Cottam's new illustrated book on cage birds [microform] : their necessary food and care, together with valuable formulae for bird foods, treats, medicines, etc.

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NEW

4»MmmM MmilTINQ 00., tpNOON OMT.

1

ICINES, ETC

jf Seed, per lb., - - IC)C
ead^ per cake, - - 05c
inal Food, per lb., - loc

ctivorous Bird Foody 4qc
;r pkt. - . - 05c, & IOC

Debility, - - - .25c

:r,

Food,

25c
2fi;c
25c
25c
25c
2Sc
25c
25c
25c
25c
25c
25c
'25c

botanical Pood.

[. Enclose Stamps for Beply.

COTTAM'S

NEW ILLUSTRATED BOOK ON

P..

BIRDS

H..

THEIR NECESSARY FOODAND CARE.

', v

Together with Valuable FoRiibi^, for Bird
Foods, Treats, Medicin|^|^§^;^

• • • BY • » . • ^

BART. COTTAM,

London, Canada.

Vupy-*^^.i. Applied for.

* * Advertiser Printing Co., London.

^

./

r

PREFACE.

.5,.--,

^T IS, perhaps, unnecessary to preface the matter contained in
the following pages ; but an apology is due to thebird-loving
public for the late appearance of this long promised
pamphlet. For years I have felt the great dearth of
practical information on the subjects herein discussed,
and long ago determined to publish the results of my own

experience in this form, but not until now have I managed to get

the copy into the hands of the printer. .

Bom and bred in a country where the Lark, the Night-
ingale and other charming songsters are found on the wing
in their native element ; where cage birds, especially Canaries, are
developed to their highest perfecftion through the keenest competi-
tion, created by large sums of money offered annually as prizes at
bird shows or exhibitions, held under the auspices of societies
organized for the sole purpose of attaining in every respect the
most healthy and most perfect birds ; I naturally imbibed a taste
in this direction, and for many years was actively engaged in the
bird business, carrying at times perhaps the largest and most ex-
pensive stock in Canada ; so that under these circumstances, apart
from my taste and disposition in the matter, I have been compelled
to make a careful study of our little feathered friends, their habits,
foods, and diseases, as well as the methods most suitable for keeping
them ih health, song, and beautiful plumage, or suffer as a con-
sequence great loss by deterioration of stock, by epidemics, and
foreign diseases frequently introduced by new importations. There-
fore it will be readily seen tjiat I speak on this subject, not from
the standpoint of a novice, but from a long and extensive experi-
ence very often dearly bought.

^ 4 JPREt>'AOEt

Tho question has of t«n been asked, is it hot wrong to keep
birds in cages. I reply that it is no more wrong to keep birds in
cages than it is to keep horses, cows, poultry, dogo, et.'., under suf-
ficient restraint to be of service to man. The wrong comes in
^ only when these creatures are neglected or abused. Birdn resemble

human beings much in physical structure and mental development,
•w I'hey have their feelings, and are in every way entitled to our
tender care. Most people care only for their bodies, shape,
color, general appearance, etc., and neglect to study their little
ways and needs, consequently these creatures often suffer through
our ignorance. *' Consider the Ravens," and '* behold the fowls
of the air," said our great Exemplar, and "are not two sparrows
sold for a farthing, yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them/'
Each bird has its peculiarities of disposition and character, as
well as each member of the human family, and only by watching
them closely can we discover these peculiarities, and thoroughly
unlerstand how much they know. Their language to each other
is wonderful ; and if wo would "consider the lilies of the field *'
and *' the fowls of the. air " more, it would be much better for our
systems than medicine, for music, birds, and flowers bring health
and happy hours.

Judging from the numerous oral and written expressions of
gratitude I have been for many years receiving, my services have
been appreciated, and many * ' sweet little pets " have been restored
to health and song ; and, as a matter of course, their lives made
pleasant, for, like ourselves, a bird will not be disposed to sing if
not happy and in health. It is the knowledge of this fact, together
with a desire to place my services at the disposal of all, that
induces me now to write.

Truth relating to cage birds and other household pets, however,
like truth in general, is too great to be seen by one individual in all
its aspects. I have, therefore, not confined myself exclusively to
my own experience, but have, when I thought it desirable, given
the experience of such men as Br. Bechstien and other celebrated
ornithologists and bird fanciers.

I have not written at this time for those who know all about it ;
and, though not at all formidable in appearance, nor claiming com-
prehensiveness from an ornithological point of view, the following
pages contain ample directions for the proper care of Canaries and
other cage birds, and, I trust are, so explicit that the most inexperi-

5»REFAC1S. 5

enced may grasp and turn them to a practical account. Technical
terma have been purposely avoided, bo that all, from the child* owner
of a feathered pet, to the gray haired grandfather who used to
catch them with the snare or lime in the old land, may have no
difficulty in understanding my meaning on every point.

And now with the hope that my efforts may result in a more
tender care and better treatment of our feathered pets, who have so
often cheered us in times of depression, I ask for my little work the
careful perusal of all who love the birds and appreciate their sweet
Bongy and who does not 7

BART. COTTAM.
London, Canada, August, 1894.

I

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ILLUSTRATIONS.

AfHcan Parrot.
Amerioan Blue Jay.
Australian Paroquet.
American Robin.
Author's Photo.
Brazilian Cardinal.
Baltimore Oriole.
Birds and Kest.
Blackcap.
Belgian Canary.
Blue Jay.

Blackbird, English.
Bobolink.
Bullfinch.

Cardinal, Brazilian.
Cardinal, Virginia.
Cuban Parrot.
Coppy, Lancashire.
Chaffinch.
English Skylark.
English Woodlark.
English Robin.
English Blackbird.
English Thrush.
European Nightingale.
Fancy Scotch Canary.
Gray Linnet.

Goldfinch.
Green Canary.
Grosbeak.

Jay, American, Blue.
Japanese Robin.
Lancashire Coppy.
Linnet, European.
Minor, Talking.
Mocking Bird.
Nightingale, Virginia.
Nightingale, European.
Norwich Canaries.
Oriole, Baltimore.
Parrot, African.
Parrot, Cuban.
Paroquet.
Robin, English.
Robin, Amerioan.
Robin, Japanese.
Skylark, English.
Scotch Fancy.
Starling, European.
Thrush, English.
Troopial. ^

Virginian Red Bird.
Woodlark, English.
iTorkshire Canary.

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C' ■

gart. ©ne. .....

f CANARIES

0 WELL known and so universally admired through-
out the world, there is probably no bird beloved
and esteemed to the same extent by all classes,
from the humblest cottagers to royalty on the
throne, as the subject of this chapter. It is a
well-known fact that our beloved Queen Victoria
takes a great interest in these charming little
choristers. The Canary is certainly one of the most
charming pets a person can possess. No bird is
more engaging, more gay, happy and cheerful in
confinement, and, withal, so harmonious. Its powers of imitation
and memory are wonderful, and the attachment of manj^of these
birds to the individuals who attend their daily wants and treat
them kindly is remarkable. To those in pursuit of a harmless and
innocent amusement, there is none promising more gratification
and enjoyment than the study and care of Canaries.

There are many varietits of the Canary, differing widely in
size, shape, color of plumage, and song ; but as songsters there ai e
none to equal the German imported birds. The best come from St.
Andreasberg, a village in the Hartz Mountains, Germany, famous
for its clear air, pure water, and for the celebrated sonesters bred
theie. These Canaries are taught to sing, and are carefully trained
by the English Lark, the Nightingale, or the Mocking Bird, and
have a long, sweet, silvery trill, with the bell and flute notes, which
contrast very pleasantly with the short, choppy notes of our domes-
tic Canaries. While other breeders in England and elsewhere try
to excel in size, shape, color of plumage, etc., the German breeders
aim chiefly at developing the vocal powers of their birds ; and their
success in this line has given them a world-wide leputation. As
the songs of Mme. Patti are superior to those of an untrained
soprano, so are the warblings of a well-trained German bird to those
of other varieties ; and, if ^r its song a Canary is kept, a German
bird is by far the most satisfactory. To be sure, these imported

%

CAGE BIRDS.

birds are somewhat expensive, but after the first cost it takes ..
more to keep a bird that will be a credit to the taste and judgment
of its owner, than one that will be otherwise.

CAGES.

Next to the choice of a bird, the selection of a cage demands a
great deal more consideration than it usually get?. A cage may be
too small, or too large, too ornamental, or too plain. If it is too
small, its poor little inmate is condemned to a life of unutterable
misery ; if too large, the bird is simply lost in the immensity of

NORWICH CANARY.

space, dwarfed in fact, and as an ornament tc an apartment, no-
where. If the cage iu too ornamental, it enters into competition
with the bird for the admiration of visitors ; and if too plain, it
looks shabbv.

Then, bnere are so many varieties to choose from that they keep
the judgment in suspense. There are passed in succession before
the gaze of intending purchasers a bewildering variety of candidates

BtRD &raV£l. 9

xor his or her favor. The eyes wander from the simple beauty of
the Swiss cottage to the fantastic Chinese pagoda ; to the mystic
grandeur of the gothic church ; to the stately Grecian temple ; and
the Indian temple with its gorgeously painted domes anc*. minarets.
Truly, in the present day, woAers in wire and tin are worthy to
be placed on tee roll of artists.

Taking all things into consideration our experience leads us to
pronounce the japanned 10x10 square cage to be the best. Japanned
cages, being so eas^' to keep clean, are much more desirable than
wood or brass, the latter being ver.v liable to create verdigris, which
is exceedingly injurious to the bird. Preference should always be
given to cages with false bottoms that wiU draw out, as they are
more convenient, leaving the l^ast chance of losing or disturbing the
bird when being cleaned.

In removing the top of a cage always ia]l£id^ hold of the lowest
point ; the bird will then fly to the upper part of the cage and there
will be no danger of its escaping when the top is lifted. If, how-
ever, you get hold of the highest point the bird will naturally flv
from the hand and probably escape when the top part is raised.
These experiments are easily tried, but, if you make the latter one
first, be sure the bird is your own.

^:i4^

IIRD GRAVEL.

^^^:f^ . ■ ■"'''^

11

We will now presume that you are the happy possessor of a
genuine St. Andreaaberg Canary, imported direct fk'om the Hartz
Mountains, with its low water- bubble, flute aod bell notes, long,
sweer, silvery tniriU, etc., and have him placed in a suitable cage.

A supply of gravel should al'wpays b© kept strewn over the
bottom of the cage and renewed at least twice a week. Birds like
to flutter and clean themselves in gravel ; it also keeps their feet in
better condition and tends to health and general cleanliness. More-
over, gravel is absolutely necessary for the health of birds, without
which they cannot digest their food properly, as, having no teeth,
that operation is performed by the gizzard, where it is ground and
reduced to nourishment, much in the same way as corn is ground
between the stones in the mill. f '

Find sand is frequently used, but it is not sharp enough for the
purpose, and often very impure.

Gravel that is dug from the streets of our cities cannot be used
with safety, as it is generally impregnated with various gases that
are positively destructive to health. That which has been purified
by exposure to the oxygen of the atmosphere is most healthy,
(xfavel from the sea shore is the most acceptable to birds, on account
of its saline taste ; and it contains in the highest degree every quali-
fication that is necessary. Cottam's Bird Gravel consists of
imported re-cleaned silver sea gravel and cuttlefish bone mixed, put
up in 2^ lb. boxes, and for sale by all grocers, druggists and
seedsmen.

10

CAGE BIRDS

SEEDS.

If it be important that your bird should be well supplied witb
gravel, it must be admitted that its food is of still greater import-
ance In the great majority of diseases to which birds are subject
the cause may very frequently be traced to the use of bad or
indifferent mixtures of seed. Hemp is frequently mixed with
bird seed ; but fed in this way it is exceedingly injurious to
the birds. If given at all it should be fed separately and spar-
ingly, for several reaf>ons. When it is mixed with other seed

TUB YORKSHIRE FANCY.

it causes much waste, as the birds turn out the other seeds and
scatter them over the cage, that they may obtain the hemp, of which
they are passionately fond, and on this account are induced to eat
more than they should and otherwise would. The oil contained
in the hemp seed, being very rich, soon has a serious effect on them,
and in many cases their vocal powers are entirely destroyed.
The Germans never feed a grain of hemp, or to that extent
would consider their birds injured.

A MIXSD DIBT. 11

Many peofde whom the writer has tried to convince on this point
have argued, " Why, hemp seed must be good for my birds, because
they are vei y fond of it, and it makes them look fat and slick. " That
Canaries like hemp is granted ; but this is hardly proof sufficient [

that it is good or beneficial. Because they like it so well is one, but
not the principal reason why they should not have it. Hemp seed fed
to Canaries has the same effect on them that pie and rich cake have
upon children; it destroys their digestive organs, and produces and
promotes various diseases. That children are fond of pie and rich
cakes, and candy, is not to us a sufficient argument for their eating
them freely. Birds, like multitudes of the human family, often
starve to death amidst plenty. Their digestive powers having
been destroyed through abuses of the stomach, are no longer able to
extract nutriment sufficient to nourish the various organs of the
body, although the amount of food they eat is enormous.

The best seed mixture for Canaries is composed of four parts
choice Sicily or Spanish canary, two parts French or German milieu,
and one part German sweet summer rape, ail thoroughly re-cleaned.
Cheap English rape is very often substituted for the German, but
it is not so good ; it is easily detected, as it is much larger than the
German, of a darker color, with a bitter pungent taste ; whereas the
German rape is rather small, of a bright maroon color, and sweet to
the taste. This summer rope is fed almost exclusively in Germany,
but it does not produce sufficient warmth to warrant its being used
quite as freely in so cold a climate as ours.

For further information in regard to proper foods for Canaries,
.etc, , see Part Three.

A MIXED DIET.

Experiments and experience prove that a mixed diet is neces>
sary. Observation shows an habitual excess of any one or more of
the great divisions of food over and above the wants of the body
will result in the production of a constitutional derangement, and
these derangements or diseases often become chronic.

Man and every other creature, in order to be healthy, useful
and happy, must have food in variety properly proportionea. How
often is even good seed spoiled and made injurious by being badly
mixed and in wrong proportions.

For many years we were in business as importers of all kinds of
cage birds, and constantly had on hand a large stock, principally
Canaries ; consequently, we were compelled to make them and their
little wants a study in order to keep them in health and song.

In using Cottam's Bird Seed, the public have the benefit of our
long experience in this line, If you really want healthy birds, with
beautiful plumage, and choice song, use only Cottam's Choice Ira-
ported Re-cleoned and Well-mixed Bird Seed.

COTTAM'S BIRD SEED.

In introducing to the trade, and public generally, Cottam's
Bird. Seed, an apology is hardly needed, as in the interest of

i

12 OAOB BIRDS.

our feathered tribe a better class of seed had long become an
absolute necessity ; and necessity is said to be the mother of inven-
tion. After long and careful examination, we failed to find in the
market one single brand of bird seed in packet that could be hon-
estly recommended, or even considered safe for birds ; but, on the
contrary, we found most of the mixture extremely bad, and posi-
tively destructive, both to health and song. That the public should
have lost confidence in all bird seeds put up in p ckets is not to be
wondered at under these circumstances. In the numerous cases
where wo have been consulted in regard to the ailments of birds,
loss of song, etc., we have invariably traced the cause of such disease
to the use of bad or indifferent mixtures of bird seeds. Good seed
is just as important for our birds, if we want to keep them in health,
song and beautiful plumage, as good hay is for horses, or sound
bread for the human family, etc. ; and yet, good saed is not all that
is necessary to keep birds in a desirable condition, a proper mixture
of seed is just as importanti Beef, mutton, cheese, etc , maybe all
good in their respective places, but let man feed exclusively on any
one of these articles, and health will soon be impaired, and life made
miserable and short.

Distinguishing^ Marks — Cottam's Bird Seed is distinguished
from inferior and cheaper grades by having a four colored label with
"Cottam's Bird Seed " in white letters, four birds, apple blossom,
scenery, and Bart Cottam's photo. A five cent cake of our
patent Bird Bread is also enclosed in every ten cent package of
Cottam's Bird Seed. None genuine without these distinguishing
marks. Beware of imitations. If you really desire healthy birds,
with choice song and beautiful plumage, use only Cottam's Bird
Seed, which has been awarded first prizes and diplomas. For sale
by all druggists, grocers and seedmen. // you send us thirty cents in
stamps we will serm you, post-paid, six cakes oj our patent Bird Bread.

GREEN FOOD.

Green food, such as lettuce, ripe plantain seed, chickweed,
groundsel, water-cress, or a little sweet apple, is very wholesome
for Canaries as well as other birds, especially in hot weather, when
cooling or relaxing food is much needed ; but it may do considerable
mischief when given where there is a tendency to diarrhoea Green
food is very necessary when feeding egg food, and also with
Safl'ronitus or coloring lood.

See Part Three for further particulars on this subject.

EGG FOOD.

This is a very useful article of diet, and iit, in some cases,
absolutely necessary. It is made «s follows : Take the yolk of a
hard'boiled egg chopped very fine, Zwieback (stale bread crumbs
desiccated and powdered), maw or poppy seed, all. in equal propor-
tions ; thoroughly mix together with a sprinkling of Cayenne pepper,
^his wil^ be found a very nourishing and strengthening food in cases

BIRP BREAD.

13

of debility, during moultlkig aeason, previous to, and after incuba-
tion ; and it is especially commendable as food for young birds. It
is, however, too stimulating as a regular article of diet ; and a little
green food or sweet apple should always be fed with it.

BIRD BREAD.

THE WONDER OF THE AGE.

Cottam's Bird Bread, protected by letters patent, is manu-
factured by combining honey, poppy seed and cuttlefish bone,
together with twelve other ingredients, each of which have been
tested by c:i^perienced bird fanciers, and proved to have been, for
many years, most serviceable in the aviary.

These fifteen different ingredients are compounded in such pro-
portions as to insure the most beneficial results on the vocal organs
and general constitution of cage birds, but more particularly on
Canaries.

No birds should be without this excelleut preparation, especially
during sickness, moulting or incubation ; as it improves the vocal
organs, increases song, makes brilliant plumage eradicates disease,
promotes the healthy operation of the gizzard, strengthens and
sharpens the beak, gives tone and vigor to the whole system and is
strongly recommended for birds troubled with mites.

Cottam's patent Bird Bread is sold at five cents per cake ; but
a cake is given away with every ten cent package of Cottam'^
celebrated choice re cleaned and well mixed Bird Seed.

"^i* ■

WATER.

. A daily supply of pure water for drinking purposes should I9
given in a thoroughly clean receptacle ; and in very not weather its
renewal at least t'^ice each day would be of considerable advantage,

BATHING.

The bath should be given daily in warm weather, and occasion-
ally in winter, care being taken at all times that the water given for
the purpose, and the air of the room are at the right te^iperature,
an4 that the^e is qo t«p,dency to cbiU the bird, !^ot oply ag

u

CAGE BIRDS.

a luxury, but alao as a necessity the bath should be giyen, and
nothing tends to keep down parasites, with which most birds
are troubled, or is more conducive to the general health. Some
birds like the bath, and will immediately go into it when placed
before them ; on the other hand, many only care to wet their
head and dress down their plumage in this way. Some birds will
take a tepid bath when they will not take a cold one, pud vice versa.
Others prefer a sand bath to the water, and are fond of flutter-
ing in a dish of clean sand. This desire should always be gratitied,
as it is in many ways most beneficial.

BREEDING CANARIES.

Almost everyi .lO who takes an interest in birds has a desire to
breed them, anc^ the temptation is great along this line ; but for
one amateur who in successful in the business twenty make a
lamentable failure of !i , and give up the idea in despair. Why ?
Simply because they go ah -ut it in the wrong way. And should
fortune favor them so far, that one or two of the expected brood
come forth alive from the eggs, there are a thousand chances to one
against their living.

Now, breeding Canaries will be found very easy if the following
directions on the subject are only carefully followed : First — Pair
only such birds as are likely to produce good results. Second —
Select the proper season for pairing. Third — Take the necessary
pains in the preparation of the nest, and see that it is kept in order,
rourth — Provide proper food, both for the old birds and for their
newly hatched young. Fifth — Avoid meddling or interfering with
them more than is necessary, especially during the period of
incubation,

^ki^EblkO OAXARiES. 1$

PAiriug should not be set about too early in the year. A
popular, though in our opinion erroneous, idea exists that Saint
Valentine's day is, of all days in the year, the one looked upon by
the feathered tribe as sacred to the worship of Hymen, and many of
those who hold in their hands the lives and fortunes of captive
birds insist on pairing them on tlmt particular anniversary. But,
in this country, according to the opinion of experienced and
successful breeders, this is too early. By having the young birds
hatched too scon they are sure to be delicate ; they require much
warmth, and the heat of the sun is to be preferred, for tne absence
of which any amount of artificial warmih will not compensate.
Usually the middle of March, when they say iin Ireland that Saint
Patrick turns the warm side of the stone, or the beginning of April,
is soon enough. The young birds have then the summer before
them wherein to acquire strength and get properly on their legs, or
wings perhaps.

For some time before putting the birds together for breeding
purposes, the cages in which they are kept should be hung close
together, so that they can see and become familiar with each other
before mating ; and during this period they should be supplied with
hard-boiled egffs chopped very fine and mixed in equal proportions
with desiccated stale bread or bun rolled into a powder, together
with a little maw or poppy eeed. In addition to their general diet,
at this time they should have a few heads of fresh, ripe groundsel,
ripe plantain, water-cresses, radish tops, mustard, cress or small
salad fresh every day, if at all procurable. Any of these will have
a tendency to make them mate sooner than if fed only on their
ordinary food. If this advice be carried out the process of pairing
will be expedited and made easy.

It is, also, very desirable that the birds should know and be-
come familiar with the person who is to have the care of them. To
this end it will be well for that person to occasionally eive them
little dainties ; such as small pieces of sponge cake, sweet oiscuit, or
bun. If they can be induced to take it from the hand, so much the
better.

See hints on training birds in I'att Three.

