the 
 rape seed is liable to turn sour. A little of this paste, well mixed 
 with a hard-boiled egg, together with a slight sprinkling of Cay- 
 em e pepper, will l^ found capital food for either young or old 
 birds, and it will keep good for a week to fourteen days. This paste, 
 iiioistened, will be found an excellent diet for birds suffering from 
 a&thma and a,ho for young birds. 
 
 Saffronitus, or a Coloring Food, is extensively fed to Canaries 
 at the time. and. previous to their moulting, in order to give their 
 plumage a brilliant orange col r. For a long time the secret of 
 coloring the plumage of Canaries by food was known only to one 
 man, and was the cause of much bitterness among his competitors 
 He travelled from show to show throughout England exhibiting his 
 highly-colorcd birds, carrying off prize after prize, to the astonish- 
 nieut of everyone, and to the mortification of his rivals, who 
 steadily persisted in saying that the deep colored plumage was 
 caused by painting or dyeing the feathers, and, on that account, he 
 was not hone.<stly entitled to the many prizes awarded to him. 
 Finally they insisted on an investigation being made, but the 
 microscopic and other tests to which the birds were submitted 
 failed to reveal the secret, or prove that any trickery had been 
 resorted to. The judges of the various shows, as well as his dis- 
 appointed rival exhibitors, were bewildered, but they had to yield 
 and give up the prizes which he had honorably earned, the chemists 
 having failed to detect any fraudulent devices. Saffronifcus can be 
 bought from any grocer, druggist, or direct from the author. 
 
 Saffron Cake is made as follows : Fine flour, two ounces ; 
 Hugar, three ounces ; butter, two ounces ; and the yolks of two 
 frtish-laid eggs. Pour a teacupful of boiling water over a half 
 ounce of saffron ; beat the eggs and butter in a basin together ; 
 next add the sugar and flour, and form the whole into a mass with 
 
82 OAOfi B1KD& 
 
 the saffron solution- and thoroughly bake. When cold it is teady 
 for U83. But this is not so good as saffronitus. neither can it be 
 used as a substitute. 
 
 Mocking; or Insectivorous Bird Food No. i is made as follows : 
 Sixteen ounces crushsd hemp seed, sixteen ounces pea meal, sixteen 
 ounces cornmeal, six ounces maw seed, four ounces rice flour, eight 
 ounces beef dripping, four ounces black molasses^ thirty six ounces 
 Zwieback or powdered crackers Mix lard and molasses well into 
 other ingredients. This is an excellent food When carefully prepared. 
 
 Mockinj; Bird Food No. 2 (Dry). Seven quarts mfiiw meal, 
 four quarts Zwieback, thirty-two ounces boiled ox heart, one quart 
 crushed hemp seed, one quart ants' eggs. Mix thoroughly with 
 these ingredients thirty-two ounces beef drippine. This dry insec- 
 tivorous bird food may be made richer by adding shop currants 
 and insects. Before using this food, it should have a little grate<i 
 carrot, apple or boiled potato mixed with it. 
 
 Mocking; Bird Food No. 3 (Moist). Seven quarts maw seed, 
 four quarts Zwieback, thirty-two ounces boiled ox heart, sixteen 
 ounces shop currants, sixty-four ounces beef dripping All the 
 above materials should be fresh and of the best quality. The first 
 three articles to be ground in a mill after which melt beef dripping 
 and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. This can be made 
 richer by adding insects, etc. 
 
 Bird Tonic. Ten drachins tincture of iron, ten drachms 
 compound tiucture of sentian, thirty drops of glycerine, thirty 
 drops of paregoric, ten drachms extract of licorice, sixty ounces of 
 water one pint of pure alcohol. The above ingredients should be 
 well mixed before using. Dose : Five to six drops in a wineglass 
 of M'ater, for small birds every morning ; and from ten to twelve 
 drops for a large binl, such as Mocking Bird, Parrot, etc. The 
 above will be found a niost useful tonic for delicate birds, and also 
 for birds with soft moult ', that is, for birds throwing off their 
 feathers at a time other than the moulting season. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS 
 
 HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS. 
 
 Gaslight has a great tendency to destroy or dim the brilliant 
 colors of a bird's plumage and injure its eyes, and interferes with 
 its sleep. 
 
