43 
 
 t 
 
Mile-End Spool Cotton 
 
 is pronouncetl by Seamstress and Dressmaker ;i 
 perfect thread. They consider it the best because 
 of its great strength, ekisticity, smoothness, and 
 freedom from knots. liT colors this justly celebrated 
 thread has always led, ha\'ing received the Only 
 First Premium at the Centennial Exposidon ; and 
 since that time it ha;> made enormous strides in colors 
 and dyeing. Ladies can match any shade of Dress 
 Goods if they ask for Clark's Milk-Eni> spool 
 cotton, and note the name on white bottom label. 
 
 The White Cotton is on Black SjK)o1s. 
 
THE 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S 
 
 BOOK OF 
 
 O^LG-IE BII^/IDS: 
 
 Their diseases and remedies ; with instructions for 
 . keeping them in constant health am 
 
 Published for Gratuitous Distribution, 
 
 , BY THE 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY, 
 
 237 South Eighth Street, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 1883. 
 
5^- 
 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by ^ 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY, 
 I THE Ofkice of the LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, at Washington, D. 0. 
 
BIRDS SENT WITH PERFECT SAFETY, 
 BY EXPRESS. 
 
 '')'. 
 J 
 
 We have fitted up at 237 South Eighth Street, 
 Philadelphia, probably the best stocked and largest 
 bird store in America. 
 
 We do our own importing ; and have constantly 
 on hand all kinds of birds, cages, fine bred dogs, 
 aquarium requisites, etc. 
 
 By our improved mode of shipping, all kinds of 
 birds can be sent by express with perfect safety to 
 any part of the United States. 
 
 At the end of each article will be found the prices 
 that good specimens of the variety of bird described, 
 are worth at the date of publishing. It is better, 
 however, before sending the money, to write regard- 
 ing the bird wanted ; as prices constantly fluctuate, 
 and the current rate may be more or less than the 
 quoted figures. 
 
 At the end of the book will be found a price list of 
 cages and all the many things necessary for the 
 proper care and comfort of birds. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The information concerning the proper manage- 
 ment of cage birds has hitherto been confined to a 
 few costly works, which are only available to the 
 wealthy; the instructions contained in books of a 
 moderate price being of such a worthless character, 
 as to lead only to the most unsatisfactory and often 
 the most disastrous results. 
 
 In the following pages the inquirer may depend 
 upon finding simple, sound, and practical information 
 upon every subject connected with the care of all 
 kinds of cage birds, written by one who has made 
 the subject a life-study. 
 
 The expense of publishing has been lightened by 
 the consciousness that many a cage will henceforth 
 contain — in the place of a moping, unclean, diseased 
 tenant — a merry creature, happy, and ever eager to 
 testify to its keeper in its own musical way, the most 
 
unbounded gratitude. And we are equally certain 
 that, if the little prisoners were themselves able they 
 would return us their thanks. 
 
 Let us ever bear in mind that with the custody of 
 the little creatures, we also take the responsibility of 
 their comfortable existence, and if we evade ihat trust 
 we commit a crime. Their wants begin with their 
 captivity, and they cannot in their artificial state of 
 existence assist themselves. 
 
 Now, as ignorance of the law is no excuse for illegal 
 behavior, so ignorance of the proper management of 
 cage pets will be no excuse, should they pine and die 
 on our hands, especially when the perusal of this little 
 book which costs nothing, will inform all of the 
 proper management and care of cage birds. 
 Philadelphia, January i, i88j. 
 
SEED-EATING BIRDS. 
 
 To this class belong all birds that live exclusively on 
 seeds. Different species require different seed, but the 
 general management is the same. Canary seed forms the 
 staple diet of nearly all varieties, and is grown principally 
 in Egypt, Turkey, Sicily, and Spain. It is of as many grades 
 and qualities as wheat, and here arises the reason of the 
 non-success of most people with cage birds. They go to an 
 apothecary shop, a grocery store, or a bird establishment, 
 and ask for canary seed. Without examination they take 
 what is given them ; which, in nine cases out often, is Smyrna, 
 a variety of canary seed that is as hard and almost as indi- 
 gestible as flint; is full of dust, and seeds of injurious weeds; 
 and is often old and rancid. Consequently, the bird soon 
 becomes dull, breathes with difficulty, and lingers on for 
 months a songless ball of feathers, until finally death ends 
 its miserable existence. 
 
 The only canary seed that should be given to a bird is that 
 grown in Spain and Sicily. It is larger and of brighter color 
 than the inferior grades, and is easily cracked. Even this 
 must be selected with much care, as sometimes on the 
 journey across the Atlantic the bags get wet with salt water 
 and the seed becomes worthless ; as it also does if not 
 properly cleansed from dust ; or when more than a year old. 
 
 The package seed with which the country is flooded con- 
 sists of Smyrna canary seed or the cheap grades of Spanish, 
 mixed with American rape and millet seed, and is sure death 
 to birds fed upon it for a length of time. The seed sold 
 at most bird stores is no better. Many of the brands con- 
 tain hemp seed, which is very injurious to canaries and many 
 other varieties of cage birds, and should be fed but sparingly 
 to all species ; for being very fattening and heating, it ruins 
 the digestive ot-gans and spoils the voice ; moreover all seed- 
 eating birds are inordinately fond of this seductive poison 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 and will scarcely eat any other seed as long as they can get 
 hemp. 
 
 We have made the proper diet and care 
 of cage birds a life-study and our package 
 goods, it is believed, contain the only correct 
 foods for all species of birds, that have ever 
 been placed on the American market. 
 
 Our Mixed Seed consists of a combination 
 of seeds that is best adapted to nearly all 
 species of seed-eating birds. The mixture 
 is : four parts, best quality Sicily canary, care- 
 fully cleaned and selected, and always the 
 crop of the current year; three parts, sweet 
 German summer rape ; two parts, India mil- 
 let ; and one part, Turkish maw seed. It can be had at almost 
 every first-class drug store throughout the United States. 
 The price is lo cents for pint, and 20 cents for 
 quart packages. Be sure to see that the label 
 is the same as shown in the engraving, and 
 as you value the life and song of your birds 
 accept no substitute. 
 
 One dozen of quart packages will be sent 
 anywhere by express, prepaid, on recipt of 
 I2.40. 
 
 We also put up the Sicily Canary Seed in 
 the same size packages as the Mixed Seed ; 
 it is sold at the same prices. 
 
 All birds need gravel strewn on the bot- 
 tom of the cage daily, or every other day at 
 
 Either Red or Silver Gravel may be used 
 but we advise the former, as birds are very 
 fond of it, and it helps to digest the food. 
 Silver Gravel, although cleaner in the cage, is 
 not eaten so readily, while, being sharp and 
 glass-like in its nature, sometimes causes 
 the death of the bird that swallows it, by 
 cutting through the craw. 
 
 We box both kinds, the price for each 
 being 10 cents for the quart, and 5 cents for 
 the pint size. We will ship by express, but 
 cannot prepay expressage, unless seed is 
 ordered at the same time. 
 A piece of Cuttle-Fish Bone should be kept constantly 
 
 the longest. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 in the cage of all seed-eating birds, as they sharpen their 
 bills upon it and also occasionally eat it, and being 
 slightly salt in its nature, it is very benefi- 
 cial. Every owner of a bird knows what a 
 troublesome thing it is to keep a cuttle- 
 bone between the bars of 
 a cage, and that the holders 
 that are sold are very un- 
 satisfactory fastenings. We 
 have patented a combined 
 cuttle bone and holder, the 
 simplicity of which is shown 
 by the engraving. The entire 
 surface of the bone is acces- 
 sible to the bird, and it is 
 held firmly in position until every particle of 
 friable matter is gone. It is sold at 5 cents 
 for a large selected bone and holder, and it 
 can be had of druggists, or will be mailed 
 on receipt of price. 
 The canary breeders of the Hartz Mountains of Germany 
 use a paste to keep their birds in constant health and song, 
 and to cure nearly all diseases, the ingredients of which are 
 
 a secret to all but a few of the 
 BiKo MAJNJNA. peasauts. Recently we came into 
 
 possession of the recipe, and now 
 manufacture the paste, having 
 christened it "Bird Manna." It is 
 put up in a little metal case (se- 
 cured by letters patent)^ which 
 fasten to the cage wires within 
 . 1 ,j ., reach of the bird. Although it has 
 Showing both sides, not been on the market a year, we 
 have thousands of testimonials of its curing nearly all the 
 diseases that cage birds are subject to, and causing birds to 
 sing that have been silent for a long period. 
 
 If given to a bird during the season of shedding feathers, 
 it will in most cases carry the little musician through this 
 critical period without losS of song. If used according to 
 directions, one Manna will last a bird many weeks. It can 
 be had of druggists or will be sent by mail for 15 cents. 
 
TO 
 
 Blkl) I'TJOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 SOFT-BILLED BIRDS. 
 
 To this class belong all birds that live on a varied diet of 
 seeds, berries, and insects. They are more delicate in con- 
 finement than sefed-eating birds, but are finer and sweeter 
 songsters, and well repay the extra care and trouble. 
 
 Their diet should consist principally of Prepared Mock- 
 ing Bird Food, but care should be taken to see that only 
 our food is used, nearly all other being cheaply 
 made and not fit for birds to eat; causing 
 vertigo, blindness, undue fatness, and in many in- 
 stances death. Here is the recipe from which 
 most of the widely-sold foods are made : 
 
 Roasted beef pluck, musty pilot-biscuit, corn 
 meal, ground hemp seed, pulverized sugar made 
 moist with lard. 
 
 The ingredients of prepared food for soft-billed 
 birds have always been kept a profound secret 
 by professional bird fanciers ; and it cost us I250 
 to procure the above recipe from a prominent 
 New York manufacturer of bird foods. After we learned it 
 we found, as we had before suspicioned, that it was not only 
 worthless but positively injurious. But it gave us a basis to 
 work on, and after several years' experiment we produced 
 a food the ingredients of which are as follows, only the 
 proper proportions being reserved : 
 
 Roasted beef heart, toasted wheat bread, and best 
 quality maw meal ; ant eggs, dried sweet potatoes, pea meal, 
 and dried currants; the whole made moist with melted beef 
 suet. 
 
 This food is put up in jars holding nearly a pound, and 
 sold by druggists for 35 cents. One dozen jars will be sent 
 anywhere, expressage prepaid, for I4.20. Or dry, to which 
 the buyer can add the melted suet or lard to make it moist 
 as needed, four pounds for $1.00. 
 
 The principal thing needed to keep soft-billed birds in 
 constant health and song is, first, a good prepared lood as a 
 basis, and then variety. The food should be given plain 
 one day; one part, grated carrot (squeezed dry), to three 
 parts, prepared food the next; one part, mashed white pota- 
 toes on another ; and occasionally one part, grated sweet 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. II 
 
 apple, and three parts prepared food ; and so on, varying 
 the diet as much as possible. 
 
 Boiled sweet potato is good for them, also boiled milk 
 and ground toasted bread; and a few ant eggs for a change. 
 
 Every owner of a soft-billed bird should have a jar of 
 meal worms, and give one or two to his bird every week. 
 Nothing tames a bird so effectually, and in a very short time 
 he will learn to take them from your fingers. They are 
 easily bred by filling an earthen jar about three-quarters 
 full with bits of old leather and bran. Put a hundred or 
 more meal worms in the jar and tie a woolen cloth over the 
 mouth. The cloth must be occasionally wet with water. 
 Meal worms propagate very rapidly, and at the end of three 
 months there will be thousands. These worms will be 
 found under old boards in a pigeon loft or chicken coop, 
 in the meal chest of a barn, or among the lumber of a grist 
 mill. We sell them for 25 cents per hundred. 
 
 Shredded lean meat, flies, worms, and spiders are relished 
 by all soft-billed birds, and should be given to them occa- 
 sionally. 
 
 Nearly all birds are fond of bathing, and a dish of water 
 should be placed in the cage at least three times a week ; in 
 cold weather it is best to take the chill off the water. When 
 a bird will not go into the bath, dip a wisp-broom in water 
 and flirt it over him. 
 
 DISEASES OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 Almost all the diseases to which cage birds are subject, 
 arise from improper management. If duly fed on the correct 
 foods, their cages regularly cleaned and kept in good air, 
 disease will seldom make its appearance. 
 
 Inferior diet, whether seed or prepared food, is the cause 
 of almost all diseases; but colds are another prolific source. 
 How frequently is a bird hung up close to the top corner of 
 a window, with the sash down a foot, and a strong draught 
 of air flowing upon it. Or placed in a room which is warm 
 during the day and cold at night. In these and similar 
 ways many fine birds are killed by taking cold. 
 
 Do not give your bird lump sugar or other delicacies. He 
 
12 BIRD P'OOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 ^^^ 
 
 BITTERS 
 
 1 
 
 ®®® 
 
 Hii 
 
 
 I 
 
 will eat them greedily enough, but they will endanger his 
 health or ruin his song. 
 