There is no small amount of amusement to be derived from
endeavoring to produce birds of a certain type, color or shape ; but
the majority of amateurs are content to pair their birds hapnaisard,
and let the results be what they may. For the benefit of those in-
terested, we herewith intimate the young that may be expected
from pairing certain birds.

JoNQUK (a deep yellow bird) with JoNQUJ.i does not
do so well, but they are all right if more delicate colors
are preferred. A Jonque cock and a Mealy hen should
be matched for definitely marked and high-colored birds.
When high-colored splashed or pied t'^anaries are paired there is
a very good chance of their throwing' green birds. Again, two
green Jonques often produce clear birds. Pied birds are produced
by matching a Gbben Jonque cock with a Clear Jonque or a
^ilEALY hen. A Turngrest must, on no account, be matehed

I

■ :

in QAGE BIRDS.

with another Turncuest, as the offspring will, in that case,
inevitably be bald or semi-bald headed. A young maie and an old
female will produce mostly male birds, and those of about the sanie
age will generally throw nearly equal proportions of males and
females.

BREEDING CAGES.

For one pair of birds, a breeding cage should be at least
twenty-four inches loo^, twelve inches wide, and eighteen inches
high. Each pair of birds require two nest boxes ; a basin or
bath of fresh water in the cage is also indispensable.

Before turning the birds into the cage, great care must be
taken to thoroughly clean it, as the birds are very apt to be
infested with vermin, or with the eggs of minute insects that are
certain to prove a source of torment to the mother. The cage
should be well washed with strong soft-soap, or with C. W. C ,
which is far better, and boiling water, both inside and out ; the
joints, crevi es and corners receiving extra attention. In addition
to this, if the cage is not put together with glue, it is well to let it
stand for four or live minutes in a tu^ ot boiling water. This is the
old-fashioned plan for clearing a cage of insects, and, in our
opinion, the best. Some breeders, now a-days, use carbolic powder
to dust the birds, but these methods are more or less injurious.
To get properly at the joints, etc., a painter's stiff hog brush
can be used with advantage. When the cage has been thoroughly
washed the cracks and corners should be well saturated with
Cottams Mite Exterminator. This, if well done, will pre-
vent vermin from breeding in the cage again that season. Some
experienced bi-eeders recommend white- washing the cage within and
without.

Make it a rule, before retiring, to put a white cover over your
cage, when you suspect insects ; the red mites will, during the
night, crawl upon it from the cage or bird ; it should, however,
be removed every morning at daylight and thoroughly examined
for vermin. If this be done your bird and cage may be kept
tolerably free from the pests.

The location of the breeding cage is important. It should be
placed in a light and airy room, and if the morning sun shines
therein so much the better. Drafts should be avoided, for young,
callow birds are tender and must be treated accordingly. When
the weather is balmy, and the sun shines, the windows may be
allowed to remain open for an hour or two in the afternoon, and if
the weather be very hot it may be best to leave them open all day.
Evea then, however, the cage must not be exposed to a draft. An
ev«n temperature in the bird room is indispensable. Too much
hea4>H;j|.a3 injurious as too little; it makes the old birds sickly,
piftdwies weakeaitig perspiration, under the influence of which they
aiw iikely to jpiroKiii^ very weak young. The cage should not be
hi^g.tpo high, Aifjbhe atmosphere is the more impure the nearer you
get to the ceiling. It should so be placed as to be conveniently

BRKBDIXO GAGKS. 17

reached for any legitimate purpose, though, if possible, at the same
time in a retiring position. On no account must the breeding birds
be subjected to the annoyance of being inspected by every person
so iachned. If pf>88ible, only one person should attend or go near
them, otherwise they may desert their eggs or young.

Ne«it Boxes should on no account be fixed to the corners or any
part of vhe cage, but b^ hung on hcoks or nails, because, despite the
utmost precaution, insects will eudeavor to harbor themselves.
Nest boxes of wicker-work, tin, or of wood, can be procured ready-
made from any bird dealer. Many fanciers, however, assert that a
wooden nest box should not be used, it haviug a tendency to harbor
insects. This may be so, but the objection can be obviated by
having it made of box- wood.

Many and sdrious are the controversies that have from time to
time arisen on the subject of nost-making. Some breeders insist
that the bird should be merely supplied with material, and then
left to construct the nest for themselves ; while others dogmatically
maintain that the nest should be made for them, and in such a way
that they can neither improve nor spoil it. Both theories may
have something to recommend them, but it must be remembered
that Canaries differ as much as people. As a rule, tame Canaries
are very clumsy upholsterers and not at all as apt in nest making as
are wild birds, yet some Canaries are capable of attending to this
kind of work satisfactorily, and the breeder must be guided in his
course by the manner in which the birds are observed to act. The
following are the best methods for providing a nest : Heavy
woollen felt, cotton batting, wool, cow's hair or moss are the most
suitable materials. If a ready-made nest is given the birds, the
material should be stitched in so that they cannot x>ull it to pieces,
if they are so disposed. As before stated, however, all that is
necessary with some birds is to simply han^ in the breeding cage a
small bundle of nest making materials and leave them to build their
own nest.

In making a nest of cow -hair, moss, batting or wool, great care
must be taken to tuck in the material so that it will not get
entangled in the hen's feet, for in such an event she is liable to drag
the eg£^s or the young birds out of the nest in endeavoring to free
herself from it. The materials of which the nest is made should
also be sprinkled thoroughly with sulphur that it may not harbor
vermin.

A nest box should be round and concave, three inches and
three quarters in diameter, and about two inches deep.

Some birds have a rather sportive propensity for tearing up
their nests and scattering the material over the cage. For these
birds the felt and cloth nest is the most suitable. Others are so
difficult to please in regard to their nest that they will lay anywhere
else in the cage but in it. In this case they should be supplied with
extra wadding or cotton ; but if they will not use it the only
recourse is to watch them and lift the eggs into the nest, by means
of a spoon, immediately on being laid.

i

li tiAOE BIBtiS.

HATCHING*

Canaries geiiaraily have three nests of ydiifag every season, and
lay from four to five eggs, seldom more. When they do lay a
greater number it is no advantage, for five are as manv so small a
bird can conveniently cover. Some hens will break and suck their
eggs as soon as they are laid, in which case means should be
adopted to prevent their so doing. One method is to give an
abundance of palatable food every evening, that the heu may feed
early in the morning. Should this not succeed, stronger measures
must be resorted to ; a little mustard or bitter aloes put into an
empty egg shell and placed in such a position as will be likely to
attract her attention will, when she has tasted it, in ^11 probability
act as a deterrent in the future. Some hens, on the other hand,
are too careful of their eggs, and will, if allowed, begin to sit on
them as soon as they are laid, thereby hatching them irregularly.

The regular time for incubation is fourteen days. Birds are
usually hatched one each day, as the eggs were laid, until all of them
are hatched. If it should happen that one or more eggs remain in
the nest, and do not hatch at the proper time, they should be taken
out of the nest carefully — using a teaspoon for the purpose, so las
not to handle them — and hold tnem before a strong light. If there
is the appearance of blood, place them back carefully, for they
may yet be hatched. If, however, the egg be transparent, it may
be thrown away worthless. Egfl;s should not be thrown away
until they are three weeks old at least. When hatched, the young
birds remain blind for seven days. When from eight to ten days
old, they should be provided with their last fresh nest, as after
that age they are disinclined to change, and, in fact, will not stand
it ; but will leave the new nest in which they are placed, thereby
exposing themselves to the cold before they are prepared for it.
So essential are warmth and perfect quiet to them at this time that
their obstinacy in the matter of nests in many instances results
fatally.

When the young birds are from twelve to sixteen days old, the
hen will give evidence of her intention to go to nest again by
picking up bits of moss and depositing them in another box ; indeed,
at this time, she is by no means scrupulous, but will, should she
find herself short of materials, pluck the feathers from the back
and breast of the nestlings. Hens have been known at this time to
denude their young of every feather except those of the tail and
wings, and this generally causes the death of the young birds.

Some hens lay their eggs in the nest along with their fledglings.
This, however, seldom occurs when two nests are provided, and
must not, on any account, be permitted, for both the young birds
and the eggs are then in great danger ; and, although instances arc
on record where this procedure has not met with serious results,
they are very rare. One inconvenience of having young birds and
eggs in the same nest is that the hen is so much occupied with the
eggs that she neglects to feed the fledglings. The safer plan is to
transfer the young birds along with i^e cock to another cage as
soon as new eggs are laid. He will generally feed them; but,

VARIimS or THV CAN ART. 19

should he refuse, they must be fed bv hand. This may be done by
feeding them with a small straw on hard-boiled eggs, chopped very
fine. Occasionally the old birds will entirely desert their young
and leave thorn to starve. This will seldom occur if strict attention
is paid to directions for treating the breeding birds. As a rule,
this desertion is brought about by the old birds being disturbed too
much. The young birds may, in these cases, easily be brought up
by hand. The egg food should be given until they can crack seeds
for themselves. It may be fed with a quill, from the side of which
a small piece has been out, thereby forming a small spoon.

When from a month to six weeks old, the young birds ought
to be able to eat without any assistance, and by this time the old
birds M ill most likely have another family to attmd to. It is time,
also, that they should be weaned from soft food, cind put on a diet
of canary, maw or poppy, and sweet summer rape, which it is best
to feed crushed until the young birds are able to crack it for
themselves.

VARIETIES OF THE CANARY.

Buffon enumerates twenty varieties of the Canary ; but that
was a long time ago and many more have since been added to the
list, for by crossing and re-crossing varieties may be, and have been,
produced ad infinitum. Furthermore, when prominence is |;iven to
from twelve to sixteen varieties, the number which the majority of
exhibitions admit to the honors of competition is exceeded. The
number of varieties is generally limited to eleven with their sub*
divisions or classes.

The True Canary, the original of all the varieties, and native
of the Canary Islands and Madeira, has a greyish brown body, merg-
ing into yellowish green in the under parts ; the beak and legs are
of shining black. Of a stouter build than the golden yellow Canary,
it has more of the fullness of the Linnet. Its song is also different,
being its own wild native notes, unmixed with those acquired by
tr ining when in captivity. The Canary was ISrst domesticated in
Italy in the 16th century. During the 300 years of its domestication,
it has been the subject of careful selection and of crossing with
allied species, the result being the production of birds differing
widely in the color of their plumage, and, in a few of its varieties,
even in size and form from the original wild species. We herewith
give a description of the principal varieties.

The German Canary as already mentioned, is unrivalled as
a songster, but that is the gift of education. Its head is flat and its
throat like all good vocalists, well developed. It is small in size,
with belly rather flat, and short legs ; in fact, it is not by any means,
tlie most attractive of Canaries. Its form may be pronounced
stumpy and ignoble in its general appearance. In color, it is gener^
ally of a greenish or mealy yellow, irregularly marked v.'ith patches
of black or chestnut. For excellence of song, the Germans leave
other breeders far behind. They are constantly endeavoring to
improve thi^ Qf^tural vocal poTiyers o| th$ bird, and suoh has be^Q

y

20 GAGE BIRDS.

their succegs, that as Bongstera, thoir birds have been given an in<
creased value of more than one hundred per cent, above all other
varieties. The birds most in favor are those that have learned the
song of the Nightingale, Skylark or Mocking-bird, with water-
bubble notes, long trills and variations. Some of these birds will
sing or whistle complete tunes, and, of course, are valued according
to their ability as musicians. They are, hoVever. as we have al-
ready stated, when compared with the Belgian or English breeds,
small and stumpy in size and wanting in elegance of shape and color.
They are the hardiest of all the Canary breeds, and pair well with a
Belgian or Yorkshire hen. Aa the (jermans are valued solely for
their superior vocal powers, the hens of this variety are seldom, if
ever, imported.

The Belgfian is a bird remarkable both for beauty of color and
extraordinary form. It is, taken altogether, a strikingly handsome
bird — larger in size than the ordinal y Canary, and has an elongated
figure, a snake-like head, and the shoulders are set very high— so
high in fact, that in a perfect bird a horizontal line struck through
the eyes should strike the top of the shoulder bone ; a perpendicular
line from *-he shoulder should pass down through the legs to the perch.
Its plumage is clear and of the richest golden color — the breast
being prettily tufted. In addition to the general type, fanciers
frequently divide the Belgian into as many as six classes— an
arrangement which only complicates classification, besides being
of no practical utility. For all purposes — even of exhibition — two,
or at most, four, classes are sufficient, namely : Clear yellow, clear
buff, vnrie^ated and ticked yellow, and variegated and ticked
buff. Many judges insist on the ticked birds forming distinct
classes of their own. Birds of this variety are held in high esteem
by fanciers, for the reason that crossing them with birds of a more
compact and robust form, produces young birds of a very beautiful
type. The Belgian possesses a fairly good singing voice, which ia
the more remarkable on account of the narrowness of his chest.

The Glasgow Don is the pride and joy of Scotch fanciers,
and it is, indeed, a bird of attractive appearance. The Don, or
Scotch Fancy (by which latter name it is generally called), is from
six to seven inches in length. A vertical line from the tip of
the beak is supposed to strike the end of the tail — the bird forming
a perfect segment of a circle, of so slight a build that a well-bred
bird can be passed through a lady's finger ring. They are bred for
beauty of form and plumage, rather than for song, although some
of them have very good voices.

The Turncrest is a variety of the Belgian crossed with other
birds, having, with the exception of its crest, no special feature of
its own. It is, however, much esteemed by some fanciers. It
derives its name from its crest, which is inverted, and looks notl
unlike the headgear of a Skye Terrier. This class of birds ia to bel
found m' re amon . st the Norwich or Manchester Coppys than any!
other, and in some birds of this breed the crest is seen to perfectioaj

The Lizard, though deriving its name from some supposed
fesemblai^ce in plumage ^o the markings on ^h^ reptU^ qf th;^i

I

VARIinXS Of THE CANARY.

21

name, reminds one most of the gold and ail rer* pencilled Hamburg
fowl. Thev have the crown of the head either pure white or
yellow, ana the upper part offtho body covered with black spots,
or sometimes a clear grey or bright orange. The tail, wings, and

THE BELGIAN.

'eet are of a dark hue ; the throat and breast of a lighter shade, ap
)roachiiiig, more or less, the color of the head. The golden or
lilver-spangled Lizard Canary is about five inches long, and is most
lifficult to breed perfect in all points. Every time a Lizard moults
t becomes paler, and its colors begin to run into each other, so that
t is as difi^cnlt to niaintain the points as to bre^d them. J^ hen of sk

22 CAOB BIRDS.

E

rey or greon plumage will be best to pair with a cock of this breed,
ake other varieties, when the Lizard is intended for exhibition, itl
is sub-divided into classes, generally four, according to the markingi
and colors ; the most pronounced, however, is the Silver-spangled.
The Cinnamon or Quaker is, as its name implies, a bird of
unpretentious appearance. It is of a uniform fawn color, the shade'
more generally worn by Quaker ladies in days gone by. It is, how-
ever, a somewhat handsome bird when evenly marked on its head,!
back and wings, with reddish fawn and M'hite body, set off with

Eatches of golden-yellow on its cheeks, throat and rump. These
irds are of German origin but very extensively bred in England.
The Yorkshire rancy is a bird originally developed and
bred extensively in the nortn of England. They are fine, strong^
specimens of canary dom, robust and vigorous, like the people
among whom they are bred. Many persons, however, considerj
them wanting in color. They are of a pale buff color, blendine into
white towards the back, the hinder part of the thighs, the head and
the rump ; the head is brown capped, and the wings terminate with
the same color. Not at all lively, they have a solid appearance,
and go about their singing in a thoroughly business-like way.
Their principal attraction being their size and shape, the longer a
bird can be bred, provided it is in proportion, the more valuable itj
is. Large numbers of this variety are bred to be sold in London,
England.

Manchester Coppies are divided for exhibition purposes into
two classes, Yellow and Buff, although committees will not
acknowledge two distinct varieties ; and, when admitted to a show,
the extra class is simply included in the programme with *'Any
other Varieties." The Manchester Coppy Canary is about seven
or eight inches in length, and very substantial in appearance. The
principal points for which these birds are admired are size, contoui
and crest. This particular breed had its origin in Manchester, the
cotton metropolis of the world, from which city it takes its name.
The word ** Coppy " is a provincialism for crest.

The London Fancy. — For beauty of form and color, no other
breed is comparable with this, and so highly are they prized that it
is difficult to obtain a well bred bird out of the great metropolis.
These birds are probably the most expensive of the Canary tribe.
A rich golden yellow or deep orange is the predominant color in
the London Fancy, the flying feathers of the wings etnd tail being aj
jet black ; the plumage being generally as brilliant and shining as ii
it had just come from the hands of a skilled burnisher* Perfecl
birds of this breed are most difficult toproduce, and as before stated
command accordingly high prices. The immediate offspring of ij
London Fancy may not have a single black feather, without whici
a bird is of no value ; and none but breeders of great experien
meet with much success in producing them.

The Norwich Fancy ranks high in the estimation of connoi^f
seurs. This variety is divided for purposes of exhibition into froi
twelve to sixteen classes. The leading ones, however, are the Cle
YellQW, and the Ev^nly-marHed Yellow ; Clear Jiuff^ and J^venlyAli

Varieties of the- canabV.

^

Inarkeii Butf ; 1?icked, Variegated, and Evenly-marked Yellow ;
Evenly-marked Crested Yellow ; Evenly-marked Crested BufF ;
Clear Yellow with dark crest, grey or clear ; Unevenly-marked
Created Yellow, and Unevenly-marked Created BuflF. The evenly-
marked birds as may naturally be suppoael, are very rare ; for to

LANCASHIRE COPPY — CRESTED.

ome under that head they must have the marks equally distributed
an each wing, eye, and on each side of the tail. Ticked birds are

Iter. 00 slightly marked that they would easily pass for clear. The

roy a; ' clear crested birds are not very highly esteemed. The
lark crested, if perfect in every other respect, are always awarded
;h(; highest prizes. The Norwich Fancy has a somewhat slender

ody, with very full neok and chest ; the latter, in the crested

^^

24 CAtlE filtlDS.

classes, being tufted. In color it is of a rich yellow, of golden hue.
They are lively and active birds, but of somewhat delicat<
constitution.

The Green Canary derives this name from its color. Generally
speaking, this breed is plentiful, though well-bred birds are not
often found. Too many of them approach a faded brown color
rather than a true green. The shape also of the greater number is
objectionable, having more the appearance of the house sparrow
than the graceful form of the canary. A well-bred bird should be
a very brilliant green, with snake like head, lengthy and tapering
in shape. Those most highly prized are from five tcrsix inches long,
very slim, of a srass-green color, and standing very erect. A good
specimen should be free from dark marks on the back and breast,
and from that cloudy or dusky slate color hue so commonly met
with in this class of birds. If a bright green cock of this variety
be paired with a dark grass-green colored hen a fine brood of strong
youne birds may be expected.

Mule Birds or Hybrids are the product of a cross between
different species of the Canary and a male Bullfinch, Linnet,
Chaffinsh, Goldfinch or Siskin. Our native Bobolink, the Indigo
bird and other birds of a similar size have also been successfully
crossed with a female Canary. The Mule birds are said to have
song peculiar to themselves, for which they are highly prized.
It is the female Canary which is almost invariably employe! in
crossing, as it is very difficult, if not impossible to get the females
of the allied species to sit on the artificial nests used by breeders.
It is affirmed by some emthorities that Mule birds will propagate
their own species, but I have never known a single instance of it
yet, neither hive I heard of the existence or, seen a living proof of
the reproductive powers of the Mule bird, which should and would
undoubtedly exist were the assertion to be relied upon.

W. A. Blackstone, in Cassell's Book on Cage Birds, says :—
*' Hybrids are one of those pej-versions— we use the word for the
want of a better — of nature's arrangements which remind
us, after taking one step, how futile are our efforts in the direction
of a new creation, and well it is, no doubt, that they cannot
reproduce themselves. Touching this latter point, there is some
contradictory evidence to be obtained ; but in the face of the most
trustworthy of it (and the most trustworthy generally has a broken
link in the chain) there exists the fact that nowhere do we see the
living proof of the reproductive power of the Hybrid."

,^'

1^

v ;*

11

SCOTCH FANCV.

^art_ Hcoo ,

I!f[i$ceIIai|80Q$ Cage Biiid^.

ftenlnlifellMiiill

■MiWailaiB «

MMMis

a

i

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i

o g

PARROTS.

PI ARROTS are among the most mteresting of cage
I birds, The magnificently colored plumage of
some varieties, together with their ability to
imitate the human voice make them, perhaps,
next to the Canary, the most popular birds. The
home of the vast majority of parrots is unquestion-
ably within the tropics, but the popular belief
» I that parrots are tropical birds, is a great mistake.
™*' In South America, at least four species of parrots
are found in Chili or La Plata ; oae even being
ommon on the bleak coast of the Strait of Magellan. The most
)eautiful of these birds, however, are found principally in the coun*
ries between the tropics, both in the old and new world.

Those which inhabit certain parts of Asia and Africa, were
mown to Europeans two thousand years ago, and some of them were
Lept as pets among the ancient Greeks and Romans. The parrot is
enerally considered a handsome bird, and the air of intelligence
hey carry, indicative as it is of their powers and capabilities, give
hem precedence over others of the feathered race.

A Parrot's tongue is a minature resemblance of the human
ongue, thick, fleshy, soft, and rounded at the extremity ; and it is
wing to this formation of the tongue and the structure of the wind-
lipe and the various muscles by which it is moved, that the Parrot
i capable of imitating so closely the voice of man, the cries of brute
nimals, and other sounds and noises.

We must not miss this opportunity for protesting against the
rroneous and most cruel notion that some people entertain, viz.,
hat it is recessary to cut a bird's tongue in order to make it talk.
f a bird of any description will not talk it is because nature has not
odowed it with the power or disposition to talk, and slitting its
>ngue will not tend in the slightest degree to bring about the de-
red end. The practice is worse than useless, besides being a dan-
Brous and brutal operation. Pt^rots, no less than other pets,

28

CAO£ BtKDS.

should be treated with the greatest kindness, and the most satisfac
tory results will invariably follow.