 Never hang a bird too high in a room, as the atmosphere is 
 the most impure the nearer you get to the ceiling. 
 
 A Bird Room is the best when it has a window looking to the 
 southeast, as it then gets the full benefit of the morning sun. 
 
 Never Keep a Bird in a Damp Room, or in a room the air 
 of which is vitiated with gas of any kind. Such places cause birds 
 to moult at unseasonable time<« of the year, and lose their voice, 
 etc. No bir>/ can thrive in a vitiated atmosphere, or in a room 
 badly ventilated or frequently overheated. 
 
 In Removing the Top of a Cage always take hold of the 
 
TAMING A BIRD. 83 
 
 lowest point ; the bird will then fly to the upper part of the case 
 and there will be no danger of his escaping when the top is lifted. 
 If, however, you get hold of the highest point the bird will naturally 
 fiy from your hand and probably escape when the top part is 
 raised. 
 
 Brass Cages are easily cleaned by soaking for an hour or 
 more in rain water, afterwards washing them thoroughly w th a 
 soft sponge and drying them. Never use soap or any kind of soda or 
 washing compound, as it will take the gold lacquer off and the cage 
 will begin to corrode, and, unless polished frequently, it will pro- 
 duce verdigris, which is most injurious to the bird. 
 
 New Cages. In removing a German Canary from its little 
 wicker cage, containing seed box and water mug with which it is 
 familiar, to another cage where it is strange, be sure it can find the 
 openings to the seed and water bottles in its new habitation ; other- 
 wise the bird may be starved to death, or be seriously injured. The 
 writer has known many instances of this nature. In changing any 
 bird from one cage to another great caution is very necessary. 
 
 Perches. Cage perches should always be made and arranged 
 with the bird's health and comfort in view. If the perches are too 
 thick the bird cannot grasp them, and if too thin there is not suffi- 
 cient girth for the bird to grasp and keep itself erect, and from 
 slipping. In either case the oird is very uncomfortable, but in the 
 latter event when the birds claws meet they are very often crippled 
 by beiug gradually forced out of shape. Perches should always be 
 made of pine or soft wood, and adapted to the size of the bird's 
 claws. Any other arrangement would be a serious mistake, being 
 detrimental to the bird. Perches should never be so crossed or 
 placed so as to catch the droppings of the bird. 
 
 TAMING A BIRD. 
 
 Some people take great interest in taming birds, and accustom 
 them to fly about the house from room to room, alight on the 
 Hnger, head, shoulder, or anv part of the person, eat out of the 
 mouth or hands, and teach them little tricks, such as drawing their 
 seed bo3( upon wheels up an inclined plane, ringing a bell for his 
 food, and hauling up water in a small bucket from a £iass well 
 underneath, and many others. Almost all birds are susceptible to 
 training, and a little time spent with them daily may be niade to 
 yield much amusement and soon make them proficient. There are 
 many methods of teaching the birds, but systematic kindness is the 
 secret of success wi^h any of them. It is astonishing how 
 tame a bird may be made by giving it regularly, at each meal time, a 
 little sweetmeat, or anything of which it is particularly fond. For 
 instance, speak kindly to, and give a canary only one grain of hemp 
 seed before or after every meal ; he will soon begin to expect it, and 
 after a short time will come and take ii from your hands, and it 
 will not be a long time ere he will come out of his cage for it, if the 
 dpor be le|^ open. It is ^ell to get the bird thoroughly acci^Bton)e4 
 
84 
 
 OAOB BIBDS. 
 
 to eat from the hand before lettins it out of the cage. On first 
 coming out the bird will very likely fly wildly about the house, 
 and probably make direct for the window, coming against the glaHs 
 with great force ; but take no heed of this and allow him time to 
 get accustomed to being at liberty gradually. Then pla^e some 
 tempting morsel in the cage, near the door, and he will soon go 
 back in again. 
 
 Before you let a bird out of his cage see that the cat is out of 
 the room ; secure the windows, and see that the door is locked on 
 the inside, so that no one opening it from the outside will give the 
 bird a chance to escape. Never attempt to catch a bird or you 
 will frighten him and make him still wilder ; he will go back to his 
 cage himself after he has been out a little while. Let him have 
 his freedom unmolested. Persevere in this and other kind treat 
 ment and your bird will soon be as tame as you could wish. 
 
