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PETS OF THE HOUSEHOLD

THEIR

CARE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

BY

THOMAS M. EARL

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. 1

A. W. LIVINGSTON’S SONS, PUBLISHERS
COLUMBUS, OHIO

1895

COPYRIGHT
1894

By A. W. LIVINGSTON’s SONS,

Vote

PREP ACE:
—
hes
wr
4 HE publication of this work is due to a con-

stant demand for a popular but reliable
treatise on the care of pets. So much misunder-
standing prevails in regard to preserving healthy
conditions in household pets that it seems apparent
that some attention must be given to the acquisition
of a knowledge of their needs, if one really values
the-objects under his charge.

The question “whydo my pets die?” so frequently
asked, may be readily answered by saying that the
conditions requisite for health are not maintained.
It may be true that the bereaved owner has
bestowed upon them every kindness, but kindness
often finds expression in practices which must in
the end provoke mischief. Pets are as frequently
compelled to suffer from misplaced kindness as they
are from neglect, and when persons who are fond
of their birds, or their fish, or their dogs learn to

we Menow this important fact, the health and pleasing
qualities of their favorites will be prolonged.

It is believed that the present work embodies
the highest degree of reliable information that its
condensed character will warrant, and both pro-
fessional and amateur fancier will find much in a

perusal ot its pages to interest and instruct.

THe AUTHOR.

ep
”

CONTENTS:

CHAPTER I. PAGE

CacEe Birps—General Observations. Trapping Birds. Bird
Cages. Food for Birds. Taming and Training. Dis-
GASES Gig INOS stats < cyt at oo ehs erator te Deets alos as Bes

CuHapTer II.

Cace Brrps—The Canary. German Canary. Belgian
Canary. English Canary. Bird-Breeding in America.

Cuaprer III.

Cace Brrps—Care of Canaries. Pests. Drinking and
Bathing Water. Seed and other Foods. Cuttle-Fish
Bone and Gravel. Cayenne Pepper. The Moulting
Hens ee Meteo. ire Steet ole ool atte oh ahs Sore. o'e “« Soars scuae sates SAC 3

CuHaprTer IV.

Cace Brrps—The Breeding of Canaries. Hybrids...... ;

CHAPTER V.

Cace Brrps—The Diseases of Canaries: Asthma; Costive-
ness; Loss of Voice; Diarrhoea; Fits, or Convulsions ;
Inflammation of the Intestines; Cramps and Lame-
TCHS WING CIGONUS os sfecne <2 alo deus we eines "es er ee eee

CuHapTer VI.

Cace Brrps—European Songsters—I. Seed-eating Birds:
Goldfinch; Red Linnet; Bullfinch; Chaftinch.
Il. Soft-billed Birds: Nightingale; Skylark; Black-
CAP OvANIUMNS Gynt eae. lee e's « e:0 See areas ee Ree

5,

»
vu

48

CONTENTS.

CHapter VII.

Cacre Birps—American Songsters—I. Seed-eating Birds:
Goldfinch; Indigo Bunting; Nonpareil; Bobolink;
Cardinal Grosbeak; Brazilian Cardinal; Rose-breasted
Grosbeak. Il. Soft-billed Birds: Mocking-bird ;
3rown Thrasher; Wood Thrush; Cat-bird; Scarlet
Tanager; Baltimore Oriole; Orchard Oriole; Troopial. 72

Cnapter VIII.
‘ace Brrpos—Talking Pets.— I. Psittacide: Parrots and
Paroquets; Macaws; Cockatoos; Lories.
II. Corvidee: Raven; Crow; Rooks and Jackdaws;
’
Magpies ......... Miers ce? 5 2 gob % ¥en wie aed ayaa ane tyler eee

CHaprer IX.

CaGE Brros—The Aviary. Japanese Robin. Java Sparrow.
PGS NC NUN oatacs dy? 5%) oS seen oa ee errr tl

CHAPTER X.
Tre AQuartumM.—Constructive Principles. Fish Globes.
Tanks. Plants. Water. Fish. Feeding the Fish.
Placing an Aquarinm,.......... pt alattints ee eee iis

CHAPTER XJ,
Per QuapruPpeps.—I. Dogs: Kennels and Beds; Food and
Exercise; The Bath; Diseases of Dogs. Hl. Cats.
Ill. Rabbits and Guinea-pigs. IV. Squirrels....... 145

CAGE? BIRDS:

CHAPTER. I.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

HE love of birds is coexistent with the love
of flowers. When Spring awakens by her
magic touch the flowers of the woodland,

she calls forth, at the same time, from their sunny
abodes the winged minstrels of the air, the former
to delight us with their beauty and their fragrance,
the latter to entrance us with their beauty and their
song. As the wanderer in the woods, in search of
early flowers, may feel impelled at times to pluck
up by the roots some favorite plant, and to place it
in his own cultivated garden, so the lover of birds
may covet some feathered minstrel for the richness
of its plumage, or the excellence of its song. This
desire springs from man’s love of the beautiful in
nature, yet it is to be regretted that we are not
always permitted to enjoy the bloom of flowers
and the songs of birds in their woodland homes.
Our habits in city life render that impossible, and
were it not for the transition of birds to city homes,
many persons would be unfamiliar with such wood-
land nymphs.

10 CAGE-BIRDS.

It 1s not necessarily an act of cruelty to cage a
bird, as many imagine. Most imprisoned birds
learn to love their new environs, and become fond
of the persons who furnish them with their daily
requirements, so much so that if given their choice
between imprisonment and freedom, they will
choose to return to the cages that have sheltered
them, and to the caresses of the hands that have
ministered to their wants. The removal, however,
of a bird from its natural home, where it has been
able to care for its wants instinctively, imposes an
important duty upon its possessor. To keep the
feathered pet in health and song, one must know,
as near as possible, its previous manner of life, and
seek to conform in its care to its natural habits.
To subject a bird, or other object, to a sudden
transition in habits of growth, as well as in sur-
roundings, would be cruel, and would prove, no
doubt, a task unrewarded by good results. To
imprison a bird in such a way that it is unable to
care for itself, to neglect it, and cause it to languish
for food or drink, and compel it to exist in an
uncleaned cage, is a crime unworthy of ordinary
civilization.

If, therefore, one owns a pet, let him provide for
its comfort as he would for his own, seeing that its
natural habits, as far as possible, are retained, then
he may rest assured it will repay him with its

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. sta

measure of love, and an exhibition of all the gifts
that its Creator has bestowed upon it.

Trapping Birps. Various means are employed
by bird-catchers for supplying the demands for
songsters. Jew of these are bred in confinement,
the Canary being probably the only songster that
has experienced a long domestication. So easily are
many birds taken, and so readily do they become,
with proper attention, contented with the cage,
that they are allowed to breed as nature directs
them. The earlier in life a bird is caged, the more
easily it is domesticated, consequently most birds
are taken from the nest just before they are ready
to fly, and their feeding continued for a time by
hand. Cage-life is then practically the only life
they know, and such pets are usually docile and
affectionate, being more highly prized on that
account. By this method is kept up the supply of
Mocking-birds which come into the market during
the summer months. The young which escape
detection in the nest are often trapped by various
devices, in which the negroes of the South are
usually expert. Most male birds are pugnaciously
disposed toward any rivals that venture upon what
they are pleased to believe their exclusive territory,
and this tendency to resent intrusion and a supposed
trifling with the aftections of the opposite sex, gets

aD, CAGE-BIRDS.

many a beautiful songster into trouble. The trap-
per knows this pecularity fall well, and places in
a cunningly devised trap a trained call-bird of the
species he is seeking to ensnare, sets the trap
wherever he suspects his victim to be, and awaits
results. The bird he wants soon happens along,
sees the intruder in the trap, or is attracted by his
calls, makes haste to demand an explanation, or to
execute summary vengeance upon him. No sooner,
however, does he alight upon the perch placed for
him than clap-doors are liberated by means of
springs, and the would-be pugilist is a prisoner for
life. Red-birds, Robins, Bobolinks, Indigos, Non-
pareils, and many other birds, are successfully taken
in this manner.

Another method of taking birds is by means ot
bird-lime. This is a mucilaginous paste, formed
by boiling down the inner bark of the white holly,
or sometimes linseed oil is reduced by the same
means to a pulp. Sticks are smeared with the
lime, then placed where birds frequent, and results
awaited. Should a bird alight upon one of them,
he sticks fast until the hand of his captor releases
him. If not soon freed from his predicament he
will flutter himself to death. This means, with a
number of variations in the manner of procedure,
is much used among the peasantry of Europe for
taking Linnets, which usually alight in flocks,
Goldtineches, Chatfhinches, ete.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 13

Brirp Cages. The kind of a cage to be procured
for a bird will depend entirely upon the size of the
bird and its habits in a state of nature. Bird-
dealers have usually in stock a great variety of
cages for the different classes of songsters, and in
purchasing in this line it would be well to permit
the dealer to designate the cage best suited for
your purpose. Some birds sing better in small
cages than in large ones, but in any case the health
and comfort of the pet must be allowed suitable
consideration. Brass cages are excellent for Cana-
ries, and if properly cleaned will remain in a beau-
tiful condition for a long time. Do not wash a
cage of this kind with hot water and soap. Such
applications affect the varnish, and will cause the
wires to show milky spots or other imperfections.
Scouring is still worse, as it removes the lacquer
that protects the brass and that keeps it from cor-
roding. Dampen a sponge in cold water, carefully
wipe the wires, and then dry with a clean cloth.
If the varnish of a cage becomes injured from any
cause, it may be replaced at a trifling cost. The
perches of a cage should be just large enough to
be grasped with ease by the bird. A diameter of
about seven-sixteenths of an inch is right for a
Canary. Small perches injure the feet, causing
cramps or lameness.

14 CAGE-BIRDS.

Foop ror Birps. The proper diet to be given a
cage-pet will depend upon the character of its nat-
ural food, or such as it would seek instinctively in
a state of freedom, and its ability to feed upon
various other substances to which it could never
have been accustomed. Food that would keep one
bird in health and song would be entirely unfit for
another; thus, birds having soft bills would starve
to death upon seed that they would be compelled
to crack. Nature intended them to feed upon soft
substanves, such as fruits, berries, insects, and the
hike, while birds with hard bills will find their
principal subsistence in the seeds of various plants
and trees. All seed-eating birds, however, will not
thrive on the same kind of seed, nor is seed neces-
sarily their exclusive food. Many require at times
some of the insect food and green stuff that is
given regularly to soft-billed songsters, in order
that health and singing conditions may be pre-
served.

The food best adapted for the various kinds of
cage-songsters mentioned in these pages will be
indicated in connection with their descriptions, but
should information be desired concerning the food
of birds not herein described, no great mistake can
be made if general principles and a little good
sense are followed. It is hardly necessary to state
that seed and all other food for birds should be
fresh and of the best quality.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Ld

Hemp-seed is regarded more as a dainty than as
a food for most birds. It should be rarely given
to Canaries or similar songsters, but may be fed
regularly to some of the large cage-birds. It is
very rich and fattening, and if much is allowed to
a singing bird he will become too lazy to utter a
note. Some hemp in the seed-mixture for Cana-
ries is not, as some imagine, necessary to health ;
the other seeds are fully sufficient to preserve a
well-nourished condition. Most birds are very
fond of this seed, and will turn out of their seed-
cups the other seeds in order to reach the hemp.

Canary-seed is a good food for most seed-eating
birds, the best grade being the Sicily. It is nutri-
tious and healthful when in a fresh condition, but
stale seed of this kind is particularly injurious.
Fresh seed may be known by the shiny and firm
condition of the shell and the white, compact
kernel; when stale, the shell is lustreless and the
interior worm-eaten.

Rape-seed is largely used by the bird-breeders of
Germany for Canaries to the exclusion of all other
seeds. The grade known as the German Summer
Rape is the best, and may be obtained from any
reliable bird-dealer. The cheaper grades of rape
are unwholesome, and should be avoided.

Millet-seed is fed to African Finches almost ex-
clusively, and forms a part of the regular mixture

16 CAGE-BIRDS.

for Canaries. The imported grade is the best, but
the domestic can be recommended as good. It is
a small, sweet seed, very nutritious, and as a regu-
lar food can do no harm to a bird.

Maw or Poppy-seed is the smallest of all seeds used
as food for birds. It is largely fed to Goldfinches,
Siskins and Crossbills. Its properties are stimu-
lating and medicinal, on which account its use
must be somewhat restricted. Birds are fond of
it, and will sometimes feed upon it until intoxicated
by the large amount of opium it contains.

Padda ov Unhulled Rice is valuable for Bobolinks,
Redbirds, Grosbeaks and all birds of very hard bills.
Crushed corn is relished by Parrots, Macaws and
Cockatoos, but since it does not contain all the
necessary elements of nutrition, its use should be
supplemented by other foods. It is likewise of a
heating nature, and should be sparingly fed in

rarm weather.

Sunflower-seed may be ted to Redbirds, Grosbeaks
and Parrots as a favorite change in diet. These
birds are very fond of this seed when fresh, and it
is believed to be thoroughly wholesome.

The seeds above enumerated are usually fed in
mixtures, thus affording variety in diet that stimu-
lates the appetite of the bird, and at the same time
affords the several elements of nutrition. The best
mixture for Canaries is made up of equal parts of

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 17%

canary, millet and rape, but no hemp. Maw,
canary, and asmall amount of hemp, is excellent
for Goldfinches and Crossbills. For Cardinals,
Paroquets, Parrots and Lories, take equal parts of
crushed corn, sunflower-seed, hemp and unhulled
rice. |
Soft-billed birds, in a state of freedom, feed upon
insects, worms, small fruits, berries and tender buds.
In the cage a similar diet must be maintained.
Since the Mocking-bird is one of the best known
of the soft-billed varieties, the mixture that is pre-
pared for all such birds is known as Mocking-bird
food. This can be obtained of any bird-dealer, but
many prefer to mix the food themselves. There
are two kinds of this food—the moist and the dry;
the first being always ready for use, the latter re-
quiring the addition of grated raw carrot. In its
dry form this mixture may be prepared by taking
eight parts of pulverized maw-seed, one part of
crushed hemp, four parts of cracker or stale bread
erumbs, and one part of ox-heart, the latter being
pulverized after a thorough boiling. Before feed-
ing, nix a small quantity of the preparation with
some grated raw carrot, or for young birds a better
addition is hard-boiled egg and some mealy potato.
Birds of the soft-billed class also require a constant
supply of insects, such as flies, grasshoppers and
spiders, while meal-worms and scalded ants’ eggs

18 CAGE-BIRDS.

are always acceptable. Some green food, such as.
lettuce, watercress, chickweed, or bits of sweet
apple, are necessary for variety. As meal-worms
are constantly required by many birds, it is well to
breed them and thus have an ever-ready supply.
Half-fill an earthen jar with bran, or any kind of
farinaceous meal, in which bury some pieces of old
flannel. Place in the meal a small quantity of
meal-worms—say fifty—and cover with a piece of
cloth, which should be dampened, from time to
time, with water or stale beer. If left undisturbed

for a few months, thousands of worms will take
the place of the few introduced into the jar. Ants’
eggs may be obtained of dealers; they should be
scalded before being fed to a bird.

Taming anpd Tratninc. Whoever enters upon
the difheult work of training a bird should have
in store an unlimited supply of tact, patience and
perseverence. The intelligence of the average
cage-pet is remarkable, but to accomplish its man-
ifestation in actions that are apart from the bird’s
natural habits, is a task for which few persons are
suited. All birds, moreover, are not equally sus-
ceptible to training, owing to difference in temper
and disposition, as well as in intelligence. The
age of the pupil, also, must be taken into account.

The Canary, owing to his long domestication,

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 19

ranks at the head of birds capable of being taugth,
and among trapped birds, none can excel in smart-
ness the European Goldfinch and the Linnet. Such
birds as these may be taught to shake hands, ring
a bell when they desire attention, draw up food
and water, simulate death, climb the fingers pre-
sented in the form of a ladder, fire miniature can-
non, and many other amusing tricks.

There is a radical difference in the way bird-
trainers begin their instruction. By some, kind-
ness and gentleness are employed at all times,
while others consider cruelty as the only correct
means. It 1nust certainly be deemed wicked to
use the latter means, and if a bird cannot be brought
to understand what it is required to do by kindness,
then do not attempt to train it at all. Some birds
never seem-to recognize their keepers as their
friends; they are always suspicious of danger, and
consequently any time lavished upon them will be
wasted. <A bird, to be trained, should be of a lively
but gentle disposition, and the younger the better.
It must be kept near its trainer as much as possible,
and its wants supphed by no other person. The
first step is to gain the confidence of the bird,
which may be effected by gentleness, never fright-
ening it by suddenly thrusting the hand into the
eage, or endeavoring to catch it unnecessarily. A
few hemp-seeds may be presented by the hand, or

20 CAGE-BIRDS.

placed on a table just outside of the open door of
the cage. Birds are very fond of this seed, and if
none is allowed in the regular mixture, they will
soon learn to pick grains from the hand, or venture
outside of the cage for them. At night, when the
bird is asleep, insert the hand quietly into the cage
and by a touch awaken him. He will peck at the
fingers, which should be withdrawn suddenly, as
though the sudden peck was something to be
avoided. After a few nights of such experiences
the pet will consider himself a conqueror, and will
fight the hand in daylight. He will learn to shake
hands, if his claw is gently touched at night and
the words “Shake hands” softly repeated. Give
a hemp-seed as a reward for merit and proficiency,
and let it be taken from the fingers or from between
the lips. When a good start is made, the succes-
sive accomplishments of climbing the ladder of
fingers, feigning death, drawing water, and the like,
will be readily acquired. Good judgment on the
part of the trainer will readily suggest expedients
for bringing about the desired results, the limits of
this work forbidding a more extended description
of details.

Diseases oF Birps. It would be a mistake to
suppose that birds in a state of nature are not sub-
ject to ailments, but it is true that when left to

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Ad i

follow their natural instincts disease Js a rare afflic-
tion. When caged, the possibilities of derange-
ments are largely increased, owing to carelessness
or ignorance on the part of the keeper in supply-
ing all daily requirements. Those that have “good
luck” with birds are those who take care of them,
and do not count it a task to provide ail the neces-
sary conditions of health and song. Study the
nature of your bird, and regularly attend to his
wants, then the many diseases that prematurely
end the existence of so many cage-pets will forget
to put in an appearance, and sprightliness and
pleasing song will be your reward.

OL ALP TER: JL

Tur CANARY.

‘O species of bird has ever given so much
satisfaction in the household as the
Canary. Ever since its introduction into

Europe in the sixteenth century, from the
island in the Atlantic, the name of which it bears,
it has been a favorite cage songster. Such
perfection in the breeding of the species has been
accomplished, that the domesticated bird now far
surpasses the native stock in quality of shape,
color and song, so that the latter is no longer
drawn upon to supply the bird-markets of the
world.

The domesticated Canaries may be divided into
various classes, each separately distinct from the
rest in song, shape, size or color—bird-breeders
differing materially in what they consider the
requisites of perfect birds.

THE GERMAN Canary. ‘The people who have
devoted the greatest attention to the rearing of
Canaries are the Germans. By them the cultiva-
tion of the singing qualities of the bird has been

THE CANARY. es

almost the exclusive desideratum, no particular
reference being made to beauty of plumage, shape
or size. In consequence, the finest singers in the
world are the trained German birds, not even ex-
cepting the best of Nature’s winged minstrels.
The length of the German Canary is about five
and one-half inches, the color varying from a pure
yellow to a yellowish green. The birds are some-
times variously mottled or crested, for as before
stated, their breeding has entire reference to their
song and not to their plumage.

In many districts of Germany the breeding of
the Canary, for the supply of the markets of the
world, 1s the principal occupation of the people,
but the Hartz Mountain region surpasses all
others to the extent that the German-bred Canary
is designated by the name of that locality. The
choicest breed is reared on the very summit of the
mountain, in the little hamlet of St. Andreasberg,
where favored by the purest and most bracing of
atmospheres, the bird-education is carried to a
degree that can scarcely be understood by ordinary
readers. Every facility is given for the young
birds to acquire the cultured notes of well selected
singers. Besides, various mechanical devices are
employed to introduce long trills, water and flute
notes, and other oddities in song. From three to
six months of constant training is needed to bring

24 CAGE-BIRDS.

the young songsters to the required degree of per-
fection. Birds that develop harsh or crude notes.
are promptly ejected. St. Andreasberg Rollers is.
the name by which these Canaries are usually des-
ignated. As might be supposed, their extraordin-
ary vocal powers make them very desirable pets,.
and they rightly deserve the high measure of re-
gard that has been bestowed upon them.