In order to teach a Parrot to talk it is best to place the bird
where it is lively to have absolutely nothing to distract its attention ;
he is then more likely to attend to what you wish him to learn.
Some recommend covering the bird up, others putting it down a
dry well, and these, as well as other methods, have their
advantages. A good time to teach Parrots is at dusk, either in the
morning or evening, as at this time they are disposed to be
more loquacious. Birds learn to talk more quickly from children than
from adults, and from women more than from men. The reason is
that the pitch of children's voices being generally in a high key and
nearer that of the Parrot.

CCBAN PARROT.

The African Grey is considered the most intelligent oi
Parrots. His voice is the nearest approach to the human voice, and
he is capable of whistting whole tUnes and mimicking other sounds
very closely ; on this account it is usually the greatest favorite of
all Parrots. The African Grey is from nine to eleven inches long,
of a general pearl grey or slate color, shading lighter about the
eyes, with a black beak and short, red tail.

The Mexican or Double Yellow-Head is to be classed next
to the African Grey as a favorite, and his ability as a singer, to
gether with his powers of talking and whistling, general intelligenca
and gorgeous plumage, bring him into close competition with the
latter. He is much larger than the Grey, measuring from fourteen
to sixteen inches in length, and of a more hardy constitution. The

VARlJtTlES Ot THE tARROT.

20

plumage of his body is generally cf a beautiful bricht green, with
orange forehead and scarlet tipped wings, the shades of orange
deepening in color and extending with the age of the bird ; his beak,
tongue and feet are nearly white.

The Amazon, the White-Fronted, the Ha!f> Yellow Head,
the Maracaibo, the Bfa2ilian or Blue-Fronted Parrot, the
Cubans, together With some of the Paroquets, make nice talkers
and very interesting birds, btlt are not to be compared With the
Double-Vellow Head and African Grey for general intelligence and
ability. Good talkera and intelligent birds may be found in all
classes, but those of the two first named breeds are, as a rule, much
superior in ability and general intelligence.

GPAY PARROT.

The writer has at present in his possession a Rose-Ringed
ndian Paroquet which will say the following words distinctly, viz :
"Three cheers for the Queen. Hip, nip, hurrah." "Draw
words; quick march; D 18 canter." *'0h, dear, what's up?
Vide awake the Brigadier. Wide awake, old boy." Whistles a
ugle call, and in a very pitiable voice it will say : ** Polly is sick ;

11 the doctor ; " then, with all the gusto imaginable, " Hang the
octor, call the cook ; hang the doctor, call the cook." '• Waiter,

alter, polly wants some beer ; quick, quick, and bring it here,
lie awake old boy." ** Tea and toast for the ladies, and wine and

kti for polly." ** Tommy, get up, it's six o'clock ; Tommy get up

id kiss the poor baby." Who are you, eh? What do you want
ere? Go away, you dirty quack." "Twenty guineas for the

30

gaok BmM»

pretty green bird ; take her away, qnick, cage and all — Well worth
the money." "Cuckoo cherry tree catch a bird and give it to
pully," etc. In all it will say over one hundred and twenty-five
words ; besides whistle and dance, dance and sing, but this is how-
ever, an exceptional bird.

In teaching a parrot to talk, articulate distinctly always in the
same tone of voice the words you wish him to say, keeping to one
sentence until he has mastered that. \ Do not let him hear "Polly
wants a cracker," or other undesirable language, and he will never
make use of it.

THE AUSTRALIaIi PAROQUET.

This is a beautiful bird, very muichriike a parrot in appearance,
though smaller, and with a tail longer in proportion than that bird.

THB BUDaBRIGAK, OR AUSTRALIAN PAROQUET.

It is of a pretty shade of green, with dark feathers interspersed on
the back, the head being a brieht lemon color. They never talk,
but are very desirable pets. These birds seem to stand our cold
climate remarkably yell. They should be fed on canary seed only,
with an occasional bit of green food. Very fond of water, they will
bathe as often as given the opportunity, which habit conduces
greatly to their maintenance in health. They become very tame,
and may be taught many amusing tricks.

PABBOT fOOI>. 31

THE TALKING MINOR.

This bird — sometimes called the MusiccJ Grakle, — is about the
size of a dove, his color a glossy black, tinged with purple and other
colors, there being a conspicuous white stripe on each wmg ; his feet, ^

legs and beak are of a ricn yellow. A yellow membrane extends
from each side of the head down over the neck, there being also a |

smaller one under each eye. The Minor, an East Indian, is a soft 1

billed, or insectivorous bird, and will thrive well on Cottam's Uni- j

versal Insectivorous Bird Food. As a talker some of these birds are I

unsurpassed ; they also learn to whistle accurately any tune they [

may be taught. They should have a cage at least twenty-five by
thirty inches, and about twenty inches high. The bath should be
given daily. ,

PARROT FOOD.

The Parrot is not naturally a grc;at eater, but if tempted by
dainties he will eat to gorging ; stale bread crumbs steeped in water,
unhulled rice, crushed com and a little hemp seed may be given I

him as common food, with occasionally dry cake crumbs, a piece of
apple and carrots, either cooked or raw. Ifattacked with fits sprinkle
his head and shoulders with cold water. For sore feet bathe tnem in
warm rum and water, and put abundance of sand in the cage ; if he
peckB his feathers his food should be confined to cooling dry arlicles
such as will not excite skin humors ; avoid the use of salt ; always
)rovide him daily with fresh water ; if vermin appear, a little of the
'. !*orsian insect powder blown in among the plumage will soon rid
lim of these pests.

Many varieties of food are recommended for Parrots ; but that
suitable for one will not always do for another, though perhaps of
the same class. Cottam's Parrot Food which is composed of canary,
hemp, sunflower seed, padda, cracked corn, etc., will answer
the best in most cases, and rich and greasy food such as bones,
flesh, sugar, candy, cake, etc., should always be avoided. Birds
fed on the latter variety of food will often be troubled with
an irritation of the skin, and pluck themselves bare in the attempt
to gain relief. If given plain wholesome food and ordinary care
and attention, however, little difficult will be experienced in
keeping Parrots healthy and hearty. Occasionally a little green
food may be given with great benefit, provided there is no
tendency to diarrhoea. A crust of stale bread is very acceptable
to most Parrots, and they enjoy munching it very much. Occasion-
ally a crust that has been soaked in tea or coffee may be given ; a
roasted peanut, small onion, or piece of sweet apple will also be ap-
preciated.

For drinking purposes, cold tea or coffee is much safer -^an
water for Parrots to drink, but their desire for drinking is not very
great. Some Parrots will bathe freely on their own accord ;
and those that do will enjoy an occasional sprinkling with tepid
water. Very great care should be taken to keep them warm and
free from draughts until the^ave got thoroughly dry after bathing.

32 CAGE BIBDfl.

Where water, or coffee or te& is not kept in the cage for drinkine
purposes, it is necessary to feed more moist food, such as boiled
com, stale soaked bread pressed nearly drv.

Gkavel. — The bottom of the cage should be sprinkled with
gravel, which should be removed two or three times a week ; it
greatly tends to health and cleanliness, and is excellent for the
Parrot's feet.

DISEASES OF PARROTS.

Birds of all kinds in confinement are more liable to disease than
those living in their natural state. This is due, chiefly, to a lack
of exercise, and their inability to procure proper food, together with
those remedies which God has doubtles.^ provided for the use of all
His creatures, and which their natural instinct has taught them to
seek and obtain.

Diarrhoea, the disease to which ('aged Parrots are most
subject, is generally caused by colds It often results from rich
and oily food ; sometimes, also, by a sudden ohan{>e of diet, improper
food, etc., which is almost sure to bring on tiiis disease. In cases of
diarrhcea laudanum, paregoric ptepared chalk, etc , are all excel-
lent when administered with discretion. Costiveness is cured by
green food, and exercise outside the cage. Gout, shown by swollen
feet and closed claws, may biB cured by immerinng the feet in warm
water twice per day, letting them soak for 10 or 15 minutes, dry
thoroughly, and in a week or so the bird will be all right, but in
chronic cases it may take longer. Some Parrots are trL>iibled with
fits of various kinds. These are generally brought on by feeding
too rich food, dainties, etc., and even, sometimes, proper food
in excessive quantities. In such cases put the bird on plain food,
as corn, padda, etc., for a time, and it generally will be
relieved. Occasional sprinkling with cold water is also recom-
mended. The bird must, howevei', be kept extra warm after it.

A regular temperature free from draught is absolutely necessary
for all birds, and this more particularly during the season of moult-
ing. The various hints and suggestions in the la»t part of this book
should be read over by every parrot owner, as many of them apply
forcibly to these birds, and by attending to the advice given on
cleanliness, food, etc., diseases will be prevented, which is much
better than the cure.

THE MOCKING BIRD.

The Mocking Bird, classed by ornithologists in the family of
Thrushes, and regarded as forming a distinct section of that
family, is undoubtedly the king of songsters. These birds are
found in the greater part of the United States, being in the north
only a summer visitant ; but though breeding yearly in New
England it is not common there, and migrates to the south in
winter, passing that season in the Gulf States and Mexico. It
appears to be le^s numerous on the western side of the AUeghaniea,
though found in suitable localities across the continent to the Pacific
Coast. It is rarely found farther northward than Wisconsin, and
' very seldom reaches Canada. ,

THE MOOKINO BIRO.

33

Of the abilities of this wonderful bird bo much haa been written
by various authors that we are tempted to quote them here, and
simply add that we believe that they in no way exaggerate the
power of mimicry and song possessed by the Mocking Bird.

Webber, speaking of this bird's song at night, says it represents
all the notes of the songs 'ers: " Yes, they are all here ! Hear
them each warble, chirp and trill ! How they crowd upon each
other ! You can hear the flutter of soft wings as they come hurry-
ing forth ! Hark, that rich, clear whistle ! Bob White, is it you ?
Then the sudden scream ! Is it a hawk ? Hey ! what a gush, what
a rolling, liquid gush ! Ah ! my dainty Redbreast, at thy matins
early ! Mew ! what, pussy ? No, the Catbird ; hear its low, liquid
love notes linger round the roses by the garden walk ! Hello !
listen to the little wren, he must nearly explode in the climax of

THE MOCKINO BIBD.

that little agony of trills, which it is rising on its very tiptoes to
reach! What now? Quack, quack, quack! Phut, phut, phut!
Cock-a-doodle doo ! What, all the barn yard ? Squeak, squeak,
squeak! pigs and all! Hark! that melancholy plaint. Whip-poor^
will, how sadly it comes from out the shadowy distance. What a
contrast — the Redbird'a lively whistle, shrilly mounting high,
higher, highest ! Hark the Baltimore Oriole's gay, delicious,
roaring, run-mad, ranting-riot of sweet sounds ! Hark that ! it is
the Rain Crow, croaking for a atorm ! Heyday ! Jay, jay, jay !
It is the imperial dandy Bluejay ; hear, he has a strange, round,
mellow whistle too ! There goes the little throated warbles, the
Woodpecker's sudden call, the Kingbird's woeful clatter, the Dove's
low, plaintive coo, the Owl's screeching cry and snapioing beak, the
Tomtit's tiny notes, the Kingfisher's rattle, the croT/, the scream,

S4 GAOE BIBD8.

the ory of love, or hate, or joy, all oome rapidly and in nnexoected
contrast, yet with such clear precision, that each bird is fully ex-
pressed, to my mind, in its own individuality."

Wilson says : " In measure and accent the Mocking Bird faith-
fully follows his originals ; in force and sweetness he greatly im>
proves upon them. In his native groves, mounted on the top of a
tall beech or half-grown tree, in the dawn of day, while the woods
are already vocal with a mu titude of warblers, his admirable song
rises pre-eminently over every other competitor ; the ear can listen
to his music alone, to which that of all other birds seems a mere
accompaniment. Neither is this strain altogether imitative. His
own native notes, which are easily distinguishable bv such as
are well acquainted with those of our own various song birdu, are
full, and bold, and varied, seemingly beyond all limit. They consist
of short expressions of two or three, or at the most four or six
syllables, generally interspersed with intonations, and all of them
uttored with great emphasis and rapidity, and continued with un-
limited ardor for half an hour or an hour at a time, his expanded
wiugs and tail glistening with white, and the buoyant gaiety of his
actions arresting the eye, as his cry most irresistibly does the ear,
he sweeps round with enthusiastic ecstacy as he mounts or descends,
as his songs swell or die away, and, as Bartram has beautifully ex-
pressed it, ' he bounds aloft with the celerity of an arrow, as to
recover or recall his very soul expired in the last elevated strain.'
While thus exerting himself a bystander, destitute of sight, would
suppose that the whole feathered tribe had assembled together on a
trial of skill, each striving to produce his utmost effects, so perfect
are his imitations. He many times deceives the sportsman, and
sends him in search of birds that are, perhaps, not within a mile of
him but whose notes he exactly imitates ; even birds themselves
are imposed upon by this admirable mimic, and are decoyed by the
fancied call of their mates, or dive with precipitation into the
depths of thickets at the scream of what they suppose to be the
Sparrowhawk."

The male Mocking Bird measures about nine and a half inches
in extreme length, and is very slender in proportion, the tail being
long, narrow at the base, rounded and somewhat spread at the
extremity ; the body color a dull, ashen brown throughout, inclin-
ing to ashen grey upon the throat, breast, and abdomen. No less
than nine of the principal wine feathers arj white at their base,
thus making a bold, white paten, forming the segment of a wheel
when the wing is spread out and examined from the inner side.
The white wins feathers of the female Mocking Bird never extend
over seven or eight feathers, and her back is of a light ashen brown.
This, apart ftom the song, is the principal feature of distinction
between the male and female. The lower portion of the back in
the male is also much darker than it is in the female. The two
outer tail feathers of both sex are white, and the rest are white
only on their lower halves, the upper side being dark brown, edged
with white.

The Mocking Bird is never bred in captivity, the young birds

THX AMKRICAN ROBtK. SB

h«ing taken from the nest before being fully fledged. Being an \n-
sectivorous bird it requires a great quantity of inaeots to Iceep it in
health, more, perhaps, than any other bird. Cottama' Universal
Insectivorous Bird Food, being made from ant eggs, beef heart)
poppy seed and other ingredients of the very best quality, consti-
tutes one of the best foods for all insectivorous birds, and upon
which they all do remarkably well. Proof— The writer never nad
a single Mocking Bird die on his hands. Meal- worms, flies, apiderst
and grasshoppers are most acceptable, and tend to keep hiui in the
best condition. The daily bath and plenty of fresh drinking water
are very necessary in order that the Mocking Bird be kept in
perfect health.

THE AMERICAN ROBIN.

Ko book on ornithology would be complete that did not say
something about our familiar and welcome favorite, the American
Robin. The good will and almost sacred deference manifeated
towards the little English Robin Redbreast seems to be shared in a
great degree by our own Robin. This almost pious regard for
these ]3ira8 appears to have existed for ages, and nas been handed
down :for generations, so that even pilfering boys, who, m^ith little
compunction of conscience, chase and kill oUier oirds and rob their
nests, are more favorably disposed towards them.

THE AMERICAN ROBIN.

The Robin is with us here in Canada the greater part of the
year, making his appearance very early in the spring, and not
leaving until late in the fall. Often before the winter storms have
left us, and while the ground is yet carpeted with snovir, this har-
binger of spring can be heard from the chimney top, or from the
branch<38 of the tallest tree, piping out in the most animated manner
his own peculiar "pretty dick, pretty dick, pretty dick," thus
iving notice of the early advent of that most joyous season. Every-
ody is on the lookout for " the first Robin," and if the phrase, '* as
welcome aa the flowers in May," be applicable to anything at all i%

I

tJ6 Cage biri-s.

is to our own big Eobin Redbreast. Right in the depth of our long
and severe Canadian winter, the blessings of spring are often antici-
pated when we hear our children singing, with its peculiar charm,
their school song, " Springtime brings the Robin and the Bluebird
home." It does not, &t such times, require any great exertion on
the part of the most sluggish imagination to picture to i he mind's
eye the early return of these birds, with their yellow beaks spark-
ling brown eyes, and beautiful chestnut colored breasts, hopping
over our lawns like so many game chickens, as if they claimed a
right to the situation, with the full assurance that the claim would
be granted.

The American Robin is about nine inches long, the top of his
head and tail are a dusky black ; the remainder of the upper
part of his body is of an olive green, while his under part is a beau-
tiful shade of chestnut. The feet are inclined to be dark, while the
soles of the same are a light yellow. The beak is very strong, and
generally of a deep yellow color, darkening towards <be base. The
female Robin is not so brilliant in color as the male, b«iiug more of
an ashen shade ; and their beaks have a dusky tinge.

The Robin is a very prolific bird, generally raising two or three
broods each year. Their nests, which are a rather bulky stnic ;ure,
built of mud and lined with grasses and other vegetable fibre, are
generally found in trees, shrubs, and bushes near the dwelling of
man. There is one in a tree opposite the writer's house at this
present time, and many more in the same neighborhood. The eggs
are from four to five in number ; in color, a blue with a greenish tinge,
and occasionally inclined to be speckled. Being an insectivorous
bird and a hearty eater the Robin consumes an enormous quantity
of grubs, bugs, beetles, and other insects infesting our fields and
orchards, which prove so destructive to the various crops. We
should not, therefore, begrudge them a few cherries, raspberries, or
other fruits which they may need, and take from time to time, and
which, as a matter of fact, are well earned, for "your Heavenly
Father feedeth them " as well as you. Matt vi. 26.

There is something ' y interesting in the manner in which the
American Robin goes ah - our lawn at dusk on a summer evening,
pouncing upon the great c i ^ worms from six to nine inches long,
drag them from their holes, and,after killing and breaking them up,
devouring them.

The Robin is undoubtedly a great friend to farmers, market-
gardeners, and to all who are trying to raise crops, and, also, of
incalculable benefit to the country generally. He is very hardy
and is easily kept, requiring a large and roomy cage, and about the
same food and treatment as the mocking bird ; but, being so
common, he is greatly undervalued as a cage bird, but should not
be on this account. Very easily tamed, he can readily be taught to
pipe and whistle tunes, perform tricks innumerable, and will gener-
ally be found an apt and interesting scho'ar. Cottam's Universal
Insectivorous Bird Food will be found just the thing to keep the
Robin in health and song.

THE BLtJE JAY,

87

THE BLUE JAY.

The Blue Jay, in striking contrast with the jay family of
Europe and other American Jays, is perhaps one of the most con-
spicuous birds in our woods. In size somewhat lai^er than our
Robin. His prevailing color indicated by his name He is too well
known to need any detailed description. We may say, however,
that he makes an excellent cage bird. His great ability as a mimic,
and his handsome plumage of sky blue, intermixed with bright violet
and white, together with his very ornamental crest of light blue
and purple feathers, which he can elevate or depress at pleasure,
make him a very desirable pet. One of these birds, wnich the

■■.\N\N

THB BLUB JAY.

writer had in his possession, was a most amusing fellow. So ta,me
he would allow you to fondle with him, though always ready for a
tussle. He would grasp your finger with his beak and wrestle with
your hand with surprising energy and vim, till they ached with
pain, eventually compelling you to desist.

These birds should be taken from the nest or caught when very
young. Being a soft-billed bird they do well on Cottam's Insecti-
vorous Bird Food, and should also have a large number of worms, in-

it

38

OAOfi BtBDS.

sects, etc. They are very fond of bathing. Their general treat-
ment should be the same as the robiu, and the remarks in the
preceding chapter apply equally to the Blue Jay.

/ V ••;

THE BLUJB ROBIN.

THE BLUE ROBIN.

The American Blue Robin, sometimes^ called the "Bluebird,"
the '• Blue Nightingale," and the '* Cottage Songster," deriving the
last name from his habit of building his nest close, and loving to be
ne&r the dwellings of man, is a very beautiful bird. His beautiful

THE VIBOINIA NIOHTINGALK. 39

plumage, the Bweetness of his song, and the sociability of hia
nature, to say nothing of his great cnteness, afford plenty of scope
for praise and admiration. He is a true Robin in shape, make,
habits and general characteristics, and his mode of living in a wild
state is indentical Mrith that of the English Robin Redbreast. He
is one of the first of the migratory birds to appear amonsst us in the
very early spring, and one of the last to leave in the fall. As soon
as the trees and shrubs begin to bud, the Blue Robin builds its nest.
It lays from five to six eggs for a sitting, and hatchee out two or
three broods each season.

Being an insectivorous bird, it requires an abundant supply of
bugs, grubs, beetles, caterpillars and other insechn, and, like tho
American Kobin, is very destructive to these pests which so often
cause great trouble and loss to farmeis ami market gardeners and
others ; it is generally regarded as their ally and friend, and re-
ceives much consideration and protection on this account.

The Blue Bobin is about six and a half inches long — the male
being easily distinguished by the rich azure blue tinge of the upper
part of his body — the throat, neck, breast, sides and under part of
the wings, are a pale chestnut color, and the belly is dusky brown.
The female is distinguished by the paler shades of color all over the
body. The Bluebird requires much the same food and treatment as
the American Robin and the Mocking Bird..

THE VIRGINIA NIGHTINGALE.

The Virginia Nightingale, sometimes called the American
Redbird, RedCardiniu, Cardinal Grosbeak, etc., is a native of the
Southern States of America and a great favorite amongst bird
fanciers throughout the world. Large quantities of them are
annually shipped to Europe, The male bird is undoubtedly one of
the most handsome birds of the New World, and is about eight
inches in length, of a brilliant red color, including the ]oeak, but
excepting the throat and parts around the beak which are black.
On the top of its head is an ornamental crest, which, when angry or
excited, the bird raises, much after the fashion of Cockatoos, giving
it a very commanding appearance. The female is the counterpart
of the male bird in size, but her plumage is of a sombre russet
brown with a slight tinge of dull red relieving the principal wing
and tail feathers and her beak, like at of the male bird, is red.