 Another method of quickly and easily taming birds is to keep 
 them without food until it will eat from the hand or mouth. After 
 the bird has been a few hours without anything to eat a dainty 
 morsel should be offered ib ; if it is very hungry it will take it at 
 once. You may, however, have to try several times before hunger 
 will overpower its natural timidity and compel it to come to you 
 for the food ; but it eventually will, and when once it sees that 
 there is nothing to be afraid of there will be no trouble in the 
 future. As beK)re stated, kind treatment, and constant attention, 
 will do more toward thoroughly taming birds than any other method. 
 
 TO KEEP A BIRD IN HEALTH AND SONG. 
 
 Hang your cage in a bright and cheerful place. Sunshine is 
 very necessary, but the bird should be sheltered durins the hottest 
 part of the day. Avoid drafts and, as much as possible, sudden 
 and extreme changes of temperature. Never hang your cage too 
 high, as the air is not so good towards the top of any room ; about 
 six feet from the floor is tne best Windows are dangerous places 
 for birds, as few windows are free from drafts, and, in such 
 places more than any others, extremes of temperature are 
 encountered — too hot in the daytime and too cold during the night. 
 Never hang or ; ia'^e your bird in an open window, as in such places 
 the current of air is sufficient to play an ^olian harp, but it ia 
 sure t.0 stop the music of your bird and prove extremely dangerous. 
 Thorough cleanliness, pure air, good wholesome food, never giving 
 bits of candy, sugar, or other luxuries, plenty of pure water for 
 bathing and for drinking purposes, together with a liberal supply 
 of good sharp gravel are absolutely necessary for health and song, 
 and birds getting these attentions regularly seldom fail to hvA-e 
 both in a liberal measure. Every bird should have a cake of Bird 
 Bread stuck in the wire of his cage at which to peck. Patent Bird 
 Bread, which bupersedes cuttlefish bone, is supplied free to all who 
 use CottamV- Choice recleaned and well mixed Bird Seed. 
 
 See Article on Bir i Food. 
 
PACKING A BIRD FOR RBMOVAI.. 85 
 
 PACKING A BIRD FOR REMOVAL. 
 
 In packing birds for removal great care should be taken that 
 the cage is thoronghly protected ^ith at least two or thr^e 
 thicknesses of stout wrapping paper allowing no apertures to be 
 left, through which a draft might strike the bird. All the ventila- 
 tion necessary may be provided by punf.turing a few very small 
 holes in the paper covering thv*? top of the cage, nev^r, on any 
 account, mokiwg or leaving holen in the paper coveting the sides of the 
 cage. Paper is more suitable for this purpose than either woollen 
 or cotton fabrics. 
 

v»v 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 African Finches 69 
 
 African Orey Parrot 28 
 
 African Manikins 70 
 
 Amazon Parrot 20 
 
 AmericAn Blue Robin 38 
 
 American Redbird 39 
 
 American Robin 35 
 
 Ants' Kfirgs for Birds 80 
 
 Apples for Birds 12 
 
 Ariticiul Heat not so good 
 
 as sunhine 15 
 
 Asthma, Cause and Cure... 78 
 
 Australian Paroquet 30 
 
 Avadavat ' .70 
 
 Bad Feet, Cause and Cure. .76 
 
 Ikltimore Oriole 43 
 
 Bath for Parrots 31 
 
 ]}ath. Fand 14 
 
 Bjith, Water ... .13 
 
 Beaks. Trimming of 76 
 
 Beef Heart 80 
 
 Belgian Canary 20 
 
 Bird Bread Patent 13 
 
 Bird Gravel i,....^f.. 9 
 
 Bird, Directions for Taming 83 
 
 Bird Room 82 
 
 Bird Seed, Cottam's 11 
 
 Bird Protector, Cottam's. . .77 
 Bird, to Keep in Health and 
 
 Song 84 
 
 Bird Supplies See Cover 
 
 Bird Tonic... 82 
 
 Birds may Starve to Death . 83 
 Birds, to Pack for Removal . 85 
 Blackbird, English 45 
 