 When a bird is in good health, his feathers are sleek and 
 smooth, adhering close to his body. Whenever you perceive 
 him sitting dull and bunchy, something is out 
 of order. 
 
 First, consider if the moulting season is ap- 
 proaching ; if anything has frightened him ; if 
 he has been hung in a draught of air ; see if he 
 can get at his water and food, and that both 
 are sweet. If none of these is the cause, then 
 compare his symptoms with those printed 
 below, and procure a bottle of Bird Bitters 
 from your druggist, and treat him according 
 to the directions wrapped around the bottle. 
 If the patient is a seed-eating bird, get him a 
 Bixd Manna to use in connection with the liquid. 
 
 Asthma. — Symptoms : Short breath ; opening of beak as 
 if to gasp for air, and when frightened to keep it open a long 
 time ; and puffing out feathers until the bird has the appear- 
 ance of a ball. 
 
 Bare Places on the Head should be rubbed with a 
 salve made of fresh butter and sulphur. 
 
 Bloating. — The skin on one part, or even the whole 
 body, swells to such a degree that it is stretched like a 
 drum. Pierce with a needle and the air in it will escape. 
 
 Broken Legs or Wings should be left to nature to heal. 
 Take all perches out of the cage and put soft flannel in the 
 bottom. 
 
 Catarrh or Cold. — Symptoms: Ruffling of the feathers; 
 nostrils stopped up ; tongue hardened by inflammation ; 
 beak often open and yellow at base. 
 
 Chronic Sneezing. — Symptoms : A constant effort to 
 relieve an accumulation of matter in the nostrils. 
 
 Constipation, — Symptoms : Constant and unsuccessful 
 eflforts to evacuate, and puffing out of the feathers. 
 
 Consumption. — Symptoms : Gradual wasting away, loss 
 of appetite, and cessation of song. If taken in the hand it 
 will appear as light as a feather. 
 
 DiARRHCEA. — Symptoms: The evacuation frequent and 
 watery, which very soon causes the extreme weakening of 
 the bird. 
 Dislocation of a Joint may be reduced by gently 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. I3 
 
 stretching the Hmb and pushing the joint in place, and if 
 done before inflammation sets in the cure is complete. 
 
 Fits. — This is a disease that must be treated at once or 
 the bird dies. Pull out one of the smaller tail feathers, cut 
 one of the nails so as to cause it to bleed, and as a last resort 
 plunge the bird into cold water. Use the Bird Bitters 
 according to directions to prevent a recurrence. 
 
 Inflammation of the Bowels. — Symptoms : Abdomen 
 swollen and covered with red veins ; intestines red and 
 swollen ; extreme emaciation, ruffling of feathers, and 
 constant sitting with head under the wing. 
 
 Long Claws, when they impede the movements of the 
 bird, should be cut. This is a delicate operation ; the claw 
 should be held in front of a light so that the veins of the 
 nail can be seen and avoided. Use a sharp pair of scissors. 
 
 Loss OF Appetite is quickly cured by Bird Bitters or 
 Bird Manna. 
 
 Loss OF Song, if the bird is otherwise healthy, can be 
 restored by Bird Bitters or Bird Manna. 
 
 Moulting season begins with most birds about the middle 
 of September and lasts for six weeks. During this period 
 birds usually stop singing, as the growth of new feathers 
 makes such a demand upon their system as to render them 
 weak and out of spirits. If a Bird Manna is kept in the cage 
 of a seed-eating bird nine out often birds will not stop sing- 
 ing during the entire moulting season. Bird Bitters is most 
 excellent to use as a tonic at this critical period for both 
 soft-billed and seed-eating birds. A few drops put daily in 
 the drinking water will tone them up wonderfully. 
 
 Pairing Fever usually attacks birds in the spring, about 
 the time the wild birds are mating. They cease to sing and 
 become melancholy. A generous diet should be adopted 
 and the cage placed in a window where the bird can look 
 upon a cheerful scene. 
 
 Pip. — Syinptoins : Roughness of the feathers, drooping oi 
 the tail ; a tiny white bladder under the feathers, near the 
 vent. 
 
 Red Mites. — If your bird looks lean and out of condition, 
 if he is restless — especially at night — and is continually 
 pecking himself, he is infested with mites. Throw a white 
 cloth over his cage at night, and in the morning you will find 
 it covered with tiny red insects. We put up a powder that 
 is perfectly harmless to the birds, but will effectually destroy 
 
14 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 the vermin. It is called Mite Ex terminator ^ and 
 I is sold at 25 cents per package, and can be had of 
 druggists or will be sent by mail. Take the bird 
 I gently in your hand, rub the powder over his 
 I body, especially under the wings, and at the base 
 I of the tail. Before replacing him, put some of the 
 powder in a saucer, drop a coal of fire on it, and 
 I place it in the bottom of the cage, covering the 
 I latter with a cloth to keep the smoke in, and let 
 ™ it remain for a couple of hours. This will kill all 
 ~' the vermin that are hidden in the cavities of the 
 cage. 
 
 Scales on the Legs can be cured by anointing with a 
 salve of sulphur and lard for a week, and then removing 
 carefully with the finger nail. 
 
 Shedding Feathers Out of Season can be stopped 
 by giving Bird Bitters or Bird Manna. 
 
 Sore Eyes should be washed with warm water in which 
 white hellebore is infused. 
 
 Sore Feet arise from dirt or from fine fibres of wool, 
 cotton or silk getting round them and cutting to the bone. 
 Remove the offending substances, clean the perches or bot- 
 tom of the cage, and wash the feet carefully in lukewarm 
 water, and anoint with cosmoline. 
 
 Sweating. — This is a disease peculiar only to hen birds, 
 and attacks them while sitting on their eggs. The belly 
 feathers and the eggs are saturated with perspiration. 
 
 Swollen and Sore Legs should be bathed with diluted 
 tincture of arnica. 
 
 Tumors should be opened with a sharp knife and the 
 matter pressed out ; putting sweet oil on the place. 
 
 Ulcers are cured by touching them with a red-hot knit- 
 ting needle, and then anointing with cosmolme. Ulcers in 
 the throat should be touched with a feather dipped in a 
 mixture of honey and alum. 
 
 Unnatural Fatness is caused in seed-eating birds by 
 too rich food ; reduce the quantity given daily, that is put 
 the patient on short allowance until he gets into proper 
 shape again. With soft-billed birds, mix boiled turnips 
 with their food and dry ant-eggs in the drinking water. 
 
 Vertigo or Giddiness. — This is really a habit and not a 
 disease, and is caused by the birds in their endeavors to 
 look up, to turn their head and neck so far around as to 
 
BIRD FOOD COMPANY S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 15 
 
 cause them to fall off the perch. By simply throwing a dark 
 cloth over the top of the cage a cure is effected. 
 
 Yellow Gall is a small ulcer that forms on the head 
 near the eyes or bill. While the pimple is very minute it 
 can be cured with Bird Bitters or Bird Manna. If it is large 
 when discovered it should be cut off with a sharp knife and 
 the wound anointed with cosmoline. 
 
 Bird Manna can be had of druggist, or will be sent by 
 mail for 15 cents. Bird Bitters costs 25 cents per bottle, and 
 if it cannot be had of your druggist, the solid ingredients 
 will be sent by mail on receipt of price, only the addition of 
 water being needed. 
 
 THE CANARY. 
 
 FRENCH CANARY. 
 
 GERMAN CANARY. 
 
 More than three hundred years ago a ship sailing from 
 the Canary Islands, laden with merchandise, and having on 
 board a few canaries, was wrecked on the coast of Italy. 
 The birds escaped to the timbered lands near the shore, 
 where they bred freely, and would have become naturalized 
 had not the sweetness of their song attracted the natives, 
 who were possessed of so strong a desire to obtain them 
 
i6 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 that all were soon captured. The progeny of these birds 
 spread rapidly over all Europe. 
 
 The canary is now bred principally in Germany, among 
 the Hartz Mountains of Hanover, where the peasant's chief 
 
 means of subsistence is the breed- 
 ing of these feathered musicians 
 for the markets of the world. 
 While the United States receives 
 its supply mostly from this local- 
 ity, some are imported from Eng- 
 land, France, Belgium, and Hol- 
 land. 
 
 The German peasants manu- 
 facture small wooden cages from 
 the fir wood which grows upon 
 the mountain sides, and every 
 bird has a separate cage made 
 entirely of wood ; pegs instead oi 
 TOPKNOT CANARY. nails are used to fasten them to- 
 gether. In these little cages the birds are shipped to 
 America, and are kept in their narrow quarters until bought 
 to make American homes cheerful with their merry music. 
 It is estimated that about one hundred thousand canaries are 
 imported annually into America. 
 During the passage across the 
 ocean they require careful attention 
 in feeding and watering. The 
 cages are arranged in divisions, so 
 as to allow the attendant lo pass be- 
 tween them to feed the birds and 
 clean the cages. If cleanliness is 
 neglected sickness is engendered, 
 and many birds perish in conse- 
 quence. 
 
 The male canary is the songster. 
 The female scarcely ever sings, 
 and when she does her notes are 
 weak. The male has a short, stout 
 beak and a flat head, and is wide 
 between the eyes, the wider the 
 better. The crown of the head of 
 the female is more round than that of the male. 
 A fallacy quite prevalent in some parts of the country is, 
 
 BELGIAN CANABY. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 17 
 
 that dark-colored canaries are the strongest birds and tlie 
 best singers. Color in canaries has no more to do with 
 their singing qualities than complexion has with the voice 
 of prima donnas. 
 
 In selecting a canary it should be borne in mind that the 
 feet and legs of young birds are smooth and glossy, and the 
 toe-nails are short; whereas, old birds have rough and 
 scaly feet, with long toe-nails. 
 
 In Europe great attention is paid to improving the song 
 of canaries. To attain this result two modes are practiced. 
 A large cage is constructed with close partitions which 
 effectually exclude the view 
 from each other; a superior 
 singing bird, a nightingale or 
 skylark, is placed within hear- 
 ing, but out of sight of the cana- 
 ries, who learn to imitate the 
 melodious notes they hear. In 
 six months they will have 
 acquired perfection, when they 
 are removed to separate 
 cages. The other method is, 
 when the young birds first try 
 to sing they are separated from 
 the parent bird, and placed 
 in a room where just light 
 enough is admitted to enable 
 them to see to eat. Then a musi- 
 cal instrument called a bird 
 organ is played for an hour 
 each day in the hearing of the young bird. If undisturbed, 
 they become attentive listeners, and by practicing the song, 
 are soon able to reproduce it perfectly. 
 
 These are known as Andi^asberg Rollers, and the finest 
 of them have no "chop" notes and are proficient in the 
 water roll, the bell, and the flute notes. 
 
 Although there are over thirty varieties of canaries known 
 in Europe, not over a half-dozen are bred here. 
 
 The Ger:man Canary is the finest songster, and is the 
 one most frequently imported to this country. The best 
 come from the Black Forest of Germany. 
 
 The Belgian Canary, as represented in the cut, has 
 very high shoulders, and ruffled feathers on the breast. 
 
 LANCASHIRE COPPY. 
 
i8 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 It is a poor songster, and is bred by bird fanciers for 
 its oddity. The finest, or rather what the ordinary observer 
 would call the ugliest of them, sometimes sell as high as 
 one hundred dollars per pair. 
 
 The French Canary in many respects resembles the 
 Belgian, but it has not the high shoulders, and is not so long 
 or so valuable. It is not a fine singer. 
 
 The Cinnamon Canary, ias the name implies, is of the 
 color of cinnamon ; but in all other respects it resembles the 
 German bird. It is a fine warbler. 
 
 The Lizard Canary, so named from a fancied resem- 
 blance of its green plumage spotted with yellow, to the 
 color of a lizard, is held in high estimation by fanciers. It is 
 sometimes a fine songster. 
 
 The Spangled Canary has much green in its color, 
 with a spot of yellow or white color on its head, called a 
 
 cap, and little spots 
 of the color scattered 
 over the rest of the 
 body. 
 
 The London Fan- 
 cy Canary, as its 
 name implies, is a 
 variety much cultiva- 
 ted in that metropo- 
 lis, where there has 
 been a society for 
 the LONDON FANCY CANARY. promoting the im- 
 provement of these birds for nearly a century. The wings 
 and tail are dark in color, and the rest of the body of a deep 
 yellow. 
 
 The Lancashire Coppy is one of the largest of canaries, 
 and has a dark cap or crown ol^feathers on the head, while 
 the rest of him is yellow. 
 
 The above embraces almost all the varieties that are 
 brought to this country. There is, however, a red variety 
 that is occasionally seen, but this is only a common German 
 canary whose plumage has been colored by his being fed, 
 just before and during the moulting season, upon food (bread 
 and milk, generally), highly seasoned with cayenne pepper. 
 