The size of the St. Andreasberg Canary is about
the same as that of the ordinary German bird, and
its color and general appearance are never more
attractive, but when music is wanted and the
soul is to be lifted from these meaner levels of
thought and affection to the heights of seraphie
ecstacy, then let the feathered songsters that are
prized for their beauty keep silence one and all,
while the king of musicians the St. Andreasberg
Canary executes his heavenly opera of song.

Tue Beieran Canary. Shape in preference to:
song has been the end sought for in the breeding
of this bird. Belgium claims the honor of its
greatest development, bird-breeding having been
long a favorite hobby with all classes in that
country. The Belgian Canary is a long, slender
bird approximating in shape when at rest to a
right angle, its head and neck horizontal, its legs
and body vertical. Its movements are awkward

THE CANARY. Za

in the extreme, and its usual appearance gawky,
but to the trained eye of the bird-fancier the marks
of high breeding are everywhere apparent. When
excited, or at a given signal from his keeper, the
bird assumes the perfect position which shows its
breeding to the best advantage. The birds of this
stock, being of an exceedingly nervous tempera-
ment, are never caught. When their removal from
one cage to another is desired, they are guided by
means of a stick. In color the Belgian Canary 1s
usually yellow, but color is made subordinate to
shape. The full-bred bird is seldom met with in
America, but three-quarter or half-bred birds are
well prized, as they retain much of the beauty of
the full-bred, and are at the same time better
songsters.

The cage in which this bird is confined should
be roomy enough for his lengthy figure. His tood
differs but slightly from that of others of his race.
In addition, however, to the regular Canary seed-
mixture, the preparation of hard-boiled egg and
cracker is recommended to be fed twice a week.

Tue Eneitish Canary. The people of Great
Britain are not behind their continental neighbors
in the matter of bird-breeding, but, unlike the
Germans and the inhabitants of the Low Countries,
the English have given more attention in the rear-

26 CAGE-BIRDS.

ing of young birds to their color and size. The
city of Norwich has given its name to the Norwich
Canary, this particular favorite having been culti-
vated for years in or about that place. This bird
is usually of a deep golden color, slightly larger
than the Hartz Mountain species. Some sub-vari-

eties are splendidly crested. In song the Norwich
Canary cannot compete with his German cousin.
His notes are louder and not so well modulated as
his rival’s, nevertheless he does his best to be enter-
taining, and what is lacking in voice-culture he
attempts to make up by spunk and ambition.

THE CANARY. TE

Other varieties of the English Canary are the
London Fancy, the Gold and Silver Lizards, the
Scotch Fancy, the Yorkshire, Lancashire Coppy,
etc. Of these the latter is the best known and the
most remarkable. On account of its extraordinary
size, the bird being nearly or quite eight inches in
length, he may be regarded as a veritable giant in
the Canary race. The word “ Coppy” signifies a
crest, an ornament which is characteristic of this
species; a sub-variety, however, called the Plain-
head is bred without a crest. The Lancashire
Canary presents avery striking appearance, the
body being massive, yet graceful, the crest well
proportioned and regular. The principal eftorts of
its breeders are directed toward securing great size
in body and crest, and good proportions in shape.
The song of the bird is loud, corresponding to its
size, and is not without its attractions.

The Scotch Fancy, or Glasgow Don, which, as
its name suggests, is a favorite in Scotland, is an
offspring of the Belgian Canary, although gener-
ally more hardy, the same being true, also, of the
Yorkshire breed. Excellence in shape forms the
desired standard. No particular attention is given
to the color of plumage or the quality of song.

The English Lizard Canaries, so called because
the peculiar markings were supposed to resemble
those of a lizard, are handsome fellows, without

28 CAGE-BIRDS.

exception the most beautiful of all bred Canaries.
Every bird of this variety shows an attractive cap,
which is uniform in color. This cap may be of a
golden or steel-gray color, according to the variety,
the body presenting a beautiful, spangled appear-
ance, the result of a pecuhar development in the
coloration of the feathers.

Brirb-BREEDING IN AMERICA. The busy pursuits
of the American people seem to prevent them
from entering seriously into the fanciful pastimes
that characterize the life of the European peas-
antry. One of these, in which our countrymen
are not expert, is bird-breeding; for while a few
bird-fanciers may be occasionally found, who pride
themselves in the pure stock of their birds, our
breeders in general are content if eggs are laid
and hatched, and the young grow up to. be
indifferent songsters. The American-bred Ca-
nary has about the same relation to the Euro-
pean as the yellow mongrel has to the high-bred
dog. Our birds are bred for pleasure and not for
profit; but even pleasure would be enhanced if only
the best stock were used in mating and science
were to take the place of fancy in the methods of
breeding.

CHAPTER III.

*

THE CARE OF CANARIES.

OST of the wholesome directions usually
furnished for the care of pet birds read-
ily suggest themselves to the minds of

intelligent persons. The best rule that can be
given is to apply common sense. [If left free to
supply their own requirements, birds will follow
the instincts of their nature, and when such free-
dom is denied them, their keepers are by duty
bound to anticipate their wants and to furnish the
necessary means of gratifying them.

Exercise is one of the fundamental needs of
every active organism. Birds require it, but at
the very outset of their career as cage-pets, it must
needs be reduced to a minimum. Let the cage
selected for a Canary be large enough to aftord
ample opportunity for flitting about; the larger
the better, but no cage should be less than ten
inches in diameter and twelve inches in height.
Swings and rotating perches will afford much
amusement to the occupant of the cage, as well as
ofter additional means of activity. Hang your
Canary’s cage in a moderately heated room and
never where the bird will be affected by draught.

30 . CAGE-BIRDS.

Care in following this simple direction will remove
a fruitful cause of death. If a cage should be
placed out of doors in pleasant weather, it must
not be permitted to remain until the atmosphere
becomes chilling. Fresh air and sunshine are
grateful to a bird and necessary for its healthful
condition, but they must not be given at the
expense of warmth.

Always keep your Canary’s cage serupulously
clean. This may seem a rather trite remark, but
uncleanliness is so very conducive to annoyance
and disease in birds as well as in man, that this
particular advice cannot be too frequently insisted
upon. If it prove to be too much of a task to
attend daily to cleaning a cage and supplying its
occupant with the necessaries of comfort and
health, then do not keep a bird.

Pests. <A lack of cleanliness will encourage the
breeding of lice in the cage, and no cause is more
fruitful of annoyance to the bird. When afflicted
with these pests the Canary shows great uneasi-
ness, plucks continually at his feathers, and
appears generally wretched. If such a condition
is observed, take down the cage and transfer its
occupant to another. Upon examination of the
crevices and perches a reddish dust may be
detected, or a whitish deposit as of flour dusted

THE CARE OF CANARIES. Bil

over the surface. These may be parasites or their
egos, and call for a thorough renovation of the
bird’s domicile. If the cage is a brass one, the
best way is to have it refinished; this will prove
an effectual manner of getting rid of the pests.
Diseard the perches, or pass them through the
flame of a lighted candle. On other than brass
cages hot water and soap will be eftectual if fol-
lowed by an application of varnish. Rest assured
it 1s easier to prevent the coming of bird-pests
than it is to bid adieu to them. Before returning
the bird to its cage, dust it thoroughly under the
feathers with German insect powder. This is
usually effectual in annihilating such parasites as
may be upon the biyd’s body. The little pet will
soon resume its usual sprightliness, and renew its
singing. A. good way to detect the presence of
lice in the cage is to cover the cage at night with
a piece of clean white muslin. Examine this on
the under side in the morning, and if there are
insects about the bird, some will be found upon
the cloth.

Drinking AND Baruine Water. Fresh water
for drinking and bathing should be placed in the
bird’s cage daily. Drinking water which has been
unchanged for several days may cause imflamma-
tion of the intestines, a trouble to which Canaries

ae CAGE-BIRDS.

are particularly subject, and of which many die.
The bathing dish should be shallow and the water
for the bath of a moderate temperature. Few
birds will neglect to avail themselves of bathing
opportunities if these are given them about the
same time daily. After the bird has bathed
remove the dish, and give no further opportunity
to bathe again during the day, as too frequent
ablutions sometimes produce cramps.

A persistent refusal of a bird to use the bath-
dish provided for him is often caused by a neglect
to furnish him the opportunity to bathe at regular
intervals. He will complete his toilet with water
abstracted from his drinking cup, and utterly
ignore his bathing dish, much to the chagrin of
his mistress. For this condition of affairs there is
often no help, but regularity in placing bathing
water in the cage, and. removing it after it has
been there an houror so, will do much toward
inducing a desire on the part of the bird to make
use of the dish at the proper time. Sometimes
moderately spraying a bird that refuses to bathe,
then placing him in the sunshine to dry and dress
his feathers, will induce in him a desire for thor-
ough ablutions. But care should be taken not to
wet the bird’s feathers too much, and never ina
cold or chilling atmosphere.

THE CARE OF CANARIES. oe

Seep AND. OtHER: Foops. The best seed for
Canaries 1s a mixture of German summer rape,
Sicily canary, and millet seeds in about equal pro-
portions. This mixture may be fed the year
round and should be the principal diet of the
birds. Hemp is wholly excluded from this bird-
seed owing to its very fattening qualities, and
notwithstanding the fact that all birds are fond of
it, it should not be fed under ordinary circumstan-
ces. A few grains may be given possibly as a
reward for purposes of training, or for building up
an emaciated system. All seed fed to birds should
be fresh and of the best quality ; obtained, if pos-
sible, from a bird dealer, as that which is purchased
from grocers is usually poor and unwholesome.
Two or three times a week birds should have
some green food, such as lettuce or cabbage leat,
chickweed, endive, water-cress, or a piece of sweet
apple. Such food, however, soon becomes stale,
and should be removed before it proves a means
of injury. Cake, sugar, candy, figs aud such dain-
ties should never be fed. A mixture of hard-
boiled egg and pulverized cracker or stale bread
erumbs is a valuable food under certain conditions,
but birds in full health and song do not require it.
This food may be given daily during the time of
moulting. It may be fed regularly to breeding
birds during the entire period of incubation, and

34 CAGE-BIRDS.

should be the principal food of young birds until
they are able to crack seed.

CuTtLe-FIsH Bone anp Graven. The digestive
organs of a bird are so constituted that small parti-
clesot gravel are essential for athorough grinding of
the food before it enters the stomach. The bottom
ofa bird’s cage shouldtheretore be strewn with clean
fine gravel from which the bird can pick at will,
and in which it will often dehght to scrape. Cut-
tle-fish bone is furnished as an excellent appetiser.
While not wholly necessary tor the health of the
bird, its saline proportions render it wholesome,
and a desirable addition to the daily food.

CAYENNE Pepper. It has been long generally
known that the feeding of cayenne pepper to a
Janary for a certain length of time before and
during the moulting season will materially alter
the color of the plumage; the change being to a
very pronounced reddish-orange hue. ‘This secret
was guarded for a long time by its discoverer, who
reaped a most splendid financial harvest for his
good luck or ingenuity. As such a change of
color is produced by artificial means, cayenne-ted
Canaries cannot be classed as a distinctive species.
The coloring, moreover, disappears when the bird
moults and the new feathers display their natural

THE CARE OF CANARIES. 35-

hue unless the feeding is renewed before the period
of moulting begins. The pepper used should be
of the best grade; that obtained from a reliable
bird-dealer will prove most satisfactory, as it is
imported for this purpose. One heaping teaspoon-
ful is thoroughly mixed with a hard-boiled egg
grated fine, together with an equal amount of pul-
verized bread or cracker crumbs. The quantity
of this mixture that a single bird will consume
varies considerably ; the average amount to be fed
being one heaping tablespoonful each day. The
regular seed-mixture should be reduced to half the
amount during the cayenne feeding. Canaries are
very fond of the pepper food, but care should be
taken not to over-do the matter. Enough wili
prove better than a feast. The delicate organism
of a bird might become seriously affected by over-
feeding. It is thought by some expert bird-
fanciers that moderate quantities of the coloring
mixture have no ill etfect upon the health of the
Canary, while others assert that it is decidedly
harmful.

The birds usually subjected to such artificial
coloration have naturally a deep yellow color.
The Norwich Canary is the very best of this class,
its hue being to start with a beautiful golden. The
feeding of the cayenne food is begun when the
nestling is some six or eight weeks old and con-

36 CAGE-BIRDS.

tinued until the moulting period is decidedly
passed. The color should then be sufficiently set,
but all birds are not equally affected by the food.
Indeed, some Canaries do not seem to be noticea-
bly changed by all the pepper that they can be
induced to swallow. In the second year, and in
each succeeding year thereafter, the pepper diet
must be renewed about two weeks before the
moulting period and continued until the same
length of time after the bird has acquired his full
plumage. Cayenne-fed Canaries, as a usual thing,
sing well, as pepper invigorates the vocal organs.
They present a handsome appearance and are pos-
sibly as hardy and sprightly as others fed upon
ordinary seed mixtures.

Tue Movurtine Pertop. The shedding of a
bird’s feathers is a natural process that takes place
annually; it must not be considered a disease,
although carelessness at such a time in the matter
of attention may jeopardize the life of the bird.
The moulting season usually begins late in August,
and should be fully past in trom four to six weeks.
Nestlings have attained their full plumage when
about two months old, and very soon thereafter
begin to shed their body feathers, those of the
wings and tail being retained until the succeeding
season. When the time for moulting begins a
bird loses his sprightliness, stops singing, perches

THE CARE OF CANARIES. Sir

with his head under his wing considerable of the
time, and shows no appetite for customary food.
He should then have a more generous diet. In
addition to the regular seed, feed daily a mix-
ture of hard-boiled egg and pulverized cracker
erumbs, to which a pinch of cayenne pepper may
be added. The danger of taking cold is the
greatest that besets a moulting bird. The cage
may be partially covered with paper or cloth and
hung where its occupant will be protected from
draught and where a moderate, even temperature
prevails. It is better also at this period to clean
the cage less frequently, in order to prevent any
unnecessary disturbance to the bird. A moderate
degree of heat and sunshine will materially assist
the restoration of the bird’s usual appearance and
sprightliness.

CHAP TW lV.

Tue BREEDING OF CANARIES.

HE rearing of young birds is a task in
which all will not be equally suecessful,
but it is safe to say that if care is taken

to follow a few simple directions a reasonable
amount of success may be assured to all. The
breeding of Canaries may be commenced as early
as February and continued until late in the sum-
mer, one pair raising several broods if permitted.
The policy, however, of continuing the breeding
season too long is to be disparaged as such con-
tinuation will prove detrimental to the health and
comfort of the birds.

The desire to mate is natural to a bird during
the early spring months and if not permitted to do
so, a slight illness known as the “ mating fever”
may ensue. This is most common in the latter
part of April or the first part of May. The bird
sometimes takes his condition seriously to heart,
refuses his food, and ceases singing. If mating is
an inconvenience, the bird’s cage should be hung
in a cheerful place, where different surroundings
may divert his attention, and if possible another

THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 39

singing bird should beplaced near him forcompany.
Talkto himand proffer him dainties; the probability
is that he will soon forget the desire of his heart and
resume singing. A better way, however, at such
a time, is to mate your bird; the trouble, it is be-
lieved, of ministering to the wants and looking
after the domestic conditions of the bird family
would be fully compensated by the pleasant con-
summation of their household affairs.

Procure of your bird-dealer a female of as good
a breed as it is possible to obtain; 1f older than the
male, it will be all the better as the offspring in
such a case will consist of more males than females.
If the parent birds are about the same age, the
sexes In the young birds will probably be equally
represented. The colors of the young will be
characterized by those of the parents. <A thickly
mottled bird may be mated with a pure yellow
female to produce a progeny lighter than the male,
but darker than the female; a fine yellow bird may
be obtained by mating a deep yellow songster with
a whitish yellow or mealy female. The singing
qualities of the young males cannot be predicated
from those of the parent. Excellence of song is
the result of voice culture ; it can only be attained
by careful training during the period that the
young males are beginning to sing.

Birds will often quarrel considerably when they

40 CAGE-BIRDS.

are first placed in the same cage. It is a good
plan to give them a suitable opportunity of getting
well acquainted before they become occupants of
the same domicile. Place the female in the breed-
ing cage, which should be set or hung where it is
to remain, and on the opposite side of the room
hang the singing Canary’s cage. Ina few days the
birds will become quite familiar, the male calling
and the female answering, and then you may be
assured that they are ready to undertake the re-
sponsible duties of domestic life.

The cage in which the breeding takes place
should be roomy, ten inches or upwards in width
and sixteen or upwards in length. It should be
hung against the wall or placed upon a shelf some
seven or eight feet from the floor, and facing if
possible, the south, as that will prove the most
cheerful aspect. When once it has become the
home of its prospective tenants, its position should
not be changed, nor should it be needlessly taken
from its place. The cage should be provided with
a drawer which must be kept clean and strewn
daily with fine gravel. It is especially to be de-
sired during the breeding period to prevent the
accumulation of lice as they are particularly an-
noying to the young birds. Cleanliness is a very
certain preventative. Pieces ot old plaster or
crushed oyster shells should be strewn with the

THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 41

gravel in the bottom of the cage as the lime that the
plaster and shells contain is utilized for the forma-
tion of egg-shells. Without this, soft-shelled eggs
might be laid and such would be useless. Fresh
water, both for drinking and bathing purposes
should be supplied daily. Some birds will bathe
during the breeding period while others will not;
it is best to allow them to act according to their
own free will in the matter. Plenty of nutricious
food should be given, as the cares incident to
paternal and maternal duties are wearing upon the
bird organism. Feed the egg and cracker mixture
daily in addition to the seed, and some green stuff,
such as lettuce leaf or bits of sweet apple, fre-
quently. This diet, indeed, should have been begun
with the birds several days before they were placed
together. Underfed birds sometimes eat their
eges as fast as laid, much to the annoyance of the
breeder, but it is safe to say if the above mixture
is fed plentifully your birds will not care to destroy
their own treasures. ;

As soon as the male is observed to be feeding his
mate, it 1s certain that the two have come to an
amicable adjustment of their difficulties. In about
eight days after mating, the female will begin to
lay, and will deposit one egg daily until the whole
number are laid. The set of eggs is seldom less
than four, but often five or six and sometimes

42, CAGE-BIRDS.

seven. Almost immediately after the deposit of
the last egg the female will begin incubation, a
task in which she will be assisted occasionally by
the male, if he is a good husband. The first egg
will hatch in exactly thirteen days, then one egg
each day in the order in which they were laid,
until all the young birds are out. If an egg should
be unhatched in two or three days after the proper
period tor incubation is past, lift it out of the nest
carefully by means of a spoon; hold it up between
a strong light and the eye. If dark blood stains ap-
pear, return the egg to the nest, for it may yet be
hatched, but if it is semi-transparent it may be dis-
carded at once. Loud noises near at hand, such as
peals of thunder, the slamming of a door, the
report of a gun, and the like, are said sometimes
to kill the embryo, and render the egg worthless.

The male will assist the female in feeding
the young; plenty of soft food should be supphed
them for this purpose, as the infant progeny have
very large mouths and very capacious stomachs,
and notwithstanding the assiduous eftorts of the
parents they seem always hungry. The egg and
cracker mixture should be their customary diet,
and on this alone they will thrive, as it is very
nutricious and well calculated to furnish the nec-
essary means of development. In from two to
three weeks the young birds will be able to leave

THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 43

the nest and avail themselves of the perch. They
will soon learn to feed themselves if plenty of soft
food is kept in the cage. In addition to the egg
food, some soaked, ripe seed may be given regu-
larly in a separate dish. When some four weeks
old the males will be noticed swelling their throats
as if attempting to warble, whereupon, if it is
desired, the sexes may be separated. The birds
will be in full feather when six weeks old, but very
soon thereafter begin to cast their body feathers,
and two months may elapse before they are in per-
fect plumage again. During this period, they
should be carefully preserved from draughts, and
fed the egg mixture daily, together with rape-
seed which has been softened in water, and a lit-
tle crushed hemp. 7

A young male’s capacity to sing may depend
upon good breeding, but the excellence of his song
is dependent upon his musical training. If he sings
well, he has learned by imitation. If you expect
your young birds to become good singers, you
must place near them as good a songster as you
ean buy or borrow. A little money spent for a
fine singer that can act as instructor to the young
will be well repaid by the satisfaction you will get
in knowing that you have not only reared a few
broods of Canaries but that you have added to your
possessions a number of excellent songsters. Bird-

44 CAGE-BIRDS.

breeders in Germany put their Canaries to school
immediately after the moulting season is past, the
birds being then about three months old. <A large
number of young males are placed in a half-lhghted
room connected with an apartment above by an
opening in the ceiling. In the upper room are
placed the choicest singers that can be commanded
—Nightingales, Larks, Blackeaps, ete., which
act as instructors to the young birds. The Cana-
ries soon learn the lessons so carefully set forthem,
and in a few months become expert musicians.