 Blackcap ...65 
 
 Black Capped Nuns 70 
 
 Black Crested Cardinal ... .42 
 Black Headed Thistle Finch. 6 1 
 
 Bluebird 38 
 
 Blue Finch, Gordon 69 
 
 Blue FroQted Parrot 29 
 
 Blue Jay 37 
 
 Blue Nightingale 38 
 
 Blue Robin 38 
 
 Bobolink 44 
 
 Bottom of Cages, Draw .... 9 
 
 Bowels, Inflammation of 74 
 
 Boxes for Nests 17 
 
 Brass Cages 9 
 
 Brass Cages, to Clean 83 
 
 Brazilian Cardinal 41 
 
 Brazilian Parrot 29 
 
 Bread Bird 13 
 
 Bread, Desiccated . . ... 80 
 
 Breeding Cages 16 
 
 Breeding Canaries 14 
 
 Breeding Canaries, Diet for. 15 
 
 BuUrinch 63 
 
 Bunting, Painted . . 67 
 
 Cages, Brass 9, 83 
 
 Cages for Blackbird 45 
 
 Cages, Breeding 16 
 
 Cages for Canary 8 
 
 Cages, Cleaning 16 
 
 Cages, Japanned 9 
 
 Cages in which Birds may 
 
 Starve to Death 83 
 
 Cages, Height to Hang. ... 16 
 Cages, New 83 
 
d8 
 
 INDKX. 
 
 Cages, Removing Top. . . .0, 82 
 
 Cages, Wood » 
 
 Canary, The 7 
 
 Canary, Belgian 20 
 
 Canary, Breeding 14 
 
 Canary, Cinnamon 22 
 
 Canary, German 10 
 
 Canary, Glasgow Don 20 
 
 Canary, Green 24 
 
 Canary, Lizard 2U 
 
 Canary, London Fancy 22 
 
 Canary, ManoheBterCoppie8.22 
 
 Canary, Mule Birds 24 
 
 Canary, Norwich Fancy .... 22 
 
 Canary, Quaker 22 
 
 Canary, The Green 24 
 
 Canary, The True 19 
 
 Canary, Turncrest 20 
 
 Canary, Varieties of 19 
 
 Canary, Yorkshire 22 
 
 Cardinal, Black Crested. . . 42 
 
 Cardinal, Breusilian 41 
 
 Cardinal, Crimson Crested. .41 
 
 Cardinal, Grey 41 
 
 Cardinal, Green 42 
 
 Cardinal, Grosbeak 39 
 
 Cardinal, Red 39 
 
 Cardinal. Virginia 39 
 
 Chaffinch 61 
 
 Chestnut Finch 70 
 
 Cinnamon Canary 22 
 
 Chickweed 12 
 
 Claws, Trimming of 76 
 
 Coloring Food 81 
 
 Constipation 75 
 
 Consumption .66 
 
 (y'orn Cracker 40 
 
 Cottage Songster 38 
 
 Cottam's Bird Protector. ... 77 
 
 Cottam's Bird Seed 11 
 
 Cramp— The Thrush 49 
 
 Crimson Crested Cardinal. .41 
 
 Crimson Ear Waxbill 69 
 
 Cuban Parrot 29 
 
 Cut- throat Sparrow 69 
 
 Damp Room 8'2 
 
 Desiccated Food 80 
 
 Diamond Sparrow. 70 
 
 Diarrhoea 75 
 
 Diarrhoea, Parrots 32 
 
 Diet, Mixed, for Canaries . .11 
 Diseases of Cardinal 40 
 
 Diseases, General 74 
 
 Diseases of Parrots 3S 
 
 Don Canary, Glasgow 20 
 
 Double Yellow Head Parrot. 28 ' 
 Draw Bottom fcr Cages .... 
 