 The colors of canaries by which they are known to bird 
 
BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 19 
 
 fanciers are as follows : Mealy, a mixture of white and pale 
 yellow; sometimes called Buff. Jonque or Jonquil, a rich 
 yellow. Cinnamon or Dove, a soft reddish gray-brown, 
 very difficult to describe. Green, a dark gray, approaching 
 a green. Fied or Mottled, mixtures of the foregoing colors* 
 
 BREEDING CANARIES. 
 
 WALNUT BREEDING CAGE. 
 
 Two of the best styles of breeding cages we have illus- 
 trated. One is made of walnut and iron wire, and is suitably 
 arranged for exercise, nesting, etc. It comes already fur- 
 nished with willow nests, deer hair, etc. The price, com- 
 plete, is I1.25. The other is made entirely of brass, and has 
 a wire nest ; it will cost ^5.50. 
 
 The cage should be hung at least a foot above the head, 
 and should occupy a southerly aspect, if possible, and not 
 be moved until the breeding season is over. 
 
 Canaries may be mated during the months of February, 
 March, or April. Before placing the male in the breeding- 
 cage with the female, he should be hung in another cage 
 opposite, and in sight of the female. When he sings and 
 calls to her, and she returns his call, then they can be placed 
 together; and though at first they may quarrel, it will only 
 
20 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 be of short duration. 
 
 BRASS BREEDING CAGE. 
 
 fill decrease in the number of 
 deaths will be noticed. 
 
 To produce handsome yellow 
 birds, the male should be a pale 
 yellow, and the female -a deep 
 yellow, bird, A clear yellow 
 male, mated with a very deep 
 green hen, will usually have 
 handsome mottled young. A 
 very deep yellow male, mated 
 with a very deep green or brown 
 hen, often produce the highly 
 prized Cinnamon bird. 
 
 Never allow two crested birds 
 to pair, as their progeny are 
 likely to be bald or malformed 
 about the head. 
 
 Some canaries will never 
 mate ; nothing will reconcile 
 them. In this event another 
 hen should be tried, until one 
 
 When the male begins to feed her, you 
 may be sure that all is right. 
 
 There should always be 
 placed in the mating-cage 
 a piece of cuttle-bone for 
 the formation of shell, or 
 the hen may lay soft-shell 
 eggs. There is also re- 
 quired deer's or cow's hair 
 for the construction of the 
 nest. To the seed diet of 
 the mated birds, should be 
 added hard-boiled egg and 
 cracker, rolled fine; a little 
 each day. 
 
 If the birds have access 
 to Bird Manna, they will 
 feed it to their nestlings, 
 and a more rapid growth 
 will result, and a wonder- 
 
 STYLE NO, I, 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 21 
 
 is found that is disposed to assume the responsibihty of 
 rearing a family. 
 
 A female canary will mate with several varieties of birds, 
 and their offspring are called mules. The mules from some 
 of these crosses are fine singers, and command high prices, 
 on account of their beauty and song. Among the varieties 
 of birds which will mate with a female canary may be men- 
 tioned the linnet, chaffinch, bullfinch, siskin, redpole, and 
 chaffinch. 
 
 After having been mated about a week, the hen will begin 
 to lay one egg each day, until from four to six eggs are laid ; 
 upon these she will sit from fourteen to sixteen days, when 
 the eggs should hatch, and in the order in which they were 
 laid. Never disturb the eggs, or thej^ may not hatch. Dur- 
 ing the period of incubation, the male relieves the female by 
 sitting on the nest, a few hours each day. Should either of 
 them become addicted to the vice of breaking the eggs, they 
 should be bountifully 
 fed with egg and 
 bread, which should 
 be constantly kept 
 within their reach. 
 Should they still per- 
 sist, the eggs can be 
 removed as fast as 
 laid, and their places 
 supplied with eggs 
 whittled from chalk. 
 When the hen ceases 
 to lay, then return the 
 eggs, and all will go 
 well. 
 
 Three days before 
 the hatching of the 
 first egg, feed the 
 bird in addition to 
 her seed, half a hard-boiled egg grated, and mixed with 
 cracker dust, and continue this food until the nestlings are 
 old enough to take care of themselves. 
 
 The young birds when weaned from the old birds should 
 be placed in a cage entirely awa}^, otherwise fretfulness is 
 encouraged, which it is well to avoid. A wire partition 
 will do for a day or so when they are first separated, so 
 
 STYLE NO. 2. 
 
22 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 that the old birds can feed them through the wires. When 
 caging-off young birds give them at first grated egg 
 and cracker. When they are about a month old, introduce 
 seed in the cage in a separate pot or tin, with the view of 
 giving the birds an opportunity of finding out for what 
 
 the seed is intended. Gen- 
 erally, when about six weeks 
 old, the young Canaries begin 
 to shell the seed, and at that 
 time the proportion of soft food 
 may be gradually diminished 
 until the seed at length takes 
 the place of the egg and cracker; 
 an increase of seed shells upon 
 the cage bottom will be a guide 
 in reducing the quantity of soft 
 food. 
 
 Canaries will breed famously 
 if turned loose in a room ; and 
 STYLE NO •; where no single variety is kept 
 
 * ^' and no particular excellence 
 
 aimed at, there is no better plan, or one more adapted 
 to furnish the largest amount of pleasure at the smallest 
 amount of trouble and expense. The birds have more 
 scope for freedom of action in a room than in a cage. 
 
 No artificial heat is needed as canaries will stand almost 
 any amount of cold, providing there is no draught. 
 
 Do not mate them before turning them loose, but it is bet- 
 ter to have at least twice as many females as males. Each 
 male will pair with some particular hen and pay her special 
 attention, at least till she is sitting, when the chances are he 
 will court some new flame ; but he will not neglect his first 
 love, and will continue to feed her on the nest, though, 
 under the circumstances, he will become general in his 
 attentions. And it is strange how hens in an aviary will 
 sometimes behave. I have seen two sitting on the edge of 
 the same nest feeding as assiduously as if each claimed the 
 young ones for her own. 
 
 By all means introduce male linnets, and goldfinches, 
 either males or hens. Hen linnets will breed in rooms only 
 under special treatment, and then very rarely ; but a hen 
 goldfinch will build, sit, hatch, and feed as well as a canary. 
 The produce will be linnet and canary mules, and goldfinch 
 
BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 23 
 
 and canary mules; and will in all probability be dark solid- 
 colored birds. The hens will be useless, but the males are 
 excellent songsters. 
 
 Range some Christmas trees around the walls and in the 
 middle of the room. If, in addition to these, you can get 
 any old roots, or any such rough material, to place against 
 or hang on the wall, you will find the birds will soon select 
 the snug corners and begin to build. Give a supply of 
 moss, soft hay, any bunch of fibrous roots you may meet 
 with, or similar material, with which they will build the 
 foundation of their nests ; and plenty of soft doe-hair. Add 
 some rabbit-down, with which they will put the finishing 
 touch to a nest. 
 
 When the young birds are two or three weeks old, and 
 can eat alone, and sometimes before quitting the nest, the 
 males commence swelling out their throats and trying to 
 warble. The sexes may thus be distinguished, as the 
 females seldom try to warble, and when they do it is always 
 in a less marked degree than the males. 
 
 If it is desired to make very fine singers of the young 
 males ; as fine as the highly vaunted Andreasberg Rollers, 
 they should be put in small 
 wire cages, separated from each 
 other, covered entirely over 
 with coverings of muslin, so 
 that they can see no external 
 objects and yet have sufficient 
 light to feed by. These cages 
 should be arranged around the 
 walls of aroom, the only tenants 
 of which-are fine singing birds, 
 such as nightingales, linnets, 
 skylarks, black caps, etc., and 
 one or two Andreasberg Rol- 
 lers, or other trained canaries. 
 The young birds will acquire 
 the fine notes of the RoUers 
 and in addition the notes of 
 some or all of the other birds. 
 
 STYLE NO. 4. 
 
 Of course the longer they 
 are kept at such a school the more proficient they will 
 become. 
 
 If a young canary is hung in a darkened cage, out of 
 hearing of the song of all other birds, and some simple air 
 
24 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 played to him on a flute, piano, or organ, three or four times 
 a day, he will readily pick up all or a portion of it, and add 
 it to his repertoire of notes. 
 
 The best food for canaries is our Mixed Seed, and plenty 
 of red gravel strewn on the bottom of the cage and 
 renewed daily. A cuttle bone should always be kept in the 
 cage, and also a Bird Manna. A bit of chickweed, a slice 
 of apple, and a ripe fig may be given occasionally, but only 
 as a treat and not oftener than once a week. 
 
 If canaries are fed during the moulting season, on cracker 
 and egg highly seasoned with cayenne pepper, their feathers 
 will assume a beautiful red tint, and remain that color until 
 shed again. No harm is done by this high feeding to either 
 song or health. Great care should be taken in the selection 
 of the pepper, as nearly all commercial red pepper is 
 adulterated and is likely to kill the bird. We have pepper 
 specially ground for this purpose, and for 25 cents will send 
 sufficient to last a bird during moulting, 
 
 A brass cage is by far the best for a bird ; painted cages 
 are injurious as the bird will peck the paint off'. We illus- 
 trate several of the best styles of brass cages. They are made 
 of the best quality of wire, and are warranted not to tarnish. 
 Style No. i, is a large round cage and is worth I1.50. Style 
 No. 2 is a square, solid brass cage, with plenty of room ; price, 
 $2.50. Style No. 3 is a very elegant brass cage, made of the 
 best quality spring wire, which will not bend or break by 
 falling. Price, $3.50. Style No. 4 is the handsomest and 
 best brass cage made ; it has a crimped top, which adds 
 much to its beauty ; price, $4.00. All the styles have white 
 porcelain feed and water cups, brass end cedar perches, 
 spring doors, and moveable tin bottom pans. 
 
 German Canaries vary in prices, according to the 
 season. From October to April, they are worth, generally, 
 12.50.^ At this price we will furnish one of our Night-Singing 
 canaries, which we guarantee not only to be a wonderffilly 
 fine singer, but that it will sing by lamplight as well as dur- 
 ing the day. Female canaries are worth : American, 50c. ; 
 Imported, |i.oo. 
 
 Andreasberg Rollers, that can give the bell and flute 
 notes, and the water roll, are worth I4.00, 
 
 Cinnamon Canaries, fine singers, 15.00. Females, $2.00. 
 
 Belgian Canaries, either yellow, mealy, or mottled. 
 Males, |;8.oo ; females, I5.00. High-class birds, higher. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 25 
 
 French Canaries, either yellow, mealy, or mottled; 
 males, I5.00 ; females, I3.00. High-class birds, higher. 
 
 London Fancy Canaries, in fine plumage; males, I15; 
 females, |io.oo. 
 
 Lancashire Coppies, the genuine birds, and not the 
 common top-knot bird usually palmed off as such ; males, 
 ^25.00; females, I15.00. 
 
 Lizard Canaries, the genuine breed; males, I15.00; 
 females, $10.00. 
 
 Spangled Canaries, either gold or silver; males, $15; 
 females. |io.oo. 
 
 American Bred Canaries, of German parentage, such 
 as are now being generally sold at bird stores for the Hartz 
 Mountain birds; males, $1.75; females, 50c. 
 
 THE GOLDFINCH. 
 
 In Europe this bird ranks next to the canary as a popular 
 cage bird, but in this country, as yet, he has not received 
 the attention he deserves. 
 
 The Goldfinch is possessed of an exceedingly sweet song, 
 combining a clear metallic ring with modulated power, 
 
 much softer 
 and sweeter 
 than the 
 canary's, and 
 linked to- 
 gether by a 
 continued 
 twittering, 
 making the 
 song last for 
 a long time 
 without 
 
 in- 
 
 termission. 
 In the male 
 
 bird the front 
 
 of the head is blood red, and the same color, with an inter- 
 vening ring of black surrounds the base of the beak. The 
 cheeks and front of the throat are white, while the whole 
 back is a ruddy brown. The pinion feathers are jet black, 
 
26 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 tipped with white. There is also a golden stripe along each 
 pinion. The tail is black and forked. The female is 
 not as large as the male, and not so vividly red about the 
 beak ; nor is the black line that divides the red poll from the 
 red beak so intense. The white of her cheeks is intermixed 
 with brown. Altogether, she is not bright and sparkling, 
 and has not such bold, bright eyes as her mate. 
 
 The goldfinch is one of the most docile and intelligent of 
 birds. When properly instructed, it will draw up its food 
 and water. It is taught this by means of a chain and pulley, 
 furnished with a soft, leather band, pierced with four holes, 
 through which the wings and feet are passed ; the two ends 
 meeting under the belly, and sustained there by a ring, to 
 which is fastened the chain, that supports a little tin bucket 
 containing the seed or water. Whenever the Goldfinch 
 wants either, he draws up the chain with its beak, fixing it 
 at intervals with its foot, and thus obtains what he wishes ; 
 but if two buckets are suspended to a pully, raising one 
 makes the other descend, and it can only obtain seed and 
 water in turn. 
 
 The Goldfinch is of a restless disposition, continually 
 hopping about and clinging to the wires of the cage, and 
 rattling against them. 
 