The Cardinpl, of necessity, loses some of its brilliant color in
confinement, but this can be prevented to a considerable extent by
giving them roomy cages ; they are very active birds and require
plenty of exercise, plenty of pure air, and a liberal supply of pure
water for both drinking and bathing purposes daily. A little salt
and chalk is often kept in their cage ; the salt helps the bird to
retain its color, and the chalk to keep its system regular.

The Cardinal has a very sweet and pleasing song or whistle.
When enjoying freedom they delight in frequenting the thick
lOliaged bushe::) which border streams, and there build their nests
o[ slender sticks, grass, etc. ; it is here the bird's song is heard in
perfection.

40 GAGE BIRDS.

The crest of red feathers before referred to, which the Cardinal
can raise and lower at will, gives it a fierce aspect ; but this is not
indicative of its nature, as is shown by the affection which these
birds exhibit towards their keepers or anyone who is kind to them.
Their tender disposition is also invariably shown with other birds,
especially toward the young, which they will often feed ; and it is
said they invariably make good foster parents. And yet, while
noted for their affection towards other birds, strange to say, they
are very ^erce and show no mercy toward their own species. This
antipathy toward their own kind is more remarkable in view of the
fact that they agree well with the Grey Cardinal, and have been
known to build their nests in the same bush with them, not appear-
ing to be the least affected by their presence or movements.

The Cardinal is remarkable for its strength of beak, and is
capable of giving a very ugly bite. It can crack the stones of
almonds, and Indian maize very expeditiously with its beak ; in

THE VIRGI.NIA NIGHTINGALE.

some parts of the country it is known by the name of *' Corn
Cra.cker." In its wild state, Indian maize and other grain are their
principal food, but they will eat pears, cherries, apples, bees, grubs,
beetles, butterflies, in fact, a little of almost anything eatable.

When kept in a cage the Cardinal does uncommonly well on
Cottam's Parrot Food, which is a mixture of cracked corn, canary
seed, hemp, unhuUed rice, sunflower seed, in almost equal propor-
tions, with an occasional supply of Cottam's Universal Insectivorous
Bird Food. Fruit and green food of any kind, meal-worms or
insects are excellent, but when these cannot be obtained, dried
currants, apples, and a little lean beef chopped up fine are good
and acceptable substitutes.

Diseases. — The Cardinal, being a hardy bird, is easily kept h
health and song with ordinary attention ; but if neglected, like
other creatures, he soon shows it by loss of song and general de-
jected appearance. The Gapes is perhaps the principal disease to
which these birds are subject, and is caused by their being kept on
wrong food, in vitiated air, with impure water to drink. The
eymptoms of the Gapes are so apparent no one can mistake it,

THE BftAKlLTAN CA&DINAL. 41

as the bird is caused to gape with each breath he takes. A
cure is generally effected by saturating a camel hair brush with
turpentine, and putting it down its windpipe. The s^nall worms
which are the cause of the trouble are thus destroyed. One appli-
cation is generally sufficient. Five or six hours after, however, if
the bird continues to gape, a second application may be necessary.

THE BRAZILIAN CARDINAL.

The Brazilian Cardinal, also known by the name of the Crimson
Crested, or Grey Cardinal, is a very pretty and lively bird. His
glossy gay coat and brilliant crimson crest, always well kept,
together with his hearty, mellow whistle and lively carriage, bespeak

THE BRAZILIAN CARDINAL.

the possession of a healthy constitution and contented disposition,
which make him a general favorite, and entitle him to rank second
only to his gaily colored next of kin, the Virginia Nightingale.

The bird is a native of South America, and may be seen in
flocks in various portions of Brazil. When so many are seen to-
gether, their grey plumage surmounted by crimson crests giving
them a uniform appearance, they are a very beautiful sight. The
Brazilian Cardinal is about seven inches in length, not quite so long
nor so robust as the Virginia Nightingale, though not unlike that
h\M in some respects. The upper part of its body is of a dusky
grey, the lower part of a lighter shade. The head and crest are of
a brilliant scarlet. The beak is conical in shape, and of a coral red
color. The pointed crimson crest and gay body gives the bird a
very smart appearance. The crest of the Brazilian Cardinal, the
Virginia Cardmal, and the Green Cardinal are very much alike, but
the grey bird does not appear to have control of his gay head-dress
as do the other Cardinals, and it is seldom raised.

42 Cage BtR&d.

The sexes are nearly identical in plumage, and are distinguished
with much difficulty by those who have had little experience with
them. ^ The song of this bird, while not so loud as that of the
Virginia Nightingale, is every bit as sweet. When in confinement
they require a large cage, the same food and general attention a«
the other Cardinals, with the addition, perhaps, of a somewhat
more liberal supply of insects or insectivorous bird food.

THE GROSBEAK.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak, belonging to the same tribe as the
Virginia Nightingale, is one of Ihe domestic birds of our neighbors
across the line, occasionally coming into [Canada, but comparatively

THE GROSBEAK.

seldom caged. Much rarer than his red kinsman, his beautiful
plumage and sweet mellow song do not seem to be appreciated as
much as they deserve. He sings by night as well as day, and when
caged becomes very tame. Canary is the only seed they require,
though an occasional allowance of hemp and unhuUed rice may be
given ; so fond are they of these two last named seeds that they
will eat of them until unable to jump on their perch. With their
body of jet Mack, relieved by snowy white, and a bright carmine
breast, these birds are indeed a picture.

THE GREEN CARDINAL.

The bird, sometimes called the Black-crested Cardinal, is also
a native of South America. Its plumage is of a dark olive green
above, merging to yellow on the breast and abdomen ; the primaries
of the wings and tail are black, fringed with green on their outer
edges ; and, like the Grey and Red Cardinals, he possesses a crest,
which he can raise or lower at will ; while the crests of the other
Cardinals, however, are of a brilliant crimson color, his is of a rich,
clear, coal black.

y

THR BALTIHOBK ORIOLR. 48

The gexes of this variety are, like the Grey, nearly identical ;
and in size and general characteristics he very much resembles hia
grey kinsman ; but it is considered superior to that bird as a song*
ster. In the matter of food, large roomy cage, and general treatment
required by him, the advice given in preceding chapters are appli>
cable to these birds.

THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

Among those fond of amusement with cage pets, these birds
always become great favorites, for they are exceedingly active,
tricky and intelligent ; while the vivid colors of their plumage,
their ability as whistlers and their interesting manner, make them
objects of great attraction. Varieties of the Oriole family are very
numerous, (our Meadow Lark belongs to the same cl8UBS — Icterus)
and are found in all parts of the globe.

The Baltimore Oriole, known also as the Golden Robin, is sup-
posed to have obtained its name from its highly colored plumage
of brilliant orange and black, which colors composed the livery
worn by the dependents of the Calverts, Earls of Baltimore, the ori-
ginal grantees of the State of Maryland. The bird is about eight
inches long, thin in proportion and somewhat high on his legs. Its
beak is bom colored, lorg, and very sharply pointed ; the ^ead,
neck, wings, and tail are of a velvet black ; the outer feathers of the
tail yellow ; the whole body being a brilliant orange. The wing
coverts are fringed with white, forming a bar that is very striking
n contrast with the prevailing color of the bird. But the most
remarkable feature of the bird is his eye, which is white with a
black pupil, and this contracts when the bird is excited, either with
pleasure or anger, and expands when at rest, its movement forming
^n i^de$ to the temper'pf the birdt

44

CAGE BIRDS.

m

The Baltimore Oriole does not attain its full plumage until the
third moult. Until then its head and wings are rusty, and the
breast has a dull greenish tinge, and at this period the male and
female look so nearly alike that it is very difficult to distinguish
them. These birds are most skilful architects, suspending their
nests from the extremities of the highest branches, usinc long
pieces of hemp attached to two forked twigs as stringers, and inter-
weaving other material bo as to form a pouch hanging down seven
or eight inches, then interlacing this outer frame- work with fine
grass fibre, raw cotton, horse-hair, etc., finally downing the top
and leaving a round aperture at the side, somewhat like the
opening in the nest of the titmouse.

The food suitable for these birds is much the same aa that for
the Mocking Bird smd other soft-billed birds.

THE BOBOLINK.

Merrily swinging on briar and weed.
Near to the nest of his little dame :
Over the mountains, river and mead,
Robert of Lincoln is telling his name^
Bob-o-llnk, bob-o-link,
Spink, spank, splnk ;
Snug and safe is that nest of ours.
Hidden among the summer flowers.
Ghee, chee, chee. -

—Bryant.

THE BOBOLINK.

Very few American birds are detested more heartily by the
farmers in some parts than the Bobolink. They are said to come
in large flocks from the south every spring, doiiig immense damage
to young corn and grain of every description, upon which they
descend in thousands. We have no doubt, however, that their
presence on the farm is productive of some good, for they feed
principally on insects, which would certainly do great harm to th@
9ropa, if not considerable mor^ than the Bobolinl^s themselves.

TUB ENGLISH BLACKBIRD. 45

A male Bobolink is about seven and a half or eight inches
long. His plumage changes twice every year. His summer suit,
which comes at the approach of spring, is jet black upon the head,
neck, and all the lower portions of the body ; the nape of the neck
is crossed by a patch of yellowish white, and the black feathers
extending from the collar half way down the back are edged with
yellow ; all the rest of the back to the tail being white. The tail
itaelf is black, each of the feathers in it being curiously pointed ;
the wing coverts are white, and the black feathers of the wing are
also edged with white. The beak, feet and legs are of a slate blue,
and when the bird is out of color the beak becomes flesh tinted. The
winter plumage of the male is similar to that of the female, the
white back and wing coverts giving place to rusty black, and the
whole of the under part of the bird changing to a dirty yellow.

They are, like the rest of their species, pugnacious in confine-
ment, and not suitable for aviaries ; although occasionally they
will live harmoniously with other birds. Their song is varied and
rather pretty, and the Bobolink will be found a hearty and cheerful
pet, always alive to everything that affects his own interest, es-
pecially in regard to matters of food. i

His principal food in confinement should be canary seed, un-
hulled rice and millet seed ; and, as he is a great feeder, care
must be taken that he does not get too fat, which he is very liable
to do from want of exercise. The daily bath is to, Robert of Lincoln
both a luxury and a necessity.

THE ENGLISH BLACKBIRD.

Methinks, methinks, a happy life is thine.

Bird of the jetty wing and golden bill !
t Up in the clear, fresh morning's dewy shine

Art thou, and singing at tbfne own sweet will ;
Thy mellow voice floats over vale and hill,

Rich and mellifluous to the ear as wine
Unto the tast^; at noon we hear thee still :

And when grey shadows tell of Sol's decline.
Thou hast thy naatin and thy vesper song.

Thou hast thy noontide canticle of praise,
For Him who fashioned thee to dwell among

The orchard-grounds, and 'mid the pleasant ways
Where blooming hedge rows screen the rustic throng ;

Thy life's a ceaseless prayer, thy days all Sabbath days,

— H. 0. Adams.

The English Blackbird, a variety of the Thrush, has a rich,
mellow song, a golden chain of melody, which binds into one
harmonious whole the warblings and strains of several of the
sweetest songsters. It is a very noble bird, and being a lively,
joyous creature, is peculiarly desirable as a cage biid The Black-
bird is never bred in confinement, but is very contented in cap-
tivity, provided it be in a large cage. In England they are
generally kept in cages of wicker or some hard wood, one side of
which is open, the opposite side and ends boarded, and the top
shelving down like a penthouse. Any cage, however, providing it
be large enough, may be used, though one with a hardwood frame
is preferable. The food should be '-''•^ced into boxes outside the

4Q CAGE BIRDS.

cage. The Blackbird is fond of bathing, and should have water
placed in a sufficiently deep receptacle, at least three times a week,
particularly in the suininer ; but his cage must not be suffered to
remain long wet, or he will be attacked with the cramp, to prevent
which, strew plenty of dry, coarse sand or gravel on the floor or
false bottom of his cage.

Blackbirds are usually reared from the nest, which are to be
found with the nestlings about the end of April or the middle of
May, in a thick bush or cluster of boughs not far from the ground.
The nestlings are taken just as the wing feathers have IjKBgun to
appear. Even at that early period the males may be known by
their darker plumage, by their being the smallest in size, and by
the yellow rim round their eyes being brighter than in the females.

THE ENGLISH BLACKBIRD.

They are kept warm and fed upon roll or white bread, not too stale,
steeped in milk ; they soon become accustomed to their diet, and
thrive well on it, but being very free raters, they must not be over-
fed at any meal ; one ounce of bread is enough for three or four
nestlings for one day. They are at first fed every two hours, from
sunrise to sunset, and the food mixed twice a day, for, if it be the
least sour, it will kill them. When sufficiently grown to be separ-
ately caged, they are shipped ttt all parts of the world.

The best food for Blackbirds in this country is Cottam's Universal
Insectivorous Bird Food, together with raw or cooked beef, shred
finely, and mixed with bread crumbs, German paste, stale bun, hard-
^i^e^^ egg, and occasioi^ally a n^eal-worm^ small snail, worm, earwig.

spider, or other insects as a treat. These birds are Tery fond of
ripe fruit, which is excellent, and a little variety in food will help
to keep them in health and song, and preserve tneir life for years ;
Blackbirds will live in captivity from ten to sixteen years. If
treated with kindness and properly attended to, they become very
familiar, and are sometimes oxceedingly amusing.

A story is told of a tame Blackbird, brought up from the nest,
that used to awaken his mistress soon after the dawn of day, by
flying out of bis cage, sitting on her pillow and singing. If she did j.

not tnen open her eyes he would peck gently at ner eyelids until %

she looked up at him, when he would sing on again, apparently
with the greatest delight. Another story is told of a bird that had
bten taught to whistle a certain air. He once heard it played on
the pianoforte with variations ; and the variations so offended him
that he hissed and fluttered his wings till the performance stopped.
He then he gave his version of the air. whistling it all through as
he had learned it. This same bird fell into the hands of a lady,
whose custom it was to have the evening hymn played and sung at
the conclusion of family prayers. He caught the tune, and always
accompanied their voices, and from that time regularly whistled it
every evening durins; the rest of his life.

Some Blackbirds also learn to imitate very correctly the songs
of other birds. They sing in confinement nearly the whole of the
year, with the exception of moulting time. At this period they re«
(juire to be kept warm and to be carefully attended to ; otherwise i

their song and beauty of plumage may be seriously impaired, the '^^1

former perhaps entirely destroyed. Their song is cheerful, but at
times too loud to be agreeable in a room ; in this case, the cage may
be placed outside the window in suitable weather, when the bird
will delight and enliven the whole neighborhood. • :

The disease to which the Blackbird is most subject in confine*
ment is a stoppage of the oil gland, which is situated on the root of
the tail, which, when so affected, merely requiresi to be carefully
opened by a needle, and the part anointed with a mixture of fresh
butter and sugar.

THE ENGLISH THRUSH.

" A flute like melody is thine, O Thrush !

Full of rich cadence, and clear and deep ;
Upon the sense it cometh like a gush

Of perfume, stolen from the winds that sweep

Where spice-isles Kern the bosom of the deep :
At early mom, and mid the evetide's hush.

Pouring thj mellow music thou dost keep.
From out the lilac tree or hawthorn bush :
I love thee for the love thou bear'st the lowly,

The cottage garden is thy tav'rite haunt,

It ever is thy pleasure forth to chant
Those blithesome pueans, seeming as it were
Thy wish to make all happy dweUing there."

—H. O. Adams. j

The English Thrush, Throstle, or Mavis, as it is variously
called, is one of the most familiar and deservedly admired of <

warblers. In its native land, and on migrating to other countries : |

4S

OAOK ttinvfi.

on the continent of Europe, it pours forth its full, riv i flood of
melody long before the leaves are on the forest boughs ; and certain
it is, when this leader of the woodland choir is heard caroling its
wild, sweet strains loudly and continuously, it is hailed as a sure
indication of coming spring.

Generally in the neighborhood of water the neot of the Thrush
is found, and a very singular piece of architecture it is. Made in
the shape of a deep cup, it is fined with a thin, but stiff coating of
fragments of rotten wood ingeniousl} spread and plastered, so as to
present a smooth interior ; the eggs are sea-green in color and
spotted \(ith black. The Thrush is never bred in captivity, and
the young are taken from the nest before they are fully fledgod, and
fed with white bread soaked in warm milk, with now and then a
little maw or crushed hemp seed. When fully grown they are
exported to different countries, where they are very much esteemed
for their song and appearance.

THE ENGLISH THRUSH.

In this country the Thrush will do best when fed upon Cottam's
Universal Insectivorous Bird Food. German paste, barley meal,
or wheat bran moistened with water, a small earthworm or two
may occasionally be given, or a small bit of cooked meat finely
shred, together with plenty of ripe fruit. Thrushes require
plenty of water, both for bathing and drinking ; their cage, how-
ever, must always be dry, and a daily supply of clean gravel should
be kept strewn over the floor. They are very fond of insects,
small worms, slugs, and snails, of which, when at liberty, they
destroy vast numbers. A few of any of these, now and then, will
be greatly appreciated as a treat, as will also a few dried berries in
Wiimir. It is a very restless bird, constantly in motion, and

THK VtOnTINQALK. 40

requinis a good sij^d cage, otherwise it will be likely to injure
itself. If hung out of window it will be heard for a long distance,
and delight its hearers with its rich, melodious son|;.

These birds can be kept for eight ur ten years in this country if
properly fed and carefully attended to. If neglected and suffered
to get dirty they are likely to be seized with cramp and lose
control of their legs. When troubled this way a little fresh hfty
should be kept at the bottom of the caae, .and tne bird fed
L/ hand if unable to feed himself. A change in food, of a nourishing
kind, as shred meat boiled egg chopped small, barley meal mixed
with a little crushed hemp seed, ana plenty of ripe fruit will soon
effe t a cure.

The male Thrush can be readdy distinguished by the black
lines running down the sidss of the throat being broader than in
the female ; the reddish yellow on the breast of the latter is much
paler, approaching nearer a white hue.

THE NIGHTINGALE

The voice so touching and sublime,

So far too pure for this gross earth ;
Surely we may deem the chime.

An Instinct which with God has birth.

Thy warbling and thy murmurs sweet,

Into melodious union bring
All sweet pounds in nature meet,

Or float from Heaven on wandering wing.

—Lamartine.

The Nightingale, literally " singer of the night," ia a soft-billed
bird, foimd in various countries in Europe. It is justly celebrated
beyond all others by European writers for the admirable vocal
powors which, during some weeks after its return from winter
quarters in the South, it exercises at all hours of the day and night.
In great contrast to the Nightingale's pre-eminent song is its plain
and homely plumage, which is alike in both sexes. It is of a red-
dish brown above and a dull grayish white beneath, the breast beine
rather darker ; the tail also is of a reddish brown, large and
somewhat rounded.

The male Nightingale is distinguished by the power and bril-
liancy of his song ; the muscles of his throat being more robust than
those of any other singing bird. It is not merely the strength of
voice, but the variety and agreeable transitions, together with the
beautiful harmony of his song, for which the Nightingale is so
highly prized. He begins by warbling a succession of low plaintive
notes, commencing very softly and gradually increasing in volume
and strength ; and eventually commencing a )on^ diminuendo
which is so gradual the listenc;- is often unable to distinguish the
actual termination. Then follow a variety of sharp notes, inter-
spersed with a few ascending tones, with which his lays usually
conclude.

On the cocks being joined by their partners, the work, for
which the long hazardous journey of both has been undertaken, is
speedily begun, and before long the neat is completed. This is of

50

CAGE BlBDS.

rather an uncommon kind, beins placed on or near the ground, the
out-worka consist'ng chiefly of a greit number of dead leaves, in-
geniously placed together, so that the plane of each is almost
vertical. In the midet of the mass is wrought a deep cup-like
hollow, neatly lined with fibrous roots. But the whole is so loosely
constructed that it depends for lateral support upon the stems of
plants atnong which it is generally built, and a very ilight touch will
disturb its beautiful arrangement. Herein from four to six eggs of a
deep olive color are duly laid and the young hatched. I'owardH
the end of summer the Nightingale again goes south ; but little, if
anything, is known of its winter quarters, which are presumably in
the interior of Africa. It has been said to visit the Gold Coast
during this season. It lives in its wild state almost entirely on
insects, and is, therefore, very difficult to rear in a state of captivity.
The best food for them in this country is the Universal In
sectivorous Bird Food, ants' eggs, with crumbled white bread
moistened with warm milk, and hard boiled egg, and occasionally a
little white bread soaked with milk. Meal-worms, spiders, and
other insects are very useful with these birds, and bird-gravel

THE KIOHTINGALE.

should be kept strewn over the floor of their cage, and plenty of
fresh water given to them. A gentleman, who was very successful
in rearing Nightingales from the nest, gives the following as a good
food for them : three ounces of beef dripping, twelve ounces of
peameal, four ounces of coarse Scotch oatmeal, one pint of hemp
seed, two oiuices of honey, two ounces of moist sugar, one ounce of
maw seed. The dripping and honey are melted to(;etber in a sauce-
pan, and the meal and sugar well rubbed in, bo as to leave no lumps
in the paste. Then the hemp seed, welljsrushed, and the maw seed
added to it, &nd, when cool, it was put into an earthen pan. A
small teacupful of this paste was i^jixed every morning wich half of
a hard boiled egg, white and yolk, press through a wire sieve.
This was sufficient for four birds, and on this paste his Nightingales
fioorished.

THB STARLIKO. 61

Another food is made from peamea^ hard-boiled egg, maw seed
and sugar made as before mentioned. Beef shred very fine, and a
meal-worm o! two should be fed every day. Boiled turnip, carrot,
and beet root may also be given occasionally. A little grated bread
ami dried ants' eggs— the latter being considered a specific for most
of their ailments — with a spider, earwig, and meal-worm, now and
then make an acceptable change. Ants' eggs can be obtained in
summer, and they may be fried in a frying-pan on sand over a slow
fire, and kept in a jar of sand until wanted.