 Dysentery 63, 75 
 
 East Indian Sun Bird 68 
 
 Eggs. Ants 80 
 
 Egg Bound 78 
 
 Egg Food 12,80 
 
 Bgga. Fowls 12 80 
 
 Eggs, Hens Sucking 18 
 
 English Blackbird 45 
 
 English Robin S6 
 
 English Thrush 47 
 
 English Throstle 47 
 
 Feet, Kad 78 
 
 Fever, Mating 79 
 
 Field Lark 5.3 
 
 Finch, African » 69 
 
 Finch, Chestnut 70 
 
 Finch, Gordon Blue m 
 
 Finch, Grey Blue 70 
 
 Finch, Magpie 70 
 
 Finch, Painted 67 
 
 Finch, Ribbon 69 
 
 Finch Saffron. 70 
 
 Finch, S; otted Side 70 
 
 Finch, Blackhea<led Thistle, (il 
 
 Finch, Zebra 70 
 
 Fits, Parrots Subject to .... 32 
 
 Fledglings, Feeding of 18 
 
 Food, Coloring 81 
 
 Food, Egg 12, 80 
 
 Food, Green 12 
 
 Food, Insectivorous Bird. . .82 
 
 Food, Mocking Bird 82 
 
 Food, Parrot 31 
 
 Food, Useful Hints on 79 
 
 Gapes 40 
 
 Gaslight, Effect on Birds . . .82 
 
 Gentles 8() 
 
 German Canary' 20 
 
 German Paste 81 
 
 Gizzard, Operation of . .... 9 
 
 Glasgow Don Canary 20 
 
 Golden Robin 43 
 
 Goldfinch 58 
 
 Gordon Blue Finch . 69 
 
 Gout Parrots 32 
 
 Grakle, Minor. 30 
 
 Gravel for Canaries 9 
 
IMOBX. 
 