 When in the aviary it sometimes acts in a domineering 
 manner, driving the other birds from the seed ; but will 
 seldom fight, although often showing ill-temper. 
 
 Goldfinches will breed as quickly as canaries, in the 
 aviary or breeding cage ; they will also mate with canaries. 
 To produce the best results, an active male should be 
 placed with a yellow hen canary about the first of March. 
 The male offspring will be magnificent songsters, and of 
 beautiful plumage. 
 
 The Goldfinch thrives best on our mixed seed, with occa- 
 sionally a cupful of maw seed, of which it is very fond. 
 They should be kept in a square cage, similar to a canary's. 
 They are very fond of gravel, which should be plentifully 
 strewn in the bottom of the cage. 
 
 A male Goldfinch is worth ^1-50 ; when in full song from 
 $2.00 to I5.00; a female, |i. 25. 
 
 The price of a Goldfinch mule, in song, is $8.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE LINNET. 
 
 27 
 
 The Linnet is one of the nicest of the finch family. He is 
 more grateful for kindness, more solicitous of pleasing, than 
 almost any other cage bird. 
 
 During the first year of his life, the Linnet is called a Gray 
 Linnet, from the 
 color of his plum- 
 age. After the 
 second moult, the 
 red of the breast 
 blending with the 
 amber edges of the 
 feathers, produces 
 a golden hue, and 
 the bird is then 
 known as a Yellow 
 Linnet. At the end 
 of the third moult, 
 the breast be- 
 comes a bright 
 carmine, and the 
 flanks the color of 
 iron rust, and it is known as the Rose Linnet. 
 
 Gray, yellow, or red, his music will be the same ; even 
 sickness does not end his exquisite piping ; and the older 
 he grows the better he sings. 
 
 The song of the Linnet consists of a number of sentences 
 or *'jerks," as they are called, and each one distinct from 
 the other, while the wonderful variety of notes is astounding. 
 
 He sings both summer and winter, except during the 
 time of shedding feathers. 
 
 A male Linnet will mate with a female canary, and the 
 offspring will resemble in color, a gray canary, but the song 
 of the mules will be very fine, and they are highly prized on 
 that account. 
 
 Linnets should be kept in a square cage, as in it they are 
 less subject to giddiness than in round cages. They require 
 the same food and management as canaries. 
 
 A young Linnet just beginning to sing is worth ^1.50, and 
 when in full song, I5.00. A Linnet mule, in full song, |io.oo 
 to ^25.00. 
 
28 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE SISKIN. 
 
 The Siskin resembles the Goldfinch in shape, although 
 a trifle smaller; the bill is also sharp and pointed. The 
 general color of the plumage of this bird is a yellowish-green 
 
 on the upper 
 parts of the 
 body, and yel- 
 lowish-white 
 beneath. The 
 sexes of the Sis- 
 kin are quite 
 easily distin- 
 guished, the 
 male bird being 
 brighter, and 
 having a black 
 top to his head; 
 whereas the 
 head o ithe fe- 
 male is grayish, the body-coloring duller, and the breast 
 spotted. The males increase in brightness of color as they 
 grow older. 
 
 They are quiet little birds, but happy and contented, and 
 with a little attention become very tame. They sing con- 
 tinually in a low, plaintive twitter of much sweetness. 
 Their contented manner and familiar ways cause them to 
 become general favorites of the household into which they 
 are admitted. 
 
 The male Siskin is one of the best mimics among the 
 small bird. He will readily catch the notes of all the birds 
 he hears and mix them up in the drollest fashion, when 
 uttering them as his own. 
 
 Siskins require the same general treatment as canaries, 
 and should be kept in the same kind of cage. They will 
 interbreed with canaries, but the mules are neither of hand- 
 some plumage nor fine singers. 
 
 A male Siskin, beginning to singj is worth $1.50 ; when in 
 full song, $5.00. 
 
 Siskins are sometimes kept in tinned wire cages with 
 wooden backs. The price of such a cage is 75c. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE MOCKING BIRD. 
 
 29 
 
 We should take especial pride in the mocking bird ; for it 
 is a bird peculiar to the American continent. Its torrent of 
 mimicry pours upon us the songs of a dozen different birds ; 
 and many of the cries heard in the barnyard. This unique 
 songster unites in itself more excellencies than any other 
 bird possesses. Spring, summer, and autumn, its harmoni- 
 ous and varied song thrills and holds spell-bound the 
 listener. The pipe of the canary ; the mellow whistle of the 
 cardinal ; the wild song of the thrush ; the shrill scream of 
 the eagle ; the exquisite warble of the bluebird ; the mourn- 
 ing of the dove ; the cock's crow ; the hen's cackle ; the 
 cry of the katydid ; the grunt of the pig ; and the infernal 
 noise of quarreling cats : — all this medley issues in rapid suc- 
 cession from that master-mimic, the mocking bird ! No 
 wonder that it is a general favorite. 
 
 The mocking bird is not showy in appearance ; but its 
 well-shaped form and lively and graceful motions make it 
 an attractive household pet, apart from its song. It meas- 
 ures nine-and-a-half inches in length ; and an expanse of 
 wings, thirteen inches. The upper part of the head, neck, 
 and back is dark brownish-ash ; the wings and tail are 
 
30 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 nearly black ; the primary feathers are white, the first and 
 second row of coverts tipped with white. The tail is cunei- 
 form ; the two outer feathers are wholly white, the others, 
 except the middle ones, tipped with white. The neck, 
 breast, and whole under parts, clouded white. The iris is 
 of a yellowish cream color. The bill is black ; and the base 
 of the lower mandible, whitish. The legs and feet are 
 black, and stoutly formed. 
 
 The male and female mocking bird are very similar in 
 plumage; but they may be readily distinguished by 
 noticing the following differences : The white on the wings 
 of the male bird extends over the whole nine primaries, or 
 quill feathers, down to and well over the coverts ; these are 
 also white, though sometimes tipped with brown ; the white 
 of the primaries extendmg equally on both vanes of the 
 feather. In the female the white is not so clear, and extends 
 only over seven or eight of the primaries ; and more on the 
 front than on the narrow vane of the feathers ; the black of 
 the wing is also less deep, being of a brownish shade. 
 
 Occasionally males are met with that are wonderful song- 
 sters, and yet are very poorly marked according to the 
 standard we have given ; but in buying young birds it is 
 always better to secure the best marked birds ; as they 
 are sure to be males. 
 
 To rear the young of the mocking bird by hand successfully, 
 regularity of feeding and cleanliness are of the greatest im- 
 portance. To keep them growing steadily they should be fed 
 very often, and not much at a time. They should be fed long 
 after they no longer need assistance ; as that keeps them 
 strong, while rendering them more gentle and confiding. 
 
 The cage for a mocking bird should be large, and kept 
 very clean; and should be supplied with plenty of gravel. 
 
 One of the cheapest and most desirable styles of cages 
 for these birds is made of walnut, with polished iron 
 wire. It is 24 inches high, but is in three lengths, as follows : 
 22 inches long, $1.75 ; 28 inches long, $2.50 ; 30 inches long, 
 I3.00. The cups for this cage cost 25 cents, extra. We 
 illustrate a cage of brass wire, with black walnut base. It 
 is also made in three sizes: 18 inches, $8.50 ; 22 inches, 
 $13.00; 26 inches, $15.00, A bath dish for a mocking bird 
 is worth 25 cents. 
 
 The bird must never be exposed to inclement weather ; 
 but should have the benefit of fresh air as much as possible ; 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 31 
 
 protected, however, from the scorching rays of the sun by a 
 covering thrown over the cage. 
 
 The bill of fare best suited to the mocking bird will be 
 found on page 10, under the head of ''Soft-Billed Birds." 
 They are fond of boiled carrot or beet-root mashed and 
 squeezed dry. Boiled cabbage, cauliflower, and peas are 
 good for them ; also a very little roast meat minced, and 
 a little of the hard-boiled yolk of an egg. They like ripe 
 pears, elder-berries, currants, and cherries. A few ant's 
 eggs soaked and mixed with 
 the food is very beneficial. 
 A little sweet apple grated 
 up with the food gives it a 
 fine flavor, and often re- 
 stores the appetite when it 
 is poor, during hot weather 
 or when moulting. Our Pre- 
 pared Mocking Bird Food, 
 mixed with one -quarter 
 grated carrot, is perhaps the 
 best for a steady diet. The 
 mocking bird is omnivo- 
 rous, feeding on berries, in- 
 sects, and fruit. For this 
 reason a supply of insects 
 should be gathered during 
 the proper season ; such as brass mocking bibd cage. 
 flies, grasshoppers, spiders, and the like ; and put loosely in 
 a paper bag, and hung up to dry. When used in winter, 
 they should have boiling water poured over them, which 
 will soften them, and make them fully as palatable as if they 
 were still alive. Another dainty morsel is currants that 
 have been washed clean, soaked over night, and then wiped 
 thoroughly dry. 
 
 But the richest of food is meal-worms. Six to ten worms 
 a month, are sufficient to make the bird lively. It is a good 
 plan to raise a stock of these worms. The process is quite 
 simple, and has been fully explained on a previous page. 
 
 Nine-tenths of the ailments of the mocking-bird is caused 
 by improper feeding, and the use of inferior prepared foods. 
 Green food given daily, grapes, meat from the table, sugar, 
 and candy, are all bad for the bird. It needs a plain, but 
 varied diet, and to be fed and watered at the same time 
 
32 BIKD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 every day. A bath should be given daily ; and the vessel 
 removed from the cage when the bird has bathed. During 
 May, often earlier, some mocking birds have the mating 
 fever ; they grow melancholy, allow their feathers to become 
 rough, cease to plume themselves before retiring, waste 
 away, and die. In many cases they forget this inclmation 
 for freedom and a mate, by simply changing the cage; 
 hanging it near a window, where their time will be taken up 
 in watching new surroundings. Should the bird's feathers 
 stand loosely all over, and he still seem healthy, give him 
 cooling food only. Should the bird be dumpish and stupid, 
 a few spiders will sometimes cure him. Should he refuse to 
 eat, examine his tongue, and if a horny scale is seen upon it, 
 this must be removed with great care ; for if it is allowed to 
 remain the bird will surely die. To remove this scale, hold 
 the bird on his back firmly with one hand, while with the 
 finger-nail of the other hand, gently peel it from the tongue, 
 and anoint with honey and boxax. 
 
 Mites are a great annoyance to a bird, and should be got 
 rid of by using our Mite Exterminator, according to direc- 
 tions. 
 
 For blindess there is no remedy, for it is only a symptom 
 of disease of the brain and that is always fatal ; it is almost 
 invariably caused by the use of inferior prepared food, in 
 which there is an excess of hemp or maw meal. Baldness, 
 or dropping of the head feathers, is generally fatal. It 
 usually commences around the eyes, and the symptoms 
 preceding its appearance are continued restlessness and 
 rubbing of the parts on the perch or cage It may be treated 
 with flower of sulphur, rubbed up with a little water to the 
 consistence of paste, and applied twice a day to the affected 
 parts. This will allay the itching, and if early applied, may 
 check the disease. 
 
 In doctoring the sick bird, ascertain as nearly as possible 
 what the com.plaint is, by comparing the symptoms with the 
 printed ones accompanying our Bird Bitters, and treat the 
 patient according to the directions. 
 
 Nearly all Mocking Birds are bought when young by their 
 owners, because old ones in perfect song, bring such high 
 prices, even as much as I500 has been refused for a very 
 fine bird. It should be born in mind when buying these 
 youngsters that birds taken from the nest and fed by hand 
 are much superior to ones that are trapped after they leave 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 33 
 
 the nest. The former become very tame, while the latter 
 nearly always remain wild and flutter about the cage when 
 it is approached. The farther ?outh the birds come from 
 the finer songsters they make. Young birds begin to arrive 
 about the latter part of August. From then until October 
 ist, we offer hand-fed Florida Mocking Birds, guaranteed 
 males, fs.co each ; trapped North Carolina I9irds, guaranteed 
 males, ,v.^.oo. IMockmg Birds just commencing to whistle, 
 lio.oo. Birds in full song ^lo.oo to $50.00 according to their 
 ability. 
 
 THE CARDINAL GROSBEAK OR RED BIRD. 
 
 This is one of the most attractive of our native birds, and 
 is deserving of more attention than has ever been bestowed 
 upon him, as much on account of his brilliant plumage as for 
 his melodious whi.-tling. 
 
 He is known by several aliases, among others, the 
 Virginia Nightingale, from liis habit of singing in the night, 
 and tlie Red Bird, from the color of his plumage. In length 
 lie is about seven inches. The plumage is of a rich 
 vermillion-rcd over the entire body with a darker shade of 
 the same color on wings and tail ; the face, cheeks, throat, 
 feet, and legs are black, the bill, red. The head is sur- 
 mounted with a tuft of brilliant red feathers, which the bird 
 is capable of erecting at v.-ill. 
 