Nightingales should not be kept in cages less than eighteen
inches long, eight to twelve inches wide, and twelve inches high.
The cage must always have a soft roof or covering inside the
ordinary one, to protect the bird's head when it flutters and springs
up, which it is very prone to do. It is, also, advisable to cover
the p<irches with (;reen cloth, firmly sewn on, to give a soft perch.
These birds require fresh water daily, not only for drinking pur-
poses, but to bathe in. The cage must not, however, be suffered to
remain wet, or their feet, which are very tender, will soon be in-
jured. It is necessary to remove the scales which form upon their
legs and feet about eveiy three months. When the scales become
loose and homy, the legs must be soaked in warm water, till they
can be removed with the point of a penknife, after which the feet
and legs must be well dried and anointed with fresh butter or cold
cream.

Should your Nightingale be observed to tremble and grasp with
his feet spasmodically, he is probably sufieriug from cramp. In
this case a foot-bath of Sherry wine for three or four minutes is
recommended. Warmth is very necessaiy, particularly just before
and during moulting ; at this time a spider or two, or a few small
green caterpillars should be given occasionally, and a few drops of
Cottam's Bird Tonic put into his water-glass each morning.

THE STARLING. »

The Starling is a well-known, good natured and merry bird. In
its wild state it is an inhabitant principally of £urope. It is about
the size of a Thrush, and thou^ at a distance it appears to be
black, when near at hand its plumage is seen to be brightly shot
with purple-green aid steel-blue, most of the feathers when newly
grown being tiiped with bufil These markings wear off in the
course of the winter^ and in the breeding season the bird is almost
potless.

A more engaging bird scarcely exists, for though its song has
but little melody to recommend it, its sprightly gestures, beai^iful
plumage, tractability, cunning and amusing antics make it a great
avorite. The niale is cheerful and lively, readily domesticated, and
loon becomes one of the family with whom be dwells, and will
accommodate himself to them to an amusing exteut ; he seems to
now when they are angry with him, ftnd then walks about with a
)ecuUar waddling gait. He will 3ven learn to repeat a few words,
iqd can b^ tan^ht tq pipe (^ soi^ or ^une ^ but in this case \t (s

52

GAGE BIRDS.

necesBary to place him where he can hear do other sound than the
tune he is to learn, otherwise he soon forgets what he has learned,
or blends it with other sounds.

Starlings are not bred in captivity. When taken from the nest
the young birds are fed every two hours on roll stet ped in warm
milk. When they can feed themselves they are given meat shred<
ded very iine, insects, crumbs of bread, cut bits of cheese and the
German paste.

In this country they do well on Universal Insectivorous or
Mocking Bird Food ; there. are, however, few articles of food that

THE BKQLISH STARLXNO.

they will refuse. Nothing too stale, mildewed or sour must be oflTered
him, or he will speedily fall a victim to the disease it will be sure
to produce. Meal worms he is very fond of, and one or two may be
given occasionally. He is exceedingly fond of bathing, and there-
fore requires plenty of water ; but on no account must his cage b«
suffered to remain wet. They will live ten to twelve years in cap-
tivity if properly fed and carefully attended to ; cleanliness for the

THB SKYLARK. fd

bird, and particularly in his cage, is most essential. Starlings
should be kept in large cages, at least two feet long, and twenty
inches deep. Round-domed ones are preferable, as in them their
plumage is not so liable to be injured.

THE SKYLARK.

' ' '

From his low and grassy bed, see the warbling lark arise!

{y bis grateful wishes led, through the clear, bright morning skies ;

Jongs of praise and thanks he pours, filling all the arch of space,

iingiug as he higher soars, toward the throne of heavenly grace,

3mall bis gifts compared with mine ; small my thanks with his compared,

^et I have a soul mvine ; angel's gifts with me are shared. "

The Skylark, called also the Field Lark, Laverlock, etc., holds,
)erhaps, of all birds the foremost place in literature, there being
lardly a poet or poetaster who has not made it his theme, not to
nention the many writers of prose who have celebrated its abilities
18 a songster, in passages that will be remembered as long as our
anguage lasts. It is one of our most favorite cage birds, as it will
ive for many years in captivity, and, except in the season of moult-
Dg, will pour forth its thrilling song many times in an hour for
leeeks and months together, while its affection for its owner is
generally of the most marked nature.

The Skylark frequents most, if not all unwooded districts in
urope, parts of Asia and Africa, and has been successfully intro-
luced on Long Island, in the State of New York, and into New
!!ealand, in which latter country it is reported to have given some
ittle trouble by reason of its rapid multiplication. They make
heir nests chiefly among growing grain — sometimes in a hole in the
ground, or in a natural hollow between the furrows — and its eggs
nd young are thus protected in a great measure from molestation ;
nd, as each pair of birds will rear several broods ia a season, the
ggs in each nest varying from three to five, they will, after all
osses, considerably increase their stock each season.

The majority of young Larks seem to leave their birth-place as
ioon as they can shift for themselves, and what becomes of them is
»ne of the mysteries of bird life. They do not seem to remain long
D one place, the approach of severe weather always being a signal
or them to change quarters. On the east coast of both England
nd Scotland, they have been observed to cross from Europe in a
lonstant stream for days at a time. On such occasions the bird
iatchers are busily engaged with their snares or traps, and twenty
0 thirty thousand of them have been known to arrive in London,
England, within a very short time ; it is estimated that at least two
housand pounds worth of these birds arc annually sold in that city.
0 many of them being trapped each year, the species has been
;h()u^ht to be threatened with extinction ; and on this account,
ogether with the seeming cruelty of the practice, measures for their
)r()tection have been adopted. When, however, it is con-
id ered that, if these birds were left to continue their wanderings, a
(uge proportiou of them would die of hunger before reaching a

54

CAGE BIRDS

place that would supply them with food, and that of the remainder
an enormous proportion would perish at sen, it must be acknow-j
ledged that the fate of the larks thus entrapped, is no' worse than
what they would otherwise encounter.

Lovely and delightful aH i& the song of the Lark, it is in apj
pearance a very plain bird. It has a brownish plumage, the plain]
est, perhaps, except the sparrow, of all the feathered twie. It isj
however, the largest of the Lark species, often measuring seven
inches from Ihe beak to the tip ef the tail, and despite its insigniiij
cant plumage is a sprightly looking bird ; it has a smart silky crest
which it can erect at Measure.

EUROPEAN SKTLABK.

They are, on first being taken from the nest, fed with cruml
of white bread soaked in warm milk, crushed poppy seeds, scalde
rape seed and crushed hemp seed, with now and then a few ants]
eggs. They require feeding every two hours from early morn till
dark at night. The Skylark must have a roomy cage, at leasd
eighteen inches wide, to allow him a run, and rather high. Tha
roof should be lined with green baize or cloth, that the Lark may nod
hurt his head in attempting to soar, which he is very much in thd
habit of doing, and the back should be boarded. It should be with]
out perches, and the floor must bo strewn with red gravelly sand
and powdered chalk, or old mortar well bruised, in Which hi
delights to roll. It should be provided with a projetting windc^vj
on the bottom of which a fre^n green turf shoula constantly
kept. By having two pieci3s of turf, and keeping the extra onei
thoroughly watered, the Latk may be kept supplied with fresh turi
f^l^ ^he ti^e, a^d should be phanged two pr thr^ tipie^ ^ach yfee\i>

THE WOODLABK. 85

The Lark thrives best in this country on Cottam's Universal
Insectivorous Bird Food mixed with equal quantities of fresh grated
carrot and boiled mashed potatoes on alternate days. Occasionally
the yolk of a hard boiled egg mixed with grated white bread crumbs
may be given, together with a meal-worm daily, ants* eggs, German
paste, a small piece of lean beef shred very fine, water- cresses,
lettuce and chickweed. A little poppy seed, crushed hemp seed
and barley meal or a little ripe fruit may also be given to vary his
food.

Great attention must be paid to cleanliness, as the Skylark,
being so much at the bottom of his cage, is likely to get his feet very
dirty, and unless kept thoroughly clean, he is apt to contract dis-
ease. The claws of the feet are remarkably long ; but this, accord*
ing to some writeis, is a wise provision of nature to enable the bird,
whose nest, as before stated, is always on the ground, to remove its
eggs or young, should any cause arise to induce it to do so.

Skylarks in confinement are especially liable to diarrhoea, for
which a little saffron or tincture of iron, put into their water-glass,
will generally be found a specific. They also suffer from yellow
scurf, the skin at the root of the beak becoming yellow and scabby.
Cooling food, as water-cresses, chickweed, or lettuce, and meal-
worms or ants' eggs, spiders, etc., will prove the best remedy for
this disease, and will generally be effective.

THE WOODLARK.

" Dost thou love to hear the son^-birds of Spring}

Are their notes as voices of joy to thee ?
Then fly to the grove whore the woodlarks sing,

Rejoicing once more in their vernal glee.
The Springtime is come, the Winter is past,

And the Woodlarks' songs are cheerful once more ;
Their sorrows are fled with the wintry blast.

And soft-flowing lays through the woodlands they pour,
Forgetful how lately the wintry winds blew.
When they sung the sad notes of their plaintive lu-lo.'

— Anon.

THE WOODLifiK.

The Woodlark is much less in size than the Skylark ; it is, like
ihat bird, crested, and has a short tail and long hinder claMU ; but
t does not appear to soar and sing far up in the bright sunshine,

56

OAOB BIRDS.

preferring to dwell amid the shady umbrage of leufy buphed, andl
there pour out those strains that, for sweetness and richneis, are!
hardly inferior to the Nightingale. For one thing, indeed, it ig|
unrivalled ; it usually retains in confinement all the brilliancy and
richness of its natural song, and will sing in the dark as well
day, often continuing its strains far into the night.

The directions as to foods etc. , given in the preceding chapter, ocl
Skylarks are thoroughly applicable to the Woodlark, so we need not[
repeat them. The cage for this bird requires to be at least eighteen
inches wide, other dimensions in proportion, and should be of teii|
placed outside the window, but never between the open window
that the draft or current of air will strike it, that the genial sunshine!
may inspire the warbler and put him in good humor. He will theq
probably be very amusing, stopping abruptly, erecting and depre
sing the feathers of the head and neck, and evincing in various way
a turn for drollery. Unlike most other birds, the female Wood|
lark sings, though, perhaps, not quite so well as the male ; hei
song consists of a few strophes, and these usually somewhat inter|
rupted and irregular.

THE ENGLISH ROBIN.

"Art thou the bird that man loves best,
The pious bird with scarlet breast—

Our little English Robin—
The bird that comos about our doors

When Autumn winds are sobbing?
Art thou the Peter of Norway boors,

Their Thomas in Finland

And Russia far inland :
The bird who by some name or other
Ail men who know theo call thee brother—

The darling of children and men?"

—WortUtoorth.

Robin Redbreast is the name of a bird little known
this country, except by those, perhaps, in whose memory it
associated with many dear ties which still bind them inseparabl]|
to the "old land," which, by reason of its manners, no less familial
than engaging, has for a long while been a favorite among all classei
in the old world. There are, however, few descriptions or represea
tations of the bird which give an adequate notion of its charactcrisi j
appearance and gesturea— all so suggestive of intelligence. Ill
olive-brown back and reddish-orange breast may be easuy imitat
by the artist; but the faculty of tracing a truthful outline,
picturing the peculiar expression of this favorite bird, has prove
to be beyond the skill of almost everyone who has attempted it.

The Robin exhibits a curious uncertainty of temperament
regard to its nesting habits. At times it will place the utnio
confidence in man, and again, at times, show the utmost jealousjj
The nest, though generally pretty, can seldom be called a work <
art ; it is usually built of moss and dead leaves, with a modera^
lining of hair. In this are laid from five to seven wkite e^

THE ENGLISH AOBIN. 57

Bprinkled or blotched with light red. In winter, when his favorite
food J such as berries and insects, are scarce, he will become
very sociable, approaching the habitations of man, timidly at first,
but bolder after a time, and at last, if encouraged by a few crumbs
of bread, will venture into the door or fly in at the window, and
he has even been known to reward his entertainers with a song.
Bat no sooner does spring approach, than he returns to his seclusion
and seeks a mate. The Redbreast, so far from being a tractable
bird, is, as a matter of fact, a quarrelsome and pugnacious fellow,
and very difficult to rear in confinement. If caught in spring,
before pairing, there is a chance of its living if carefully fed upon
bread steeped in milk and a few ants' eggs, meal-worms, with
occasionally a little maw seed and crushed hemp seed ; but if taken
in winter, and put in a cold room, he is likely to die almost

THE ENGLISH ROBIN.

mmediately ; if, by degrees, however, he is moved into a warm
oom, he may eventually thrive. After a time, if he can be kept
live, he will become quite tame, and, if allowed, be a regular
ttendant at the breakfast table, picking up the crumbs and eating
read and butter with activity, often singing a merry song of
ratitude in return. If thus rendered tame, his pretty colors and
reat docility recommend him as an interesting pet. He sings best
n the cage when in confinement, and will then pipe very beauti-
uUy. As before stated, these birds are seldom seen in this country,
here being some little difficulty in getting them acclimatized,
ieing a soft billed bird, they thrive on Cottam's Universal Insec-
ivorous Bird Food better than anything else, and with much the
mc general treatment as the Mocking Bird.

I

68

OAOB BIRDS.

THE GOLDFINCH.

" Ooldflnch, pride of woodland glade, in thy jot and gold array'd ;
Gentle bird that lov'st to feed on the thistle's downy seed ;
Freely frolic, lightly sing, in the sunbeam spread thy wing I
Spread thy plumage, trim and gay, glittering in the noontide ray !
^8 upon the thorn-tree's stem perched thou sipp't^t the dewy gem,
Fiokle bird, forever roving, endless charges ever loving .

Now in orchards gaily sporting, now to flbw'ry fields lesorting ;
the thistle 8 down, by the gentle zephyrs blown.

Chasing now

Lightly on, thou win'st thy way, always happy, always gay.

-Anon.

The Ooldfinch is found over the greater parts of Europe and I
North America, and eastward to Persia and Turkestan. Its gay I
plumage is well matched by its sprightly nature, which, togetherl
with its song, make it one of the most favored of cage birds. It iil
a granivorous or seed-eating bird, and, as such, may be kept wiihl
less trouble than any of the soft-billed species. ' ' Of all cage birds,"!
says Bechstein in his handbook, " this is the most delightful, alii{e|
for the beauty of its plumage and the excellence of its song, ital
proved docility and remarkable clcveruesa."

THE GOLDFINCH.

As a matter of fact, however, this bird is surpassed as a song]
ster by many other spec'es, but its docility and ready attachmenl|
to its owner make up for any defect in its vocal powers. Its son^
however, is somewhat sweet and sufficiently varied to niaike iti
notes agreeable to the ear, being mellow in tone, and, perhaps,
plaintive. He Eoon becomes familiar and attached to his feeder, an^
may then be safely allowed a flight about the room v^hile his cag
is being cleaned. As he is very docile he may be taught many arnu»,
ing tricks, which he will learn very readily, and, if properH
managed, without the least coercion. 1

The Goldfinch is seen in his glory on a bright autumnal day oJ
some common where thistles plentifully grow. There he will be see^
feasting on the down^ seeds, flittering about in the sunshine, ever
now and then twitting out his lively song, and as happy as a bir

¥HK LlNNXt.

SO

can be. You may, perhaps, approach very Qear to the bird as it
clings to the rough stem of its favorite plant, intent on taking its
morning meal ; but the moment you are discovered the pretty
feeder, with a startled and offended air, retire*) into some neighbor-
bg thicket, warning his feathered companions, as he flies, to follow
bis prudent example.

A Goldfinch, being a sprightly bird, should never be confined
fn a small cage, although he may often sing the best in it. He is
very restless and scarcely ever still, continually fluttering and
Winginff about as if trying the strength of ail the wires of his cage.
Kor ought he to be put into a bell shaped cage, for he will probably

ump round it so rapidly as to become giddy. The best sized cage
8 about ten inches wide by eight inches deep, and not less than

welve or fourteen inches high, and should be made of mahogany or
>ther hard, close-grained wood.

A Goldfinch shoWd be fed on canary, sweet German rape, maw

r poppy seeds, in about equal proportions. It also requires a little

reen food now and then, as water-cress, lettuce leaf, chickweed,

lantain, or the like, and u delighted by an occasional feed of the

histle seed, which it prefers to pick out of the head for itself, and

) a hearty feeder.

If a Goldfinch be placed near a German Canary it will catch

lany of the notes of the latter, which will tend to improve its song.

'he Goldfinch, when properly taken care of, will often live from ten

) fifteen years in confinement.

THE LINNET.

I wadna gie the Llntie's sang,

Sae merrv on the broomy lea,
For all the harps that ever rang

In all the halls of minstrelsie.
Mair dear to me, where bush or breer

Amang the pathless heather grows.
The Llntie's wild, sweet note to hear.

As on the ev'nin breeze it flows.

—Bums.

,1

The Linnet is a song bird, frequenting almost the whole of
[rope, and in Asia extending to Turkestan. It visits Egypt and

60

CAGE BtRt>8.

Abyssinia ia winter, "^nd is abundant at all seasons in Barbary, the
Canary Islands and Madeira. According to its sex or the season of
the ye».r, it is known as the Red, Grey or Brown Linnet. By many
English writers on birds these names have been held to designate at
least two species ; but there is now no question among ornithologists
on this point, though the conditions under which the bright
crimson- red coloring of the breast and crown, of the cocks' 'spriDg
and summer plumage is donned, and doffed, may be open to discus-
sion. The Linnet has a very agreeable and flute like song, that
consists of many connected stanzas, which is the more beuutnul the
oftener it utters its high-sounding notes ; it is sometimes soft and
mellow, prettily varied and remarkably sweet. The natural song
of this bird, as learned from its parents, is rarely forgocten, so that
to teach the liinnet the notes of the Nightingale, Lark, or other
bird, it is necessary to take it while very young, otherwise it is
seldom accomplished. The Linnet is a very *8hy bird, but when
tamed it becomes attractive and much attached to those who treat
it with kindness.

THE SISKIN.

The Linnet in its wild state feeds on all kinds of seed, and its
fondness for flax has given it the name it bears ; in common with]
most birds, it is very partial to hemp seed, but in confinement itl
ought not to have much of either flax or hemp, for their oily nature]
will cause it to become too fat. The best food for the Linnet iuj
this country is German sweet summer rape, and good Canary seed,]
with now and then a little green food, as water- cress, lettuce,]
chickweed, or the like. A pinch of salt mixed with its food occa-
sionally will be found beneficial. They require a large, oblong]
cage, as they become restless and uneasy ; but the objection]
to the bell-shaped cages is not so great in their case as withj
the Goldfinch. They must have plenty of fresh water for drink f
ing purposes ; and are fond of bathing both in water and sand.
The duration of their life is much the same as that of the GoldfincbJ
from ten to sixteen years.

Linnets are very liable to surfeit, particularly when they ar
kept in a small cage and take little exercise ; warm briead and miiki

TttK CnA>tlNc!t.

cA

lettuce seed, or two drops of outor oil put into their drinking
wat«r, together with liberty to fly about the room frequently, are
reinediea for this trouble.

THE SISKIN.

This is another European bird of the Finch tribe. A yellowish
green is its predominant color, interspersed with black markings ;
its beak and tail are both very short, and the top of the head is
altogether black, owing to which fact it is sometimes called the
Black headed Thistle Finch. Tts song is agreeable, though short
and somewhat low. In Europe the Siskin is a favorite cage bird.
In this country it should be fed on maw seed mixed with crushed
hemp seed ; care being taken not to overfeed for they are inclined
to be greedv. Their treatment in every respect, except as to food,
ahould be the same as the Canary.

THE CHAFFINCH.

List,-to the merry sbilfa ! on the air

It sweetly trills a morning song of praise,
And flits from bough to bongh, now here, now there,

Not long in any spot or posture stays ;
A lively bird, that in early days.

When only fitful gleams of sunshine break
Athwart the leaden gloom, and misty haze,

That veil the infant year, will frequent make
The leafless woods re-echo to its call.

Treef, treef ! a low sw^t noto, and then a shrill,
And sharp flok, fink I upon the ear doth fall

Like speech expressive of a sentient will ;
As brisk, as merry and as loved a bird,

As any in the fields and woodlands heard.

— H. 0. Adams,

The Chaffinch is a very lively bird, found in various parts of

lEurope, brisk and quick in its movements, of good vocal powers,

land one of the most prized of cage songsters ; it is very docile and

jteachable, and of great aptitude for acquiring musical proficiency.

In ita natural or wild state, its food in winter consists of seeds and

grains, and in summer of insects and larvae. Like the Finch tribe

generally, it is very expert in picking out the kernel of the seeds

from the husks, and it is indeed a pleasing sight to see the bird

{thus employed. The male bird may be distinguished by the deep

preyish-blue of its crown feathers, the sulphur-yellow of its rump,

le white of the wing coverts being so arranged as to form two con^

kpicuous bars, and the reddish-brown passing into vinous red of the

ihroat and breast. The female is less conspicuous in its coloring

|han the male, though the young males resemble the females until

fter the first Autumn moult, when they gradually assume the

[lumage of their sex. Persons wishing to be certain as to the sex

' this bird sometimes pluck a few feathers out of its breast, and

lie new growth, which takes place in about two or three weeks,

bws by the absence or presence of the red color whether it be

le or female.

Chaffinches are seldom bred in confinement, the young males

02

CAOB BtRM.

being removed from the nest as rood as the tail feathers begin to
grow, and fed upon soaked rape seed, mixed with crumbs of bread
softened with milk. They are not difficult to manage until the
moulting time comes on, but then they req^uire much oare and
attention. Insect food is esseutial at this time, and ants' eggs,
meal-worms and maggots of some kind should be given; warmth
and quiet are also to be especially studied for a few weeks.
Chaffinches become very tame, and will obey the voice of theit
owner with but little training. If kept in covered cases, or in the
most shaded part of the room, and not permitted to have the full
sunlight until they are perfect in their lesson, they will readily
and correctly catch any air or tune that may be whisl.ed or
played to them. They soon drop theii* wild notes when they take
up the new melody.