Ilaving now traced the ordinary routine of breed-
ing Canaries, it will be well to note a few of the
incidental annoyances that may occur to mar the
pleasure of the breeder. Occasionally a male bird
is capricious about bestowing his affections upon
the bride that has been chosen for him, and some-
times the female will resent all attentions that may
be proftered her by her liege lord. If the birds re-
fuse to mate on account of any coldness of heart
on the part of either of them, find out which one
is at fault and then change the bird.

When afemale has trouble in laying her egg she
is said to be “ egg-bound.” This condition is pros-
trating, and if the egg is not laid within a reason-
able time some expedient should be tried to bring
about the desired result. Take the bird gently in
the left hand with her back to the palm, and

THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 45

expose the passage to the steam of a kettle
for a few minutes; apply with a pointed stick
a drop or two of sweet oil to the vent, and return
the bird to the nest. It is probable that the egg
will be laid immediately. This condition may be
prevented by feeding daily plenty of green stuff for
a time before the birds are mated.
It may happen that the male and sometimes the
female parent is guilty of eating the eggs as soon
as laid. This fault is said to result from under-
feeding. The birds should have extra nutriment
from the time that they are placed together and as
long as they are acting in the function of parents.
If however the breeder is likely to experience this
annoyance, the eggs may be removed as fast as
laid (using a spoon for this purpose) and small
marbles substituted. When the entire quota is
laid, the eggs should be carefully returned to the
nest as the hen will begin incubation at once.
After the eggs are hatched too much curiosity
on the part of the people of the household in dis-
playing the interesting progeny will sometimes
cause the bird parents to desert the young. Leave
the birds unmolested as much as possible. If then
they persist in failing to feed their offspring. the
Jatter must be fed by hand or left to perish. Re-
move the nest with the young birds in it from the
cage, taking care to keep them warm, then feed

46 CAGE-BIRDS.

them every hour during the day with the egg
mixture previously recommended, using for the
purpose a small stick or quill. A Red-bird placed in
the same cage with a nest of deserted Canaries will
sometimes perform all the duties of a foster-parent.
He tenderly supplies them with all they desire,
and acts besides in the capacity of musical in-
structor.

A hen may cover her young too closely during
the first few days and so “sweat” them; at the
same time she is likely to neglect their proper
feeding. It may be well in such a case to remove
her mate from the eage, thus compelling her to
leave the nest for food. The sight of plenty of
fresh food in the dish and of the gaping mouths
of her young nestlings will usually be sufficient to

Hysripvs. A hybrid or mule-bird is the offspring
of a male of one species and the female of another.
Some persons have a fancy for such breeding ;
indeed, it must be acknowledged that the difficulty
of producing desirable variations in species 1s not
without its special attractions. All hybrids are
incapable of reproduction; any attempt to mate
them would necessarily prove futile. The female
Canary will mate with the males of many species
similar in habits to herself if the opportunity of
mating is given during the natural pairing season

THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 47

of the male bird. The females also of many vari-
eties less domesticated than the Canary will mate
with the male of the latter species. The Gold-
finch, Bullfineh, Chaftinch, Linnet and Siskin
among Kuropean birds, and the Goldfinch, Bobo-
link, Indigo and Nonpareil among American spe-
cles, will mate with the Canary. The proper time
of breeding for most of these varieties 1s about the
middle of May. The American Goldfinch is excep-
tionally late in mating in its natural state, as it is
often late in the summer before its first brood
appears. The breeding of hybrids will be found
more difficult than that of Canaries, although the
same general rules will apply to all. High colors
are sought for in mule-breeding, and the song
resulting from combination is sometimes excellent.

CHAPTER V.

THe DISEASES OF CANARIES.

HE Canary is a remarkably healthy bird,
living many years if proper attention is
given to its requirements. Disease or pre-

mature death must be attributed usually to neglect,
a statement which has been made with equal truth
respecting cage-birds in general. Over-kindness,
however, and consequently over-indulgence in the
matter of feeding, often lays a foundation for future
trouble. Simplicity in food is one of the secrets of
long lite in pets as well as in the human race, yet
this statement in no way conflicts with the time-
honored saying that “ variety is the spice of life.”
Changes in diet may be made from time to time,
but whatever is fed should be simple in its nature,
and calculated to nourish the bird-organism. If
you would have your bird “live to sing,” it must
be made to “eat to live,” and not to “live to eat.”
Cake, candy, sugar, and various other sweetmeats,
are Wholly unknown to birds in a state of nature,
and should be rigorously excluded from the daily
menu.

THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 49

Cleanliness and a care to exclude stale food and
water from a cage, will save its occupant a period
of suffering, and, perhaps, its fond but indulgent
owner a temporary heartache. <A few of the prin-
cipal troubles to which Canaries are subject will be
briefly enumerated, and the remedies usually found
sufficient for the same will be given. It may be
remarked, in this connection, that the diseases of
other cage-birds are, to a large extent, very similar
in their nature to those of Canaries, and may be
treated by the same means as recommended here,
unless otherwise specitied in the proper connection.

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CANARY IN HEALTH.

Taking cold is a fruitful source of disease, being
usually due to negligence. A bird’s cage has been
hung ina draught, or placed out of doors during
the sunny part of the day and forgotten until after

50 CAGE-BIRDS.

the sun has gone down, or, perhaps, allowed to
remain out all night. The morning finds you with
a wheezy bird on your hands, if not with a dead
one. Colds produce asthma, cousumption, loss of
voice, diarrhea, and other kindred troubles.

Many birds of a greedy disposition are subject
to indigestion. Their appetites may have become
vitiated by the feeding of dainties, or, after a period
of neglect, too much food is given at one time,
from which they greedily appease their hunger.
Perhaps the drinking water has become stale, or a
bit of apple or green stuff has soured, and has not
been removed from the cage. From such causes
arise constipation, fits, inflammation of the liver or
bowels, trom the latter of which many birds die.
Uncleanness or a foul atmosphere may cause
cramps, sore feet, various diseases of the skin, and,
where many birds are confined. some coutagious

diseases.

AstuMa is usually the result of cold, but may, in
some cases, arise from indigestion. It is character-
ized by difficult breathing, the afflicted bird open-
ing his mouth frequently to gasp for air, and pro-
ducing, from time to time, a peculiar wheezing.
Place the cage where there is as even a temperature
as possible night and day (70° is about right), and
see that the bird cannot be affected by draughts. A

THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 51

bird’s cage is frequently hung upon a support fast-
ened to a window casement, and it sometimes hap-
pens that the window sash is very loose. Through
the crevices comes a constant flood of cold alr,
which may not be perceptible to persons in the
room, but which means death to the bird. Make
sure that such conditions do not exist. Reduce
the bird’s diet to plain rape and a few canary-seeds,
from which all dust has been carefully removed.
Plenty of bread, soaked in water and squeezed
until the surplus water has been removed, may be
fed daily; or bread boiled in milk will be better.
Feed lettuce leaf, endive, watercress, or other green
food, two or three times during the week, but
remove the remnants from the cage before they
become stale. Hang in the cage a piece of fat,
salt pork, uncooked, at which the bird can pick at
his pleasure; sprinkle the pork slightly with cay-
enne pepper. Birds sufiering from asthma should
not be caught if it is possible to avoid it.

CosTIVENEss often afflicts birds recently bought.
They have been fed on dry seed alone, and have
had no means of exercise in their small cages. A
bird often manifests this trouble by frequent switch-
ing of the tail, and efforts to obtain rehef. The
feathers are ruffled in appearance, and the bird
shows a general uneasiness. A’permaneut cure of

oo CAGE-BIRDS.

constipation must be brought about by correct
feeding; temporary relief may be effected by giv-
ing a piece of stale bread, moistened in sweet
eream, then sprinkled with maw-seed, or adminis-
ter a few drops of castor oil. Sweet apple and
some green food, given several times each week,
will prevent this trouble.

Loss or Voick is sometimes the result of cold,
and sometimes of over-singing. This condition is
seldom lasting when it receives proper attention.
Give amore generous diet for a short time; it 1s
well to feed the egg-mixture, sprinkled with cay-
enne pepper, and to dissolve a small piece of rock
eandy in the drinking water each morning.

After the moulting process is fully over, a loss
of voice is sometimes observed to aftect a singing
bird. He may be ambitious to resume singing
and indeed may go through all the motions as
usual but not a sound is heard from his throat.
This condition is often the result of cold contracted
during the moulting period; the above remedies
will probably prove eflicatious. A piece of raw

fat bacon hnng in the cage is excellent.

DIARRH@A is a frequent and very weakening
complaint among birds. It often attects those that
have been newly trapped, and in many cases proves

THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. ie

fatal. The principal cause of diarrhea will be
found in the manner of feeding, although the trou-
ble sometimes results from a cold. Green food, too
frequently fed, or permitted to be eaten in a de-
eayed condition, or foul drinking water, or too
much sloppy food, are all conducive to the disease.
It is made manifest by the watery character of the
bird’s droppings, and calls for speedy relief. The
simplest remedies are as follows: Place a rusty
iron nail in the drinking water, which must be
given fresh at least once a day; withhold green
food for a few days, and with the gravel on the
bottom of the cage sprinkie cayenne pepper and
some chalk grated fine. Keep the cage thoroughly
clean, placing it where the bird will be warm and

ciny:

Fits, oR CoNvuLsiIons are probably due to indis-
ereet feeding, and will yield, usually, to a correct
diet. Feed, for a time,. rape-seed with a little
canary, but no hemp. Beware of all sweetmeats
whatsoever, but give plenty of lettuce or sweet
apple. Never hang a bird’s cage in the hot sun-
shine; to this fault may be attributed some epilep-
tic disturbances rather than to indigestion.

Some bird-fanciers assert that fits are usually if
not always due to prolonged constipation. If
such a condition is known to exist the remedies

na. CAGE-BIRDS.

for costiveness should be applhed and great care
exercised in dieting.

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. This is a dan-
gerous trouble, and if not checked at the outset is
likely to cause death. Like some of the foregoing
diseases, it has its origin in bad feeding, and a con-
sequent derangement of the digestive organs. Im-
pure drinking water, bad seed, or stale food of any
kind, are fruitful causes. The bird shows symp-
toms of pain, scarcely cares to move or perch hin-
self erect, has no appetite for food, but evinces
great thirst. If the sufferer be gently caught, and
the feathers parted over the abdomen, that region
will be seen to show a reddish hue, varying in
depth of color with the intensity of the disease.
Adopt hygienic measures at once; crackers or stale
bread, soaked in milk, may be ted to the exclusion
of other food for a day or two. A warm applica-
tion, to the abdomen, of turpentine and lard will
aftord relief. Absolute cleanness, a moderate tem-
perature, and freedom from all excitement, may
bring the little sufferer back to health. During
convalescence a nourishing diet may be given.
Some bird tonies, to be obtained in the stores, will
be found useful.

CRAMPS AND LAMENESS. Cramps are the result

THE DISEASES OF CANARIES.. ao

of too frequent bathing, filthy or too confining
cages, or of indigestion. The legs, if affected, may
be immersed in a warm bath; afew drops of lauda-
num placed in the drinking water is beneficial.
Lameness is due to the use of perches too small to
be conveniently grasped, or, perhaps, to filth. The
scales on a bird’s legs, which increase in thickness
as the bird increases in age, sometimes produce
lameness, and should be removed. First soften
them by the aid of glycerine, used as a lotion; in
a couple of days they may be removed by means
of a knife-blade. <A bird’s nails should not be per-
mitted to grow unnecessarily long. When they
appear to need trimming, gently catch the bird,
and holding the claw up between a good light and
the eye, so that the blood veins may be discerned,
clip away with sharp scissors the superfluous nail,
taking care not to draw blood by cutting into the
quick.

AccIDENTS will happen in the best regulated tam-
ilies, and these sometimes occur to one’s feathered
pets. Should a bird become badly injured and its
recovery doubtful, the most merciful means of free-
ing it from its suffering is by the use of chloroform.
Make a stiff paper cone large enough to cover the
bird; a few drops of chloroform placed therein
along with the injured bird will cause a painless

56 CAGE-BIRDS.

and speedy death. In the case of ordinary injuries
the cage should be hung in a warm, dry place;
place food and drink in an accessible place, then
leave the sufferer to himself. Quiet and nature’s
healing balm will, in a few days, restore the invalid
to his usual sprightliness.

Oa Bed ald deca e

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS.

HE ornithological fauna of Europe includes

some of the finest songsters of the world.

They have, from the earliest times, been
celebrated in prose and song, and the names of
many of them are as familar to American readers
as are those of our own worthy minstrels. Who
has not heard of the Nightingale, the “sweet Phi-
lomel” of the poets, who have loved to sing of
his enchanting melodies poured forth in moonlit
groves, and of the Skylark, that ‘ethereal min-
strel, pilgrim of the sky,” whose morning hymn is
chanted in eestatic flight.

58 CAGE-BIRDS.

The European birds are, as a rule, less brillant
in plumage than our American songsters, but if
the former are lacking in beauty they are certainly
worthy rivals of their neighbors across the sea in
song. Quite a large number of the European birds
are desirable as cage-pets and for the aviary.
Much attention is given in the Old World, by the
common people, to the domestication of native
songsters, and probably to their love of such pur-
suits is due the fact that large numbers of cage-
birds are annually imported into this country.
Such of the peasantry as follow sedentary occupa-

tions—tailors, shoemakers, weavers, ete., are often-
times expert bird-trainers, and realize handsomely
by the sale of such feathered pets as they have,

from time to time, in training.

I.—SEeEep-Eatine Brrps.

GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis). The Goldfinch
is one of the handsomest and deservedly one of
the most popular birds of the Old World. Large
numbers of these Finches are annually trapped, and
owing to their easy domestication, their musical
proficiencies, agreeable manners, and aptness to
acquire smart tricks, they find a ready market the
world over. The extreme length of the bird is
five and one-half inches; the bill is tipped with

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 59

black, and encircled at its base by a beautiful
fringe of bright scarlet feathers; the top and back
of the head and a band extending on either side,
just forward of the shoulders, are black; the
cheeks and throat are white; the back, shoulders
and breast a tawny brown; the rump, wing and
tail feathers black, those of the wing being tipped
with white, and their black reheved by bright
patches of yellow. He seems fond of his beauty,
and loves to dress his feathers and cleanse them
with a daily bath.

The Goldfinch, when trapped, shows little
anxiety concerning jis new mode of life. He is
always a happy fellow, and, like all happy fellows,
adapts himself readily to his surroundings. He
soon strikes up a lasting friendship with his keeper,
and inwardly vows to prove himself worthy of all
the kind attention bestowed upon him. THis song
is mellow and pleasing, but lacking in force; in
confinement he will sing most of the year, the
principal exception being the moulting season.
With a lively and charming motion of the body
he utters his pleasing melody, the overflowing of a
heart in which care has no abiding place.

This Finch is one of the best trick-birds of the
world. His apt intelligence enables him to acquire
the habit of drawing up his seed in a bucket, firing
cannon, climbing the fingers, feigning death, ring-

60 CAGE-BIRDS.

ing bells, and many other smart things, in all of
which he is rarely equalled by other birds.

His daily food in confinement is maw-seed,
slightly mixed with canary; a few grains of hemp
may be occasionally given him as a luxury, or as a
reward tor meritorious proficiency in learning.
His daily bath should be by no means neglected, as
bathing is one of his greatest pleasures. His gen-
eral treatment is similar to a Canary’s, and his dis-
eases, which are few, may be relieved or prevented
by preserving hygienic conditions. The male Gold-
finch mates readily with the female Canary, the
progeny being said by some authorities to be pro-
ductive. This is not the case with hybrids in gen-
eral, but since the Goldfinch is nearly alhed to the
Canary, which is also a Finch, such an exception
to the general rule may obtain.

Rep Linnet (Ffringilla linota). The Linnet, like
the foregoing species, is a particular favorite with
all classes in Europe, its sweet, well-modulated
song and docile manner making it a desirable cage-
pet. Linnets are very sociable in disposition, and
large flocks are often seen perched on the top of
some favorite tree, warbling and chattering in a
most happy and engaging manner. They are easily
taken by means of bird-lime or clap-traps, and
readily adapt themselves to a cage existence. The

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 61

Linnet is said to acquire readily the notes of other
songsters with which it is confined, yet its own
song, so sweet and naturally varied, is by no means
improved by the combination. The habits of the
Linnet are so nearly like those of the Canary that
the same treatment may be given it in health and
disease. In its natural state the bird is very fond
of bathing, and no opportunity is lost to bathe and
dabble in every wayside rill, then to dress its wet
coat in the sunshine. In intelligence the Linnet is
little, if any, behind the Goldfinch, his ability to
acquire amusing tricks being very marked. He is
hardy, quite free from diseases of any nature, and
o at most sea-

=)

will pipe his sweet and pleasing son
sons of the year.

BULLFINCH.

Buuirincn (Loria pyrrhula). The Bullfinch,
though possessing naturally few notes entitled
to consideration, is one of the most highly

62 CAGE-BIRDS.

prized of all cage-birds. His merit les in his
ability to pipe different musical strains that are
whistled to him by expert trainers. In Ger-
many, in particular, peasants of sedentary oc-
cupations make a specialty of training Bull-
finches, and from them are obtained by bird-traders
the piping birds that are sent to all quarters of the
globe. Birds intended for the American trade are
taught the “Star Spangled Banner,’ ‘“ Yankee
Doodle,” “ Hail Columbia,” ete., which they exe-
cute with accuracy and sweetness ; while such birds
as are to find Enghsh homes will pour forth the
strain of “God Save the Queen” with equal patri-
otism and vim. The Bullfinch is a beautiful bird,
in appearance very neat and precise. The bill is
quite short and stout, being black in color; the
crown of the head is black, and a narrow, black
rim of feathers encircles the bill; the greater part
of the body is a handsome chestnut in color; the
wings and tail are black.

The natural food of the Bullfinch is the seeds of
plants and trees. He exhibits, ikewise, an unusual
partiality for the tender fruit-buds in farmers’
orchards, for which reason he is considered by
agriculturists one of the most pernicious of bird-
pests. In the cage his principal food should be a
daily supply of fresh rape-seed, and a very few
grains of hemp occasionally. Fresh green food

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 63

may be given him two or three days in the week,
but the remnants of such food should be removed
before they become stale. It is best that the Bull-
finch should be cared for by the same person day
after day. <A strict diet of wholesome food, all
dainties being carefully excluded, will go far toward
preserving the healthy condition of the bird. The
Bullfinch moults so rapidly that he is almost devoid
of feathers at times; he should accordingly be well
shielded from draughts, his cage being hung in a
warm, dry place. During the period of moulting
the bird will not sing. He should receive at that
time a more generous diet of strengthening and
stimulating food. A rusty nail placed in his drink-
ing water will have a wholesome effect, and this
may be done at any time that the bird shows a
tendency to diarrhcea, a disease which frequently
affects him. The claws of a Bullfinch grow rapidly,
and should be trimmed whenever their length
seems to be a hindrance in leaving the perch. He
should not be trightened, nor caught unnecessarily.
While he is more subject to diseases, probably, than
some other birds, it 1s nevertheless true that proper
care will prevent any discomfort in his life, or dis-
continuance in his song, other than the exceptions
noted in the natural process of moulting.

Cuarrincn (Pringilla caelebs). The Chaftinch is
a favorite cage-bird in some parts of Continental

64 CAGE-BIRDS.

Europe, but the English do not value it highly, as
it remains in song only a part of the year. Early
in the season, while winter still lingers in the lap
of spring, the sweet song of the Chaftinch may be
heard on every hand, a pleasing intimation that
sunshine and good weather are close at hand.
During the spring, and until the middle of the

CHAFFINCH.

summer, the warblings of this bird are frequent,
the first heard of all the songs of the vernal and
matin choristers. During the remainder of the
year he is entirely silent, and no circumstances
seem sufficient to call forth one note of melody.
In the Low Countries a great act of cruelty is per-
petrated upon the caged Chaffinch. To prolong

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 65

his powers of song, his eyes are seared out with a
hot iron, and the unfortunate chorister is doomed
to a lite of gloom.

‘*How the song of birds is involved in mystery! Mystery probably
never to be explained. While sauntering up and down the Continent in
the blooming month of May. we hear the frequent warblings of the Chaf-
finch; and then we fancy he is singing solely to beguile the incubation of
his female, sitting on her nest ina bush close at hand. But on returning
to the town we notice another little Chaffinch, often in some wretched
alley, a prisoner with the loss of both his eyes, and singing nevertheless as
though his little heart would burst. Does this blind captive pour forth its
melody in order to soothe its sorrows? Has Omnipotence kindly endowed
the Chaffinch with vocal faculties which at one time may be employed to
support it in distress, and at another time to add to its social enjoyments?
What answer shall we make? We know not what to say; but be it as it
will, I would not put out the eyes of the poor Chaffineh, though by doing
so I might render its melody ten times sweeter than that of the sweet
Nightingale itself.’”,—WATERTON.