 The female is of a rich brown, with some red on breast 
 
34 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY S ROOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 and wings ; and, though not so striking in appearance as her 
 husband, is equally as beautiful, and is often as good a 
 whistler. 
 
 Durmg the spring mouths he sings his melody all day 
 long, and often far into the night. There is a great differ- 
 ence in individijfils as to musical ability, but no more so 
 than among other birds ; as the mocking-bird, for instance. 
 
 The Cardinal Grosbeak is naturally a very active bird, 
 and his cage should be a good-sized one, as large as for a 
 mocking-bird ; otherwise he will damage his feathers. Hang 
 him up quite high, so that he may not be needlessly dis- 
 turbed. The floor of the cage should be strewn with red 
 gravel or silver sand. He will thrive well on canary seed, 
 with unhuUed rice and cracked corn, and occasionally a 
 little hemp seed. His drink should be of soft water — hard 
 or lime water having a tendency to make him costive ; 
 which, if not cured, will soon carry him oft'. 
 
 Do not keep him too warm, as he is very hardy, enduring 
 the inclemencies of severe winters with great indifference. 
 
 The price of a young Cardinal Grosbeak, that is just be- 
 ginning to whistle, is fo.oo. Birds in full song, range from 
 I5.00 to |io.oo, according to their proficiency. A suitable 
 cage in walnut and 'tinned wire, will cost ^2.50 ; in brass, 
 $7-50. 
 
 THE WOODLARK. 
 
 The song of the Woodlark is considered by many to be 
 
 fully equal to that of 
 the Skylark, whom he 
 much resembles i n 
 plumage, although he 
 is smaller and has a 
 shorter tail. He should 
 be kept in the same 
 kind of a cage as a Sky- 
 lark, and he requires 
 the same treatment. 
 The price for a good 
 specimen of this bird 
 is about the same as for 
 the Skvlark. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE SKYLARK. 
 
 35 
 
 The song of the Skylark is considered by some persons 
 
 to be superior even to that of the nightingale. It is a bird 
 
 of modest plumage 
 but trim and neat. 
 The male can be 
 distinguished from 
 the female by the 
 breast of the latter 
 being nearly white. 
 This bird should 
 be fed upon our 
 Prepared Mocking 
 Bird Food, with an 
 occasional meal of 
 seed. The cage in. 
 which the Skylark 
 should be kept, as 
 is shown in the en- 
 graving differs from 
 the shape of other 
 
 cages, by having a bow window. This is for the reception of 
 
 a piece of fresh sod, 
 
 which should be 
 
 given at least three 
 
 times a week. Here 
 
 the lark will stand 
 
 and sing his musi- 
 cal thanks, until his 
 
 little throat almost 
 
 bursts. There are 
 
 no perches in the 
 
 cage, as the bird 
 
 will always stay on 
 
 the bottom. Such 
 
 a cage will cost 
 
 $3-5o. The price 
 
 of a young male 
 
 Skylark, is $5.00; 
 
 when in full song, ^10.00 
 
 worth I50.00 to $100.00, 
 
 CAGE FOR LARK. 
 
 Extra fine singers are sometimes 
 
36 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 AFRICAN FINCHES. 
 
 These diminutive Finches vary in size from that of a 
 canary down to almost the smaUness of a humming bird. 
 They are always kept in pairs, and they spend much of their 
 time in caressing and arranging each other's feathers. They 
 are fed upon maw, canary, and millet seed; and require a 
 cage with close wires, as they can easily escape through the 
 bars of an ordinary canary cage. 
 
 The room in which they are kept shonkl never be below 
 60° in winter. Many of the varieties will breed in a cage 
 orin the aviary. 
 It is usual to keep a collection of from six to fifty in one 
 
 cage. We furnish a walnut cage 
 suitable for six pairs of these 
 birds for $3.00. The two cages 
 illustrated are of brass, and 
 will comfortably acconimcdale 
 four pairs. The price of No. i 
 is I4.25 ; No. 2, )53.25. It would 
 be useless to enumerate all of 
 the varieties of these biilliant- 
 hued birds, as there are hun- 
 dreds of different kinds ; so 
 only the varieties most frequent- 
 ly met with are described. 
 
 The prices range from $3.50 
 to ^i^^oo foi' ^ pair, consisting 
 STYLE NO. J. of male and female. 
 
 The Fire Finch is of dark red plumage, except the 
 back and tail, which are dark greenish-brown. On the 
 sides there are a few minute white spots, which, however, 
 are frequently absent in young birds. The beak is coral- 
 red, and around the eyes is a narrow, straw-colored ring. 
 The female is dark brown, with a little red at the root of the 
 tail, and the same tiny white spots on the sides. They wiil 
 readily build a nest, provided they feel at home, and the 
 climate is hot enough to remind them of Central Africa. 
 
 The Cinder Finch is of delicate soft lavender or pale 
 slate all over the body. The lower part of the body and the 
 tail are purple, and the beak crimson. A line of black runs 
 from the beak beyond the eye. They will breed freely. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 37 
 
 The Crimson Finch is one of the gayest-plumaged of 
 birds, Tlie male bird's face, cheeks, throat, chest, and the 
 eniire lower body are of brilliant dark carmine-red ; the 
 back is plain brown ; the tail, dark red ; and the beak is 
 bright coral-red. On the sides of the chest are small white 
 spots, vvliich become larger as the bird grows older. They 
 are not apt to breed in confinement. 
 
 The Nutmeg Bird is very curiously marked, rich choco- 
 late on the back, and with numerous white crescents on the 
 lower body. By no means delicate, these birds will Jive for 
 years in a cage or an aviary, and they will not require very 
 parlicu'ar care. 
 
 The a V ad a vat is one of 
 the smallest of finches, and 
 is vivacious and graceful in 
 his movements. Hisplum- 
 age is dark brown, with a 
 carmine tint, and covered 
 all over witli small pearl- 
 white spots ; the beak is 
 coral-red. The female is 
 more soberly attired. Both 
 sexes have n sweet, melo- 
 dious song. They will breed 
 in an aviary occage, ifsup- 
 plied with the proper ac- 
 comodations. The breed- style no. 2. 
 ing season with them begins about Christmas. 
 
 The Waxbill has a grayish-brown plumage, marked 
 with extremely faint wave-like dark lines athwart the body. 
 The abdomen is of very bright roseate hue, which is 
 brightest in the centre, and fainter towards the sides and 
 chest. The beak is red. When the bird sings, the tail 
 is extended to a fan shape. Male and female are alike, and 
 bolh are equally 9cave and cheerful, and among the hardiest 
 of tiie finches. There are several varieties of the Waxbill, 
 which differ in minor points. 
 
 The Zebra is very small in size, and his plumage is a 
 dark greenish-brown on the back; the throat, chest, and 
 lower body are pale yellow, with a diffused patch of bright 
 orange about the middle of the lower part of the body. The 
 beak is red, and a red line extends from the beak through 
 the eye towards the ear. The female is without the orange 
 
38 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 on the lower part of the body. They make most bright and 
 intelligent pets. 
 
 The Silverbeak is exceedingly amiable in the aviary, 
 and very easily kept, bred, and reared. The upper part of 
 the body is fawn, the wings and tail a shade darker, and the 
 lower part of the body, white ; the beak is silver-gray. The 
 male constantly sings a pleasing little song. 
 
 The White-Headed Nun, or Meja Finch, is of soft 
 chestnut-brown all over, except the head, which is a silver- 
 gray, delicately shaded where the neck joins the shoulders. 
 
 The Black-Headed Nun is of a bright rich chestnut 
 brown; the head, neck, and upper part of the breast being 
 deep black. 
 
 The Cut-Throat has a red band extending from ear to 
 ear across the throat. The female is without this band. The 
 soft fawn color and delicate markings of the rest of the 
 plumage are remarkably pretty. They will readily breed 
 in a cage. 
 
 THE CHAFFINCH. 
 
 In plumage the Chaffinch is certainly a handsome bird, 
 although the colors are soft and subdued. The head is 
 
 dark blueish-gray ; the back, 
 brown ; and the wings, black ; the 
 ends of the wing-feathers, white, 
 and bars on the wings. The 
 breast is pinkish-red; the belly 
 inclining to white ; the vamp, 
 greenish ; the tail, dark. The 
 %^'^W^^>^^M^j3]f .,^^ female is smaller than the male 
 
 and much duller in plumage. 
 This bird is a most delightful 
 songster. His short, sharp, clear, thrilling note is uttered 
 with that earnestness which is so attractive. 
 
 The Chaffinch, to sing well, should be kept in a small 
 cage, a square one being preferable. Feed him on our 
 Mixed Seed, and occasionally give him a meal-worm or 
 some ant eggs. He will breed with a canary. • 
 
 A Chaffinch, beginning to sing, is worth |i-5o; when in 
 full song, I5.00. 
 
BIRD P'OOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 39' 
 
 THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 
 
 The Baltimore Oriole is a most beautiful bird. The head, 
 wings, and upper part of the back of the male are black, the 
 lower body, bright orange, with a white bar ornamenting the 
 wings. The female is of more sober plumage. The notes 
 of the male are a low whistle, with occasional trumpet tones. 
 A diet of soft food is necessary. It should be kept in a 
 Mocking Bird cage. A male in perfect plumage is worth 
 ^10.00 ; a female, $5.00 
 
 THE BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 
 
 This bird, also known as the Cedar Bird, is of very beauti- 
 ful soft-colored plumage, and has a singular appendage to 
 the wings, bearmg a striking resemblance to a drop of red 
 sealing-wax. Its note is not unlike that of the Thrush, but 
 is more uncertain and weaker. While singing it agitates 
 the crest on its head. It requires a Mocking Bird cage, 
 which should not be kept in too warm a room, as it is very 
 hardy and likes cold weather. It requires Prepared Mock- 
 ing Bird Food. A male specimen in good plumage will 
 cost $3.00. 
 
40 
 
 BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE GREENFINCH. 
 
 This bird, known also nSthc Green Linnet, is of yellowish- 
 green pluma.y:e, inclinini^ to 
 gray on the back, and lighter 
 beneath. His song, although 
 not of the highest order, is 
 sprightly, and given with great 
 heariiness. 
 
 They require a cage similar 
 to a canary's, and thrive under 
 the same food and treatment. 
 They will interbreed with 
 canaries, but the mules are 
 neither fine songsters nor of beautiful plnmage. 
 
 A Greenfincli beginning to sing is worth $1.50 ; one in full 
 song, ^5.00. 
 
 THE ENGLISH THRUSH. 
 
 The Thrush is one of the finest of soft-billed songsters. 
 His sweet and merry song makes all rejoice wholiear it. In 
 size it is about as large as our robin, and ii speckled yellow, 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 41 
 
 which 13 the color of its bill. Thrushes pos?;ess imitativG 
 powers ii a marvelous degree, tunes played or whistled to 
 them are readily nc- 
 ciuired. They re- 
 quire tiic Fame treat- 
 ment and cage as 
 Mocking Birds. The 
 snails that arc found 
 in ponds and rivers 
 make them a treat of 
 which they are pas- 
 sionately fond. It 
 is wortli the trouble 
 of collf cling these to 
 see them break the 
 shells against the 
 wires or perches of 
 the cage. 
 
 A young Thrush 
 coming into song, is 
 worth $8.00; in full song, from $10.00 to $25.00. 
 
 Our native Thrushes when raised fron\ fledglings make 
 excellent songsters. -A young male is wortli $3.00. 
 
 A very elegant cage for a Thrush, is liere illustrated. It 
 is 2i>^ inches high, the base i6><X22 inches; body I4>^X20 
 inches. The wires are of brass and the base of black wal- 
 nut. It has patent cups to prevent scattering of food. 
 Price, ^13.00. 
 
 THE BLUE JAY. 
 
 The American Blue Jay, i^ a handsome bird and an v.n- 
 equaled mimic. He will with equal facility imitate the 
 softest sounds and the harshest sounds, but seems to delight 
 more in the loud noises that he hears about him; such as 
 the whining of a do^, the crying of a baby, etc. On his 
 head he wears a liglit blue crest, which lie can elevate at 
 pleasure; the rest of him is of blue ia various shades. He 
 is very docile in confinement and can easily be taught in- 
 numerable tricks. 
 
 As to diet, he should be fed principally on cracked com, 
 
42 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 with shreds of lean meat and an occasional meal worm. 
 He is very fond of raw egg, he will puncture the shell with 
 
 his bill, and then suck the contents. A very large cage is 
 necessary for the proper comfort of the Jay. 
 A male bird in good plumage is worth ^5.00. 
 
 THE BULLFINCH. 
 
 There is scarcely another bird as pleasing and engaging 
 in confinement as the Bullfinch. Their pretty plumage, 
 tameness, and winning actions, cause them to be general 
 favorites. Their size is about that of a sparrow ; the beak 
 is thickly rounded, and black. The top of the head, wings, 
 and tail are glossy black ; the back, bluish-gray ; and the 
 breast, red. The breast of the female is gray-brown. 
 
 Their natural song is a soft, low whistle, interspersed 
 with some curious sounds, and accompanied with bowing 
 and waving of the tail, and other grotesque movements. 
 