In Europe, young Chaffinches are caught in great numbers in
the spring and early part of the summer, and shipped to the
various bird marktts. Those caught at this time are usually
found to be hardy and more easily trained than the birds reared
from the nest ; it being said that birds caught before Whitsuntide

THE CHAFFINCH,

will, when caged, sing before the end of the year ; but, if taken|
after that period, they will most likely pine away.

The best food for the Chaffinch, when kept caged, in thuj
country, is soaked rape seed, with very little hemp seed, about!
once a week, and occasionally a small quantity of green food, ai|]
water-cress, lettuce leaves or chickweed, varied now and then withi
a little ripe fruit. The cage should be twelve inches high, and atl
least eight inches wide. It is not advisable to place this bird in a[
bell-shaped case, as A hops forward and not upward, and soosj
learns the habit of twisting, thus being liable to get dizzy. Twr
Chaffinches, if kept in the same room, must not be permitted to
in sight of each other, or they will interrupt each other's singingj
whereas, if they can only he&r, and not see each other, they
try their utmost to outvie one another in their song.

TBI BULLflNOH. 6S

Chaffinches are very subject to the stoppage of the ramp gland
and dysentery. In the former trouble, the gland— a small prO'
tuberance above the tail designed by nature as a store-house for
tho oily secretion with which the bird's feathers are softened —
must be carefully opened with a line needle, and afterwards
anointed with fresh butter and sugar, mixed together as an ointment.
In oases of dysentery, two or three drops of tincture of iron or a
sprig of saffron is often sufficient. Too much hemp seed with them
is a source of trouble (and this applies, also, to other birds).
A little sweet apple, rine fruit or green food will be found very
beneficial when the bird is out of condition.

THE BULLFINCH.

Better I love thy wood-no' eg wild to hear
Than all the melodies that art can teach ;

Those untaught strains, so simple, soft, and clear,
Seem ever near akin to human speech ,
And greater power have they the heart to reach.

To please, to soothe, to animate, and cheer ;
Swoet leteonsof content, and hope to preach.

And waken holy thoughts, and memories dear.

Still in thy woodland covert, then, sweet bird !
Utter thy low sweet call- note to thy mate ;

Ne'er by the spoiler be the green boughs stirred,
Which shelter thee in thy most happy state ;

Ever may thine be liberty and love ;

A green world all aroimd, and azure skies above.

—H. O. Adama.

The Bullfinch is a bird of a bluish-grey color above, and
generally of a bright tile red beneath, the female differing only
in having its colors somewhat duller than the male, and a most
docile and tractable bird. It has a peculiarly short full appear-
ance, with a well set-up, portly body, and a larse, roundish nead
joined to it by a very stout "John Bull " sort of neck. The beak
is thick and short, and the eye full and round. Its general
rotundity of form might be called clumsy, but that its sprightly
motions and richly-tinted and glossy plumage give to its whole
appearance a graceful dignity most pleasing to the eye.

The natural song oi the Bullfinch is soft and pleasant, but so

low as to be scarcely audible ; it has a plaintive melody about it

which is exceedingly touching. It is very pleasing to watch the

male bird and hear him pour torth his warblings to hb mate sitting

in her nest. If, dkected by the call-note, you can make your way

noiselessly to some hiding place near to the nent, you will see Mr.

Bull sitting on a branch, making the strangest contortions, while

I he pipes his song of domestic affection — now bowing his head

Igravely to hi^ partner, then puffing out his neck and ruffling the

jfeathers all over his body, until he looks twice his natural size ;

Inow jerking his tail up and down, and spreading it out like a fan,

Ihe exposes a fullness of delight which swells his broad and brightly-

Itinted breast. Meantime, there sits my lady Bull, to whom all

jthese expressive motions are addressed, in her nest, within which

64

CAGB BIBDS.

Vv

are four or five eggs of a pale blue color, speckled with greyish or
reddish brown. The slightest stir or noise stops, in a-mdment,
this pantomine of love, and off flies Mr. Bull to hide himself from
apprehended danger.

The manner in which Bullfinches are trained in Germany is
thus described in " Bechstein's Handbook of Cage Birds : "

" No school can be more diligently attended by its master, and
no scholars can be more effectually trained to their own calling
than in a seminary of Bulliinches. They are divided into classes of
six each, and kept in a dark room, where food and music are admin-
istered to them at the same time ; so that when the meal is ended
the birds most inclined beein to tune up, naturally induced to copy
the sounds so familiar to them. As soon as they have initiated a
few notes light is admitted, and this at once stimulates their spirits
and urges them to sing. In some other training seminaries the
birds are not allowed food or light until they have begun to sing.

THE BULLFINCH.

When they have been under this course of instruction for some
time they are placed singly under the care of a boy, whose sole I
business is to play his organ from morning till night, for the
instruction of the birds committed to his care, while the class
teacher goes his rounds, superintending the progress of his feathered j
pupils."

The round of teaching goes on continuously for a period of nine I
months, by which time the birds have acquired firmness, and are
not likely to forset or spoil the air they have learned by leaving out]
parts or giving uiem in the wrong place.

At the time of moulting the best instructed birds require
have the tunes they have learned repeated to them frequently, or]
all their previous learning may be rendered useless.

BuUnncheb are no^ ored in confinement, most of them being

THE BLACKCAP.

&

taken from the uest when very young. To train a young Bullfinch it
is essential that he be removed from the nest before his tail feathers
are full grown, or has had time to le^rn his father's song. He is
then fed on bread moistened with milk and scalded rape seed. In
the spring and summer, Bullfiuchss, in their wild state, feed on the
buds of trees and bushes, choosing only, it is said those containing
the incipient blossoms, thus doing immense injury to orchards and
gardens. In autumn and wmter they feed principally on wild
fruits and seeds. The best food for the BuUtinch, when caged, in
this country, is German sweet summer rape, with a little canary
seed added. Hemp seed must only be given occasionally, and then
sparingly, as it is too heating and nourishing to be allowed freely.

If any consequence of such over-feeding be observed, a few warni
baths and plenty of green food will generally effect a remedy.
liuUfinches are very partial to water-cresses, and a little lettuce
leaf, chickweed or groundsel is acceptable. During the moulting
season a rusty nail should be put into their water. A little hard
boiled egg and bread crumbs, a small piece of ripe fruit, or a few
ripe hemes may be given now and then. If they get over- fat, diet-
ing them on scalded rape seed and green food will soon reduce their
flesh.

The Bullfinch is a very shy bird, nob associating with other
species, and frequents low, wooded districts, being very rarely seen
in open countrv. The young remain with their parents during the
Autumn and Winter, and pair in the Spring, but not building their
nests until May In captivity, however, Bulldnches are usually
good-tempered, and often exhibit a strong attachment to their
feeder. They are occasionally capricious, and when in this sulky
mood can only be prevailed upon to sing by being tempted with a
bit of sponge cake, a little water cress, or some other delicacy.

THE BLACKCAP.

" Come ye, come ye. to the fcreen, green wood,
Loudlv the Blackbird is singing ;
The squirrel is feasting on blossom and bud,

And the curled fern is spr inging.
Here you may sleep in 1 he woods so deep.

When the moon is so warm and so wearr,
And sweetlv awake, when the sun through the brake
Bids the Blackcap and White-throat sing cheery."

—Anon.

This esteemed songster, a native of various European countries,

has a hood or cap, black in the male, and brown in the female,

which covers the top of the head. The length of the bird is nearly

six inches, the tail measuring two and a half inches. Its song ia

second only to the Nightingale in power and sweetness, and it is an

admirable mimic, readily picking up the notes both of the Canary

land Nightingale, imitating the latter so exactly af> to be easily mis-

jtaken for that bird. It is easily tamed in continemeut, and often

levJMces great attachment to its feeder. One which was kept in a

Ihoihouse soon learned to take meal-worms from his master's hand,

land would fly to the jai* where they were kept as soon as he saw

00 OAOE BIRDS.

him approach, striving to take his attention by flying before him,
or striking him with his wing if he did not notice him as usual.

The Blackcap can be kept the best in this country upon
Cottam's Universal Insectivorous Bird Food, a few meal-worms or
ants' eggs may be added, and he will thrive well when fed thus. A
paste made of barley meal, aiits' eggs, meal-worms and other
insects may be given, together with crushed hemp seed and ripe
fruit, as apples, pears, raspberries, elderberries, currants, or
cherries, as an occasional treat ; a little boiled milk now and then
may be given. If allowed to fly about, which it may be permitted
to do, it will pick up anything that comes to the table in the way
of bread, vegetables, meat, etc. It is a greedy eater, and swallows
everything whole. In winter, dried elderberries soaked in water,
when fed occasionally, tend to preserve its health. It is fond of
'bathing, and requires fresh water every day, but the bath should
not be left too long in the cage.

THE BLACKCAP.

The Llackcap requires a cage about the same size as the
Nightingale, and prefers being placed in the shade to full sunlight.
As he has a habit of picking at the wires of his cage they must not
be painted or lacquered or he may be seriously injured thereby.
The vessels in which his food is put should be placed outside, so as
to prevent his scattering it about or wasting it, which otherwise he
will do. The Blackcap together with all other birds, must be kept
warm and free from cold draughts of air And sudden changes of the
atmosphere.

The diseases to which these birds are most subject are con-
sumption and swelling 4 or warts upon the feet, which are very
tender. For the first trouble water-cresses are an excellent
specific, and when used in conjunction with ordinary care and
attention will do as much good as anything. For the tender feet
a little cold ct-eam occasionally applied, after carefully cleansing
them, will be found very healing.

¥ltE NOKt>AKieiL.

THE TROOPIAL.

ftt

¥hle Troopial is a native of South America. He is not at all
JDinlike the Baltimore Oriole in appearance, though of much larger
\)uild, and the yellow of his body is of a somewhat lighter shade
than that of the Qriole. A.sj>iendid songster, he will learn to pipe
tunes with remarkable fidelity. The Troopial is a very active and
graceful bird, and when caged becomes very tame. Being a soft-
billed bird they will do well when caged on Cottanl's Universal

THE TROOPIAL.

Insectivorous Bird Food ; they also require a generous supply of
insects, and should be given a teaspoonful of scraped raw beef
o(;casionally, and treated in all other respects as the Mocking Bird.

THE NONPAREIL.

This bird, sometimes called the Painted, Bunting or Painted
Finch, is certainly "without an equal" as regards beauty of
plumage. Buffon refers to him as 'The Pope," presumably on
account of his handsome violet hood. The Nonpareil is about the
size of the Robin Redbreast, and resembles that bird in many of
it" characteristics. They have no song, however, but are caged
pv icipally for their docility and beauty. The cock, when in full
plumage, which is not until it is two years old, has the head, neck
and lesser wing coverts of bright blue ; the upper part of the back
yellow, deepening into green ; and the lower parts, generally,
together witn the rump, bright scarlet, tinged on the latter with
purple. The hen is green above and yellow beneath ; and the
young cocks present an appearance intermediate between th9

68

CAGE BIBDSt

matured of both dexes. A^^hen caged, these birds Ought to be fed
on canary and millet seed, with plenty of flies and spiders, of
which they are very fond. So much does the Nonpareil like to
bathe that they have been known to drown themselves by attempt-
ing to bathe in a water pitcher or other receptacle too deep for
them, when allowed the liberty of the room. He should be daily
provided with the means of gratifying this desire for bathing,

THE JAPANESE ROBIN.

The Japanese Robin sometimes called Pekin Nightingale and
East Indian Sun Bird, is a most beautiful bird, having a sharp
sweet song, and being a very desirable cage pet, varying from five
and a half to six and a half inches in length. The upper parts of
its body are of a brownish olive. The wings and tail feathers are
jet black, the former with stripes of gold and white and the latter
with white alone Its head is of a deep green, with the beak yellow ;

^

THE JAPANESE ROBIN.

»vS\i

eyes black, circled with white ; throat yellow shading to orange
lower down. He whistles every month in the year, and his song
is very sweet and attractive. Tame and docile, he is always very
active and of a cheerful disposition. He does well on Cottam's
Universal Insectivorous Bird Food, mixed on alternate days with

grated carrot and mashed potato. He has few diseases, and may
e treated much the same as other soft-billed birds. He requires a
fairly large cage, as he is a very active bird.

THE JAVA SPARROW.

The Java Sparrow is a native of the country whose name it
bears, and where they abound in immense numbers, being as
common there as our ordinary sparrow is here . They do not, how-
ever, sing, and are kept, generally in aviaries, for the beauty of

* AFRICAN FIKCHM, ETO. 09

their plumaee. Of a light slate or ashen grey body, their head ia a
glossy black with clear white cheeks. Their bill is of a delicate
rose color, and might be taken for wax work. Their plumage is
remarkably beautiful, not only as regards color, but also in the
arrangement of the feathers, which fit into each other verv closely,
presenting a very smooth appearance. Some of these birds are
white or of a cream color ; rather scarce and more expensive.
Usually sold in pairs, they become very much attached to each other.
Seing very tractable birds they will readily learn to perform tricks
of various descriptions. They should be fed on canary seed,
millet and rice, upon which latter grain they feed almost exclusively
in their wild state.

AFRICAN FINCHES. ETC.

The following is a description of a number of small Finches which
are mostly very suitable for the aviary. They are not kept for
their song though some of them have very sweet voices, but for their
beauty and agreeable disposition. All these we mention will do well
in an aviary, being thoroughly happy in each other's company. The
writer has had specimens of nearly all of t "m in a large aviary at
one time, and to see them cluster together ol one perch, hugging up
to one another as closely as possible, caressing and pluming each
other is indeed a very charming sight. If a small box containing
some soft material, as cotton batting, etc. , be placed in an aviary they
will make a nest for themselves, and cuddle away in it two or three
at a time for hours together. To a person confined in the house
these little pets will prove a source of endless amusement. These
Finches should be fed on millet seed, and a very few of them will
eat rape or canary seeds. Coming, as they do, from a warm climate
it is advisable to protect them nom severe weather. Ihey will,
however, do well in the same temperature as Canaries, providing it
is kept clear of drafts and sudden changes. Give them as much
sunshine as possible and the bath daily. If properly attended to
tkey will keep in good health with little trouble. Their general
treatment should be about the same as the Canary, except in the
matter of food.

The Cut-throat Sparrow or Ribbon Finch, as it is sometimes
called, is a native of Africa, where it is as common as the Sparrow
in England. In size it is a little less than the Sparrow, but
resembles it very much in it« habits and principal charactenstics.
Its prevailing color throughout is a salmon fawn, each feather
finely edged with a whitish tins^e that gives a shell-like wavy
appearance to the plumage, which is really very pretty when
examined. The male bird has, also, a red band across his throat.
These birds are, however, very pugnacious for the aviary and should
be kept by themselves, or with birds they cannot injure.

Cordon Blue Finch, or Crimson Ear Wax- bill, is a most
charminff little fellow. The mail bird has a low pleasing song, and
spends the most of his time cooing, apparently for his own amuse-

76 dAtiE filRDS.

ment. Give him a match with the brimstone broken off, or a small
twig, and he will jump about his cage holding it in his bill, singing
as merrily as possible.

The Avadavat. These birds come from Africa and from
various parts of Asia. They change plumage yearly nntil the third
year, when the lower parts of the oody and head are a bright red
shaded with black. The beak is red, and the feathers round thd
eyes are black, tail black, and wings a reddish-brown color. Nearly
all the feathers are tipped with white giving the bird a very pretty
appearance.

St Helena Wax-bill. Its geheral color is a greyish brown
with the tail a little decker, and a tinge of red on the underparts.
It9 beak is a deep red. All the feathers have dark irregular lines
across, giving them a very curious appearance.

The SafTron Finch is nearly as large as a Canary. It is .^
lively bird, of a bright plumage — a very desirable addition to an
aviary.

The Magpie Finch has a light green head, with brownish back
and white throat and breast. His plumage is always neatly ar-
ranged, and he is somewhat of a songster.

The Silver-bill, or Quaker Bird, has a very pretty habit of
dancing on his perch, and singing away all the time. Generally
kept in couples, they are very affectionate, caressing each other
constantly.

The Zebra Finch, or Orange Breast Wax-bill, is an exceed-
ingly small bird, but of a very amusing manner. Being very small,
he is a decided novelty.

The Grey- Blue Finch has a very nice song, though very low
in tune. Unlike nearly all foreign birds, thtse Finches will pair
and hatch their young in confinement. They will not, however,
hatch their young in the spring, but bring them forth in the midst
of our winter.

The Chestnut Finch is another small bird of chestnut- brown
color, the tail being black and the coverts of the same being white.

The Orang^e Cheek Wax-bill is a very neat little bird— its
*" image always being neatly arranged. Its beak is of a light red
^olor ; its head grey, with throat and neck brown.

The Diamond Sparrow, sometimes called the Spotted Side
Finch, is an Australian bird. It is of a short and rather stoui
bull i ; the uuder part of the body being white and the sides bluck,
relieved with white spots. They are very easily tamed, and
will create much amusement, if allowed their liberty, by catching
flies, of which insect they are very fond.

Black and White Capped or Tricolored Nuns, so called
from the color of their heads — known also as the African Mani-
kins—are very pretty birds. The rich color of their chocolate-
brown and coal-black bodies contqasting very greatly with the
oolor of their caps.

AFRICAN FINCHES, ETC.

71

Japanese ' Nims present a very beautiful appearance. They
are bred in cages, and are usually very tame. In color, they are
pure white, marked more or baa with a salmon shade, and have
also a very pleasant song.

Ihe abjve named birds are but a small selection from the
Finch tribe. We have merely mentioned those most frequently
found in small aviaries.

THB ROCK MINOR.

^art- ©I^ree,

J l!l[ouIting ^e&^Qi], Di^ea^e^, ^c.

>r<

» -- — -«

Ti

f-^,-r.-

THE MOULTING SEASON.

HE moulting season is perhaps the most critical
period in bird life, and more birds die, or are por-
manenth' injured, at this time than at any otner.
Their future health, and, as a matter of course,
their plumage and song depend mainly on the
care and attention bestowed on them, together
with the food with which they are supplied.
Moulting is particularly trying to young birds
passing through this experience for the first time ;
and foreign birds, not yet acclimatized, are liable t«? suffer most.
It is at this period that many charming songsters lose their vocal
powers, never to find them again, as in others they are seriously
impaired. While passing through the moulting season, therefore,
the greatest care should be exercised, and the chief object should
be to hasten the process of moulting, and get it over w))ile the
weather is warm, as rapidly as possible ; but more particular. y so
in dealing with those birds whose color and plumage i i the lea (ing
attractions To accomplish this every means likely to bring it
about must be adopted ; but this can only be done by assisting
nature, and keeping the birds warm, in a rtgular temperature
of about seventy degrees, free from a draft, and on the most
nourishing food. Ch*^ap foods, to which, we regret to say,
many fanciers have a leaning, must be eschewed ; in short, birds
at this time must be treated with as much care as would be bestowed
on human beings when sick.

See chapter of useful hints on food, etc.

Strong birds get through their moulting much quicker and
with more ease than the weaker ones. The best period for moult-
ing is from the beginning of August to the middle of September,
while the weather is warm. In a healthy bird, moulting really
begins early in July, though it is not percept^'ble for some time
after to the general eye ; long before, the bird begins to shed
its feathers, nature is at work mustering her resources and supply-
ing the bird with strength to throw oflf its old plumage, and
materials out of which to furnish the new.

74

CAGE Bmt)8.

Never, on any account, keep a bird outside in chilly or windy
weather, or after sunset, during the moulting season ; for if, as a
fesult, you do not lose your bird, you will probably lose his sonj{
and good looks. I have known many people who have left their
birds out all night under the verandah during the moulting period ;
of course the weather was warm, but the sequel a tew days
later has been a funeral ; and they have come to me afterwards,
in surprise, wanting to know the reason for such an issue.

Canaries generally moult when from nine to twelve weeks
old, some a little eooner, others a little later ; degrees of health and
strength causing these variations. In their first moult, they are
more susceptible to disease than at any other period. Colds con-
tracted at thi<i time bring on swelling and inflammation of the
bowels, and frequently, if not promptly dealt with, terminate
fatally. During the first season, ttiey only cast their down
feathers ; but every year after they throw oflF their entire plum-
age. As a rule, the young birds do not moult their wing and
tail feathers until they are a year old, and the new ones are
usually much longer than the old ones.

Egg food and bird bread will be found particularly beneficial
while the moulting is going on ; and if it be desired to have the
plumage of ye'low birds a deep and brilliant orange, plenty of
saffronitus or coloring food should be fed ; it should also be given
to the birds for one month previous to moulting taking place.

Many fanciers moult their birds, especially those for show
purposes, in a dark apartment curtained on fr m draft, and feed
safTronitus or coloring food almost exclusively at this time.

See article on saffronitus.

DISEASES.

Inflammation of the Bowels is the most serious ailment to
which birds are Hubject. It generally occurs immediately before
or during the season of moulting, M'hen the birds are in a weak and
dtrbilitated condition, and is often brought about by keeping the
bird in a room where there is a fire during the day time, but which
is allowed to go out during the night, and when the temperature
falls the bird receives a chill. Sour food, aecayed vegetables or
fruit, and inferior bird seed and non-nutritious food of any kind,
especially just before and during moulting, is the cause of the
worst form of the diseaso. It is, however, easily cured if the

E roper means are reported to ; but if permitted to run too far, the
ird will most likely be sacrificed ; or, if it does survive the
attack, it will probably remain a miserable, dejected creature for
the rem\inder of its life at all times liable to a relapse.

The principal symptoms of this disease are a dull and heavy
appearance, feathers much disarranged, a restless movement of the
eye, roosting on both feet — contrary to the manner in which birds
generally roost when in health (i. e., on one leg) — and a swelling of
the body, together with the head being kept under one wing, aod
sometimes there is a perceptible shiver. When these symptoms are
observed, the bird shoula be taken in the hand and gently ex-

DISKAflRS.