It —Sort-Biniep -Binps.

NiGutincaLe (Philomela luscinia). Although uni-
versally esteemed for his musical capabilities, the
Nightingale is devoid of all attractiveness in appear-
ance. ‘ Nature,” says a writer, “has compensated
for its plainness by giving it a voice irresistibly
charming. Listen to its fine, long, quivering notes.
What variety, sweetness and brilliancy in them!
It seems to study and compose beforehand the
melodious notes it wishes to be heard. It begins
softly ; then the notes swell gradually, till they run
with the torpidity of a torrent; it goes from serious
to gay, from simple notes to the wildest warbling,
from the hghtest turns and shakes to languishing

66 CAGE-BIRDS.

sighs, and has throughout the whole the art to
please the nicest ear.”

The habitat of this bird includes nearly the
whole of Europe and a portion of Asia, some of
the warmer countries being particularly favored by
his presence in abundance. Pleasant groves near
running waters are his haunts, and there h's “most

NIGHTINGALE.

musical, most melancholy” notes are very sure to
be heard after his arrival in the spring. At might,
when other songsters are silent in repose, this king
of musicians reigns supreme. Anxious to please
his mate, he exerts his strength of voice to the
utmost, and so beguiles the weary hours of dark-
ness. The Nightingale is easily trapped, and with
proper care he may be kept in song during the
greater portion of the year, although his choicest
music will be produced during his natural mating

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. OF

season. He may often be incited to sing when
otherwise silent, by placing his cage near that of
another songster, whose music he will zealously
attempt to silence. He is a voracious feeder, and
not only enjoys, but requires, a good variety of
rich food. The prepared Mocking-bird food should
be given him daily, and ants’ eggs, previously
soaked until soft, may be added. Meal-worms are
much relished, and when fed several times during
the week, will do much toward keeping the bird
in song. Ripe fruit and berries may also be given
frequently in their season, but must not be permit-
ted to remain in the cage after they have become
stale. Utmost cleanness and daily supplies of
gravel and water will not only aftord comfort to
the bird, but will prevent an annoying complaint,
that of sore feet, to which he is quite subject.
Those who have been successful in keeping a
Nightingale for a long time in confinement, are of
the opinion that the diseases that are apt to end
his career as a cage-pet are due to ignorance or
neglect in feeding.

SkyLark (Alauda arvensis). Scarcely less famous
than the Nightingale, the Skylark is more generally
diffused over the whole of Europe, and familiar to
all classes. Unlike nearly all other songsters, his
sweetest music is produced when flying. Leaving

68 CAGE-BIRDS.

the meadow’s breast at the first intimation of the
approach of the king of day, this sweetest of all
matin minstrels cleaves the air heavenward, sing-
ing as he soars, until his form has disappeared
from view. Asa cage-bird the Skylark is a great
favorite in Europe. He is remarkably hardy, a
prime feeder, and quite docile. He sings well in
confinement, but his cage should be adapted to his
natural habits. One with a semi-circular and re-
volving front is especially manufactured for the
Lark, and should always be procured for him. No
perches are necessary, as this bird always rests on
the ground. The roof of the cage should be cov-
ered by a cloth, in order to prevent this aerial
songster from injuring himself, for true to his nat-
ural habits, he attempts at times to soar, but dis-
covers in an abrupt manner that his surroundings
are unfavorable to such sport. Green sod should
be kept in the semi-circular apartment of the cage,
upon which he will delight to rest and to warble
his sweetest songs. The Skylark never bathes,
and a bathing dish is, therefore, an unnecessary
piece of furniture. Instead of a water bath, he
loves to dust himself in fine sand, after the manner
of domestic fowls, and thus, strange to say, he
keeps himself clean and free from insect pests.
His regular food is the Mocking-bird mixture, pre-
pared with raw grated carrot, plenty of fresh veg-

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 69

etables, and some seeds. Insects he will relish at
all times, and these may be given him quite freely,
without fear of surfeit. Drinking water, of course,
he needs fresh daily, and plerty of fine sand for
his bath. His cage should be placed out of doors
when the weather permits, as sunshine and fresh
air will renund him of his native heaths, and there-

by incite him to song.

BLACKCAP,

Buack-cap (Silvia atricapilla). This shy wood-
land minstrel has been termed the “ Mock-nightin-
gale,” owing to the excellence of his natural song,
and his mimic powers make him not an unworthy
rival of the American Mocking-bird. He is a
small bird, hardly larger than a Camary, his color
being various shades of gray, except the jet black
of the crown, from which he derives his name.
The Black-cap is naturally a shy bird, frequenting
orchards and gardens, where he obtains his favorite
food, and except when feeding he seldom reveals

70 CAGE-BIRDS.

himself to the familiar serutiny of man. His food
consists of insects of all kinds and the various wild
fruits and berries; he is particularly fond of elder
berries, and such food in great variety should
always be permitted Lim in confinement.

Under proper conditions, the Black-cap proves
one of the most satisfactory of cage-songsters ; few
birds, however, require so much attention and care.
When earnestly engaged in singing, he sits calmly
and gives utterance to notes so sweet and well
modulated that even the Nightingale night not be
ashamed of them. .

STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris). One ot the com-
monest birds of Europe is the Starling, which is
about the size of a small Blackbird. He is desira-
ble as a eage-bird on account of lis handsome

Cc *
plumage, docile manners, pleasing song, and his
aiptness to repeat short phrases and to whistle tunes.
The plumage of the bird is dark, beautifully glossed
by varying shades of green and purple, pale yellow
spots marking the end of the feathers.

Some queer actions of the Starlings are deseribed in the ‘‘ Journal of a
Naturalist’? as follows: ‘ They vastly delight, on a bright autumnal morn-
ing, to sit basking and preening themselves on the summit of a tree, chat-
ting all together in a low, song-like note. There is something singularly
curious and mysterious in the conduct of these birds previous to their
nightly retirement, by the variety and intricacy of the evolutions they
execute at that time. They will form themselves, perhaps, in a triangle,
then shoot into a long, pear-shaped figure, expand like a sheet, wheel into
a ball, as Pliny observes, each individual striving to get into the center,

ete., With a promptitude more like parade movements than the actions of
birds,”’

EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 71

The Starling is generally insectivorous, but fre-
quently partakes of grain, seeds, and berries; of
cherries he is said also to be particularly fond. He
takes readily to confinement, and so docile does he
become that he may be allowed the hberty of the
house, and he will amuse its inmates by the most
ludicrous tricks and mimicking misdemeanors.
Tunes he whistles almost as cleverly as the Bull-
finch, and phrases, often of some length he will
learn to repeat. Feed him regularly upon the pre-
pared Mocking-bird food, as recommended for all
soft-billed birds, but do not neglect to furnish him
a supply of insects. No bird is less fastidious in
his tastes, as he will partake of anything prottered
him without grumbling about the character of his
repast. Bathing he particularly enjoys, taking to
water much in the manner of the duck, loving to
fuss and splutter, thus wetting everything in the
vicinity of the cage.

If it is desired to teacha Starling to whistle an
air, it should be frequently repeated to him daily
for two or three months, when he will be able to
produce it with accuracy and finish. A young bird,
of course, learns the easiest, sometimes acquiring
several tunes which he is able to reproduce per-
fectly.

CHAPTER VII.

AMERICAN SONGSTERS.

ILE birds of America are celebrated not only
for the variety and excellence of their mu-
sical utterances, but for the beauty of their

plumage. No songsters of any portion of the
world excel them in either qualification. Bird-
breeding and bird-trapping, however, have never
been engaged in so extensively in this country as
in the Old World, probably owing to the busy pur-
suits of our countrymen, who have not the time,
even should they have the inclination, to care for
and train cage-pets. The relative merits of native

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. io

and foreign songsters will probably never be decided
satisfactorily, owing partly to national prejudices
and partly to the widely differing characters of
song represented. The American Mocking-bird,
which is the acknowledged king of native musi-
cians, has not only an attractive song of his own,
but possesses mimic powers in such a high degree
that even the notes of the Nightingale are correctly
imitated. But both these birds differ widely in
style and execution, making a comparison all the
more difficult, if not entirely useless. Very many
American birds might be enumerated which make
worthy cage-pets, but owing to the limits of this
work only the most prominent songsters will be
described.

J.—SEED-EATING Brrps.

GoLprincn (Spinus tristis). The beautiful plum-
age of the Yellow-bird, or Wild Canary, his undu-
lating flight, and agreeable twitter while on the
wing, and his frequent visits to city gardens, have
made him familiar to every one. His song is pleas-
ing, though not powerful, yet similar in style to the
Goldfinch of Europe. He makes his advent in the
Northern United States early in the spring, fre-
quently in small flocks, the males of which may
often be heard in concert uttering their short, twit-

74 CAGE-BIRDS.

tering notes. Many of these songsters are trapped
yearly, and few birds are more easily domesticated.
They soon learn to love their new homes and their
keepers, and show by their affectionate manner
their appreciation of all favors. So docile will a
Goldfinch become that he may be permitted to flit
about the house manifesting no fear of the approach
of any of itsinmates. His ability to perform smart
tricks 1s remarkable; for under competent instruc-
tion the most difficult of tricks are learned in a
short time.

The food of the Goldfinch in confinement should
be much similar to that of the Canary, with the
exception that maw-seed and occasionally a few
grains of hemp may be added to his daily supplies.
The male Finch may be mated with the female
Canary, but the progeny is not sufficiently desirable
to warrant the trouble. The mating season of this
bird is later than that of any other of our native
songsters, as it is not until July that the first brood
is reared. The nest is usually lined with the down
of the thistle, and the seeds of the same plant
furnish nutriment to the young birds.

Inpigo Buntine (Passerina cyanea). Among the
birds that return to their northern homes with the
first appearance of congenial spring weather is the
Indigo Bunting, and no bird is more welcomed by

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. io

those who love to study and admire the feathered
tribes in their natural haunts. He is about the
size of a German Canary, yet his handsome uniform
of blue renders him a conspicuous object among
the half-formed foliage of the trees. This bird is
certainly one of the most delightful of our native
songsters, his notes being sprightly, cheerful and
frequent. The color of the female Indigo is a blue
duller than the male’s, and intermixed with russet,
this being the plumage, also, of the young males.
The Indigo is easily trapped, and submits readily
to confinement. He will sing most of the year,
the principal exception being during the moulting
season. He isa very desirable bird for the aviary,
as his beautiful blue plumage is in marked contrast
with the ordinary hues of other songsters. He 1s
a sociable bird, and learns easily many bird tricks,
his sprightly musical qualifications rendering him
a general favorite. His food should consist of the
ordinary canary and millet mixture, together with
a plentiful supply of insects, of which he is very
fond. When well cared for he will live from seven |
to ten years in confinement.

Nonparert (Passerina ciris). The Nonpareil is
the name of a handsomely plumaged bird, about
the size of the foregoing species, found throughout
the Southern States. He is also well known as the

76 CAGE-BIRDS.

Painted Bunting, owing to his many bright colors.
Freatnumbers ot these pretty songsters are taken by
bird-trapping negroes of the South for the North-
ern bird-market. The bird is easily domesticated;
in an incredibly short time he becomes reconciled
to his new manner of fe, and soon learus to accept
flies and other insects from the hand. His regular
feed should be canary-seed and millet in equal
proportions, and being fond of insects, he should
not be denied them. He is remarkably free from
disease, and with plenty of sunshine, a daily bath,
and a supply of gravel, he will prove to be a thing
about ten years.

of beauty and a joy for

BOBOLINK.

Bosouink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). Nature hasjno
happier minstrel than the Bobolink. Watch him

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. it

frolicking with his fellows over yon clover-blown
meadow, and listen to his eestatic music as he eir-
eles through the air, then say if you have ever
known such a personification of merriment. Like
the Skylark, the Bobolink produces his finest
songs when on the wing; but often, from amidst
the folage of an apple-tree laden with bloom,

his wonderful music bursts forth

As if for a time a blossom rare

Had started to life and sone,

To mount with the winds to the upper air
And die while floating alone.

Early May witnesses his advent in Ohio, but in
the New England States he is spoken of as a June
arrival. He is found generally over the Eastern
United States, immigrating early in the season to
the South, where he feeds upon the rice crops of
the Southern planter. There great numbers of
Bobolinks, better known as the Rice-birds among
the planters, are killed and served up presently to
tickle the palates of epicures.

During the breeding season the male Bobolink
differs essentially from the female. He is for the
most part black, the hind head yellowish white ;
scapulars, rump, and tail-covers white, tinged with
ash. His length is seven and one-half inches.

The Bobolink thrives well ina cage. He is a
voracious feeder, and to prevent his growing too

78 CAGE-BIRDS. °

fat to sing, only the simplest food should be given
him. He should not be confined in a small cage,
as that would afford him too limited means of
exercise, and exercise he needs, and plenty of it.
Gravel must be supplied him, and a daily bath.
No dainties are permissible. His principal seed
should be canary and unhulled rice, and these
ought to be given only in limited quantities at a
time. The Bobolink is perfectly hardy, living in
confinement with proper care about as long as any
other bird. On account of his gluttonous habits
he is unfit for an aviary, as he would be sure not
only to over-feed himself, but to rob his fellows of
their daily bread.

REDBIRD.

CARDINAL GROSBEAK ( Cardinalis Virginianus;),
The Redbird, as this Grosbeak is familiarly called,

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 79

is too well known to require description. In many
homes in this his native country he is a great favor-
ite; in Europe, also, he is admired for his beauty
and his sprightly manner. His habitat is the
Southern States and the country as far north as
Central Ohio and Pennsylvania, being resident
wherever found throughout the year. He is easily
domesticated, and lives, if properly cared for,
many years in confinement. He becomes greatly
attached to the one who attends to him, manifest-
ing the greatest pleasure upon being noticed or
petted. In his wild state he is very pugnacious,
this trait rendering him an easy prey to the snares
of the trapper. No sooner does his keen eye
notice the ‘call-bird” of his would-be possessor
than he makes a rush at him, which too often for
the Cardinal proves to be his last, since he quickly
finds himself shut in behind prison-bars, a life
prisoner because of his desire to fight. But woe
to the unlucky hand that at such a time comes
within reach of his powerful beak. This he some-
times uses to such good advantage that he often
compels his captor to release him in alarm, thus
affording him escape. The Redbird will breed in
confinement, but being so quickly taken and so
easily domesticated the trouble of breeding is not
usually undertaken. The female is preferred by
some to the male, as she is considered a good singer,

80 CAGE-BIRDS.

her voice being more mellow and sweet than the
male’s; the latter possesses a greater variety of
notes, besides executing them with more spirit.

The Redbird requires a good-sized cage, which
should be kept properly cleaned. He will enjoy a
daily bath, and will execute a “song and dance”
if treated to a meal-worm occasionally, or for a
change, to a little grated beef. Too much of such
food, however, will at times prove injurious. Feed
regularly a mixture of hemp and = canary-seed,
together with unhulled rice or sunflower-seed.
Bits of apple or of boiled potato will be greatly —
relished, and a regular supply of gravel for the
bottom of the cage should not be wanting. The
diseases of the Redbird are few, and, like all bird
ailments, are due to neglect of sanitary conditions
or unwholesome feeding.

BRaAzIntaAN Carpinan, South America furnishes
the bird-fanciers of the world with the Gray or
Brazilian Cardinal, a beautiful, crested songster,
much less brillant than our own Cardinal, but
resembling him in general characteristics. The
plumage of this bird is considerably diversified,
the head, crest and throat being a pronounced
scarlet, the body below a greyish white, the back
dark gray, the wings and tail darker shades of the
same color. His length is about seven inches.

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. St

Although his musical talents are not of the highest
rank, his song is melodious, not as loud as the Red-
bird’s but filled by a degree of sweetness that is
quite pleasing to the listener’s ear. The transition
from the warm atmosphere of the tropics to an
abode in the cool temperate zone does not seem to
affect the bird adversely; he is rarely found to be
sick. Ilis food is unhulled rice and canary-seed,
a few meal-worms or insects being fed him oceca-
sionally. Water must be furnished him daily for
bathing purposes, and plenty of gravel. His hab-
its are very similar to those of the Redbird, and
his general treatment need not difter trom that of
the latter species.

Rose-Breastep GrRospeak (fHabia ludovicinia).
The habitat of this beautiful songster is the East-
ern United States north to Southern Canada. It
cannot be said to be altogether rare, but owing to
its” secluding habits it is seldom seen by casual
observers. Deep woodland and secluded river
banks are its favorite abodes, and there, unobserved
by curious man, its wonderful song is produced.

The Grosbeak is one of the showilest of song-
sters, and respecting animation, his musical quali-
fications are said to surpass even those of the
Mocking-bird. Although a desirable bird for the
cage, the Grosbeak is seldom met with in contine-

82 CAGE-BIRDS.

ment. He is a voracious feeder, and like the
Bobolink, frequently fills himself to satiety. To
this cause his diseases, which are few, are princi-
pally due. ‘Too much food, therefore, should not
be given him at one time. Canary-seed, unhulled
rice and hemp-seed may be fed for a regular diet,
and occasionally some Mocking-bird food, a meal-
worm, or ripe fruit, may be added to his usual fare.
He enjoys bathing, and will continue to use the
bathing-water as long as it remains in the cage.
It is better to withdraw it as soon as he has under-
gone one thorough ablution,

II.—Sort-BILLED Birps.

Mockine-pirp (Mimus Polyglottus). The Mock-
ing-bird is a paragon in the musical world. In
addition to his well-known powers of mimicry, his
voice possesses an exquisite sweetness, while Jis
sprightly and graceful form and intelligent manner
fill the observer with admiration. He belongs to
the great family of Thrushes, all of which are
remarkable for their volubility and mimie powers.
The home of the Mocking-bird is in the South
Atlantic and Gulf States, where he breeds in great
numbers. He is migratory as far north as Ohio
and Pennsylvania, but his occurrence is rare north
of the Ohio River. The female is remarkably like

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 83

the male in plumage, and in some instances, prob-
ably rare, has proved that she is not always an
unworthy songster. She sometimes possesses the
distinctive wing-markings of the male, so that
even an expert fails to determine the sex of young
birds correctly.

“To examine the wing of the Mocking-bird, to distinguish the sex,
eateh the bird firmly in the left hand, and extend either wing to the fullest
extent with the right, looking at the wing on the upper side; the white col-
oring will be observed to be longest on the feathers nearest the tip of the
wing; the extent of white coloring gradually diminishes on the feathers
nearest the body, and in the case of the perfect-marked male bird resem-
bles somewhat the segment of a circle, and in some localities has received
the name of half-moon. The three longer primaries which have the white
color will be found to have no dark markings, or splashings intermixed
with the white. If the white markings are splashed or do not extend
directly across the feathers, the bird may bea female. In rare cases, four
of the feathers are unmistakably marked with clear white, and these are
considered perfect-marked birds, and recognized as males to a certainty.
The birds which have two feathers and a half clear, the two longer white-
colored feathers perfeet and a splash or dark mark, on the white on one
side of the quill of the third feather, are generally males, though females
are sometimes so marked. The white color on the feathers of the female
bird will be found to be splashed and irregularly marked throughout.’’—
Holden.

The Mocking-bird will breed in confinement,
and the young are less shy than the captured birds
on account of long domestication. In the South
the young birds are taken from the nest when they
are three weeks old, and fed by hand by their negro
captors. Traps are set for those that have escaped
capture in the nest. The birds are ready for the
market in June, and may be supphed during the
remainder of the summer. The full musical pow-
ers of the Mocking-bird are not developed during

84 CAGE-BIRDS.

the first year; indeed, it is not until the third year
that he reaches the eminence of perfection. Ile
should then be a prime musician. This bird is
remarkably hardy, and with proper care will live
to delight his owner for some twenty or more vears.
His requirements are not many, but they should

MOCKING-BIRD.

not be neglected if one would keep his pet free
from disease. A large, roomy cage should be his
domicile, kept scrupulously clean and free from
draught, a plentiful supply of gravel being kept in
the drawer. The bird should have a bath daily,
and a sufficiency of fresh drinking water at all

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 85

times. He is a voracious eater, but this is natural,
as he is a busy fellow, and busy fellows must have
good food and plenty of it.

Most of the diseases to which the Mocking-bird
is subject result from improper diet; care should
be taken, therefore, not to neglect to feed the bird
wholesomely, and not to permit his drinking water
to become stale. Feed daily the prepared Mock-
ing-bird food mixed with grated raw carrot. For
variety, there may be fed occasionally a mixture of
hard-boiled egg and potato in the proportion of
two parts of potato to one of egg. Ripe fruits
and berries are much relished by the bird, and are
beneficial. Soaked ants’ eggs, which may be ob-
tained from dealers, meal-worms, insects and spiders
form a very rich and nourishing addition to the
diet. These are always welcomed by the bird, but
they should not be given too often.