 Gravel for Parrota 32 
 
 Ur«y Blue Finch 70 
 
 Grey Cardinal 41 
 
 Grey Parrot, African 28 
 
 Green Canary 24 
 
 Green Cardinal 42 
 
 Green Food 12 
 
 Green Food for Parrots ... .31 
 
 Grosbeak, Cardinal 30 
 
 Grosbeak. Rote Breasted. . .42 
 
 Groundsel 12 
 
 Half Yellow Head Parrot. .20 
 I Hanging Bird Outside the 
 
 Window 74 
 
 iHatchina 18 
 
 Health, Directions for 84 
 
 Heart, Beef 80 
 
 Hemp Seed, Injurious. 10 
 
 Hints on Food 70 
 
 Hints and Suggestions.. . . .82 
 
 Hybrid Birds 24 
 
 Incu))ation, Time for .18 
 
 Indian Sun Birds, Eaot 68 
 
 I Inflammation of the Bowels. 74 
 I Insectivorous Bird 
 
 Food 35.82, 01 
 
 I Insectivorous Birds, Hints 
 
 for Feeding 70 
 
 iJay, The Blue 36 
 
 I Japanese Robin 68 
 
 I Japanese Nuns .71 
 
 IJava Sparrow 68 
 
 |jon(|ue 15 
 
 Urk, Field 53 
 
 Lark, Sky 63 
 
 Lark, Wood 55 
 
 Laverlock 53 
 
 iLettuce 12 
 
 JLiee 77 
 
 JLinnet 50 
 
 JLizard Canary 20 
 
 iLondon Fancy Canary 22 
 
 Loss of Voice 76 
 
 Maggots 80 
 
 Magpie Finch 70 
 
 JManchester Coppy Canary. . 22 
 
 ■Manikins, African 70 
 
 iMaracaibo Parrot 20 
 
 iMating Fever 70 
 
 iMavig . ... 49 
 
 JMeal Worms ••• 70 
 
 IMexican Parrot 28 
 
 80 
 
 Minor, Talking 31 
 
 Miscellaneous Hints and 
 
 Suggestions 82 
 
 Mitea 77 
 
 M ixod Diet for Canaries .... 1 1 
 
 Mocking Bird 32 
 
 Mocking Bird Food 35, 82 
 
 Mortar in Breeding Cages . . 7H 
 
 Moulting Canaries 73 
 
 Moulting Season 73 
 
 Mule liirds 24 
 
 Nest Boxes 17 
 
 Nest Making 17 
 
 Nests, Materials for 17 
 
 New ('Sges, Where Bird is 
 
 Strange 83 
 
 Nightingale, Blue 38 
 
 Nightingale, The 40 
 
 Nightingale, Pekin 68 
 
 Nightingale, Virginia 30 
 
 Nonpareil 67 
 
 Norwich Fancy Canary 2*2 
 
 Nuns, Black (Japped 70 
 
 Nuns, Japanese 71 
 
 Nuns, White Capped 70 
 
 Oil Gland, Stoppage of. . 47. 63 
 Orange Breast Waxbdl ... .70 
 
 Orange Cheek vVaxbill 70 
 
 Oriole, Baltimore 43 
 
 Outlook for Bird Room 82 
 
 Ox Heart 80 
 
 Packing Biids for Removal. 85 
 
 Painted Bunting 67 
 
 Painted Finch ..fi7 
 
 Pairing Canaries 16 
 
 Paroquet 20 
 
 Paroquet, Australian 30 
 
 Paroquet, Rose Ringed 20 
 
 Parrots 27 
 
 Parrot, African (Jrey 28 
 
 Parrot, Amazon 20 
 
 Parrot, Blue Fronted 20 
 
 Parrot, Brazilian 20 
 
 Parrot, Cuban 20 
 
 Parrot, Diseases of 32 
 
 Parrot, Double- Yello wHead. 5 8 
 
 Parrot, Fits 32 
 
 Parrot Food 31 
 
 Parrot Gravel for 32 
 
 Parrot, Half- Yellow Head .29 
 
 Parrot, Maracaibo 20 
 
 Parrot, Mexican. 28 
 
 -^^Sf^^^SaT""' 
 
90 
 
 I>DKX. 
 
 Parrot, Teaching a 28 
 
 Parrot, Water for 31 
 
 Parrot, White Fronted 29 
 
 Paste, German 81 
 
 Pekin Nightingale 68 
 
 Perches, Right Thickness . .83 
 
 Pied Canaries 15 
 
 Plantain Seed 12 
 
 Protector, Cottam's Bird ... 77 
 
 Quaker Bird 70 
 
 Quaker Canaries 22 
 
 Rape Seed, English 11 
 
 Bapc SeedjGerman Summer. 1 1 
 
 Redbird American 39 
 
 Redbreast, Robin 56 
 
 Red Cardinal 39 
 
 Remedies for Birds.. See Cover 
 
 Ribbon Finch 69 
 
 Robin. American 35 
 
 Robin, American Blue 38 
 
 Robin. English 56 
 
 Robin, Golden : 43 
 
 Kobin, Japanese . . 68 
 
 Robin Redbrea.st 56 
 
 Room for Birds 82 
 
 Rose Breasted Grosbeak. . . .42 
 
 Rose Kinged Paroquet 29 
 
 Saffron Cake 81 
 
 Saffronitus 81 
 
 Saffron Finch 70 
 
 Salt 39 
 
 Salt in Breeding Cages 78 
 
 Sand Bath 14 
 
 Sand, Objection to 9 
 
 Seeds for Canary 10 
 
 Seed, Hemp, Injurious 10 
 
 Silverbill 70 
 
 Siskin, The 61 
 
 Skylark, The ....53 
 
 Song, Directions for.. . 84 
 
 Songster, Cottage 38 
 
 Sparrow, Java 68 
 
 Sparrow, Cut-Throat 69 
 
 Sparrow, Diamond. 70 
 
 Spiders 81 
 
 Spotted Side Finch 70 
 
 Starling, The 51 
 
 St. Helena WaxbiU 70 
 
 Sun Bird, East Indian 68 
 
 Sun's Htat Necessary 15 
 
 Suggestions and Hints, . . .82 
 
 Supplies, Birds See Cover 
 
 Talking Minor 31 
 
 Taming a Bird 83 
 
 Thistle Finch 61 
 
 Throstle 47 
 
 Thrush. English 4" 
 
 Tonic for Birds J 
 
 Tongue, Splitting Parrots'. .2" 
 