 A Bullfinch may early be taught to do wonders ; to kiss its 
 owner, to come and go at command, etc. They can be 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 43 
 
 bought already taught to pipe tunes, "God save the Queen," 
 "Pretty Polly Perkins," and airs from operas. To teach 
 them to whistle these airs requires much time and patience, 
 more than the equivalent of the expense of procuring them 
 already taught by poor and patient foreigners. They 
 
 require the same treatment 
 as the canary, but a rather 
 larger cage. We illustrate 
 a cage that is suitable. It 
 is 17 inches high, 11 inches 
 wide, and 14 inches long. 
 In brass the price is 16.50 ; 
 in real silver plate, $9.50. 
 
 A male Bullfinch will 
 
 sometimes mate with a fe- 
 
 ' male canary, but mule birds 
 
 of this, kind are hard to 
 
 raise, and require much time 
 
 and patience. 
 
 The natural song of the Bullfinch, if song it can be called, 
 is extremely simple. Indeed it is a mere twitter, consisting 
 of three notes, none of 
 which are particularly 
 melodious ; but it may be 
 taught to do wonders; 
 to whistle popular airs as 
 lustily as any boy ever 
 whistled them. 
 
 If you desire to teach 
 a Bullfinch to pipe, he 
 should be taken in hand 
 when young, just as soon 
 after he has been im- 
 ported as possible. Let 
 nobody tend him or sup- 
 ply him with food and 
 water but yourself. Be 
 very particular about this. 
 His music lessons should 
 be given on an empty stomach. Take his seed away from 
 him the day before you begin the lessons, which should be 
 given at day break. The bird should not hear the least 
 sound except that made by his teacher. If you are capable 
 
44 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OP CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 of whistling: cle:irly and sharply you will nccl no in~t"U- 
 ment ; but ihe tune may be played on a tin whistle, a flute, 
 or a lla:j;eolet. Play or whistle the first bars over acrain 
 and aii^ain, in exactly the same time ; but do not i;ive the little 
 scholar many notes to digest at one time, Fifty times is not 
 too many times to repeat the notes at each lesson. The 
 probabihlies are that before the last time the notes are 
 played, he will echo them with more or less success. Now 
 for his reward. Fling open the shutters (the lessons should 
 be given in a partially-darkened room), and pile up seed in his 
 cup and crown the banquet with two or three— just two or 
 three— hemp seed. Let this end the lesson. Allow him to 
 eat the seed for a couple of hours and then take it away and 
 do not allow him to eat more that day. The next morning 
 he will commence with the notes in less time than before, 
 and after he is nearly or quite perfect, go on with a (q\v 
 more notes. Reward him the same as befgre. Continue 
 the lessons until he can pipe the whole tune perfectly and 
 without hesitancy. 
 
 If your bird is obstinate, as a punishment you may blow 
 him up, not figuratively, but actually. Walk sharply up to 
 the cage and blow at him with your moutli. He will relish 
 that so little, that, after a few applicaticns a quick step or 
 two towards his cage will be sufficient to put him on his 
 best behavior. 
 
 A Bullfinch is worth 1^3.00 ; one that pipes one tune, $15.00; 
 one that pipes two tunes, $40.00; o;ie that pipes three tuaes, 
 $65.00. 
 
 . 6 8 » sai l . 
 
 THE INDIGO FINCH. 
 
 The Indigo Finch »s another beautiful American songster, 
 who is deserving of more attention than he has ever re- 
 ceived. The prevailing color of his coat i.^; a beautiful blue ; 
 but he is apt, in confinement, to change it to a sober gray 
 at moulting lime. He \^ a seed-eating l)ird, smaller than a 
 canary, and requires similar treatment and the same>sort of 
 cage; but with closer wires, as lie can easily cscapethrough 
 bars of ordinary width. The price of such a cago, in brass, 
 is S'i.oo. 
 
 When in good plumage, this bird is worth $i.5a 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OP CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE TROPIAL. 
 
 45 
 
 
 y^y^)^' 
 
 ^^t&^- 
 
 l^i 
 
 ^ 
 
 i>/ 
 
 The Tropial is a South American bird, about the size of 
 our Robin, and has bcautilul orange and black plumage. 
 He is almost as good a mimic as the Mocking Bird ; and his 
 natural song is clear, flute like, and pouerlul, and is sent 
 forth almost continually from morning until night. When 
 young tliey may be readily tauglit to whistle airs by fre- 
 quently pla\ ing them on a tlageolet or flute in their hearing. 
 
 They are extremely active and graceful and soon become 
 familiar with their (nvners,and v^ery muchattached to them. 
 They should be fed upon oiir Prepared Mocking Bird Food, 
 Any cage suitable for a Mocking Bird will do for them, 
 and their general treatment is the same. 
 
 More of these birds are kept as cage pets in this country 
 than perhaps any other songster, e.xcept the Mocking Bird ; 
 and they well deserve their great popularity. 
 
 A young Trt)pial is worth $S.oo ; ni full song, $12.00. It is 
 perhaps more satisfactory to purchase a young bird ; as it 
 will become more tame. Male birds always prove to be 
 exoelient whistlers. 
 
46 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 PARRAKEETS. 
 
 The various species of Parrakeets differ much in size, 
 
 some being no larger than a 
 sparrow; others being about 
 the size of a Cuban parrot. 
 All require a diet of plain 
 canary-seed, with occasionally 
 a little unhulled rice. The 
 smaller kinds can be kept in 
 any kind of a canary cage, but 
 we advise a square cage of 
 solid brass, with a sliding bot- 
 tom. The cost of such a cage 
 is 15.50. Larger species re- 
 quire a special cage, the best 
 sort of which we illustrate. It 
 has a brass fi'ame, with polished 
 steel wires. It is worth I5.50. 
 This cage will also answer ad- 
 mirably for small Parrots and 
 for Lories. 
 
 THE COCKATEEL. 
 
 The sober-colored Cockateel is the most gentle and amia- 
 ble of all Parrakeets, and is about the size of a common 
 pigeon. He is of a dun color, with lemon cheeks, and a 
 spot of red on them ; and a gay crest on his head. Never 
 noisy and not destructive, a pair of these birds may be kept 
 in a roomy cage in any sitting-room, and can be safely as- 
 sociated in an aviary with the smallest of finches. Few 
 birds breed more readily in captivity ; they lay from three 
 to nine eggs, which are hatched in about three weeks. 
 A small box with a small hole at one end should be placed 
 in the cage for them to nest in. 
 
 He is very frugal in his food, which should consist of 
 canary and a little millet seed ; but when breeding a soft 
 food made of stale bread and scalded milk, with a little oat- 
 meal, should be given. Cockateels will sometimes learn to 
 talk. 
 
 A pair of good specimens is worth $15.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 47 
 
 THE AUSTRALIAN PARRAKEET. 
 
 This species is the most popular of small Parrakeets. 
 They are about the size of a canary, 
 but their long tail makes them ap- 
 pear much larger. The plumage is 
 beautiful green on the breast and 
 tail, and green dappled with yellow 
 on the back and wings, and shading 
 to yellow on the head. The sexes 
 are very similar. They W'ill breed 
 freely in confinement, and require for 
 a nest a cocoanut shell, with a hole 
 bored in it, and the meat extracted. 
 With this curious nest in an ordinary 
 breeding cage, these birds will setup 
 house-keeping, when the proper sea- 
 son commences, and raise several 
 broods of young ones. Nearly all 
 these Parrakeet that are brought to this country are cage- 
 bred in Europe. Australian Parrakeets require no other 
 seed excepting plain Sicily 
 canary. The cage illustra- 
 ted, is one of the best 
 shapes in which to keep a 
 pair of them. It is of solid 
 brass, and sufficiently large 
 to allow plenty of exercise. 
 Price, I2.50. 
 
 It requires but very little 
 time or patience to tame a 
 pair of these birds, so that 
 they will jump on your fin- 
 ger, come when called, and 
 other pleasing little tricks. 
 They can be allowed to 
 range around a room at 
 will, and may be depended 
 upon to return to their 
 cage at night. When al- 
 lowed their liberty in this 
 way, they soon are on famil- 
 iar terms with their owner. A pair is worth |8.oo. 
 
48 BTRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE AFRICAN LOVE BIRD. 
 
 The African Love Bird, is of a bright green color, and 
 about as large as the preceding species, but have short 
 
 tails. Some have red 
 faces, others are a!) green. 
 They are always sold in 
 pairs, and are very affec- 
 tionate, spending most of 
 their time caressing each 
 other. They can be easily 
 taught to sit on the finger 
 and to kiss their owner, 
 and can be allowed to fly 
 about a room. They are 
 wortk |8.oo per pair. 
 
 THE QUAKER LOVE BIRD 
 
 is simitar to the above, 
 but the head and should- 
 ers are of a modest dun 
 color, the rest of the body 
 beiivj bright green. They require the same treatment and 
 cagvf*. ds t<.e other varieties. They also are worth $8.00 per 
 pair. 
 
 An admirable cage for a pair of Love Birds is herewith 
 illustrated. It is 17^ inches high, 11 inches wide and 14 
 inches long, and is made of best quality spring wire. The 
 base is of oiled walnut. It is worth ^6.50 in brass, and $9.50 
 in silver plate. 
 
 THE MAGPIE. 
 
 Although without song, the Magpie makes a most amus- 
 ing pet and instances of their learning to repeat words and 
 sentences are not rare. He is about the si^e of our crow, 
 and the plumage is of white and a purple-tinted black. He 
 is more readily tamed than almost any other bird, and re- 
 quires very liille care, as he may be fed upon scraps from the 
 table. Being a large bird he requires a roomy cage, and 
 should be frequently allowed the liberty of a room, where 
 his quaint ways and funny tricks are most amusing;, A 
 young Magpie is worth $5.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's EOOK OP CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE NONPAREIL. 
 
 49 
 
 This is one of the most beautiful of our American finches, 
 and has a low, soft, and 
 very agreeable song. 
 He has a violet hood 
 and neck, a ret! circle 
 around the e3es, and 
 yellovvisli - green back. 
 The throat, chest, and 
 under part of the body, 
 are of a bright red, and 
 the wings, green. He is 
 rather smaller tlian tlie 
 canary, l)iit requires the 
 same food, cage, and 
 general treatment. He 
 is very fond of bathing, 
 and should lie indulged 
 in this cleanly habit. 
 
 A specimen of the Nonpareil in good plurmige, will cost 
 $3.00; when in full song, $5.00. 
 
 THE STARLING. 
 
 The Starling is one of the most gifted of birds, 
 sagacity is wonderful — he can sing, 
 whistle, and talk. The last accom- 
 plishment can be taught to him almost 
 as readily as to a parrot. In size, he 
 is larger than a cow blackbird, and is 
 of a lustrous greenish-black, with 
 greenish speckles over the body ; the 
 bill is lirown. 
 
 Starlings require a large size mock- 
 ing bird cage, and should be fed upon 
 Prepared Mocking Bird Food. 
 
 A male Starling, beginning to whis- 
 tle, is worth $5.uo ; on© that talks, $25.00 to $ioa 
 
 Hig 
 
50 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 TITMICE. 
 
 The only variety of Titmice that are kept as pets in this 
 country is the Blue Tit or Tom Tit, as it is familiarly called. 
 The plumage is very beautiful. The front of the head and 
 the sides are white, and a streak of the same extends back- 
 ward over the eyes to the nape of 
 the neck. Within this pearly set- 
 ting is his crown of azure blue. 
 His back is of a bright olive green, 
 the under part of the throat is 
 black ; the wings sky blue, tipped 
 with white ; and the tail as brilliant 
 as the crown. The female is of 
 more sober plumage than the 
 male. 
 
 The Tit is a most active and 
 amusing bird, and is easily tamed. Its song is an indistinct 
 warbling, composed of a few strains, with higher notes 
 interspersed. 
 
 They shouM be fed on our Mixed Seed, with an occa- 
 sional meal of ant eggs and meal worms. They are so 
 expert with their bill, that they must be kept in an all-metal 
 cage with close wirQS. A suitable cage in solid brass costs 
 $3.50. These birds are generally sold in pairs (male and 
 female), $5.00. Singly, the male is worth ^3.00. 
 
 THE REDSTART. 
 
 The plumage of this bird makes it worthy of special notice, 
 and he possesses a pleasing song. He is about the size of a 
 Canary. The sides of the head are black ; the throat black, 
 speckled with white ; the back and belly a mixture of land 
 red and gray, the wings dark brown, and the tail red. He 
 requires our Prepared Mocking Bird Food, and should have 
 a cage similar to that used for a Black Cap. 
 
 In Europe this bird ranks among the most popular of cage 
 songsters, and he is now beginning to receive the attention 
 he merits, in this country. 
 
 The Redstart is worth $2 before he sings, and $$ afterwards. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 51 
 
 THE JAVA SPARROW. 
 