As has been said above, the diseases of the Mock-
ing-bird, as well as those of caged songsters in
general, are due to neglect. Prevention of such
troubles will be found to be always better than a
cure. Constipation may be relieved by feeding
plenty of fresh green stuff, insects and meal-worms
for a few days. If this does not attord relief, give
a few drops of castor oi]. Diarrhoea, which is gen-
erally caused by foul drinking water or stale food,
yields to a change of diet, for a short period, to

86 CAGE-BIRDS.

crusts of bread soaked in boiled milk, and a seanty
supply of insects and other dainties during the
continuance of the trouble. The pip is an annoy-
ing and dangerous trouble, usually caused by tak-
ing cold. If your bird does not sing and refuses
to feed as usual, catch him and examine his tongue.
There may be found on it a horny seale, which
must be removed with great care. Commence at
the base of the tongue, and by means of a blunt
knife or finger-nail, peel off the scale towards the
tip of the tongue. A few drops of glycerine then
placed on the tongue will serve to heal it.

Brown Turasuer (Harporhynchus rufus). Inthe
Northern States the Brown Thrush, or Thrasher
as it is called, is a worthy rival of the Southern
Mocking-bird. The powers of mimicry of this
bird are certainly remarkable. Perehed on a high
branch of a tree, he may often be heard uttering
his mellow cadences, making his notes resound for
a long distance. In color he is attractive as well
as in song. Tis back and tail are of a reddish-
brown, his under parts white, the breast being
thickly spotted with black. The colors of the’
female are somewhat duller, and the spots fewer
and less distinct upon the breast. The Thrasher
has arrived in his northern abodes early in May;
thick underbrush is his favorite resort. While not

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 87

so shy as some species of his family, he is never-
theless not anxious for observation, and whisks
away into the brush whenever any intruder upon
his solitude presents himself. He may be distin-
guished from the Wood Thrush, which he much
resembles, by his great length, that being not less
than eleven inches, while that of the Wood Thrush
does not exceed eight. Like the Robin, his favor-
ite hours for singing are the early morning, when
the rays of the coming king of day are wreathing
the forest tops, and the evening, when the setting
luminary is laying his rosy fingers in benediction
upon the woodland monarchs. This Thrush is
seldom seen caged. Why this should be so it is
not.easy to see, as few birds certainly present
greater attractions, and few, 1f any, can excel the
Thrasher in intelligence. The best birds for the
cage are those taken from the nest and fed by hand
until large enough to attend to their own wants.
The nest is usually found in a heap of underbrush,
the young being four to six in number. The hab-
its of the Thrasher are similar to those of the
Mocking-bird, and his treatment differs in no way
from that of the latter species. The largest-sized
Mocking-bird cage should be selected for him.

Woop THRUSH (Lurdus mustilinus). This Thrush
is known to every student of bird-life as one of the

88 CAGE-BIRDS.

sweetest of woodland minstrels. Naturally shy,
he is to be found only in thickly wooded places,
where his sweet voice is sure to be heard even if his
form remains unseen. In appearance he is much
like the preceding species, his length being between
seven and eight inches. He possesses fine natural
powers of song, in addition to which he is an
accomplished mimic. Morning and evening are
his favorite periods for singing, yet frequently
through the day his voice may be heard ringing
through the woodland. When caged, the Wood
Thrush should be given the same treatment as the
Mocking-bird, and a small-sized Mocking-bird
cage is best adapted for him.

Cav-BIRD (Galeoscoptes carolinensis). Every visitor
to the country becomes acquainted with the dark-
plumaged, garrulous Cat-bird, who inquisitively
introduces himself, time after time, with his quaint
mew. Any loud or unusual noise, instead of driv-
ing him farther away, brings him nearer, like an
inquisitive busy-body who wants “to know, you
know,” all about the matter. Every school-boy
knows him and threatens him, every farmer de-
spises him and molests him. He is very fond of
the farmer’s cherries, and is not averse to taking a
bee now and then; so his hfe must be forfeited
quite often for such misdemeanors. But if the

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 89

farmer would pause to consider that the Cat-bird,
and some other birds as well, devours many insect
pests during the year that would otherwise destroy
more fruit than many birds could possibly consume,
he might learn to regard this innocent and sociable
bird as one of his best friends.

The Cat-bird is a very good songster, his notes
resembling those of the Thrushes previously de-
seribed, and although seldom seen caged, few birds
prove more satisfactory as cage-pets. Whether in
his wild or domesticated state, he never exhibits
fear on any account, seeming perfectly trustful in
the good intentions of all comers. The regular
Mocking-bird cage is best adapted for him. His
food should be the regular mixture, ted with grated
raw carrot, in addition to which give plenty of
insects and occasionally some bits of raw beef.
Plenty of fresh ripe fruit is also essential, berries
in their season being particularly relished.

ScaRLET T'anacer (Piranga erythromelas). The
most gorgeous songster of our continent 1s without
doubt the Scarlet Tanager. If his song is given
an inferior rank, his beauty cannot be ealled in
question. His size is about that of the Wood
Thrush, his colors scarlet and black, the wings and
tail being of the |
olive-green, below clear greenish-yellow, wings and

atter. The female is a clear

90 CAGE-BIRDS.

tail dusky, edged with olive. The colors of the
male undergo a transformation in tie fall, becom-
ing much like those of the female. This bird may
be frequently seen in sunlit woodland and along
the banks of streams during the early part of May,
but soon after he retires with his mate to unfre-
quented woods to breed. His ordinary note is a
sharp “ chuck,” easily distinguished from the utter-
ances of other birds. His song, which is heard
more frequently during the breeding season, con-
sists in a succession of warblings similar to a
Robin’s, wholly unpretentious but not unpleasing.
‘His song is given,” says a writer, “after the man-
ner of a ventriloquist; for although he may be at
a considerable distance from you, the notes appear
as though coming from a point directly above.
“This is, no doubt, a power bestowed on him as a

protection from the danger to which his brilhant

colors expose him.”

The Tanager should be confined in the regular
sized Mocking-bird cage, and fed the prepared food
in the usual manner. Ripe fruits, figs, and dried
eurrants after being moistened with water, may be
supphed abundantly ; ants’ eggs and meal-worms
are always relished and beneticial. Highly plum-
aged birds have usually tender skins, and are very
susceptible to changes in temperature; it should
be seen to, therefore, that a sufficient warmth, par-

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 91

ticularly in winter, is maintained where the Tana-
ger’s cage is hung. With a good supply of food
in variety, and a proper attention to hygienic con-
ditions, there is little reason why the Tanager can
not be kept as long as other birds.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

Battimore Ort0Le (Icterus galbula). In point of
beauty the Scarlet Tanager is not far in advance
of the Oriole, or Golden Robin as it is sometimes
called, certainly one of the most interesting birds
of our American fauna. The lively whistle of this
bird as he flits from branch to branch of sunlit
trees in search of dainty morsels, is sure to please
the ear, while his dainty form delights the eye.
The latter part of April witnesses his advent, and

92 CAGE-BIRDS.

from that time throughout the summer he is to be
met with along the borders of streams and in open
woodland. The nest of the Oriole is hung from
the end of the branch of a tree, often at a consid-
erable height and usually over water. The young
are therefore difficult to take, although occasionally
an opportunity might be given to acquire them.
The colors of the Oriole are black and orange;
the head, throat, wings and middle feathers of the .
tail are of the former color, the lower part of the
back, breast and under parts being of the latter.
The colors of the female are dull and unattractive.
The song of the Oriole consists of a few whistled
notes frequently repeated as he flits abstractedly
among the green foliage of the trees. He feeds
upon the tender buds and upon a variety of insects
that he finds infesting the branches. His food in
confinement should be the Mocking-bird mixture
and the usual supply of meal-worms, ants’ eggs,
and, in fact, almost all varieties of caterpillars,
bugs and beetles. These are essential to his wel-
fare, as they form his principal food in his wild
state, and if not supplied with them regularly, he
is apt to languish and die.

ORCHARD ORIOLE ( Icferus spurius), 1s a near rela-
tive of the Baltimore, and likewise an excellent
songster. His colors are black and chestnut when

AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 93
his plumage is perfect. His habits are similar to
those of the preceding species, and lis food and
treatment in confinement are likewise the same.

TroopiaL (Cassicus icteronolus). South America
furnishes bird-lovers with the handsome Troopial,
which reminds oneof our Baltimore Oriole, although
the size of the former much exceeds that of the
latter. The head and throat, the wings, and a
portion of the tail are black, while the body is
orange. The Troopial is easily domesticated when
taken from his forest home, and soon becomes a
great favorite with his owner. His food consists
principally of fruit, insects, and dainties of all
sorts, as he is a gluttonous feeder, his fondness for
rich food being frequently a cause for future ail-
ments. The feeding of the Troopial should be
much like that of the Mocking-bird, the prepared
food being furnished him daily, mixed with grated
earrot. Ripe tropical fruit, such as bananas and
oranges, and occasionally spiders and meal-worms,
should be given in variety. A large-sized Mock-
ing-bird’s cage is the best for him, but he soon
learns to make himself at home if permitted the
freedom of the house. Bathing being a favorite
occupation with the Troopial, a plentiful supply of
water should be furnished daily for that purpose.
He is subject to few diseases if properly cared for,

94 CAGE-BIRDS.

and will live for many years in confinement. The
natural song of this bird is rich and mellow;
although his notes are not many, they are quite
agreeable. He has a retentive memory, and soon
learns to repeat a tune whistled or played to him
on a flute or other instrument. |

CHAD Pike VY LE.

TALKING PEts.

HE well-known ability of many birds to
imitate the sounds of the human voice has
made such for all time a favorite class of

household pets. Some possess this power in a very
high degree, while others are capable of having a
few words only fastened upon their abstruse brains.

Two distinct classes of birds manifest the power
of articulation with more or less intelligence, viz.:
the Psittacidae or Parrot family, and the Corvidae,
to which may be added the Sturnidae or Starlings,
some of which are quite capable of instruction.
The first-named family comprises the Parrots and
Paroquets, Cockatoos, Macaws and Lories; to the
second belong the Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Magpies
and Jackdaws. The common Starling of Europe
and the Talking Minor of Asia, which is classed as
a species of Sturnidae, often prove themselves quite
proficient in a conversational way.

J.—PSITTACIDAE.

Parrots AND Paroquets. No birds are generally
recognized as so apt to reproduce the sounds of the
human voice as the Parrots, a genus that comprises

96 CAGE-BIRDS.

many species inhabiting various parts of the globe.
The favorite habitat of the true Parrots is the lux-
uriant regions of the torrid zone, but some species
are to be met with fully forty-five degrees of lati-
tude from the equator, both north and = south.
They are known to be long-lived birds, usually moy-
ing in flocks, and feeding upon the seeds and fruits
of tropical plants. When taken young the Parrot
submits readily to confinement, and soon becomes
a spoiled pet of the household.
| Great numbers of these birds

are captured during the breed-

ing season by the native bird-

hunters, and shipped to the va-
rious countries in which there

exists a demand for them.

They reach our market in the

early fall when the birds are
some five or six months old,
and are sold at prices varying

PARROT.

in accordance with kind and
intelligence. The difficulty of distinguishing
male from female Parrots is very great; both
birds are the same in size and coloration, and
are equally capable of being taught, so that only
an expert can approach to any knowledge in this
regard. It is possibly on this account that every
Parrot is called “ Polly,” but why “ Polly” should

TALKING PETS. 97
always “‘ want a cracker” is not’so easily explained.
Parrots are seldom bred in confinement, yet there
is no reason to doubt that breeding could be suc-
cessfully accomplished if proper arrangements were
made for the purpose. In their native state they
form nesting settlements in some inaccessible places,
and make their nests in holes in trees, excavated,
possibly, by friendly Woodpeckers or by the females
themselves. The parent birds are strongly attached
to their young, and will fight lustily for their pro-
tection.

Parrots learn to speak just what they are accus-
tomed to hear, and their memory in recalling words
heard possibly months before they are repeated, is
truly remarkable. After being placed under in-
struction, from four to twelve months usually
elapse before a bird essays to talk. It takes a long
time, it seems, for the bird to make up his mind to
venture upon such a remarkable career as that of
an orator, but when he once does so he adds to his
vocabulary almost daily some new and _ startling
expression. The stories told of Parrots are no
doubt often exaggerated, but instances are authen-
tically vouched for in which these birds have made
use of expressions with little less than a human
understanding of their significance.

A lady onee owned a Parrot that was very fond
of pickles, and no opportunity was lost by it to

98 CAGE-BIRDS.

pilfer them if they could not be otherwise obtained.
For such misdemeanors he was scolded and whipped
time after time, but still his evil propensities con-
tinued. One day, being caught by the cook in the
very act of abstracting his favorite morsel from
the pickle-dish, that highly irate person threw at
poor Polly a pailful of scalding water. Incensed
at such shabby treatment, the Parrot sulkily re-
fused to be petted or to have anything tosay. To
make matters worse, all the feathers on the head
dropped off, until Polly was decidedly bald. Sev-
eral months elapsed, and the lady thought that the
bird had ceased to speak forever. One day the
new clergyman called at the house, and upon re-
moving his hat, disclosed a very bald head. <At
once the Parrot strode from his corner, eyeing the
newcomer with evident curiosity, then, to the
astonishment of all, burst into a loud laugh and
exclaimed: “ Oh, yowve been stealing pickles, too!”

The amount of instruction that some Parrots
are capable of receiving is almost without limit.
Very much, however, depends upon the trainer’s
ability to instruct, and not all persons are suited
for this employment any more than all are suited
to become teachers of children. The voice of the
trainer should be pleasant, but clear and ringing,
and his manner gentle. If the bird under instruc-
tion does not learn in a week or a month, or six

TALKING PETS. 99

months or a year, the patience of the trainer must
still be inexhaustible. Parrots have been known
to remain mute for many months in apparent stu-
pidity, then suddenly, to the surprise of all, enter
upon a remarkable career of loquacity. Gentle-
ness, by all means, should characterize the trainer’s
methods. When the bird sees no harm is intended
it, and that it need not be on the outlook continu-
ally for an expected cuff, its confidence will be
established, and it will acknowledge its keeper
with an affectionate regard.

It is best to cage or chain a Parrot, for when
allowed the freedom of the house food is apt to be
found that is unwholesome; besides, Parrots make
better talkers when kept behind the wires of a
cage, most of the time at least. The usual size of
cage is one about fifteen inches in diameter and
two feet in height. A plentiful supply of clean
gravel should be furnished, both for eating and
bathing, as this class of birds cleanse their skins in
the sand rather than by water. The cage should
be kept scrupulously clean, receiving a thorough
ablution with soap and water every few days.
Although Parrots do not bathe in water, it will be
found best, at least once a week, and oftener in
warm weather, to sprinkle over your bird a quan-
tity of soft water slightly heated, in which may
have been dissolved a thimbleful of borax.

100 CAGE-BIRDS.

A substantial diet of wholesome grains is best
for this class of birds; withhold dainties from the
table and rich, oily nuts, greasy animal food and
the like. Feed your own Parrot if you would
have him to live the full time of a Parrot’s life.
The proper seed mixture is composed of equal
parts of unhulled rice, hemp, suntlower-seed and
crushed corn, and occasionally a few peanuts may
be given. Ripe fruit in moderation is beneficial,
as are also bits of mealy potato, a crust, or pieces
of dry toast, and there is no objection to adminis-
tering a “cracker” if « Polly” really “wants” it.
But let it be strictly seen to that the bird is not
given meat, butter or grease of auy kind, as such
food will always work mischief. Parrots use but
little water, but they should always have access to
fresh drinking water if they want it. Sometimes
cottee is substituted for water; this is beneficial in
some cases, but some birds will be found that do
not like it, and prefer fresh water. Some bread
soaked in milk, and sprinkled with a httle sugar,
may be given once a day, but this should be re-
moved when the bird has had all it desires. Young
birds should be given liquids sparingly until thor-
oughly acclimated. Enough moisture can .be ob-
tained from the prepared foods that are furnished
them. Green Parrots are particularly subject to
disease from over-drinking. Bread soaked in

TALKING PETS. LOL

water, and squeezed lghtly before feeding, is good
for them, but sometimes the bread when soaked in
coffee is better relished. You may give your bird
a drink once a day, holding the cup in your hand,
and not pernutting too great an indulgence. After
a time, if no bowel trouble appears, water may be
similarly furnished twice a day, and finally, when
the bird ean be considered fully acclimated, fresh
water may be placed in the cage, from which the
bird can drink at his pleasure. Young Parrots
eannot eat the hard seeds recommended tor adult
birds. A good food is prepared by pouring boiling
water over rice and leaving it on the fire for ten
minutes. Place in a collander, and after boiling
water is drained off, pour over the rice « quantity of
cold water, thus washing off the starchy matter on
the surface of the food, which would cause some
of the food to adhere to the bird’s beak. Hard-
boiled egg, mixed with bread moistened in water,
is good, nourishing food. All such preparations
readily become sour, especially in warm weather,
and should always be removed when the bird has
eaten all he desires.

Parrots are subject to some diseases which are
mostly due to improper feeding. Judging from
the number of these birds that find their way into
the hands of the taxidermist, we may be sure that
a good per cent. of them do not live the allotted

102 CAGE-BIRDS.

years of Parrot-lite. Like the ailments, however,
of other cage-pets recited elsewhere at some length,
the troubles to which Parrots are subject arise from
neglect or the feeding of injurious substances. If
it is noticed that a bird is plucking out its own
feathers, 1t 1s certain that the blood of the bird is
in an inflamed condition from over-feeding, or the
use of greasy food or meat of some kind. Cease
feeding such substances at once. It is sometimes
the case, however, that the plucking of feathers 1s
induced by the presence of parasites upon the
bird’s body. The cage should be thoroughly in-
spected, and if any signs of lice be found, let a
thorough cleansing be at once given. Catch the
bird and dust it with German insect powder under
the wings, and around the neck and head in par-
ticular.

For costiveness a bread-and-milk diet may be
given, and plenty of fresh fruit fed for a few days.
If this is not sufficient, a few drops of castor-oil
dropped into the bird’s throat will usually give
rehef. Diarrhcea is caused by sudden changes in
diet or the feeding of stale food. A few drops of
paregoric may be effectually given, and the drink-
ing water should contain some rusty iron. In all
ailments return to a hygienic diet, keep the bird
clean and warm, and nature will do the rest with
her healing balm.

TALKING PETS. 103

GRAY PARROT AND COCKATOO.

Tue Gray Parror (Psittacus erithacus) ranks at
the head of all talking birds. His speech is re-
markable for its volubility and the distinctness of
articulation. The home of this bird is on the west-
ern coast of Africa, whence he is brought by cap-
tains of trading vessels, who obtain supphes of
birds from negro captors. During the first year
the bird is very dark in color, but at the age of two
years he has adorned himself in his modest coat of

104 CAGE-BIRDS.

gray and scarlet, the body being of the former
color and the whole tail of the latter. The Gray
Parrot is probably the longest-lived of any of the
family, some authors affirming a knowledge of
birds at least one hundred years of age. He is an
expert talker, can often whistle a tune accurately,
and in some instances has learned to sing popular

songs.

Tue Mexican DovBLe YELLOw—HEAD Parrot
ranks next in favor to the Gray, and is the leader
of the numerous tribes of green Parrots found the
world over. Some lovers of birds, indeed, prefer
the Mexican to all other Parrots, not excepting the
Gray, the voice of the former being characterized
by more softness and cadence. He is the best
singer of his tribe, often being able to sing through
several songs with finish and operatic accuracy.
This Parrot is seldom trapped, but is taken from
the nest and reared by hand; consequently there
is not the natural wildness to overcome in submit-
ting the bird to domestication. Naturally he learns
more quickly on this account.

The size of the Mexican Parrot is somewhat
greater than that of the Gray, his length being
about fifteen inches; his color is a beautiful green,
red and blue feathers appearing in the wings and
tail; the forehead is characterized by pale orange,

TALKING PETS. 105

which, as the bird grows older, extends backward
over the head, thus giving him his name.

Next in rank to the preceding species is the
AMAZON Parrot ( Psittacus Amazonius), a bird of
great beauty and withal an excellent talker. The
length of this bird is about fourteen inches, his
color bright green with the feathers marked by
dusky or blackish margins; there is a bright red
patch on the wings, usually bounded by shades of
blue, green and yellow, which colors are only com-
pletely visible in the expanded state of the wings;
the tail feathers are green, but appear red beneath
the base when expanded. <A bright blue band
reaches from eye to eye, beyond which the feathers
of the crown, cheeks and throat are of a jonquil
yellow; the legs and feet are either dusky or of a
pale grayish brown. The Amazon Parrot displays
considerable intelligence, learning to whistle and
sing quite acceptably ; his rank, however, is decid-
edly inferior to that of both the Gray and Mexican
Parrots.