 Training a Bullfinch 61 
 
 Tricolored Nuns 70 
 
 Troopial^ 67 
 
 Tu merest Canary 15, 20 
 
 Useful Hints on Food 79 
 
 Verdigris, Brass Cages 9 
 
 Vermin 77 
 
 Vermin, to Free Cages of . . . 16 
 
 Voice, Loss of 76 
 
 Vitiated Air. Effect on Bird .82 
 
 Virginia Nightingale 39 
 
 War son Feet 66 
 
 Water Cress 12 
 
 W^ater, Drinking 1.3 
 
 Water for Hathing 13 
 
 Water for Parrots 31 
 
 WaxbiU, Crimson Ear 09 
 
 WaxbiU, Orange Breasted... 70 
 WaxbiU, Orange Cheek.... 70 
 
 WaxbiU. St. Helena 70 
 
 White Capped Nuns 70 
 
 White Fronted Parrots ... .29 
 Window, Hang Birds Out- 
 side 84 
 
 W^ood Lark 55 
 
 Wood Cages 9 
 
 Worms, Meal 79 
 
 Yellow Head Parrot, Double. 28 
 Yellow Head Parrot. Half. .29 
 Yorkshire Fancy Canary . . .22 
 
 Zebra Finch 1 
 
 Zwieback 80 
 
 •■-'- .^T-.v-^ 
 
COTTAM'S 
 
 . . BOTANICAL . . 
 
 Live Stock Food 
 
 From Nature's Own Laboratory, 
 
 i . CONSISTING OF . . 
 
 Herbs, Roots, Seeds, Barks, Etc., Guaranteed 
 free from all injurious ingredients. 
 
 JhIS preparation must not be confounded with some other Foods, 
 
 or Condition Powders now on the market, which represent 
 
 ittle real value in themselves, and have to be boo ned by fictitious 
 
 [Wards, bogus testimonials, and purchased editorials and newspaper 
 
 lotices. 
 
 Jottam's Botanical Livestock Food stands alone 
 
 upon its own merits, unrivalled, as 
 
 The Best Live Stock Food in the Market. 
 
 lorses can now be kept in better condition. Cows give more and 
 icher milk, from which better butter can be made. Sheep, Hogs, 
 'oultry and all kinds of live stock can be restored to health, fat- 
 ened and improved at a much less expense by the use of Botanical 
 
 ''ood. 
 
 Costing Farmers and Stock Raisers Absolutely Hothlng. 
 
 As the improvement of stock which u very plainly seen when C. 
 i.F. is fed more than doubly repays the price paid for it. The merits 
 f Botanical Food are too gre^t and too glaring not to be recognised 
 nd appreciated by all who have given it a fair trial. 
 
 FARMERS WILL HAVE IT, BECAUSE IT PAYS. 
 
 Thousands of testimonials can be given, but a single trial 
 acket will be more reliable and give better satisfaction. 
 
 )NE POUND TRIAL PACKETS FOR SALE BY EVERY 
 GROCER AND SEEDSMAN. PRICE, iO CENTS. 
 
 TRY IT ! 
 
l.ijS''': 
 
 ^5?^^ 
 
 '^•'k> .-/^-^ 
 
 ^>*.;-*^v^,_ / N 
 
 isxi 
 
COTTAM'S 
 Magic Egg' Food 
 
 . . . WILL PRODUCE . . . 
 
 Plenty of Eggs & Less Disease. 
 
 The science of Poultry keeping is said to have established the 
 fact, that Poultry are egg and liesh producing machines ; and, under 
 normal conditions, they cannot help being either the one or the other. 
 That a hen for instaace, in health, with proper food cannot help 
 laying eggs, she must either lay or die for it. From this it is self 
 evident that in order to make poultry-keeping more profitable, the 
 birds must be brought to, and kept in this normal state, whi ;h can 
 only be done by giving their food and sanitary condition proper 
 attention. 
 
 All Poultry should be well housed, kept thoroughly clean, have 
 plenty of pure a'r, free from drafts, together with a regular supply 
 of fresh water, and proper food. Under these circumstances 
 poultry keeping must pay, and give better satisfaction. 
 
 To restore poultry that are sick to health, as well as to keep 
 those in health who are already there, mix with their ordinary food 
 a little of Cottam's Magic Egg Food, occasionally in summer time, 
 and every night and morning in winter, more particularly during 
 the moulting season. For ail kinds of poultry, particularly young 
 turkeys in sickness and in health, there is nothing like 
 
 MAGIC EGG FOOD. 
 
 Do you want your Hens to pay, 
 
 L-ayinq eggs every day; 
 Free from Cholera, Vernnin, Roup, 
 
 Elegant chickins in your coop ; 
 Cackling, ero\ving, running round, 
 
 Better than any that can be found? 
 Feed Magic Egg Food every day; 
 
 And don't forget it, this v/ill pay. 
 