75

amined. If it is suffering from inflammation of the bowels the
belly will be much swollen, of a dark red uolor, and when the
feathers are blown aside, the veins will appear full to bursting.
Should the bird appear attenuated, there is but scant hope ; but if
it has not fallen off in hesh, usually it may be cured speedily.
The excretions of a bird suffering from this disease are small in
size, hard and black, accompanied with but little white discharge.
In health, they should be large and moist, though firm. Inflam-
mation of the bowels, however, is often accompanied with a relax,
which is frequently mistaken for diarrhwa.

As sooii as possible, after the attack, the bird should be placed
in a cage by itself, and unless it be of the long breed, or is already
very much reduced in flesh, purgatives should be at once adminis-
tered. A very small drop of castor oil put down the throat will
generally produce the desired effect, and allay the inflammation at
the same time. If the bird be very much reduced, however, castor
oil is too powerful, and in any case the remedy must be used with
the greatest discrimination and care. It is best to feed a prepara-
tion of lunch biscuit boiled in milk to the consistence of a thin
paste, to which add a very slight sprinkling of cayenne pepper, the
whole being sweetened with coarse brown sugar, and from four to
six drops of black molasses put in the water earh morning. This
should be fed exclusively for several days. It will gently move its
bowels, an<l, if the bird is not too far gone, will rapidly restore it
to health. A few drops of spirit of sweet nitre should also be put in
the drinking water, and the bird kept in a very warm and regular
temperature until better. The cage should be thoroughly cleansed,
and fresh gravel given every day.

Diarrhoea or Dysentery is a disease to which Canaries and
most birds are subject, particularly in cold weather. It is frequently
caused by a sudden change of temperature, or food, sour or unripe
food, decayed vegetable, hemp seed, dirty or improper mixture of
seed, and often by impure water. The presence of diarrhea or
dysentery soon becomes evident, and a remedy should be speedily
applied. The most successful is alternate doses of rheum and mer-
curius, mixing four or five drops of each in two separate vases of
water. (See remedies). The oird should be kept warm and sup-
plied with nourishing food. Biscuits boiled in milk is about the
best. A little tincture of camphor dropped into their water, or a
lump of sugar will also be useful.

Constipation. The symptoms of this disease generally are a
puffed and swollen appearance about the body, and apparent diffi-
culty in evacuation. It is usually brought on by over feeding,
especially stimulating food. Hemp seed, fed to some birds, even
in small quantities, is likely to produce this complaint. The best
remedy is one drop of castor oil a day, until the bird is in health
again ; a little raw, moist sugar, mixed with soft food or milk
and bread, should also l>e given. Sometimes a little black molasses,
with a very little bicarb of magnraia, added daily to the bird's drink-
ing water, is sufficient U> effect a cure. Green food is very bene-
figi^l in constipation, (See remedies).

76 OAOr BIRDS.

Bad Feet. This diiiease is generally the retiult of a bird being
kept in a dirty cage. Very often one perch is placed over another,
BO that the droppings from the bird on the perch above falls on
the perch below, in which their feet become clogged. Neglect-
ing to give the oath regularly, and leaving them without fresh
gravel, wherein to scratch and dust themselves, is another cause.
When found in a clogged or inflamed condition, the bird's
feet should 1)6 bathed and washed several times a day in warm
water, and then dressed with glycerine. If the swelling and
inflammation does not readily suDside, a dressing of arnica, in
the proportion of four or five drops to half a teacup of warm
water, may be tried. This mode of treatment, if persevered in
for a few days, will, in most cases, effect a cure.

The Claws and Beaks of l)irds confined in cages rec^uire to be
trimmed occasionally. This should be done carefully with a pair
of sharp scissors. Too much must not be cut off or the bird may
be considerably injured, and possibly permanently crippled, instead
of helped. By holding up a bird's claws to the light, the point to
which the blood circulates can be easily seen, and if care be taken
not to cut so close to this i oiut as to draw blood, no harm will
result. We have known birds to get their claws entangled in the
wire and to be so injured that they had to be destroyed. A case
of this sort has been brought under the writei's notice within the
last few days. If the bird's bill be not cut occasionally, the top
beak may grow so much over the under one as to prevent the bird
from eating. The claws and beaks should only bo cut, however,
when it is absolutely necessary, which is very seldom.

LOSS OF VOICE.

All birds, especially Canaries, are liable to lose their voice
occasionally,' more frequently during moulting thtm at any other
time. We do not now refer to their ceasing to sing during moult-
ing time, for most birds stop singing at this season of the year, but
to their being unable to chirp *' Pretty Dick " or "Pete, Pete,"
and even when moulting is over, and when they should begin to sing
again they sometimes remain mute. This trouble generally arises
from colds, which may have produced inflammation of the respira-
tory organs or larynx, or it may originate jtrom weakness, cramps
or paralysis. A little gum arable and a few drops of paregoric,
say twenty to thirty drops put in the drinking water twice or thrice
a week, and a liberal supply of lettuce and linseed mixed, often
removes the complaint. Some bird fanciers hang a piece of fat pork
in the cage for the bird to peck at. When a bird is suffering from
this affection, he will distend his throat to the utmost of his power,
although otherwise in good health, throw back his head, opening
his beak to the wideitt extent, and go systematically through all the
various movements usually made when singing, with all the energy
he can muster, but not a sound can be heard.

See article on patent ^ird Bread and Song Restorer*

0OTTAM*8 BIRD PROTBOTOR.

VERMIN.

77

Puratites are said to be curses on legs, and most bird fanciers
have an idea what this ineuns.

Canaries, as well as other cage bird«, are often infested by
small, red lice, which are so minute as to be nearly invisible to the
naked eye, and their presence remains frequently undiscovered
until the poor little sufierer not only becomes thoroughlv wretched
and emaciated, but frequently dies under the suffering inflicted by
its tormentors. Every bird is more or less troubled with vermin,
l)ut they general y manage to keep them under, when in health an'l
when ffiven the opportunity, by frequent bathing and dusting
themselveR with sand. Hens, especially, are the victims of these
turmentoi-s while sitting, and many broods of young birds have
been destroyed by these pests immediately on being hatched.

Cottain's Bird Protector and Mite Exterminator are sure and
never-failing remedies for the mite pest, which often is so trouble*
some and even destructive to cage birds and poultry, particularly
in hot weather or during the period of incubation. At the same
time, these articles are-.harmless to the youngest or smallest of
birds when used according to directions.

COTTAM'S BIRD PROTECTOR.

How to Rid a Cage of Mites is a question we are frequently
asked, and the answer is as follows :

1st. The cage should be thoroughly cleaned after of course,
the bird is taken out : the perches must be rubbed with the *' Bird
Protector ; " also the joints, cracks and crevices, where vermin are
likely to lodge, should be painted with the same. This method
will be found effectual, and the same treatment applied once evt-ry
three months will generally be sufficient to keep a clean cage and
protect the bird from vermin.

2nd. After the operalion described above, put one drop of the
" Bird Protectf r " on the finger and rub it under each of the bird's
wings. The Mite Exterminator should be puffed into the bird's
plumage, by the aid of a powder puff, once a day until every
vestige of mites are destroyed. Covering the cage with a white
cloth each night will often attract the mites from the bird and
cage, and the end desired will sooner be attained. Examine, of
course, the cloth each morning for the cause of trouble.

The above treatment applied to poultry of every description
will be found effectual. Cats, dogs, etc., may be rid of flea?, etc.,
by putting a few drops on their skin, all along their back, from
head to tail.

''Mite Exterminator" is sold in 10c. and 25o packets. " Bird
Protector" is sold in 10c. and 25c. bottles.

For sale by all druggists, grocers and seedsmen.

Lice are a great annoyance to birds, and sometimes do serit^ne
injury ; not fo much by sucking their bloo<l, as some people
suppose, but by harrassing them in tha night so as to prevent

78

CAGE BIRDH,

sleep, which is more important to all animals than food Sleep
less nights produce weariness, loi^s of voice, disease, and eventually
death.

The writer, however, never had much trouhle in keeping down
parasites, as they como and accumulate with dirt and neglect, but
soon disappear before systematic cleanliness. This is the only re-
liable and permanent cure. Washing the cage in strong alum
water will assist in keeping vermin away. In preparing the nest
for the breeding cage, the material of which it is made should be
thoroughly sprinkled with sulphur, or Mite Exterminator, which
is far better, so that it will not harbor vermin.

EGG BOUND.

This trouble proceeds from cold, together, perhaps, with feed-
ing the hen on food of a very heating and binding nature, and is also
one of the consequences arising from breeders pairing their birds
tf o early in the season. It m?.y arise from want of sufficient
exercise, the hens being frequently kept in too small a cage.
Should the symptoms be observed in time, the remedies are simple
enough, and no apprehension need be experienced. Hens, when
laying, generally appear dull and heavy ; but if observed to crouch
on the floor of their cage, or sit all of a heap on the perches, and
take to sleeping in the nest, an egg should be looked tor, and if it
has not come to hand, the hen should be examined. If the bird is
found swollen, it may be taken for granted that she is egg bound.
In most instances it will l sufficient to dip a small camel-hrir
pencil in castor oil, and inr.^rt it gently and gradually into her
vent, applying a little around the outside to allay inflammation ;
a drop or two may also be inserted in the beak. She will then be
almost certain to lay the following morning.

Very often, holding the hen with her vent over a narrow-
mouthed jug full of boiling water, and steaming her well, will give
immediate relief; hut it requires great care that she does net get
ccM after it.

As a preventive a tablespoonful of salt, mixed with twico the
quantity of mortar, and made into a hard ball, may be placed
in the cage — indeed, a breeding cage ought, at all times, to be
furnished with this article for the birds to pick at. Many breeders
place great faith in change '^f diet in cases of this nature; but
mere change of diet alone is of littJ tvail. In car.es of emergency,
prompt measures are required. It jan, however, do no harm to
put the hen, for a day or twp, on a regimen of relaxing fopd, in-
cluding boile4 bread and milk, sweetened with moist sugar.

ASTHMA.

Some Canaries are very sirbject to Asthma ; others are never
aflected ^)y it. In some, the disease is easily brought under, while
with others it is very obstinate. Medicine gives but little lelief in
this disorder, 2nd that only temporary. Change of food is the only
phtMice the little sufferer hiMS. Hemp seed must be entirely cut off,

tSBJ-UL BlNTS ON fOOD.

70

if fed at all, and the bird fed on rape seed only, soaked in water ;
but a little should be soaked at a time, as it soon grows sour. Let-
tuce, chick-weed, groundsel or water -cresses, in season, niaybefed
with advantage. Twice a w ek, for a change, it may have the boiled
bread and milk made solid. When the case is far advanced, it is
almost impossible to effect a permanent cure ; the disease has its seat
in the delicate organs of the throat and chest, and, though sometimes
relieved, almost invariably ends fatally. A good paste for asth-
matic birds may be made by thoroughly desiccating good wh >
bread and then soaking it with just enough milk to make a thi j<
or solid paste ; a little choice summer rape may be added. German
paste is an excellent food for birds suffering with this disease. (See
remedies).

MATING FEVER.

Many cage birds, especially those trapped or taken from the
nest, will, in the spring months, evince much uneasiness, sometimes
growing melancholy, neglecting to dress themselves and cease sing-
ing entirely ; some will even pine away and die. This is caused by
their ungratiBed sexual desire. The remedy in some caset: m simple
— changing the bird to another cage, in a new location where its
attention will be diverted to the new surroundings, will o!ten be
effective Place the cage in the cheerful sunlight, indulge him with
an , occasional dainty morsel, talk and whistle to him. If you
usually have no other birds it would be well to place him in
company with one for a short time, and he will in all probability,
regain his wonted cheerfulness.

USEFUL HINTS ON FOOD.

Insectivorous, or more commonly called soft- billed birds, as the
Mocking Bird, Robin, Thrush, Skylark, etc , whose natural food is
insects, and therefore require such food when caged or a substitute
for it in some form or other, if we are to keep them in health and
song. We herewith mention the insects, etc., most suitable for
those birds, together with the best methods of obtaining them.

Meal Worms. These are invaluable to all soft-billed or
insectivorous birds, and also to many of the omnivorous class.
They are considered very nutritious and invigorating. Meal
worms, sufficient to supply any ordinary avi;\ry, may be easily bred
without much trouble or expense. Iwo tins, not less than say
fourteen inches square, and twenty iuches deep, with a circular
hole in the top about ten inches in diameter, are required. In one
of these place ? number of pieces of old shoes, small pieces of carpet
or sacking, a few biscuits, v> ith bran or meal sufficient to three-
parts fill the tin, and then put in from fifty to a hundred meal
worms, which can be obtained from any miller or flour dealer. The
top of the tin must be covered with a piece of thick cloth or carpet,
which should be moistened each day. The worms will multiply
very fast, and if the tin be kept in a warm place and is not dis
turned for a few months the colony will have become sufficiently
strong to keep you well supplied for a long time.

10

CAOK btRDS.

The worms, after being put in the tin, soon turn into
chrysalides, from which ultimately emerge beetles of a dark brown
color, and of an elongated shape. The beetles lay an amazing
number of eggs in the corners and folds of the sacking, leather,
etc , after which the beetles die. From these egga come forth the
meal worms. Thirty or forty of these beetles will produce a suffi-
cient number of meal worms for any ordinary aviary. Care should
be taken to retain sufficient worms to start a fresh stock, whi'^h
may be breeding in the other tin while the firdt lot is being used.
It is necessary, in order to maintain a constant supply, to resist the
temptation of using any of those reserved for stock breeding until
they have actually gone through the above stages in breeiling.

Spiders are an excellent food either for insectivorous or omniv-
orous birds. They have great medicinal properties, and will some-
times quickly restore a sick bird to health and vigor when nothing
else will ; two or three fed each day for a short time will often
make a marked change in a sick bird.

Gentles or Mag^gots are a very nutritious and stimulating
diet, in some instances especially ; and most birds are very fond of
them. A piece of meat hung in some out of the way place will
yield an unlimited number.

Ants' Eggs are very useful in the aviary, especially when they
can be obtained fresh. They can be obtained dried from any bird
store. Before using the dried ones pour boiling water over them,
though not more than they will absorb, and let them soak for about
a quarter of an hour, covered with a saucer to prevent too rapid
evaporation. When cold they may be fed either by themselves or
mixed with other food. If they can be obtained from the ant hills
in summer they may be fried in a frying paa on sand over a slow
fire, and kept in a jar of sand until wanted.

Zwieback, or Desiccated Food, should always be kept on
hand, being used as it is in the preparation of so many foods for
birds. It IS prepared as follows : Stale bvead crumbs should be
thoroughly baked until all moisture is evaporated, then powdered
in a mortar and thoroughly dried again. In this state it may be
kept in a bottlo or jar for months. Zwieback iray be used in a
variety of ways. A spoonful added to a little scraped carrot or
sweet turnip, together with a few shop currants, or mixed with egg
and boiled potatoes, makes very acceptable food for some insectiv-
orous birds ; many of them will live entirely on it.

Eggs form a very nutritious n>nd invigorating article of diet
when pi operly prepared. The egg should be boiled for about one
hour, afterward H chopped fine or grated. Portions of egg. Zwie-
back and maw seed, together with a sprinkling of pur*v cayenne,
should be thoroughly mixed, and if the bird is any v ay costive a
little raw brown sugar may be added. This is an exceli'int food for
weak birds, especially just prior to breeding, and for the *ledgling8.

Ox Heart is used largely in making insectivorous bird food.
It is prepared as follows : Thoroughly boil the heart, after which
remove every particle of fat ; chop the lean meat into small pieces,
then place it in an oven until dry enough to grind or reduce to

trSE^UL HINTS O^ fOOD. 61

powder. Place in close jar or tin read^ for use. Beef liver is
sometimes substituted for the hearts, but it is not so nutritious.

German Paste No. i. To a pint of fresh pea meal and two
or three ounces of maw seed, add two new laid eggs, previously well
beaten, and mix all thoroughly together ; th^n add about two
ounces of treacle or, what is far better, honey, and sufficient beef
dripping to just moisten the whole ; when thoroughly mixed and
free from lumps, place it over the fire in a frying pan or kettle,
stirring briskly until the food is thoroughly scalded, taking care
that it does not burn or become smoked. When done, run it
through* a fine wire sieve into a sheet of paper, allowing it to
remain untouched as it falls from the sieve until cold ; then put it
lightly, as loosely as possible, into a glass bottle, and it will keep
for months. This is highly nutritious, and an excellent food for
insectivorous birds.

German Paste No. a. Another paste may be made by bruis-
ing in a mortar eight ounces of genuine sweet German summer rape ;
blow away the husks, and add a small slice of wholesome stale
white bread ; roll these together, and thoroughly desiccate; reduce
the mass to a powder, and keep it in a tin canister or glass bottle
with a wide neck, tightly corked to keep out the air, otherwise the
rape seed is liable to turn sour. A little of this paste, well mixed
with a hard-boiled egg, together with a slight sprinkling of Cay-
em e pepper, will l^ found capital food for either young or old
birds, and it will keep good for a week to fourteen days. This paste,
iiioistened, will be found an excellent diet for birds suffering from
a&thma and a,ho for young birds.

Saffronitus, or a Coloring Food, is extensively fed to Canaries
at the time. and. previous to their moulting, in order to give their
plumage a brilliant orange col r. For a long time the secret of
coloring the plumage of Canaries by food was known only to one
man, and was the cause of much bitterness among his competitors
He travelled from show to show throughout England exhibiting his
highly-colorcd birds, carrying off prize after prize, to the astonish-
nieut of everyone, and to the mortification of his rivals, who
steadily persisted in saying that the deep colored plumage was
caused by painting or dyeing the feathers, and, on that account, he
was not hone.<stly entitled to the many prizes awarded to him.
Finally they insisted on an investigation being made, but the
microscopic and other tests to which the birds were submitted
failed to reveal the secret, or prove that any trickery had been
resorted to. The judges of the various shows, as well as his dis-
appointed rival exhibitors, were bewildered, but they had to yield
and give up the prizes which he had honorably earned, the chemists
having failed to detect any fraudulent devices. Saffronifcus can be
bought from any grocer, druggist, or direct from the author.

Saffron Cake is made as follows : Fine flour, two ounces ;
Hugar, three ounces ; butter, two ounces ; and the yolks of two
frtish-laid eggs. Pour a teacupful of boiling water over a half
ounce of saffron ; beat the eggs and butter in a basin together ;
next add the sugar and flour, and form the whole into a mass with

82 OAOfi B1KD&

the saffron solution- and thoroughly bake. When cold it is teady
for U83. But this is not so good as saffronitus. neither can it be
used as a substitute.

Mocking; or Insectivorous Bird Food No. i is made as follows :
Sixteen ounces crushsd hemp seed, sixteen ounces pea meal, sixteen
ounces cornmeal, six ounces maw seed, four ounces rice flour, eight
ounces beef dripping, four ounces black molasses^ thirty six ounces
Zwieback or powdered crackers Mix lard and molasses well into
other ingredients. This is an excellent food When carefully prepared.

Mockinj; Bird Food No. 2 (Dry). Seven quarts mfiiw meal,
four quarts Zwieback, thirty-two ounces boiled ox heart, one quart
crushed hemp seed, one quart ants' eggs. Mix thoroughly with
these ingredients thirty-two ounces beef drippine. This dry insec-
tivorous bird food may be made richer by adding shop currants
and insects. Before using this food, it should have a little grate<i
carrot, apple or boiled potato mixed with it.

Mocking; Bird Food No. 3 (Moist). Seven quarts maw seed,
four quarts Zwieback, thirty-two ounces boiled ox heart, sixteen
ounces shop currants, sixty-four ounces beef dripping All the
above materials should be fresh and of the best quality. The first
three articles to be ground in a mill after which melt beef dripping
and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. This can be made
richer by adding insects, etc.

Bird Tonic. Ten drachins tincture of iron, ten drachms
compound tiucture of sentian, thirty drops of glycerine, thirty
drops of paregoric, ten drachms extract of licorice, sixty ounces of
water one pint of pure alcohol. The above ingredients should be
well mixed before using. Dose : Five to six drops in a wineglass
of M'ater, for small birds every morning ; and from ten to twelve
drops for a large binl, such as Mocking Bird, Parrot, etc. The
above will be found a niost useful tonic for delicate birds, and also
for birds with soft moult ', that is, for birds throwing off their
feathers at a time other than the moulting season.

MISCELLANEOUS

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

Gaslight has a great tendency to destroy or dim the brilliant
colors of a bird's plumage and injure its eyes, and interferes with
its sleep.

Never hang a bird too high in a room, as the atmosphere is
the most impure the nearer you get to the ceiling.

A Bird Room is the best when it has a window looking to the
southeast, as it then gets the full benefit of the morning sun.

Never Keep a Bird in a Damp Room, or in a room the air
of which is vitiated with gas of any kind. Such places cause birds
to moult at unseasonable time<« of the year, and lose their voice,
etc. No bir>/ can thrive in a vitiated atmosphere, or in a room
badly ventilated or frequently overheated.

In Removing the Top of a Cage always take hold of the

TAMING A BIRD. 83

lowest point ; the bird will then fly to the upper part of the case
and there will be no danger of his escaping when the top is lifted.
If, however, you get hold of the highest point the bird will naturally
fiy from your hand and probably escape when the top part is
raised.

Brass Cages are easily cleaned by soaking for an hour or
more in rain water, afterwards washing them thoroughly w th a
soft sponge and drying them. Never use soap or any kind of soda or
washing compound, as it will take the gold lacquer off and the cage
will begin to corrode, and, unless polished frequently, it will pro-
duce verdigris, which is most injurious to the bird.