Tue SINGLE YELLOW-HEAD PARROT is some twelve
inches in length, and nearly resembles the Mexican
Parrot in color, the yellow of the head being con-
fined to the forehead, hence the name in distinction
from that of the Double Yellow-head. This bird

106 CAGE-BIRDS.

does not command the price of the Mexican, his
capacity for learning to talk being of an inferior
order to that of all preceding species.

The Parrot most met with in the markets of the
country is the Cuban, a small but interesting species
found abundantly in the West Indies, and taken
from the nest before being fully fledged. Cuban
Parrots are imported into the United States in
large numbers when from three to five months old,
and owing to their cheapness and general docility,
usually find ready purchasers. In intelligence the
Cuban is about equal to the Amazon Parrot, and
even surpasses that bird in his ability to talk, tak-
ing, also, a foremost rank as a singer. He is quite
hardy, very tame, and possesses a beautiful green
plumage. All things considered, he is one of the
most desirable pets of his kind, the price at which
he is sold in our markets placing him within the
reach of those bird-lovers whose conditions in life
make impossible the possession of high-priced
Parrots.

Equally desirable as a cage-pet is the Dwarr
Parrot, which is found plentifully in South
America, a diminutive species of the Parrot tribe,
differing in no essential particular from the fore-
going varieties except in size. The prevailing

TALKING PETS. 107

color of this Parrot is green, slightly modified into
lighter shades on the throat and under parts. His
length is about seven inches. This bird shows
extreme docility, and takes a front rank among
household pets. He learns to speak in a small,
flute-like voice, performs amusing tricks, and dis-
plays the utmost affection for his keeper. When
kept with a mate, as is frequently the case, he
showers upon her all the devotion of a loving
heart. He seems born to caress and be caressed.
When separated from his mate the affection dis-
played for her is given to any who befriend and
pet him. The freedom of the house may be per-
mitted him, as he destroys nothing and does not
seek to gain his liberty. The Dwarf Parrot de-
lights to bathe in water, unlike all others of his
race. His food consists of fruits and seeds, the
best seed for him being canary and hemp. Sweet
apple, bits of banana, and the lke, are much rel-
ished, and necessary for the maintenance of health.

The Dwarf Parrot is sometimes confounded with
the Paroquets, a numerous class of birds belonging
to the great family of Psittacidae. Asia and Aus-
tralia are the homes of these diminutive and beau-
tiful birds, those from the latter country being
more frequently imported. The body of the Aus-
tralian Paroquet is hardly larger than a Canary’s,

108 CAGE-BIRDS.

but the tail being long and graceful makes the
extreme length of the bird from nine to ten inches.
Paroquets do not learn to talk, and, indeed, are
very difficult to train. Being kept in pairs, they
seem perfectly unconscious of everything save
their own existence; and so fond are the birds of
each other that if separated they will often mope
and die.

PAROQUETS.

When once properly acclimated Paroquets are
hardy birds, withstanding great extremes of heat
and cold. Canary-seed is the food most essential
for them; to this may be added a quantity of mil-
let. Dainties are not relished as usual with most

TALKING PETS. 109

birds. On account of their affectionate disposition
the term “ Love-birds”’ has been generally applied
to all Paroquets, but this name properly belongs to
a species derived from Africa. This may be dis-
tinguished from the Australian Green Paroquet by
having a bright orange color on the head, the gen-
eral color of the body being green, while spots of
orange and black characterize the tail. The length
of this species is about six inches. All Paroquets
make excellent aviary additions, and as attractions
for the sick room, cannot be excelled.

Macaw. This large and beautiful species of
Psittacidae is well known to all lovers of birds.
He is easily tamed and soon learns to talk, and if
one can withstand his squawk, which explodes at
times with dynamitic force, he may become a tavor-
ite pet. When hungry he does not hesitate in the
least to let one know that it is a “long time be-
tween drinks” or meals, and does it so forcibly
that if any peace is desired one must accede to his
desires. He possesses a powerful beak, with which
he is equally capable of demolishing a favorite
piece of furniture or of making any intruding
hand feel as though it had been struck by a buzz-
saw. The bird lives to a very old age, an instance
being on record of one that lived in a royal family
for one hundred and fifty years.

110 CAGE-BIRDS.

Several varieties of Macaws are well known to
dealers. One of the largest as well as the most
splendidjis the Scarter Macaw (Macrocercus macao),
the prominent colors of which are scarlet on the
head, neck, breast, belly, thighs, upper part of the
back, and lesser covert feathers of the wings, and
blue, yellow and green on the remaining parts of
the wings, back and tail. The BiuE anp YELLOW
Macaw (Macrocercus ararauna) is less common that
the Scarlet, but about equal in size. The GREEN
Macaw (Macrocercus severus) exists in great flocks,
which are very destructive to coftee plantations.

Cages are seldom used for these birds, but when
they are employed they should be quite commodi-
ous and very strong. An iron T stand set on a
circular zine base is more appropriate; the base
should be kept covered with clean sand. The food
of the Macaw is very similar to that furnished for
Parrots, although more latitude may be permitted
on account of the hardy character of the bird and
his lusty demands for food which are not to be re-
sisted. He thrives well on bread and milk, nuts,
corn and fruits. Greasy food and sweetmeats are
wholly out of place in the bird’s menu, and if per-
mitted will produce a skin disease which causes the
bird to pick his own feathers, and thus ruin forever
his beautiful plumage. Give the bird a bath, if in
summer, by boldly showering him; in winter, when

TALKING PETS. 111

more care is necessary to prevent coldness, use luke-
warm water, and keep the bird in a warm place to

dry.

Cockatoos. Fully as interesting and_ possibly
more beautiful are the white and delicately tinted
Cockatoos, whose native home is in the forests of
Australia and the surrounding islands. These be-
come very good talkers when properly domesti-
cated, and are capable of learning some interesting
tricks. Their treatment is similar to that of Par-
rots, stands being preferred to a cage for confining
the birds. The most remarkable feature about
the birds is their beautiful crests, which they raise
and lower at will. They are exceedingly friendly
to their daily acquaintances, but shy of strangers.

Lortes are an interesting branch of the Parrot
family that seldom, however, learn to talk. They
are prized for their beauty and for their gay and
sprightly manner, even in captivity. All of these
birds are very handsome in appearance, their
plumage being soft and downy. They get their
name, it is said, from frequently repeating the
word ‘“ Loro”; in lke manner the Cockatoo is
named from his natural utterance. The food and
care of the Lory is similar to that prescribed for
all Parrots.

i CAGE-BIRDS.

Ti CoRviban:

One of the most remarkable of the families of
birds is that of the Corvidae or Crows. The species
embraced in this division are quite numerous, and
are found in all parts of the world. Black is their
characteristic color, but many present beautiful
variations in plumage that are highly pleasing to
the eye. A most remarkable feature of this family
is the fact that many of the species are capable of
learning to speak with great distinctness and aecu-
racy; thus the most gifted members of the family
have become great favorites in the household. In
addition to their well-known talking proficiencies,
they are capable of performing many amusing
tricks, by which their values are considerably in-
creased. The birds of this class, however, are
natural-born thieves, and will frequently convey
valuable articles to certain hidden nooks, where,
perhaps, they may remain undiscovered for a long
time. The Magpie is particulari:y proficient in the
art of pilfering, and many an article from a lady’s
boudoir las been given up as forever lost, when
some fortunate moment reveals it deposited in her
Magpie’s treasure-cave. The most prominent birds
of this family are the Raven, Rook, Magpie, Jack-

ev

daw and Crow.

TALKING PETS. 113

RaAvEN (Corvus corazx). This isa bird of beautiful
symmetry, glossy plumage and stately demeanor.
He is widely distributed, and is the largest of his
class in most parts of the world. In color he isa
deep black, with varying shades of purple and
green. The great breadth of his tongue renders
him able to pronounce words easily, and these he
sometimes learns in variety. In times of supersti-
tion the Raven was ranked among birds of ill-omen,
and even the very modulations of his voice were
studied and noted in order to understand the dire-
ful calamity that was presently to affect mankind.
He shares very well the ill-repute of the owl and
the bat. Says Scott:

‘* Birds of ill-omen, dark and foul,
Night-crown, Raven, Bat and Owl.”

As the days of darkness pass away, and men
learn to regard all natural objects in their proper
heght, the absurdity of such superstitions becomes
apparent. We can then admire the once hated
and despised bird for his natural beauty and his
intelligent demeanor. As a domestic bird the
Raven cannot fail to amuse and please. He is
active, everlastingly prying into everything that
attracts his attention, pilfers and conceals whatever
he covets, makes friends with the dog, plays a sly
trick upon pussy, and ingratiates himself into the
favor of the cook, from whom he expects some

114 CAGE-BIRDS.

dainty morsel. His natural food is carrion, but he
frequently kills rabbits or chickens, and sometimes
will attack young or sickly lambs. He isa voracious
feeder, and will always be found ready for anything
from the table that is allowed him. The Raven
may be confined, but will take care of himself if
turned loose, remaining about the house just as
the dog or the cat will do, and always turning up
at meal-time for his regular portion. The cutting
of the string of this bird’s tongue, in order to
facilitate the articulation of words, is a needless
performance, and must be regarded as a foolish,
ancient custom.

Crow (Corvus Americanus). This bird is better
known in this country than the Raven, being found
abundantly over the whole of Eastern North
America. His length is not over a foot and a half,
his color being a deep black. If taken from the
nest and reared by hand, the Crow is capable of
ready domestication. He does not learn to talk as
well as the Raven, but will perform many amusing
tricks. As a pilferer he will fairly dispute the
palm with the other members of his family. His
natural food consists of a great variety of sub-
stances, both animal and vegetable. On account of
his fondness for sprouting corn, he is particularly
detested by the farmers, who plan many a means

TALKING PETS. TTS

for destroying him, but no bird knows better how
to take care of himself than he. He is not, how-
ever, so harmful to agriculture as some suppose, as
he consumes a great quantity of grubs, mice, in-
sects, etc., which molest the growing crops. Gen-
erally the habits of the Crow differ little from
those of the Raven, and his treatment in the house-
hold may be similar to that given to the latter bird.

4%,
4G
4: S

i
Ws

Rooks and Jackpaws are the most common birds
of this class throughout Europe..--They are much
smaller than the foregoing species, and possess

116 CAGE-BIRDS.

many traits to reeommend them as household pets.
They are, however, seldom met with in this coun-
try, and any detailed description of them is un-
necessary. Their treatment differs in no essential
particular from that of the Crow. When kept
confined, only the largest-sized cages obtainable
are fit for these birds. It is better to allow them
the run of the premises, as they can take care of
themselves and never seek to go away. They will
be sure to turn up punctually at meal-time.

Maepiz. This bird is rather remotely connected
with the foregoing varieties, and is found in most
parts of the world. The American Magpie is a
native of Western North America, where he is
found in great numbers, and bears a bad reputation
for his sly, pilfering habits. THe is a beautiful bird,
with a long, graceful tail, whisking himself about
with a jaunty grace. When domesticated he be-
comes almost a positive nuisance on account of his
familiarity. He amuses by his buftoonery and de-
lights with his apt remarks. As a pilferer he is
without a rival; many a shining trinket he delights -
to conceal, and many an article of value has been
traced to his den. To be taught to speak, a Mag-
pie should be taken from the nest and reared by
hand. Words and short sentences may be easily
taught, but the tones of the bird are usually too

TALKING PETS. 117

sharp and shrill to perfectly imitate the human
voice. A great variety of food may be given the
Magpie; scraps of meat or bread will be relished,
and what he does not eat will be hidden for a
future meal. The Mocking-bird food may be fed
him regularly as his principal article of diet. The
bird does not require confinement, except occasion-
ally as a punishment for some bad trick, or as a
means of restraining too much familiarity. He is
subject to few diseases, and will live usually from
fifteen to twenty years. |

ACIDS ae

CHAPTER IX.

THe AVIARY.

HE hiking that some persons have tor birds
is fully satisfied when they possess one or
two specimens; others, however, find their

greatest pleasure in ministering to the wants of
many of the feathered minstrels. If one has the
time and inclination to attend properly to the daily
needs of an aviary collection his efforts will cer-
tainly be well repaid. It will not do, however, to
own a number of birds and shirk the daily neces-
sity of taking proper care of them.

All birds are not equally suitable for such a pur-
pose. Some are of a quarrelsome disposition and
therefore ineligible; others are too greedy and
would devour more than their share of the daily
allowances. Small birds are usually to be pre-
ferred to large ones as a matter of course, but
much depends upon the space allotted to the col-
lection when the size of the birds to be admitted is
under consideration. A very large collection of
living birds would require nearly the entire time
of a single person in caring for their wants, and
such collections are seldom met with. Ifa well-

THE AVIARY. 119

situated conservatory can be utilized for the pur-
pose, the effect will be most beautiful and striking.
Strong sunhght would be objectionable, but such
eould be properly modified. Good ventilation
would be at all times a necessity, and yet draughts
of air should be constantly guarded against.
Nothing would prove more disastrous to the bird-
hfe within than currents of cold air surging
through the room. Small fir trees should be taste-
fully placed here and there throughout the space,
together with such other sturdy plants as good
judgment allows. Rustic perches may be next
appropriately arranged so as to make the room as
suggestive of outdoor life as possible; it will be
better, however, to remove the bark from the
perches, leaving only the plain, smooth wood sur-
face, such removal being necessary to prevent the
accumulation of lice or parasites of any kind.
Nesting places are to be provided for in sequestered
nooks, and material for lining such furnished in
abundance for the birds. Deer’s hair is best for
this purpose, but any soft, fibrous material will
suffice. Cotton and wool are objectionable as the
fibres are tough and long, on which account they
frequently entangle the bird’s feet, sometimes seri-
ously, before the matter is discovered. If a fount-
ain or a running rill of water can be placed in the
interior of the aviary, it will prove highly bene-

120 CAGE-BIRDS.

ficial as well as pleasing, as the water may be
utilized for both bathing and drinking at the
pleasure of the birds. Plenty of fresh gravel and
some bits of old plaster must be kept about the
floor; some fresh sod will also furnish much
amusement to the occupants, who delight to rest
upon it and for fun’s sake tear it into shreds. y

Food of a proper kind should be furnished
in variety; the kind to be determined by the needs
of the birds as explained in the descriptive matter
elsewhere. Some birds are of such a greedy dispo-
sition, like some persons, that they would fill them-
selves to satiety, if access to quantities of food
were given, thus doing themselves a positive injury
besides robbing their mates of their proper allow-
ance. Such birds should be excluded from the
collection; the Bobolink is fashioned after this
manner, as is also the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Various conveniencies for making the life of the
birds happy will suggest themselves to one who is
interested in his collection. Let no one owning
such an aviary attempt to shirk the responsible
duty of keeping everything neat and clean, else an
endless amount of trouble may ensue. Parasites
will form to make both bird-life and man-life mis-
erable; cleanliness and proper ventilation are effect-
ual preventitives for such a condition.

If an aviary on such a large scale is not desira-

THE AVIARY. a aL

ble, a much smaller one may be arranged by using
a large cage, say from four to six feet in length
and proportionately broad and high. This will
accommodate, of course, a smaller number of' birds,
and the smallest-sized birds only would be admis-
sible. In such a collection might be placed the
English and American Goldfinches, Bullfinches,
Linnets, Canaries, Nonpareils, Indigoes, Japanese
Robins, Java Sparrows, African Love-birds, Aus-
trahan Paroquets, and the interesting family
of Finches and Nuns that are brought to this
country in great variety from Africa and Australia.
To a larger collection may be added such birds as
the Virginia Cardinal, Scarlet Tanager, Brazilian
Cardinal, Chaffinch, Lark, Sparrow, Thrush, ete.
Many of the birds here named have been already
described as cage-pets, while a few remain to
be noticed in this connection.

JAPANESE Ropry. This is certainly one of the
most interesting birds ever subjected to domesti-
cation. He is beautiful in plumage, sprightly in
manner, and a lively and engaging songster. His
size is about that of a Canary; his eye is particu-
larly large and brilliant. This bird is said to be
quite common in the countries of the extreme East,
and a favorite with the natives. The rapidity of
his movements in a cage is most remarkable; no

£29 CAGE-BIRDS.

other bird darts with such lightning-like speed.
He delights in somersaults and evolutions of all
sorts and so sprightly are his motions that the eye
can hardly follow his ghding form. He becomes
very tame, readily learns tricks that can be taught
to any other bird, and is ever ready to delight his
mate with some new whistle or melody.

Insects and worms are the natural food of the
tobin in his native state. When contined, the
prepared Mocking-bird seed is proper for him.
Insects and meal-worms may be given occasionally,
and some ripe fruit. A bath once a day should
not be neglected, as this bird is fond of playing in
water. He is one of the most suitable birds
for the aviary, but may be given a cage to him-
self. This, on account of his active movements,
should be a commodious one.

Java Sparrow. Although not a songster of any
note, this Sparrow attracts much attention on
account of his pretty and compact plumage. His
length is about that of a Canary, his beak stout
and delicately tinted; the general plumage is of a
slate color, the cheeks being pure white, the throat
and face a shining black. Java is the home of the
bird, where, it is said, he is as great a nuisance as
the English Sparrow in America. The food of
the Java Sparrow is rice, and great flocks molest

THE AVIARY. ZS

the rice-fields of the eastern planter, notwithstand-
ing all the “scare-sparrows” or other devices that
can be thought of to keep him away. He is there

JAVA SPARROW.

known as the Rice-bird. The bird’s food in con-
finement is unhulled rice with a slight mixture of
canary-seed. He may be separately confined if
desired, but he is a handsome addition to the
aviary.

Frxcuges AND Nuns. No aviary collection is com-
plete without at least a few specimens of these
neat, diminutive birds. The countries of the
Orient furnish them to the world’s bird-markets.
The number of varieties is very great, and only
the best known species can be mentioned in this
connection. Considering the warm countries in
which they are bred, these birds are reasonably

104 CAGE-BIRDS.

hardy, living some eight or ten years if properly
acclimated, and being subject to few diseases.
Some few are quite good songsters, but most of
the birds are desirable on account of the beauty of
their plumage, diminutive size, and quaint habits.
Two or three dozen are often contined in a single
‘age, in which they may frequently be seen all
perched upon one stick and warbling their sweet
ditties in regular succession. In size these birds
vary from two to four and a half inches in length ;
in a few instances an unusually long tail increases
the total length to some ten or twelve inches.

— —— == ———

DIAMOND SPARROW. CUT-THROAT FINCH.

The Paradise Whydah is a bird of the latter class,
its long, graceful tail making it a beautiful addi-
tion to any collection. It is in the breeding season
that the tail grows to its greatest length, and the
plumage of the bird assumes the richest hues.

THE AVIARY. 125

A showy bird for the aviary is the Diamond
Sparrow, the length of which is about three and a
half inches. He is imported from Australia, be-
comes readily acclimated, and is quite hardy.

The Cordon Blue Finch is a good songster, and a
much admired bird for his beauty. Ie is a native
of Africa. Brownish-gray is the color of the back,
and a pale sky-blue that of the face, throat, chest
and tail, the male differing from the female by
having a crimson patch on each cheek. This bird
is very fond of his mate, and gives utterance to
distressful cries when separated from her. His
sweetest songs are sung only for her; he delights
to pour forth melody after melody for her sole
pleasure, while she, with reciprocating satisfaction,
hearkens attentively. If the bird happens upon
some piece of wire, straw, or similar object, he will
seize it in his beak, fly to his mate, and begin his
most charming utterances.

The Common Waxbill Finch is a pleasing aviary
addition, and one of the best known of its class.
The male and female are alike in colors, fond of
each other’s society, and given to pluming each
other’s feathers with their tiny beaks. The male,
in singing, spreads his feathers fan-shape, and with
ecstatic zeal endeavors to win the approval of his
“ better-half”’ The pair will breed in confinement,
and will rear their young without much difficulty.

126 CAGE-BIRDS.

The St. Helena Wacbill is larger than the preced-
ing species, but while quite similar in color, his
appearance is somewhat handsomer. The beak 1s
eoral-red, with a red line extending through the
eyes. The body color is a delicate brown, a roseate
hue being prominent over the abdomen. He is a
conspicuous beauty among many of his kind, and
a sociable bird at all times.