 No foreign bird is so generally known as the Java Spar- 
 row. It is rather handsome and especially remarkable for 
 the very perfect condition in which it will always keep its 
 plumage. The soft slate-colored body feathers are always 
 as close as they can lay, the 
 lapge white patches on the 
 cheeks are ever clean, the black 
 face and throat skin like new 
 velvet and the wax-like beak is 
 pink, and looks as if just model- 
 led from wax. 
 
 No bird is so easily kept and 
 of so little trouble as the Java 
 Sparrow ; it needs only plain 
 canary seed, and can be kept in 
 either a round or square canary 
 cage. Although without song, yet his extreme docility 
 and the ease with which tricks can be taught him, makes 
 him a popular cage bird. A pair will breed in a cage as 
 readily as canaries, and the number of broods they will rear 
 in a year, if permitted, almost surpasses belief. 
 
 White Java Sparrows are not, as many suppose, albinos, 
 but a separate variety that are bred by the Japanese who 
 originated them. Java Sparrows are generally kept in pairs 
 and are worth ^4.00 for a male and female ; the white variety 
 is sold at $10.00 per pair. 
 
 THE ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
 
 Few birds surpass this one in brilliancy of plumage or 
 beauty of song. Night, as well as day, he pipes his merry 
 notes, which are clear and mellow. He has a bright carmine 
 breast, and a body part white, part black. He requires a 
 diet of our Mixed Seed, and a small-sized Mocking Bird 
 cage. A good specimen of this bird is worth $4.00. 
 
 Very hardy, he will stand almost any degree of cold ; but 
 if kept in a hot room, his song soon fails, and he sits on his 
 perch, dumpish and unhappy. 
 
52 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE BLUE BIRD. 
 
 Everyone knows the plumage and song of the Blue 
 Bird, so it would be 
 useless to spare the 
 space for a descrip- 
 tion. In Europe he is 
 kept as a cage bird, 
 and much admired, 
 where he is called the 
 Blue Robin. He re- 
 quires a mixed diet of 
 prepared food and 
 seed. The price of 
 one in good plumage 
 is|i.oo. 
 
 THE CROSSBILL. 
 
 Tiiis is a handsome^ 
 bird, especially notice- 
 able from the peculiar -'^"'\<r-^j^*^-V^ --"■ ^ 
 formation of the beak. ' '' v 3:^=^^:^_::r-" 
 
 from which it derives its name. 
 
 ^ It is subject to great variation of plumage, being some- 
 times red, and sometimes a greenish yellow. The cage for 
 this bird must be all wire, for it will soon destroy a wooden 
 one. It can be fed upon canary seed, with a piece of sweet 
 apple occasionally. 
 
 The song is somewhat harsh. The price pf a male bird 
 is ^5.00. ' 
 
 THE YELLOW HALIMER. 
 
 The Yellow Hammer is a bird of handsome plumage, but 
 indifferent song. 
 
 The breast and head are of bright lemon color; the back 
 and tail coverts, of rich chestnut. 
 
 A diet of canary seed, and a roomy cage, are required. A 
 male is wortli ^3.00 ; or a pair $5.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's EOOK OF CAGE. BIRDS. 
 
 THE BOBOLINK. 
 
 53 
 
 This is a bird that wears, in the spring, a black coat, 
 witli yellow epaulets, and 
 
 dons a sober suit of russet '=_..ir-_ _^^==^ 
 
 brown in the autumn. He 
 changes his name with his 
 feathers, for in the spring he 
 is tlie Bobohnk,and later his 
 cognomen is Reedbird. He 
 is a jnerry songster, and 
 makes an attractive cage 
 bird. He requires a diet 
 of plain canary seed and 
 should be kept in a small 
 
 size Mocking Bird cage. 
 With the plumage of the 
 Reedbird he is worth 75c. 
 After lie assumes that of 
 the Bobolink, the price in- 
 creases to $'1.50, and when 
 in full song, |i3.oo. 
 
 The Bobolink should al- 
 ways be kept on a short al- 
 lowance of seed, three table- 
 spoonfuls being enough for 
 a day's allowance. He is such a perfect glutton, that if 
 allowed an unlimited supply of seed, he will do but little 
 singing. 
 
 THE QUAIL. 
 
 The American Quail, although it can hardly be called a 
 cage bird, is most interesting when kept in an aviary where 
 they will hatch out their cumiing little ones. We sell many 
 of them fur the purpose of breaking liuntmg dogs. The 
 price per pair ranires from $1.50 to $5.00 according to the 
 season when piirrliased. European Quail arc worth |;io.oo 
 per pair, and the curiously tufted Cahfornia Quail, about 
 the fjutme price. 
 
54 BIRD FOOD company's' BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE ENGLISH AND AMERICAN ROBINS. 
 
 The Redbreast, which 
 is the national bird of Eng- 
 land, is smaller than our 
 Robin, resembling the latter 
 only by the red on the 
 breast. As a cage bird, he 
 is very gentle, lively, and 
 affectionate, and sings his 
 merry song summer and 
 winter, often far into the 
 night. 
 
 The treatment given in 
 the first part of this book 
 for soft-billed birds is 
 applicable also to the 
 English Robin. He should 
 be kept in an oblong cage. 
 An English Robin costsJs. 
 
 
 AMERICAN ROBIN. 
 
 ENGLISH ROBIN. 
 
 Our own Robin, or, pro- 
 perly, the migratory 
 Thrush, makes a most 
 delightful cage bird, 
 whose whistle is not in- 
 ferior to that of the Eng- 
 lish Blackbird, which it 
 much resembles. He will 
 readily pick up tunes that 
 are frequently whistled to 
 him. A male bird that 
 whistles is worth $3.00. 
 
 The Catbird, who be- 
 longs to the same family, 
 is well worth mentioning in 
 this book of cage birds. 
 He has a very sweet song, 
 and when caged is not apt 
 to give much vent to the 
 disagreeable mew from 
 when he takes his name. 
 
 A Catbird is worth $3.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 55 
 
 THE ENGLISH BLACKBIRD. 
 
 The English Blackbird is a jovial, jolly fellow ; with a 
 fine, hearty, and mel- 
 low whistle that grows 
 louder during rainy 
 weather. In size and 
 build he somewhat 
 resembles our robin. 
 He will learn to pipe 
 any easy tune that is 
 whistled to him. 
 When once learned 
 he will never forget 
 it. He is jet black, 
 with a yellow bill. He 
 requires the general 
 treatment given for 
 all soft-billed birds, 
 and should be kept in 
 a mocking bird cage 
 of large size. 
 
 An English Black- 
 bird, beginning to 
 whistle, is worth $5 , 
 in full song, $10. 
 
 Ourown red-winged 
 Blackbird has a whistle almost as musical as his English 
 namesake, and is much more handsome. He requires a 
 diet of seeds. One of these birds, in good plumage, is 
 worth 1 1. 50. 
 
 B!S*--^-^*VEB» 
 
 BOARDING BIRDS. 
 
 We are prepared to board all kinds of birds during the 
 summer months, while their owners are away from home. 
 The charge per week for canaries and other small birds, is 
 25c. each bird. Mocking Birds and all birds that require soft 
 food, and Parrots, Cockatoos, etc., 50c. per week. The 
 best possible care and attention is guaranteed. 
 
56 BIRD FOOD company's EOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE JAPANESE ROBIN. 
 
 This is one of the most active and merry of cage birds. 
 He is always hopping from perch to perch, not stopping to 
 sing, but pouring forth his merry song as he goes. In size 
 he IS about as large as an 
 English robin. The back 
 is olive brown, changing 
 to yellow at the head, and 
 to gray gn the sides. The 
 throat and breast have a 
 patch of bright orange, 
 shaded towardsiheborder. 
 The wings are dark, each 
 wing-feather edged with 
 orange. The beak and 
 feet are bright coral red. 
 A small size mocking bird 
 cage, and soft food is required for their proper comfort 
 One of these birds in song is worth $7.50. 
 
 THE MINO. 
 
 The Mino, sometimes called the Mynah, is a member of 
 the Starling family. He is the talking cage-bird of India 
 and China, and possesses power of song with a talent for 
 imitating the human voice. He is a liitle larger than a 
 European starling, but much stouter. '1 he plumage is 
 black, with a white bar on the wings; the feet and rather 
 short beak are yellow, and a ring of the same tint surrounds 
 the eye. There are yellow patches on the side of the head, 
 and collar-like appendages of bare orange-colored skin 
 extend from the ears downward. 
 
 These birds can be fed upon Mocking Bird Food, but will 
 eat almost anything. Small pieces of raw beef, plenty of 
 ripe fruit, and a little boiled rice, are very good additions to 
 their diet. 
 
 A young Mino is worth from ^25.00 to $50 00 ; one that 
 talks is valued at almost any price from ^50.00 upwards. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIROS. 
 
 THE BLACK CAP. 
 
 57 
 
 It is no uncommon thing for tiie song of the Black Cap to 
 
 be spoken of as 
 rivahng that of 
 the nightingale, 
 and some writers 
 go so far as to 
 assert that be- 
 tween the melo- 
 dy of the two it 
 is next to im- 
 possible to dis- 
 tinguish. This 
 bird is smaller 
 than the Canary, 
 and has a plum- 
 age of olive 
 green and gray, with a dingy white throat, and a black cap 
 on the head. 
 
 It is a soft-billed bird, and requires to be fed upon our 
 Prepared IMocking Bird food. It requires an oblong cage 
 of small size, which, in wood, is worth $1.25, and in brass 
 I5.50. A Black Cap, coming into song, will cost ^5.00 ; after 
 the song is perfected, $10.00. 
 
 ■ J ' ' Q i 'h ■ 
 
 THE WEAVER BIRD. 
 
 This is one of the most interesting families of foreign cage 
 birds. Kept in an aviary, where they will display their 
 wonderful ingenuity in nest-building, no more interestmg 
 pets can be found. Even in a roomy cage, in which a few 
 branches and a quantity of stiff librc has been placed, the 
 male of a j^air of Weaver Birds will, without delay, begin to 
 build nest after nest, probably pulling most of them to 
 pieces, when half finished, if their construction does not en- 
 tirely please the proud architect. There are many varieties 
 of these curious birds, the prices of whidi range from |;io.oo 
 to I50.00 per pair. 
 
58 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE BRAZILIAN CARDINAL. 
 
 This sleek bird, prettily marked gray, white, and black, 
 with crimson head and 
 crest, is sure to have the 
 attention of every be- 
 holder. His great activ- 
 ity and his considerable 
 size require a roomy 
 cage, wherein, with fair 
 treatment, he will keep 
 his plumage in perfect 
 condition, entirely indif- 
 ferent as to the tempera- 
 ture in which he is kept. 
 The song, or rather 
 whistle, of this bird is 
 loud and clear, and he 
 sings at all seasons of the 
 year except while moulting. The female is of the same 
 beautiful plumage as the male, and is equally as good a 
 whistler. Feed upon plain canary seed, with an occasional 
 meal of ant eggs and insects. 
 
 A good specimen is worth I5.00 ; when in full song, |io. 
 
 THE WHYDAH BIRD. 
 
 Such surperb birds should not be absent from an 
 aviary, and they will live contented in a cage. There are 
 several varieties, all of which have tails of great length and 
 beauty. A small cage will of course destroy the beauty of 
 this appendage. Placed in an aviary and in perfect plumage 
 the graceful flight of this bird, with its long sweeping tail 
 is a sight of beauty. 
 
 They will not breed unless kept in an aviary of a very 
 warm temperature. 
 
 The Bird of Paradise belongs to this species. All require 
 a diet of plain Canary and millet seed. The price per pair, 
 ranges from |io.oo to $100. =>■ A suitable cage in brass large 
 enough for them to build their curious nests, is worth |i8. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS, 59 
 
 THE NIGHTINGALE. 
 
 We now come to the bird about which more poetry has been 
 
 written than 
 any other 
 feathered song- 
 s t e r. When 
 everyone is as- 
 leep, his tiny 
 throat pours 
 forth its sweet 
 music to the 
 moon; but 
 when caged he 
 sings by day 
 and night, and 
 his is the music 
 that one never 
 wishes still. In 
 plumage he is a 
 modest bird, and in size he is about as large as a blue bird. 
 It has always been a matter of surprise that such a small 
 bird as the Nightingale should possess such wonderful 
 song-power, as its singing can be heard, on a still night, at 
 a distance of a mile ; but the fact is explained by the great 
 strength of the muscles of the throat. 
 
 The Nightingale requires a large cage, which should be 
 _hung in a subdued light. A cage with the back and sides 
 of dark wood, is the best for this bird, and the roof should 
 be covered, on the inside, with green baize, thus preventing 
 the bird's head from, being injured when he flies upward. 
 The perches should be covered with soft material, as his 
 feet are very tender, and apt to become sore when plain 
 wooden perches are used. The cost of such a cage is ^3.50. 
 The same treatment is required as for other soft-billed 
 birds. Although apt to be rather a delicate bird when first 
 caught, after once becoming accustomed to cage life, it is 
 among the longest-lived of cage birds, instances being 
 known of Nightingales having lived fourteen years in con- 
 finement, 
 
 A Nightingale beginning to sing is worth I15.00; in full 
 song, from $25.00 to I50.00. 
 