New Cages. In removing a German Canary from its little
wicker cage, containing seed box and water mug with which it is
familiar, to another cage where it is strange, be sure it can find the
openings to the seed and water bottles in its new habitation ; other-
wise the bird may be starved to death, or be seriously injured. The
writer has known many instances of this nature. In changing any
bird from one cage to another great caution is very necessary.

Perches. Cage perches should always be made and arranged
with the bird's health and comfort in view. If the perches are too
thick the bird cannot grasp them, and if too thin there is not suffi-
cient girth for the bird to grasp and keep itself erect, and from
slipping. In either case the oird is very uncomfortable, but in the
latter event when the birds claws meet they are very often crippled
by beiug gradually forced out of shape. Perches should always be
made of pine or soft wood, and adapted to the size of the bird's
claws. Any other arrangement would be a serious mistake, being
detrimental to the bird. Perches should never be so crossed or
placed so as to catch the droppings of the bird.

TAMING A BIRD.

Some people take great interest in taming birds, and accustom
them to fly about the house from room to room, alight on the
Hnger, head, shoulder, or anv part of the person, eat out of the
mouth or hands, and teach them little tricks, such as drawing their
seed bo3( upon wheels up an inclined plane, ringing a bell for his
food, and hauling up water in a small bucket from a £iass well
underneath, and many others. Almost all birds are susceptible to
training, and a little time spent with them daily may be niade to
yield much amusement and soon make them proficient. There are
many methods of teaching the birds, but systematic kindness is the
secret of success wi^h any of them. It is astonishing how
tame a bird may be made by giving it regularly, at each meal time, a
little sweetmeat, or anything of which it is particularly fond. For
instance, speak kindly to, and give a canary only one grain of hemp
seed before or after every meal ; he will soon begin to expect it, and
after a short time will come and take ii from your hands, and it
will not be a long time ere he will come out of his cage for it, if the
dpor be le|^ open. It is ^ell to get the bird thoroughly acci^Bton)e4

84

OAOB BIBDS.

to eat from the hand before lettins it out of the cage. On first
coming out the bird will very likely fly wildly about the house,
and probably make direct for the window, coming against the glaHs
with great force ; but take no heed of this and allow him time to
get accustomed to being at liberty gradually. Then pla^e some
tempting morsel in the cage, near the door, and he will soon go
back in again.

Before you let a bird out of his cage see that the cat is out of
the room ; secure the windows, and see that the door is locked on
the inside, so that no one opening it from the outside will give the
bird a chance to escape. Never attempt to catch a bird or you
will frighten him and make him still wilder ; he will go back to his
cage himself after he has been out a little while. Let him have
his freedom unmolested. Persevere in this and other kind treat
ment and your bird will soon be as tame as you could wish.

Another method of quickly and easily taming birds is to keep
them without food until it will eat from the hand or mouth. After
the bird has been a few hours without anything to eat a dainty
morsel should be offered ib ; if it is very hungry it will take it at
once. You may, however, have to try several times before hunger
will overpower its natural timidity and compel it to come to you
for the food ; but it eventually will, and when once it sees that
there is nothing to be afraid of there will be no trouble in the
future. As beK)re stated, kind treatment, and constant attention,
will do more toward thoroughly taming birds than any other method.

TO KEEP A BIRD IN HEALTH AND SONG.

Hang your cage in a bright and cheerful place. Sunshine is
very necessary, but the bird should be sheltered durins the hottest
part of the day. Avoid drafts and, as much as possible, sudden
and extreme changes of temperature. Never hang your cage too
high, as the air is not so good towards the top of any room ; about
six feet from the floor is tne best Windows are dangerous places
for birds, as few windows are free from drafts, and, in such
places more than any others, extremes of temperature are
encountered — too hot in the daytime and too cold during the night.
Never hang or ; ia'^e your bird in an open window, as in such places
the current of air is sufficient to play an ^olian harp, but it ia
sure t.0 stop the music of your bird and prove extremely dangerous.
Thorough cleanliness, pure air, good wholesome food, never giving
bits of candy, sugar, or other luxuries, plenty of pure water for
bathing and for drinking purposes, together with a liberal supply
of good sharp gravel are absolutely necessary for health and song,
and birds getting these attentions regularly seldom fail to hvA-e
both in a liberal measure. Every bird should have a cake of Bird
Bread stuck in the wire of his cage at which to peck. Patent Bird
Bread, which bupersedes cuttlefish bone, is supplied free to all who
use CottamV- Choice recleaned and well mixed Bird Seed.

See Article on Bir i Food.

PACKING A BIRD FOR RBMOVAI.. 85

PACKING A BIRD FOR REMOVAL.

In packing birds for removal great care should be taken that
the cage is thoronghly protected ^ith at least two or thr^e
thicknesses of stout wrapping paper allowing no apertures to be
left, through which a draft might strike the bird. All the ventila-
tion necessary may be provided by punf.turing a few very small
holes in the paper covering thv*? top of the cage, nev^r, on any
account, mokiwg or leaving holen in the paper coveting the sides of the
cage. Paper is more suitable for this purpose than either woollen
or cotton fabrics.

v»v

INDEX.

African Finches 69

African Orey Parrot 28

African Manikins 70

Amazon Parrot 20

AmericAn Blue Robin 38

American Redbird 39

American Robin 35

Ants' Kfirgs for Birds 80

Apples for Birds 12

Ariticiul Heat not so good

as sunhine 15

Asthma, Cause and Cure... 78

Australian Paroquet 30

Avadavat ' .70

Bad Feet, Cause and Cure. .76

Ikltimore Oriole 43

Bath for Parrots 31

]}ath. Fand 14

Bjith, Water ... .13

Beaks. Trimming of 76

Beef Heart 80

Belgian Canary 20

Bird Bread Patent 13

Bird Gravel i,....^f.. 9

Bird, Directions for Taming 83

Bird Room 82

Bird Seed, Cottam's 11

Bird Protector, Cottam's. . .77
Bird, to Keep in Health and

Song 84

Bird Supplies See Cover

Bird Tonic... 82

Birds may Starve to Death . 83
Birds, to Pack for Removal . 85
Blackbird, English 45

Blackcap ...65

Black Capped Nuns 70

Black Crested Cardinal ... .42
Black Headed Thistle Finch. 6 1

Bluebird 38

Blue Finch, Gordon 69

Blue FroQted Parrot 29

Blue Jay 37

Blue Nightingale 38

Blue Robin 38

Bobolink 44

Bottom of Cages, Draw .... 9

Bowels, Inflammation of 74

Boxes for Nests 17

Brass Cages 9

Brass Cages, to Clean 83

Brazilian Cardinal 41

Brazilian Parrot 29

Bread Bird 13

Bread, Desiccated . . ... 80

Breeding Cages 16

Breeding Canaries 14

Breeding Canaries, Diet for. 15

BuUrinch 63

Bunting, Painted . . 67

Cages, Brass 9, 83

Cages for Blackbird 45

Cages, Breeding 16

Cages for Canary 8

Cages, Cleaning 16

Cages, Japanned 9

Cages in which Birds may

Starve to Death 83

Cages, Height to Hang. ... 16
Cages, New 83

d8

INDKX.

Cages, Removing Top. . . .0, 82

Cages, Wood »

Canary, The 7

Canary, Belgian 20

Canary, Breeding 14

Canary, Cinnamon 22

Canary, German 10

Canary, Glasgow Don 20

Canary, Green 24

Canary, Lizard 2U

Canary, London Fancy 22

Canary, ManoheBterCoppie8.22

Canary, Mule Birds 24

Canary, Norwich Fancy .... 22

Canary, Quaker 22

Canary, The Green 24

Canary, The True 19

Canary, Turncrest 20

Canary, Varieties of 19

Canary, Yorkshire 22

Cardinal, Black Crested. . . 42

Cardinal, Breusilian 41

Cardinal, Crimson Crested. .41

Cardinal, Grey 41

Cardinal, Green 42

Cardinal, Grosbeak 39

Cardinal, Red 39

Cardinal. Virginia 39

Chaffinch 61

Chestnut Finch 70

Cinnamon Canary 22

Chickweed 12

Claws, Trimming of 76

Coloring Food 81

Constipation 75

Consumption .66

(y'orn Cracker 40

Cottage Songster 38

Cottam's Bird Protector. ... 77

Cottam's Bird Seed 11

Cramp— The Thrush 49

Crimson Crested Cardinal. .41

Crimson Ear Waxbill 69

Cuban Parrot 29

Cut- throat Sparrow 69

Damp Room 8'2

Desiccated Food 80

Diamond Sparrow. 70

Diarrhoea 75

Diarrhoea, Parrots 32

Diet, Mixed, for Canaries . .11
Diseases of Cardinal 40

Diseases, General 74

Diseases of Parrots 3S

Don Canary, Glasgow 20

Double Yellow Head Parrot. 28 '
Draw Bottom fcr Cages .... 0

Dysentery 63, 75

East Indian Sun Bird 68

Eggs. Ants 80

Egg Bound 78

Egg Food 12,80

Bgga. Fowls 12 80

Eggs, Hens Sucking 18

English Blackbird 45

English Robin S6

English Thrush 47

English Throstle 47

Feet, Kad 78

Fever, Mating 79

Field Lark 5.3

Finch, African » 69

Finch, Chestnut 70

Finch, Gordon Blue m

Finch, Grey Blue 70

Finch, Magpie 70

Finch, Painted 67

Finch, Ribbon 69

Finch Saffron. 70

Finch, S; otted Side 70

Finch, Blackhea<led Thistle, (il

Finch, Zebra 70

Fits, Parrots Subject to .... 32

Fledglings, Feeding of 18

Food, Coloring 81

Food, Egg 12, 80

Food, Green 12

Food, Insectivorous Bird. . .82

Food, Mocking Bird 82

Food, Parrot 31

Food, Useful Hints on 79

Gapes 40

Gaslight, Effect on Birds . . .82

Gentles 8()

German Canary' 20

German Paste 81

Gizzard, Operation of . .... 9

Glasgow Don Canary 20

Golden Robin 43

Goldfinch 58

Gordon Blue Finch . 69

Gout Parrots 32

Grakle, Minor. 30

Gravel for Canaries 9

IMOBX.

Gravel for Parrota 32

Ur«y Blue Finch 70

Grey Cardinal 41

Grey Parrot, African 28

Green Canary 24

Green Cardinal 42

Green Food 12

Green Food for Parrots ... .31

Grosbeak, Cardinal 30

Grosbeak. Rote Breasted. . .42

Groundsel 12

Half Yellow Head Parrot. .20
I Hanging Bird Outside the

Window 74

iHatchina 18

Health, Directions for 84

Heart, Beef 80

Hemp Seed, Injurious. 10

Hints on Food 70

Hints and Suggestions.. . . .82

Hybrid Birds 24

Incu))ation, Time for .18

Indian Sun Birds, Eaot 68

I Inflammation of the Bowels. 74
I Insectivorous Bird

Food 35.82, 01

I Insectivorous Birds, Hints

for Feeding 70

iJay, The Blue 36

I Japanese Robin 68

I Japanese Nuns .71

IJava Sparrow 68

|jon(|ue 15

Urk, Field 53

Lark, Sky 63

Lark, Wood 55

Laverlock 53

iLettuce 12

JLiee 77

JLinnet 50

JLizard Canary 20

iLondon Fancy Canary 22

Loss of Voice 76

Maggots 80

Magpie Finch 70

JManchester Coppy Canary. . 22

■Manikins, African 70

iMaracaibo Parrot 20

iMating Fever 70

iMavig . ... 49

JMeal Worms ••• 70

IMexican Parrot 28

80

Minor, Talking 31

Miscellaneous Hints and

Suggestions 82

Mitea 77

M ixod Diet for Canaries .... 1 1

Mocking Bird 32

Mocking Bird Food 35, 82

Mortar in Breeding Cages . . 7H

Moulting Canaries 73

Moulting Season 73

Mule liirds 24

Nest Boxes 17

Nest Making 17

Nests, Materials for 17

New ('Sges, Where Bird is

Strange 83

Nightingale, Blue 38

Nightingale, The 40

Nightingale, Pekin 68

Nightingale, Virginia 30

Nonpareil 67

Norwich Fancy Canary 2*2

Nuns, Black (Japped 70

Nuns, Japanese 71

Nuns, White Capped 70

Oil Gland, Stoppage of. . 47. 63
Orange Breast Waxbdl ... .70

Orange Cheek vVaxbill 70

Oriole, Baltimore 43

Outlook for Bird Room 82

Ox Heart 80

Packing Biids for Removal. 85

Painted Bunting 67

Painted Finch ..fi7

Pairing Canaries 16

Paroquet 20

Paroquet, Australian 30

Paroquet, Rose Ringed 20

Parrots 27

Parrot, African (Jrey 28

Parrot, Amazon 20

Parrot, Blue Fronted 20

Parrot, Brazilian 20

Parrot, Cuban 20

Parrot, Diseases of 32

Parrot, Double- Yello wHead. 5 8

Parrot, Fits 32

Parrot Food 31

Parrot Gravel for 32

Parrot, Half- Yellow Head .29

Parrot, Maracaibo 20

Parrot, Mexican. 28

-^^Sf^^^SaT""'

90

I>DKX.

Parrot, Teaching a 28

Parrot, Water for 31

Parrot, White Fronted 29

Paste, German 81

Pekin Nightingale 68

Perches, Right Thickness . .83

Pied Canaries 15

Plantain Seed 12

Protector, Cottam's Bird ... 77

Quaker Bird 70

Quaker Canaries 22

Rape Seed, English 11

Bapc SeedjGerman Summer. 1 1

Redbird American 39

Redbreast, Robin 56

Red Cardinal 39

Remedies for Birds.. See Cover

Ribbon Finch 69

Robin. American 35

Robin, American Blue 38

Robin. English 56

Robin, Golden : 43

Kobin, Japanese . . 68

Robin Redbrea.st 56

Room for Birds 82

Rose Breasted Grosbeak. . . .42

Rose Kinged Paroquet 29

Saffron Cake 81

Saffronitus 81

Saffron Finch 70

Salt 39

Salt in Breeding Cages 78

Sand Bath 14

Sand, Objection to 9

Seeds for Canary 10

Seed, Hemp, Injurious 10

Silverbill 70

Siskin, The 61

Skylark, The ....53

Song, Directions for.. . 84

Songster, Cottage 38

Sparrow, Java 68

Sparrow, Cut-Throat 69

Sparrow, Diamond. 70

Spiders 81

Spotted Side Finch 70

Starling, The 51

St. Helena WaxbiU 70

Sun Bird, East Indian 68

Sun's Htat Necessary 15

Suggestions and Hints, . . .82

Supplies, Birds See Cover

Talking Minor 31

Taming a Bird 83

Thistle Finch 61

Throstle 47

Thrush. English 4"

Tonic for Birds J

Tongue, Splitting Parrots'. .2"

Training a Bullfinch 61

Tricolored Nuns 70

Troopial^ 67

Tu merest Canary 15, 20

Useful Hints on Food 79

Verdigris, Brass Cages 9

Vermin 77

Vermin, to Free Cages of . . . 16

Voice, Loss of 76

Vitiated Air. Effect on Bird .82

Virginia Nightingale 39

War son Feet 66

Water Cress 12

W^ater, Drinking 1.3

Water for Hathing 13

Water for Parrots 31

WaxbiU, Crimson Ear 09

WaxbiU, Orange Breasted... 70
WaxbiU, Orange Cheek.... 70

WaxbiU. St. Helena 70

White Capped Nuns 70

White Fronted Parrots ... .29
Window, Hang Birds Out-
side 84

W^ood Lark 55

Wood Cages 9

Worms, Meal 79

Yellow Head Parrot, Double. 28
Yellow Head Parrot. Half. .29
Yorkshire Fancy Canary . . .22

Zebra Finch 1

Zwieback 80

•■-'- .^T-.v-^

COTTAM'S

. . BOTANICAL . .

Live Stock Food

From Nature's Own Laboratory,

i . CONSISTING OF . .

Herbs, Roots, Seeds, Barks, Etc., Guaranteed
free from all injurious ingredients.

JhIS preparation must not be confounded with some other Foods,

or Condition Powders now on the market, which represent

ittle real value in themselves, and have to be boo ned by fictitious

[Wards, bogus testimonials, and purchased editorials and newspaper

lotices.

Jottam's Botanical Livestock Food stands alone

upon its own merits, unrivalled, as

The Best Live Stock Food in the Market.

lorses can now be kept in better condition. Cows give more and
icher milk, from which better butter can be made. Sheep, Hogs,
'oultry and all kinds of live stock can be restored to health, fat-
ened and improved at a much less expense by the use of Botanical

''ood.

Costing Farmers and Stock Raisers Absolutely Hothlng.

As the improvement of stock which u very plainly seen when C.
i.F. is fed more than doubly repays the price paid for it. The merits
f Botanical Food are too gre^t and too glaring not to be recognised
nd appreciated by all who have given it a fair trial.

FARMERS WILL HAVE IT, BECAUSE IT PAYS.

Thousands of testimonials can be given, but a single trial
acket will be more reliable and give better satisfaction.

)NE POUND TRIAL PACKETS FOR SALE BY EVERY
GROCER AND SEEDSMAN. PRICE, iO CENTS.

TRY IT !

l.ijS''':

^5?^^

'^•'k> .-/^-^

^>*.;-*^v^,_ / N

isxi

COTTAM'S
Magic Egg' Food

. . . WILL PRODUCE . . .

Plenty of Eggs & Less Disease.

The science of Poultry keeping is said to have established the
fact, that Poultry are egg and liesh producing machines ; and, under
normal conditions, they cannot help being either the one or the other.
That a hen for instaace, in health, with proper food cannot help
laying eggs, she must either lay or die for it. From this it is self
evident that in order to make poultry-keeping more profitable, the
birds must be brought to, and kept in this normal state, whi ;h can
only be done by giving their food and sanitary condition proper
attention.

All Poultry should be well housed, kept thoroughly clean, have
plenty of pure a'r, free from drafts, together with a regular supply
of fresh water, and proper food. Under these circumstances
poultry keeping must pay, and give better satisfaction.

To restore poultry that are sick to health, as well as to keep
those in health who are already there, mix with their ordinary food
a little of Cottam's Magic Egg Food, occasionally in summer time,
and every night and morning in winter, more particularly during
the moulting season. For ail kinds of poultry, particularly young
turkeys in sickness and in health, there is nothing like

MAGIC EGG FOOD.

Do you want your Hens to pay,

L-ayinq eggs every day;
Free from Cholera, Vernnin, Roup,

Elegant chickins in your coop ;
Cackling, ero\ving, running round,

Better than any that can be found?
Feed Magic Egg Food every day;

And don't forget it, this v/ill pay.

Fop Sale by all Gpocops and Seedsmen.

COCKATOO,

Cottam's Bill Fool Blfljlelisiges, Etc.

Before introduciijg our Bird Foods, Bird Medicines, &c , feeling
the great responsibility of such an undertaking, wc have spared
neither time, money nor effort to procure the very best remedies that
science and experience can devise for eaeh particular disease.

Cottam's Poultpy Tonie.

It is well known that birds of any description kept under re-
straint, will, from a variety of causes, become at times relaxed and
out of condition, which may be noticed in the eye the plumage,
and in every movement, and in this state they are more sus-
ceptible to diseases of every kind. At this juncture, Cottani'S
Poultry Tonic will be found highly beneficial, and all that
can be desired for combating diseases amongst Poultry and
Pigeons ; for invigorating weak and sickly birds ; making them
lay better ; helping them through tlieir moult ; and also as
an auxiliary to our Specific for Cholera, Gapes, Roup, &c., it is
superior to anything in the market.

Cottatn's Gapes Speeifie

Is a sure and immediate remedy for this painful disease, and can be
relied upon with the greatest confidence when used accortling to
directions It will be found most excellent for coMs and general
indisposition, and a little given occasionally to healthy birds,
especially in cold and wet weather, acts as a preventive and tends
to general health.

Cottam*s Cholera Speeifie, foi* Poultity,

Pigeons, Hte.

Cottam's Cholera Specific has been pronounced reliable by
those who have tried it, and seldom fails when applied in time. It
has a magic effect in checking this dreadful scourge, which so fre-
quently visits our poultry yards with such faal results.

Cottam's l^oup Speeifie.

Cottam's Roup Specific will be found all that it professes to be,
a No. 1 remedy, that can be relied upon every time when used ac-
cording to directions. It has never been known to fail where a cure
could reasonably be expected. It will also be found excellent in
colds an i general indisposition, and does good service when given
occasionally to healthy birds, as a preventive, — building up the
system, and fortifying it against diseases of all kinds.

Having made Birds, Bird Food, and Bird Medicines a study
for many years, we offer to poultry keepers, and the bird-loving
public, the benefit of a long personal experience in this line.

No poultry keepep op bliHl fanolep can affopd to be vrlth-

out Cottam's pellable pemedtes. Keep them

by you fop oases of emepflrsncy.

4r^ Advice Given Free. i^'Enclose Stamps for Reply

" i

:«>'

^t-'Vi^ •.-•»**;: .^i''

. COTTAM'S
DOG SUPPLIES

Dog Soap, - - 25c

- Flea Wash, - 25c

Kennel Disinfectant, 25c

Distemper, - - 25c

Worms Specific, "^Qc

Canine Tonic, - 50c

- Diarrhoea, - 25c

Constipation, - 25c

Condition Powder, 50c

Mange, - - 50c

Before introducing to the Public our Canine
Supplies, more particularly our medicines, feeling the
great responsibility of such an undertaking we have
spared neither time, money, nor effort, to procure the
very best preparations and remedies that science and
experience can devise in each particular case, so that
the public may use them with the greatest confidence.
No dog fancier should be without Cottam's reliable
remedies.

Keep them in stock and have them ready for
cases of emergency.

Correspondence Solicited. Enclose Stamps for Reply.

COTTAM'S

NEW ILLUSTRATED BOOK ON

THEIR NECESSARY FOOD AND CARE

h-'-

TOGETHER WITH

Valuable Formulae for Bird Foods, Treats,,

Medicines, Etc.

BY BART. COTTAM.