The Zebra Finch readily breeds in confinement.
He is one of the smallest as well as one of the
handsomest of his kind. The prevailing color of
this bird is a delicate gray, marked by spots and
bands of chestnut and black. His song is pleasing,
but not so prolonged as that of some of his fellows.

ST. HELENA WAXBILL. AVADAVAT.

The Avadavat is one of the smallest of his kind,
and one of the most interesting and desirable in
the aviary. The bird is imported from India, and
large numbers tind their way to this country yearly.

THE AVIARY. a hr

The Magpie and the Cut-throat Finches, both
from Africa, are pretty songsters, and quite quaint
in their ways. The latter gets his name because
of the peculiar red band across the throat. Both
of these birds have a peculiar trait of executing a
song and dance at certain favorable moments, when
the whole assemblage is quiet, and it occurs to one
that a spirit moves him.

The Nuns are a class of birds very small and
quite similar to the Finches. They are imported
chiefly from Japan, being known as the Japanese
Nuns or Manakins. The Japanese are said to be
expert bird-breeders, in consequence of which
these small birds display the marks of high breed-
ing, just as the Canaries do that are bred in Ger-
many. The family of Nuns, like the Finches, em-
brace many varieties, characterized by handsome
colors and shadings. They form a very interesting
class of birds, very desirable for the collector’s
aviary. All varieties will, under proper treatment,
breed in confinement. They should have food and
care quite similar to that given to a Canary, the
Canary being itself a Finch. The treatment in ~
disease is also similar. The best food for the birds
is a mixture of millet and canary-seed, two parts
of the former to one of the latter. Lettuce and
ripe apple should be given occasionally, and’ fresh
water furnished for drinking and bathing.

RUSTIC AQUARIUM.

THE AQUARIUM.

CHAPTER X.

CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUARIUM.

INCE home-life must constitute for many
the greater part of their earthly existence,
it is natural and proper that all reasonable

efforts be made to embellish the home with objects
of interest and pleasure. Among the many orna-
ments from which one may choose for this purpose,
what can give rise to more real enjoyment than
the aquarium! How many hours can be passed in
delightfully contemplating the actions of its finny
inhabitants, busying themselves in the regulation
of their household affairs so different in character
from those of the terrestrial objects about us! It
Opens up to us a world of study that all the won-
derful instruments of science cannot reveal or
fathom, placing before our eyes the mysteries and
the phenomena of the liquid world. Young and
old can glory in its revelations; placed in the in-
valid’s chamber it cannot fail of being a source of
continual interest and never-failing delight.

10 THE AQUARIUM.

ConsTRUCTIVE PRrNcIPLES. The aquarium scien -
tifically constructed is of comparatively recent
origin. There must exist in it those mutual rela-
tions between plant and animal life that Nature
herself has established for their growth and suste-
nance. All animals must inhale oxygen gas for
the purification of the blood and the heat of the
body. Atmospheric air contains this gas mixed
with another called nitrogen, and respiration on
the part of animals brings these elements into
active relationship with the blood of the body.
In the laboratory of the lungs, the corpus-
cles of the blood sieze upon the oxygen they
desire and give back a quantity of carbonic acid
gas, the result of combustion that has taken place
in the capillaries of the body. Now this latter gas
is a poison to all animal objects, whether they
exist in the air or in the water. Wherever it
accumulates in considerable quantities it is certain
to cause speedy annihilation of hfe. By a wise
regulation of Nature the very gas that is so
destructive to the existence of animal life possesses
for all vegetation life-giving properties. That
which is given forth as refuse by the animal and
of which it must not partake again upon penalty
of destruction, is the very food that is to feed and
sustain the plant, and that which the plant throws
oft as refuse is the precious oxygen which the

ITS CONSTRUCTION. i bead b

animal so greedily devours. Thus has the Creator
established a means of purification which operates
at all times for the mutual support of the life of
plant anc animal. Fish, as well as the other
objects of the animal creation, must have a con-
stant supply of pure air, and while it is true that
they need less of this as a rule than some other
animals, the element in which they exist must
contain certain proportions of that gaseous fluid.
Bearing in mind such fundamental principles of
nature, an aquarium may be fitted out and stocked
with its finny occupants so that the trouble of
keeping it may be reduced to a minimum. The
water of such an aquarium would never need
changing, although the amount lost by evaporation
would need to be occasionally replaced.
Fisu-Guospes. By the use of the ordinary fish-
globes such an adjustment cannot be well secured.
They are too small to permit the introduction of
aquatic plants, consequently a
frequent change of water is ab-
solutely necessary for the pres-
ervation of the fish. How often
such a change will have to be

HILLEL

=

1

made will depend upon several
circumstances—the purity and
heat of the atmosphere, the quantity of the water,
and the number of the fish inhabiting it. In a

132 THE AQUARIUM.

pure atmosphere of moderate temperature, two
gallons of water will support three or four Gold-
fish for several days. Whenever fish are observed
coming to the top frequently for air, it is a sure
indication that the water should be changed.
The higher the temperature, the more impure
the atmosphere, the larger the fish, and the greater
their number, all will determine the length of
time that water may be re-
tained. Many change the

water in globes once a day
regularly, usually choosing
the evening for that pur-

Mit iy,»

MMi

|

J
|
Wh

pil gine

pose. The process is very
simple: Carry the globe by
the rim firmly, holding the
same between the forefingers and thumbs; place
the spiggot of the hydrant well down into the
globe; let the water run slowly and overtlow fora
minute or two, then carefully replace the globe.
A siphon may be used to draw out the stale water,
which is immediately replaced by fresh. A rub-
ber tube can be employed for this purpose.

Fish globes are subject to a number of objec-
tions which cannot be urged against the properly
prepared tank. In the first place, they are very
subject to breakage, especially if their proportions
are adequate for a considerable number of fish.

ITS CONSTRUCTION. ioo

One never knows at what moment some unlucky
action may cause a globe and its contents to meet
destruction upon the carpeted floor. Again, the
spherical shape of a globe
causes a distorted view of
the fish as they swim majes-
tically about in their aqueous
element, thus defeating one
of the most interesting fea-
tures of the aquarium—the
proper inspection of the
movements of the fish as
they ghde hither and thither. .
Globes, however, are attractive ornaments, and
if one does not mind the shght trouble of chang-
ing the water frequently, and will exercise great
care to prevent their demolition, they will serve

very well.

Tanks. To any one who really desires to pos-
sess an aquarium, the tank is recommended as the
only satisfactory receptacle for the water. Tanks
of all sizes and shapes are to be found in well-
equipped stores where fish are to be obtained.
The best form is the rectangular, since it will be
found not only the most elegant, but likewise the
strongest and safest. It affords the best opportun-
ities for observing the curious habits of its finny

Lot THE AQUARIUM.

occupants, and allows the most picturesque adjust-
ment of aquatic scenery.

Much ingenuity may be displayed in fitting
out the aquarium, abundant opportunities being
afforded to exhibit one’s skill and good taste in
this matter. Do not, in the first place, overstock
the space with sundry embellishments. A few
simple pieces of rock-work will amply suffice, if
quietly and naturally placed. Remember that
every piece of redundant scenery
lessens the space available for ani-

mal and vegetable life. There can_

WE vis
Ae now be obtained in the stores many

» forms of beautiful grottoes and
rocky representations that set off the
tank to a good advantage. Beware
of using sea-shells and coral in fresh water aquaria,

since they are not only out of place, but the lime and

other substances of which they are composed in-
pregnate the water to a considerable extent, much
to the injury of the fish. Let your aim be to make
your scenery as suggestive of fresh water life as
possible. Castles do not exist at the bottoms of
lakes or rivers, nor is coral found in such places.
It will be found expedient to fasten all rock-work
to its place, otherwise an unexpected jar might
cause it to topple over, much to the detriment,
possibly, of the finny pets, if not to the sides of

)

ITS CONSTRUCTION. ise

@

the tank. A cement purposely prepared for this
work can be obtained. A good aquarium cement
may be made by mixing one part by measure of
litharge, one part plaster of Paris, one part fine
beach sand, and one-third part of fine powdered
resin. Keep the mixture dry in a bottle, and when
wanted for use make it intoa putty by adding
good, boiled linseed-oil. It will stand in either
salt or fresh water. The character of all sub-
stances introduced into the aqua-
rium should be closely questioned,
inasmuch as the water might be-
come impregnated from them
with deleterious matter that would
end the existence of all plant and
animal life. After the work of
cementing the rock-work has
been satisfactorily completed, water may be
introduced for a few days, to absorb the impur-
ities that would come from the cement or rock-
work. Scum will arise on the water, which
should be replaced with fresh until it is found that
the liquid remains pure. After a thorough soak-
ing demonstrates that no more effluvia is likely to
arise, the bed of the aquarium may be placed and
the plant-life introduced. Procure a quantity of
clean, river sand, together with some pretty peb-
bles, and after washing these until they are thor-

136 THE AQUARIUM.

oughly freed from dirt, distribute them evenly
over the bottom of the tank to a depth of nearly
an inch.

PLants FoR AN Aquarium. Plants appropriate
for the fresh-water aquarium may be obtained in
abundance from the ponds and brooks of our coun-
try. A stroll by any brookside, or a visit to any
marshy spot, will reveal to eager eyes some of the
choicest of aquatic plants. A small aquarium will
not need a profusion of plants any more than it
needs an over-stock of rocks. A few well-selected
plants will suffice, and, indeed, will present a better
appearance than would many. It will be found
necessary to fix the roots of most aquatic plants,
and this may be done in a variety of ways. A
ball of wet clay may be made to inclose the roots,
and this deposited in its proper place then covered
snugly with sand or gravel. Or the plants may be
rooted in saucers or other shallow dishes, that may
be hidden from view by the sand in the bed of the
tank. Many of the grottoes and other imitation
rock-work to be bought in the stores for use in
aquaria, have at their bases a number of excava-
tions in which plants may be rooted. Some plants
grow in the aquarium with wonderful rapidity, so
that it will be found necessary to prune them fre-
quently to prevent them monopolizing the whole

PLANTS. USE

space of the tank. Water-weed, which grows pro-
lifically in many parts of the country, is one of this
sort. Ifa piece be cut off and thrown carelessly
into a tank, it will soon fill the entire space it left
undisturbed. It is of a bright green color, and
particularly attractive. Water-cress is a_ well-
known fresh water plant that may be appropriately
transferred to the aquarium. There is a kind of
crowfoot growing in water that may be obtained
in the spring months. This may be given a home
in the tank. Arrowhead is a common plant with
white flowers with golden centers and leaves
shaped like arrow points. Water millfoil and star-
wort, common in ponds in many sections, make
beautiful aquarium growers. The plants that
grow rooted in watery beds, but expand their foli-
age above the surface, are not as desirable as those
whose leaves are nearly or wholly submerged.
The reasons for this are obvious, if the preceding
facts concerning the respiration of plants are borne
in mind. In the former case the oxygen that the
plant exhales is liberated in open air, while in the
latter it is bound to permeate the water. Again,
in the former case the carbonic acid gas which the
plant needs is taken from the air, and that which
exists in the water remains unused, much to the
detriment of the animal life of the aquarium.
Care should be taken to remove all decaying

138 THE AQUARIUM.

leaves and branches of fresh water plants, as the
gases arising from decay would pollute the water.
Likewise, plants should not be permitted to grow
without stint. keep them pruned and within
bounds. Too much oxygen, as a profusion of
plant-lite would be sure to produce, would be as
bad as too little. The purpose of the presence of
plants is that they shall consume the impure gas
that the fish exhale, and give out in turn the oxy-
gen that the fish require, so that there may be a
perfectly mutual balance between plant-life and
animal-life.

WATER FOR THE Aquarium. After the plants
have been secured and arranged according to taste,
the water may be put into the tank. Soft spring
water is the best for this purpose, but river or clean
cistern water will answer the purpose admirably.
Water strongly impregnated with mineral sub-
stances, such as iron, sulphur, lime, ete., while they
may or may not be good for the human frame, are
not suitable for an aquarium, and should never be
‘used. Such waters, when boiled in order to free
them from such objectionable substances, are still
unserviceable, as the gases of the water are driven
off by the heat, and must be replaced before the
liquid is capable ef sustaining either fish or plants.

After placing the water in the tank, let your

THE FISH. 139

aquarium stand for a week or two, in order to give
the plants a chance to begin growing and to get
into a thrifty condition, before adding the fish. A
couple of pond-snails may be put in at once. They
will act as scavengers, by consuming decaying veg-
etation and the confervae or greenish weed that
discolors at times the surface of the glass. Such
snails may be easily found by inspecting streams
of shallow water or the recesses of ponds.

JAPANESE FAN-TAIL.

Tue Fisu. The selection of proper fish for a
small aquarium would not be a difficult matter for
many. Gold-fish are the universal favorites, and
their varieties Silver and Pearl. They are a beau-
tiful species of carp, originally imported from
Chinese waters, but are now very extensively bred
at home. These fish have, by long attention to
breeding, been made to exhibit many varieties of
shape and color. Some have plain, straight tails,

140 THE AQUARIUM.

these being the commonest sort and the cheapest.
Some are known as Fan-tails, because of the three-
lobed and spreading character of the tail, and oth-
ers are called Gorgeous-tails, on account of the
length and wavy appearance of the caudal append-
age. A fish very much prized for its beauty is the
Paradise fish. In color the Gold-fish differ among
themselves almost as widely as they do in shape.
Some are pearly white marked with red blotches,
like Chinese hieroglyphies; others have black
spots as well as red. Gold-fish are hardy, and
with proper care will live for years with little
attention.

Our own fresh water streams will furnish many
desirable specimens for the aquarium. The Min-
now is well known to every school-boy, and 1s so
common that it can be possessed with little trouble.
This fish is not only a pretty one, but bears the
additional reputation of being easily tamed. He
ean be taught to come up and take food from the
hand, and to demonstrate a fondness for his bene-
factor.

The Stickleback and Gudgeon are diminutive fish
found plentifully in some of our .fresh-water
streams. The former, however, is quarrelsome
and hardly a fit companion for well-mannered fish.

There are many other varieties which may be
obtained from fresh water streams at httle expense.

THE FISH. 141

They will be found to be hardy, and to bear their
confinement well. They should be taken by means
of a net, and not by the hook, if the former means
is possible. Care must be taken that fish are not
introduced that will prey upon their fellows.
Many do this, and had better be relegated to the
shady side of nowhere for their mischievous ways.

A small turtle, a frog, or a diminutive eel, will
add variety to the collection and will do no harm
to the other inmates. If you have left your rock-
work to project a. little above the surface of the
water, these specimens will often delight to crawl
up out of the water and sun themselves upon the
rocks,

It is necessary, at this point, to warn the enthu-
siast against placing too many fish in the same
receptacle. A given quantity of water will not
support an unlinited number of. inhabitants, so
that if the proper proportion is overdone disaster
will be sure to follow. Two fish-not exceeding
three inches in length may thrive in one gallon of
water; if the fish are smaller, the same quantity
of water may accommodate more. Do not fill the
tank completely full of water, as the fish might
possibly jump out, and the turtles, lizards, frogs,
ete., might take an unexpected leave of absence.
It is best not to fill the tank more than four-fifths
full of water, unless there 1s a screen cover to the
aquarium.

142 THE AQUARIUM.

FEEDING THE Fisu. Food is as necessary to fish
as it is to other animals, but many persons are apt
to over-feed their pets, or to give substances that
are injurious. Pastry of all kinds, bread, crackers,
ete., are wholly unfit for fish, and should never be
given them. Such food substances are apt to clog
the gills of the fish and thus choke them. A pre-
pared food is sold by all dealers in aquaria which
is well adapted for this purpose. This should be
given, a little each morning, taking care not to
furnish more than the fish will eat at one time, as
that which remains is likely to pollute the water.
Feed but little at a time, and when the fish seem
to have enough, put your food aside and give noth-
ing more until the next day. Some do not feed
the fish but once or twice a week. By some fish-
breeders, ants’ eggs, such as have been recom-
mended for birds, are regarded as the only proper
food for fish in the aquarium. Three or four eggs
may be allowed to each fish daily. These are rel-
ished by the fish, and snapped up with avidity.

For turtles, eels, and brook fish generally, worms
are an excellent food. It is better to cut them
into small pieces before feeding. Worms may be
kept through winter by placing a sufficient quan-
tity of them in a small box, and placing the same
where the frost will not reach it. Raw beef is a
good substitute if worms cannot be had. It may

PLACING IT. | 143

be suspended so that the animals may nibble at it
at pleasure. Dried beef may also be used, cut into
fragments and fed just as it is devoured. Do not
kall with kindness. It 1s easier to overdo the mat-
ter of feeding fish than to underdo it. See to it in
particular that food that is uneaten is not left in
the water to pollute it by decomposition.

Puiacine AN Aquarium. <A question often asked
is where to place an aquarium to the best advan-
tage, and in furnishing an answer the doctors
somewhat disagree. All vegetable and animal life
need sunshine, but too much of it will not be suit-
able for our present purpose. An east window is
sometimes recommended as the best aspect, for
there a few hours’ sunshine each day at a time
when the air is mild and genial will amply suftice
for the proper growth of plants and fish. A west
‘window is good, however, and by some preferred
as the best site. A south window is not so good,
as the sunlight is there too strong and heating. If
it becomes necessary to use such an aspect, it is
better to protect the exposed side of the aquarium
by means of a baize cloth. In too much sunlight
plants give off a redundant quantity of oxygen,
and a greenish mucus will make its appearance
upon the sides of the glass, obstructing the view
of the observer as well as giving an idea of un-

144 THE AQUARIUM.

cleanliness. This is known as confervae, a vegeta-
ble growth which your snails will aid in destroying
if it is not over-abundant. A north window is
not so suitable for the aquarium, as too little light
is received from that source; but it will do if a
better site is not accessible.

The temperature at which the water of an aqua-
rium is kept is an important factor in the health of
the fish. This should not, if it is possible to avoid
it, exceed sixty-five degrees, nor should it sink
much below forty-five. A higher temperatnre
than the above is weakening, and if excessive is
very apt to cause the death of the fish.

When once determined upon, the aspect should
remain unchanged. At long intervals the aqua-
rium will need cleaning. The fish may be removed
by using shallow nets, and placed in a temporary
receptacle. Never catch fish with the hand, as
they are apt to be crushed enough to injure them
by so doing. Aftera thorough renovating replace
the water. The same water will do, or fresh spring
water may be substituted. The tank may then be
returned to its customary place and left undis-
turbed for another six months ora year. Water
lost by evaporation may be replaced whenever it
is deemed necessary.

PET QUADRUPEDS.

CIEE TERS A

. Dons:

oé AN’S unselfish friend” is an epithet

that the dog has not unworthily won.

Although there are some persons who
affect to despise his qualities, the fact remains that
no animal forms such attachments for man, and
continues even to extremities so faithful to his
trusts as does the dog. It is said that when Scot-
land’s illustrious queen was led to the scaffold she
was followed by her pet dog, which watched her
execution, and refused afterward to leave her coffin
until it was buried. Many a canine friend has

146 PET QUADRUPEDS.

watched faithfully at the bedside of a sick master,
when human comforters have turned unsympa-
thetically away.

In intelligence what animal can excel the dog?
He has been trained to perform the most remarka-
ble tricks, and, indeed, has often excelled his in-
struction by the exercise of an ingenuity that
seemed almost human. “If I had my choice,”
once said a fancier, “ between educating a dull boy
and a smart dog, I would choose the latter.” It
would seem, indeed, from the instances that are on
record of the remarkable sagacity of canines, that
a limit hardly exists at which a dog’s capacities
fail.

COLLIE.

KENNELS AND Beps. Every dog, whether large
or small, should have certain quarters which he
may regard as his own. If kept out of doors, as

DOGS. ay,

large dogs should certainly be, they should always
be provided with a warm and dry kennel of com-
fortable proportions. A strong, hard-wood barrel,
if first properly cleaned, will make a good kennel.
Do not cut out the end, as is often done, but leaving
both ends intact, cut out an opening in the side
near one end, making the hole large enough to
afford easy entrance and exit to the dog. If you
should desire a better kennel, have your carpenter
construct a commodious structure, and be sure to
have the opening in the side near one end. The
interior is thus freer from draughts, and will be
warmer and dryer. Have the back constructed so
that it may be opened when it becomes necessary
to clean the kennel. The space designed for the
dog’s bed should be shghtly elevated, with a slight
slope. It should be plentifully provided with clean
straw or fine shavings. At least once a week the
dog’s kennel should be scrubbed with hot water
and soda, and the bedding renewed. Cleanliness
in all matters pertaining to the dog will not only
add to his comfort, but is an absolute necessity
for his healthful existence. Fleas, ticks and other
parasites are very apt to infest kennels. It will be
found easier to prevent their appearance than to
destroy them when they have once infested the
dog’s quarters. Once a day the quarters should be
swept clean, and at least once a week a thorough

148 PET QUADRUPEDS.

scrubbing with hot water and soda should be given
them. Some good disinfectant should then be
used.