 Fop Sale by all Gpocops and Seedsmen. 
 
COCKATOO, 
 
Cottam's Bill Fool Blfljlelisiges, Etc. 
 
 Before introduciijg our Bird Foods, Bird Medicines, &c , feeling 
 the great responsibility of such an undertaking, wc have spared 
 neither time, money nor effort to procure the very best remedies that 
 science and experience can devise for eaeh particular disease. 
 
 Cottam's Poultpy Tonie. 
 
 It is well known that birds of any description kept under re- 
 straint, will, from a variety of causes, become at times relaxed and 
 out of condition, which may be noticed in the eye the plumage, 
 and in every movement, and in this state they are more sus- 
 ceptible to diseases of every kind. At this juncture, Cottani'S 
 Poultry Tonic will be found highly beneficial, and all that 
 can be desired for combating diseases amongst Poultry and 
 Pigeons ; for invigorating weak and sickly birds ; making them 
 lay better ; helping them through tlieir moult ; and also as 
 an auxiliary to our Specific for Cholera, Gapes, Roup, &c., it is 
 superior to anything in the market. 
 
 Cottatn's Gapes Speeifie 
 
 Is a sure and immediate remedy for this painful disease, and can be 
 relied upon with the greatest confidence when used accortling to 
 directions It will be found most excellent for coMs and general 
 indisposition, and a little given occasionally to healthy birds, 
 especially in cold and wet weather, acts as a preventive and tends 
 to general health. 
 
 Cottam*s Cholera Speeifie, foi* Poultity, 
 
 Pigeons, Hte. 
 
 Cottam's Cholera Specific has been pronounced reliable by 
 those who have tried it, and seldom fails when applied in time. It 
 has a magic effect in checking this dreadful scourge, which so fre- 
 quently visits our poultry yards with such faal results. 
 
 Cottam's l^oup Speeifie. 
 
 Cottam's Roup Specific will be found all that it professes to be, 
 a No. 1 remedy, that can be relied upon every time when used ac- 
 cording to directions. It has never been known to fail where a cure 
 could reasonably be expected. It will also be found excellent in 
 colds an i general indisposition, and does good service when given 
 occasionally to healthy birds, as a preventive, — building up the 
 system, and fortifying it against diseases of all kinds. 
 
 Having made Birds, Bird Food, and Bird Medicines a study 
 for many years, we offer to poultry keepers, and the bird-loving 
 public, the benefit of a long personal experience in this line. 
 
 No poultry keepep op bliHl fanolep can affopd to be vrlth- 
 
 out Cottam's pellable pemedtes. Keep them 
 
 by you fop oases of emepflrsncy. 
 
 4r^ Advice Given Free. i^'Enclose Stamps for Reply 
 
" i 
 
 :«>' 
 
 
 ^t-'Vi^ •.-•»**;: .^i'' 
 
 
. COTTAM'S 
 DOG SUPPLIES 
 
 Dog Soap, - - 25c 
 
 - Flea Wash, - 25c 
 
 Kennel Disinfectant, 25c 
 
 Distemper, - - 25c 
 
 Worms Specific, "^Qc 
 
 Canine Tonic, - 50c 
 
 - Diarrhoea, - 25c 
 
 Constipation, - 25c 
 
 Condition Powder, 50c 
 
 Mange, - - 50c 
 
 Before introducing to the Public our Canine 
 Supplies, more particularly our medicines, feeling the 
 great responsibility of such an undertaking we have 
 spared neither time, money, nor effort, to procure the 
 very best preparations and remedies that science and 
 experience can devise in each particular case, so that 
 the public may use them with the greatest confidence. 
 No dog fancier should be without Cottam's reliable 
 remedies. 
 
 Keep them in stock and have them ready for 
 cases of emergency. 
 
 Correspondence Solicited. Enclose Stamps for Reply. 
 
COTTAM'S 
 
 NEW ILLUSTRATED BOOK ON 
 
 THEIR NECESSARY FOOD AND CARE 
 
 h-'- 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 Valuable Formulae for Bird Foods, Treats,, 
 
 Medicines, Etc. 
 
 BY BART. COTTAM.