If a dog is allowed to remain in the house dur-
ing the day, he should certainly be permitted to
stay there through the might. The policy of turn-
ing out of doors for the night an animal, whether
dog or eat, is not only wrong, but cruel. When
accustomed to the warmth of the house during the
day, he should not be compelled to withstand the
chill of the night, th® time when shelter is the
most needed. Let a warm, cozy place be selected
for the house-dog’s quarters, and a rug or strip of
earpet provided for his bed. He should be taught
to know that it is there he is expected to pass the
night, and when the command is given, “Go to
bed,” he should be obliged to seek his quarters and
to remain there until morning. Some dogs, such
as the delicate Toys, require very cosy beds and
covers, and such they will learn to use with great
nicety. Don’t send your dog into the cellar to pass
the night, and don’t fix his quarters in a cold,
draughty place, or behind a door. Treat him
humanly or else give him away.

Foop anp Exercise. Usually dogs, and house-
dogs in particular, sutter from a lack of proper ex-
ercise, and the feeding of substances that would be

DOGS. 149

proper under some conditions, but wholly unfit
under others. The dog is a carnivorous animal,
and flesh would naturally constitute the major part
of his diet. Deficient exercise, however, modifies
the nature of the diet ; meat no longer should be
the bulk of the animal’s food, but should be re-
placed by vegetables of a light, digestible nature.
Excessive exercise, on the other hand, such as is
required of hunting dogs at work in the field, calls
for a generous feeding. Too much meat, either
raw or cooked, can hardly be fed at such a time,
but the same diet under conditions of rest or idle-
ness would be wholly unfit and injurious.

Puppies should be taugit to lap milk when
about three weeks old, as this relieves the mother
of the great strain to furnish sustenance, particu-
larly if the number of nursing puppies is large.
Cow’s milk for this purpose should be heated to
scalding point, then shghtly sweetened, and fed
when it has cooled down to the temperature of

150 PET QUADRUPEDS.

the dam’s. If the puppy thrives on this diet,
worms in the stomach are apt to thrive also, so
that a diet of soup thickened with stale bread may
be gradually substituted for the milk. Weaning
may be accomplished at the age of six weeks, if
the puppies are in good health. Four meals a day
will amply suffice for them at this age, and these
should consist chiefly of the soup diet, together
with well-boiled meat and vegetables. Puppies
should not be permitted to gorge, as they are apt
to do if left to eat all that they desire. At the
age of six months three meals a day will be enough,
and when a year old one hght meal in the morning
and a generous feeding in the evening will be
found most conducive to health and strength. A
large bone given to a dog to gnaw upon, is a good
means of keeping his teeth clean and of furnish-
ing bone particles, which are needed for the nour-
ishment of the osseous system. Irregular sup-
plies of food are injurious, and sweetmeats usually
work mischief. Raw meat is apt to cause ferocity
of temper, besides giving to the animal an offen-
sive smell. The presence of cereal and vegetable
substances in the dog’s diet will be found, in most
cases, to be preferable to an over-abundance of
meat, this being true more particularly in regard
to household pets getting very deficient exercise.

Dog-biscuits have come into favor during the

DOGS. 15%

past few years, and are now extensively used by
fanciers, whether as a matter of convenience or
preference it would be difficult to tell. They are
supposed to consist of such materials as are best
adapted for feeding; most kinds are no doubt reli-
able, and may be recommended. There is no ques-
tion in regard to their convenience, but that they
are better than a diet prepared at home is very
doubtful. In addition to such food supplies as
have just been mentioned, fresh drinking water
should be at all times accessible. This is very
essential to a dog, as he requires drink frequently
through the day.

Tue Batu. When properly kept, a house-dog
should have a bath as often at least as once in two
weeks, not only for the health of the animal, but
for eradicating any offensive smell characteristic of
canines, and for the prevention or destruction of
parasites. The morning is the proper time for the
dog’s bath; luke-warm water should be used, to-
gether with a plentiful application of soap. Some
of the excellent dog-soaps in the market should be
employed rather than the common sorts, which con-
tain strong alkali, Soaps contaiming carbolic acid
and other poisonous substances should be avoided,
since they are injurious to both the skin and the
hair. After bathing and rinsing with clear water,

1 PET QUADRUPEDS.

the hair should be rubbed dry and brushed, care
being taken to prevent delicately nurtured dogs
from taking cold. Small dogs should be placed in
the tub for their bath, large dogs beside it.

Disnasés oF Doas. Under proper conditions the
dog is rarely afflicted by illness. Cleanliness in all
matters pertaining to the animal’s quarters, and
regularity in feeding wholesome food, will conduce
largely to health. Some diseases result from con-
tagion, but even these are hardly to be feared if
the general conditions of the dog are good. In-
fectious diseases usually attack emaciated animals,
hence the best sate-guard against them is a well-
nourished system. In regard to remedies to be
given to a dog, it may be stated that a medium
large dog, asa Setter or Collie, will require as large
a dose of medicine as a man, larger dogs more,
and smaller dogs less in proportion to their size.

Distemper is one of the severest troubles to which
a dog is ever subject. It usually afflicts young
dogs under a year old, but old dogs are not exempt.
A dog may even be attacked by distemper a sec-
ond time. ‘This illness is said to result from poison
afloat in the blood of the animal, and the symp-
toms are not unsimilar to typhus in man. The
first appearance of the disease is in the watery dis-
charges from the eyes and nostrils, by which means

DISEASES OF DOGS. de

nature is seeking to throw off the poison afflicting
the body. <A fresh cold often exhibits the same
symptoms, but is not accompanied by the rapid
emaciation that is sure to follow if the trouble is
distemper. A loss of appetite, sneezing, a cough,
with frequent efforts to vomit, shivering, and a
feverish desire to drink, are symptoms nearly
always present. The respiration becomes labored,
fits sometimes occur, and the bowels show great
irregularity. It is said on good authority that no
specific is known for the absolute cure of distem-
per. The disease has its course to run, and good
nursing will prove a most effectual aid to recovery.
Remedies may and should be given that give tem-
porary relief. Keep the patient in a warm, dry
place, giving him an easy bed to rest upon. Give
light, nourishing food, and place within ready
access a pail of fresh water, from which the ani-
mal can lap at his pleasure. If a dog refuses his
customary food, he must be tempted with substan-
tial dainties; and if these remain uneaten, an egg
may be beaten up in port wine and the animal
torced to swallow it. Beef-tea and fresh milk are
usually relished. If possible, consult a skilled vet-
erinary in regard to medicines, but if that is im-
possible the remedies of the stores may be admin-
istered with good effect.

Fits, if not the result of distemper, are usually
due to indigestion or the presence of worms in the

2

ihe PET QUADRUPEDS.

stomach or intestines. This is a common ailment,
and may be best remedied by seeking out and re-
moving the cause. Keep the dog quiet, and give
plain food at proper intervals. A dose of castor-
oil may be given once or twice a week, and one to
five grains of sulphate of zine in a few grains of
the extract of dandelion twice a day.

Mange is due to parasites that live and multiply
in the skin. There are two distinct kinds of this
disease, which are readily transmitted from one
animal to another, and sometimes to man himself.
There are other skin diseases sometimes mistaken
for mange, which are not contagious, and require
treatment different fromm that of the former trouble.
Wash the parts well that are afflicted, and apply
some good mercurial or sulphur ointment. The
animal may be given plenty of sulphur in his milk
or food, or Fowler’s solution may be given in doses
of from one-half to six drops, according to the
weight of the dog.

Worms in a dog are of different sorts. Puppies
are often afflicted with them, and death is sometimes
due to their presence, even when they are wholly

unexpected to be the source of ailment. Round

worms infest the stomach and small intestines.
These cause much irritation of the alimentary
canal, and give rise to many disorders. A dog
suffering with worms becomes emaciated without
having fever, is alternately afflicted with constipa-

——

CATS. 155

tion and diarrhea, and has at most times a raven-
ous appetite. The abdomen often appears bloated,
while other parts of the body are thin. Tape-
worms and maw-worms, said by some authorities
to be much the same, are difficult to eradicate.
Areca-nut is the commonest remedy for tape-worm;
when freshly ground it is given in doses of two
grains for every pound the dog weighs, the dose to
be repeated in four days. Santonine is given for
round worms, from one-third to three grains being
a dose. After the symptoms are abated give cod-
liver oi], and occasionally a mild dose of castor-oil,
and at the same time a generous diet.

Il.—Carts.

The cat has been called the “ pertect pet,’ and
not without justice. Pussy has always had her
friends and her toes; her ardent admirers and her
extreme detestors. Faults she has, no doubt, but
the lack of an affectionate regard for the person
who befriends her is not, as has been alleged, one
ofthem. Though less demonstrative than the dog,
the quiet rubbing of her fur against one’s person
is no less: indicative of supreme regard.

The cat is usually cleanly in her habits. She
may be trained to act discreetly in the house, and
to observe her proper position at the fireside. Do
not drive her out of the house to spend the night,
if during the day she is permitted to remain in.

156 PET QUADRUPEDS.

A basket may be placed for her bed, and this
she should be taught to occupy during the night.
Feed your cat well; 1t is a mistaken notion that
permits her to remain hungry with the idea that
she will make a better mouser. Hunger will in-
duce her to steal what is within reach rather than
prompt her to seek for what is inaccessible. Two
good meals a dayare enough
for Pussy; let meat and milk
be a part of her menu once
each day. Oatmeal porridge
and milk makes a good dish,

and potatoes or other weli-

boiled vegetables are often

relished. Fresh water
should be always accessible.
The indiscriminate feeding of a cat or any other
pet is a mistake; regularity in feeding 1s more
conducive to health. Begging for food on the part
of any pet is a disagreeable habit that may be
broken by resolutely refusing the petitions for tid-
bits so prettily offered at the family meal. Kittens
should be supplied with food more frequently than
the grown cat. Three or four good meals a day
are a necessity. Never take all of a cat’s kittens
from her at onee; one should be left for her to
raise. Never keep a number of kittens for which
you are unable to supply good homes. Drowning
kittens is a barbarous means of getting rid of sur-

RABBITS AND GUINEA-PIGS. 157

plus pets; chloroforming is, by all means, to be
preferred. Place the kittens in a close vessel, to-
gether with a sponge saturated with chloroform,
and death will soon ensue that is unconscious and
painless. Cats that are infirm or diseased may be
put to sleep by getting them to drink some syrup
of chloral placed in their water. They may then
be mercifully chloroformed to death.

“Tf acat is really ill, he should be treated as a human patient is treated,
kept quiet and warm, and have medicine suited to his disorder. The most
convenient and easily administered is the homeopathic. To insure the
swallowing of doses haying an unfamiliar or unpleasant taste, requires
tact and some labor. The animal must be wrapped up closely, so that he
cannot use his claws to protect himself from what he considers an outrage,
his mouth opened, the medicine poured down, and his head held up till
the dose is swallowed.’’—OLIVE THORNE MILLER.

IIT.—RaBpits AXD GUINEA-PIGS.

Among the most innocent
and engaging quadrupeds ca-
pable of domestication are the
Rabbit and Guinea-pig. Both
thrive well in confinement if
strict cleanliness is at all times
observed. These pets are very
similar in habits and disposition, the latter, not-
withstanding its name, being in no wise related to
the beast that 1s said to leave a cloverfield so re-
luctantly. Feed plentifully fresh roots and vege-
tables, and keep in warm, dry hutches located in
an outhouse. Guinea-pigs are born with their eyes

158 PET QUADRUPEDS.

open, well-coated, three to five at a birth. Rabbits
are born blind and hairless, some two weeks elaps-
ing before they see the light. The young should
be weaned at the age of six weeks, only one being
taken from the doe atatime. Give them warm
quarters plentifully provided with nice hay, and
feed soft food fora time. Green food should be
given sparingly to the young. Crushed oats and
fresh roots, soaked peas or beans, and boiled pota-
toes are all excellent. Rabbits need but. little to
drink as they get sufficient liquids from the green
food they consume, but when such food is scarce,
a little milk or milk and water may be furnished
with advantage. Feed twice a day. Be sure that
their food is fresh and that their quarters are
warm and clean.

TV.—SQuiRRELs.

Squirrels become very tame and are pretty, en-
gaging little fellows. Their food is principally nuts,
acorns and cereals. Bread and milk should be fed
in addition onceaday. There should be provided
for them a regular squirrel cage consisting of three
apartments,

a sleeping chamber, a feeding room,
and a revolving wheel. The latter they will de-
light to turn at times, much to the delight of child-
ren, and of adults as well. Keep the apartments
scrupulously clean, as by this means only can in-
sect pests be avoided.

INDE~x.

PAGE,
ING CHOEINUSH eens music atte bit cine setae ates 55
ATMERICAM SONLSLETS.. 50 070.0... ee
JSuT WEED BIOS Shino caooomon aco Caeser 129
ae IRUIBIN- WON oy joteGnoadacs 139
os IEP WES TONeS Hae oo ececos 136
My SHGWA LIMP aN ee. ora. 143
es WiaiteRalOni: saccecn ones 138
PATO WCAC pistera teas eee cc eice 137
PAVIA TIO eC Syne ete a ciieciertons: « x0)
Aarne etac scission Sciceca Se 126
PAGVAL EN IaVarerceaisieter ara cP-hetciesels. ois (chew Se ai: 118
Bird-breeding in America...... 28
TRG lel Nira aii ier ne ere) ane 12
IBSTIRGIS NYASUS ac Geen pm Onreoes ace 3
Black-cap, European............ 69
TEXOTO OMI ee ed ee eaten ee eae 76
BCAA MMs OAC TINA ci. sce re oes 80
IBKECOIMP-CALCS aes creeiiencse et os 40
BLOW lMTaSher.o2..0.c.8 06.5% 86
isimllhahoVolae alegre omen comer wee Gil.
SM ee eas settee Solene suc releys caida os 3
SOLEMN TASS geste sis sess « 3
(GEUDBTAY pe 8e ae entender aero 29
pom POCONOS Olea s aa: oyeerers «-t= 38
iG TICE eUO) De nan nee Lonear aeerene 29
EE ISCASCSLONe hs, .enlo | ees 48
uu NEO OC eO Teaches cove 83
S IMNSECUISTOMRS chic irre 30
Smee LUT EUTIONT SO cy. ese. ee echo 18
eS CUOUIELTISE. cyercforcis,< ice tae cbemra 24
Dem LGTI SUSIE ress ons cectenelerre. asic’ 25
ey (Genel valk Al eee ener rene 22
COMME V ESOC saved doit ek sh eee oes cs 15
CES OTIEG ERY eee arene eee pee s8
(CHRRSE en eRe eo aie a 155
(CACM EPCPPCL isc ac cies v2 theese: 3d
(Cle HiiiaYe st 5 sanae es ooRaeGe eer O
GOGAT OO Sh vtec gare cies d clerenecas 1li
MBOMMETI AGS, «cacti Nee vd sues 144
(COTADUISION Ss eetee ene A caoderaAce 5o
(CLOSNAICIEN2) 5 ae Ane gts cee nea iy
Costiveness in birds ............ 51
ROIS EUG OUM Say, scleieysisiege 2 eels sae 54
CHRON. 2 ee eee ee 114
<CHRONWANOXOLY picket ee an Aenea 137
Diamond Sparrow io... .. ssc. s 125
DiamrhiceadnM DITGS:...02c0c0.. 2+ «c 52
IDISEASEStOR DIRS. 3-2<2c.c0e5 0.5 « 48
IDISTEM PEST MM MOSSia.- yeqces sas > 152
GES MIS CUMS Aton jrcioe s cise cis abs 150

PAGE.
ID OSSIRE onan ne a eee citeeerces 145
i WISCASCSEOLe ee eos nealay
SHO OC Ol aa ae ee 148
Kennels and. Bedss...2-. sc... 146
Rise ahimee Wid Sere. ce eee ae 45
Beoe-pbound Canary... /.s2 sascee 44
Ege and cracker mixture....... 33
EUroOpPeaniSONSSters.... a2. eee cs 57
TTC ES: AGC AT: aoa ato ckertiersbeneiere 123
se Common Wax-bill..... 125
re Condoneblier=:— see 125
a Citthroata eee nar)
cos A hea on veaeian gape.cc 127
a St-veHelenaiw..-eeracoad 126
Ke LEDS ose Gans ee re 126
ish, feedineiOl 24a ame ee 142
HISH LOL AQUAaTIU Mi... eae 139
MISh-OlOWES oc, cutracet ee ene 13
HOOOIOR DInGSeacten.. eee eee 14
Golden“RObIin aos. eee 91
Goldfinch, Amenicanty. aise 73
ze Heli Sherer eee 58
Goldefishi tyes. se eee Cer 139
CART ILIS a ae pene ooo euks Green oS 3
Grosbeak, Cardimal2 <a. 22. 78
es Rose-breasted ........ $1
Gudeeo le eetaa cee cekaeee Creer. 140
Guinea-plestese. ei See eneee 157
FLemip2SCOde 9 Bet: case acte reece 15
ELV YA CLS ee et eter cer on erhetcicione ete etree 46
IhovobkXoyedaWhayHholmema sequncoubeE Js 74
Inflammation of intestines..... 54
A SIGICGLAWISU A Mes kitty caren eters 115
JApPAMeseyR Oise tei seks oes 1 Al
JAMA SO DALLOW as vie. ote ciate vets 122
AMENIESSsT DUTASSs si:- 2 o.eehe ees 54
TG GHANGYEY Rye] 84210 orien oe Aes oe 60
POMC Seto isters tater craters Bie en Rees atjlal
WOSSKOR VOICE tae trees ter ere eke 52
WOVE DEAS weer eee non 1
Macaw, Blue and Yellow....... 110
ef SCanleteemace caterer 110
MEX eon woaaeaeno Wedonno anodHS 116
WicheRy da Mes sonore occucoonsoaace DY,

IMEI CPTI OSS) erterciate evel slo) ctersiel tects 154

IW WORN eS = A eedbes bono gee atic
MiaWeESCC Cee ete cisieya ores cestans siersrote

Meal.worms

Millet-seed ...... ee et ae
VIET Siteeece rere tectrauoceis oer ots oie

Mockingbird ....

Mo ckan spird i@@d ee ..-les can. sree
VEO MGMT OSPeETIO |. smc s--s- cies

IND SUNG LCR ayaeeere se cdoversteSeiatege, oats
IN Kou oF Rey ome noc ee Oran
INAS Jia PaAMESe. ia cats stewie ashe

Oriole,

TZEVGL GLEN coke =p cates ac dus) cca eleia ate «Mage
Ranadise’ Why dab. . <.6 ..%..0.0

Paroquets....
EER ROT RRA) ae eee oe
aie PROT AZO Wares Sele. cis’ 0
OC Cuban.

es Double- Yellow heads. a

s Single

st Dwari...... es deere

cay G ray

Perches for birds..............
IB GM WyESEO Dives cae cas cies He a>

Psittacidae

Puppies, feeding ...... 66...

TAOS te cotesieae s.ndic ae tala

BE AUTWNORE sy.teicyete etsy
“ OWA ase ae. ccctters

INDEX.

AGE PAGE.
38 Rape-Seed ofc sie cic. och ye eee Bo US;
16 RA VOCUS tik ac once eee eee 113
18 IROOKSS 5: a0 5 ase ee ee) LS
15

140 Scarlet Manager... a.ss sect 89
82 Silverstishy . Sans. cee see. JB,
ily Slkeylark yeoc cect se eee 67
36 SIMATISS, Sat ctoeteersah eee ee Apes ood lle)
Squirrels. cn... oeme eee . 158
65 DAL US: ee eere 5 Bi Solel eh ee 70
5) Stal worts :o:0.c 2 coe 137
127, Sticklebaek-.5. sas 0 eee eee 140
Sturdidaet 25.5 o.a ee ae eee 95
91 Sunflower-Séed:. 5 2.24 sen oe 16
92
Talkine: MINoni.. cece 95
16 Taming birdssy 1. ccc sleet 18
124 9) Tank for aq uaritims se. eee 133
107 LrapplMS DINGS eee 5 Uk
95. |) “Ero opal: io. cate retenee 93
105 Tstand's. 43. t2oes ae een 110
106 Pumntles: a. 3. Bee one Cee 141
104
105 Unhulled rice... s.-oeee ee ee GG
106
103 | Water for aquarium...... 18
ils} Water Tor birds\ssa2.. eee 3l
16 Watercress: <5... oo eee 137
95 Water millfoil..... sd le ae 118}
149 Water weeds ....c... «seer 137
Wood Thrush +74 33-c.ck oes $7
157 WOTrmMS 1M GOS. . jasper tye LDA