6o BIRD rOCD COMPANY'G nOCK OF CAGE DIRDS. 
 
 THE AMERICA:] GOLDFINCH. 
 
 
 
 The American Goldfinch, or tlie Yellow Bird, as lie is gen- 
 erally called, is found all over our land. He makes one of 
 the most sprightly of cage birds and is readily lamed. The 
 plumage of the male is of a beautiful lemon, with a l^lack 
 cap and lemon and white wings. His song, although not con- 
 sisting of a very wide range uf notes, is sweet and pleasing. 
 Any ur»e who can easily capture one of these pretty bu'ds 
 by means of limed twigs or a trap cage, the manner of 
 doing so, being fully described in the chapter on trapping 
 birds. 
 
 This bird should be treated the same as a Canary, and 
 kept in the same sort of a cage. An American Goldfinch 
 in fine plumage and accustomed to a cage, is worth $1.50. 
 
 THE RED LINNET. 
 
 The Red Linnet is a beautiful whistling bird tb:it is a 
 native American, and deserves a high rank among cage 
 birds. 
 
 He is a constant son^s'xr and of beautiful plumage of 
 reciish hue. He is of the size and requires the sanio 
 general treatment and cage as a Canary. 
 
 A 20od specimen is v/orth $1.50; in full song, $5.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 6l 
 
 PARROTS. 
 
 The docility of Parrots, the facility with which they be- 
 come accustomed to cage life, and thtir taltriu for imita- 
 ting the human voice, have made them the (avoriie cage- 
 birds from time immemorial. No other birds become 
 so entirely domesticated, and so much attached to tiieir 
 keepers, and none are so iong-li^ed. The male and female 
 are alike in color, and both i)ussess the imuative (acuity. 
 
 Everybody who wants to buy a Parrot desires one that 
 talks; but such biids are not always lo be iiad, and the 
 prices asked for tiiem are usually very high. It is always 
 more satisfactory to buy a yuung bird and leach it yourst If, 
 which can easily be done by cairying out the fullowirig in- 
 structions: — 
 
 The best way to win the afTection of a Parrot, is to treat 
 it with gentleness. Approach her with harsh \oice ar.d 
 threatening gestures, and she will immediately stc'ind on the 
 defensive. Approach her with soft words and kind looks, 
 and if not at once subdued, she will be r< ady to listen to 
 what you say, and watch what yuu are doing. You may 
 depend upon it, the first few mterviews will be lasting, 
 whichever way they tend. As a rule, a Pariot will learn 
 quicker from women than men, and quicker still from 
 cliildren. 
 
 The best way to teach the bird to sreak, is to keep quite 
 out of sight while giving a lesson. We l^now of nearly a 
 dozen parrots, of various sorts, that have been educated on 
 this principle; and which, in n miraculously short lime, have 
 tm-ned oiil llnent talkers. Too much nttention cannot be 
 paid to the linking together of words forming any sen- 
 tence von mav wish" ilie bird to learn. Let each \yord glide 
 into liie next as smoothly a<: possible. II yon find thnt your 
 bird experiences great 'difficulty in rept-atirg a particular 
 lesson, it is better not (o persist in teaching it at that lime, 
 as you mny make her sullen or vicious. B(f« 're attempt- 
 ing to teach a Parrot to talk, it f'^ always advisable to accus- 
 tom iier to being Iinndled. The cruel i^lan of slitting a 
 bird's tongue will not enable it to talk any sooner, but. on 
 t!ie contraiy, will prevent it from ever articulating distinctly. 
 
 All species of Parrots, if fed as follows, will always keep 
 
62 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 healthy, and a bird, to be a good talker, must always be in 
 good condition. 
 
 In one cup of the cage always keep canary seed ; in the 
 other, a mash, made as follows: Take a slice of stale 
 bread, and cover it with warm water ; after it has soaked 
 for a quarter of an hour, squeeze it as dry as possible; then 
 pour enough of boiling milk over it to moisten it without 
 making it sloppy. This must be made fresh every day, and 
 a tablespoonful of our Parrot Food mixed 
 into the day's allowance. This food is 
 made of spices, dried fruits, etc., and will 
 keep a parrot in brilliant plumage and 
 health for years, if used as above directed. 
 Price, 15c. per box; if sent by mail, 20c, 
 
 A Parrot does not need water if fed upon 
 moist food. Occasionally you may give 
 them nuts of any kind (especially pea- 
 nuts), boiled corn, and almost any sort of 
 fruit. But do not feed on bread and cof- 
 fee, table scraps, or meat of any sort. They 
 have a great relish for the latter kind of food, and after 
 
 awhile will acquire so deter- 
 mined an appetite for it, that 
 they will pluck out their own 
 feathers for the sole purpose of 
 sucking the stem. 
 
 It should always be borne in 
 mind that the gizzard of a Parrot, 
 as well as of all other birds, takes 
 the place of teeth ; and, further, 
 that it can no more work unless 
 supplied with gravel than a mill 
 can grind, without millstones. 
 Clean gravel, white or red, should 
 be supplied not less than three 
 times a week, 
 
 DISEASES OF PARROTS, 
 
 In summer it is well to scald 
 
 out the cup for soft food each 
 
 ' ' day, and in winter at least once 
 
 a week. Looseness of the bowels is the most common and 
 
 dangerous ill that parrot-flesh is heir to, and nothing causes 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 63 
 
 it sooner than sour food. Avoid zinc food-vessels — they 
 are poisonous. 
 
 A Parrot should be carefully placed in the sunniest nook, 
 and scrupuously secured from cold draughts ; but these un- 
 fortunate natives of the hottest countries in the world are 
 too often left hanging before open windows on chilly nights, 
 and placed before chinks and crevices, through which there 
 is sufficient draught to turn a windmill. The best treatment 
 goes for nothing, unless a Parrot is kept warm in chilly 
 weather. 
 
 Insufficient attention to clean- 
 liness will cause sore feet. A 
 Parrot's perch should be mova- 
 ble; and scraped and scalded at 
 least once a week. The feet 
 should be cleansed, when dirty, 
 with a piece of flannel and Cas- 
 tile soap. Parrots are sometimes 
 attacked by a disease that seems 
 much the same as gout with us. 
 The feet and legs swell, and the 
 bird is unable to grasp its perch 
 properly. The best remedy is, 
 to place the cage in a tub of 
 warm water, and making her 
 stand up to her thighs fifteen 
 minutes, and then wipe them dry; 
 and keep her the rest of the day 
 before a pretty hot fire. If there 
 are sores on the feet, apply a lit- 
 tle sugar to them. Mix a tea- 
 spoonful of Bird Bitters in the soft food daily. 
 
 Sore eyes may proceed from cold or improper food. 
 When the rims are red and inflamed, bathe them with a 
 warm decoction of white hellebore. It is deadly poison, so 
 be careful that the bird does not drink it. 
 
 Some Parrots are subject to fits. They will tumble off 
 their perches, and, after a few convulsive struggles, lie as if 
 dead. When this happens, squirt the coldest water you can 
 get, over her head. If she does not revive, take her by the 
 legs, and dip her three or four times into cold water. If she 
 should still remain insensible, pluck out a tail feather, or 
 cut one of her claws so as to cause it to bleed. If she does 
 
 NO. 2. 
 
64 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 not then recover, you have a choice of two things— to have 
 
 lier buried or stuffed. Nothing is -so 
 
 likely to produce fits as costiveness, 
 
 and you may know when a bird is so 
 
 afflicted by her constant efforts to 
 
 evacuate. For this, give three drops of 
 
 castor oil. It is no easy matter to 
 
 administer castor oil to a full-grown 
 
 and strong-beaked Parrot, unless you 
 
 know how. The proper way is to have 
 
 a piece of hard wood, about a quarter 
 
 of an inch thick and three-quarters of 
 
 an inch wide ; in the centre bore a hole. 
 
 Open the Parrot's beak, sHp in the 
 
 wood, and put a quill or a glass tube 
 
 through the hole, and then drop the NO. 3. 
 
 castor oil into the tube. 
 The plucking out of the feathers is nearly always caused 
 
 by indulgence in animal food, or too much hemp seed. The 
 
 best thing to do is to bathe the bare places with a decoction 
 
 ofdilutedoxgall, 
 and diet the 
 birds on plain 
 canary seed, and 
 put a teaspoon - 
 ful of Bird Bitters 
 daily in the soft 
 food. 
 
 Impure water, 
 stale food, or 
 want of sand, 
 will produce sur- 
 feit. The head, 
 and sometimes 
 the back , be- 
 comes covered 
 with angry sores, 
 which discharge 
 a humor of so 
 acrid a character 
 that wherever it 
 runs it removes 
 Dissolve a quarter of a pound of salt or half a 
 
 NO. 4. 
 
 the feathers. 
 
BIRD FOOD COMPANY'S BOOK OP CAGE BIRDS. 65 
 
 pound of loaf sugar in a quart of water, and bathe 
 the parts affected twice 
 a day. Dry the sores thor- 
 oughly, and anoint them 
 with olive oil. The diet 
 should be as simple as pos- 
 sible. Boiled rice, contain- 
 ing a teaspoonful of Parrot 
 Food, and half a teaspoon- 
 ful of Bird Bitters, is the 
 best food, while the surfeit 
 continues, and nothing else 
 should be given, but keep 
 the bird warm. 
 
 The want of proper 
 warmth will sometimes pro- 
 duce inflammation. The 
 symptoms are, melancholy, 
 and a disposition to go to 
 roost while it is yet day- 
 light. If you blow up the 
 feathers of the belly, you 
 will find the extreme parts 
 
 NO. 5. 
 
 much swollen, and a multitude of tiny red veins showing 
 
 through the skin. This is a 
 dangerous malady, and 
 should be seen to in time. 
 If the bird's bowels are re- 
 laxed, give him, until better, 
 as much magnesia as can be 
 piled on a nickel, mixed in 
 his soft food. A piece of 
 sugar cane is most excellent 
 for this disease. Feed on 
 Parrot Food in which plenty 
 of maw seed has been sprin- 
 kled. 
 
 The most healthy birds 
 will sometimes be troubled 
 with ugly wart-like excres- 
 ences. Occasionally they 
 will grow as large as a pigeon's eg:g. Pass a piece of fine 
 silk cord round the base of the tumor, and at each end of 
 
 NO. o. 
 
66 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 the cord make a loop'; secure the cord around the excres- 
 cence by passing a small wooden peg through the loops ; 
 every other morning giv'e the peg a twist, so as to draw the 
 cord a little tighter, and in a short time the tumor will 
 wither and fall off. Providing you manage the tightening 
 of the cord with care, the operation will be attended with 
 little or no pain. It will, however, be a long time — indeed, 
 not till the next moult — before the bald place caused by the 
 tumor will be covered with feathers. 
 
 During the moulting period, Parrots 
 require great care and attention. Some- 
 times considerable pain and difficulty 
 attend the operation, and two or even 
 three months will be thus miserably 
 passed by the poor bird. The only way 
 in which you can aid him is 
 by giving him extra nourishment, and 
 keeping him as warm as possible. It is 
 a good plan to cover the cage entirely 
 with brown paper. Add plenty of Parrot 
 Food to the soft food, and a teaspoon- 
 ful of Bird Bitters daily. A biscuit, 
 (without seeds) soaked in milk, in which 
 a few pepper pods have been boiled, is 
 a good thing to give occasionally. 
 
 Scouring is caused either by a sudden 
 change of diet or through taking sour 
 fruit, or some other improper food. The 
 symptoms are a drooping tail, a tena- 
 cious white excrement adhering to the 
 feathers beneath the tail, and a general 
 uneasiness exhibited by the bird. The hinder parts, which 
 will be found to be much inflamed, should be anointed with 
 paim-oil ; give maw seed and a pepper pod, and put Bird 
 Bitters in the soft food. 
 
 Another of the diseases to which Parrots are subject, is 
 asthma. This either arises from an undue allowance of 
 heating food, or through cold. The symptoms are shortness 
 of breath, and a frequent disposition of the bird to gape. _ If 
 the attack is but slight, it may be cured by altering the diet, 
 taking care that a good portion of his food is of a moist and 
 warm character. If the bird is very ill, make a stiff paste of 
 boiling milk and wheat flour, and add a tablespoonful of 
 
 NO. 7. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 67 
 
 Parrot Food, and a teaspoonful of Bird Bitters, 
 nothing else for at least three days. 
 
 Give him 
 
 CAGES FOR PARROTS. 
 
 Of these there is an infinite variety to select from, at a 
 range of prices from ^2.50 to $25.00. In buying a cage three 
 things should be borne in mind : 
 that it is large enough for the bird ; 
 that the fastenings are such that 
 the Parrot cannot undo them ; and 
 that the doors are well secured. 
 We illustrate several of the best 
 styles. No. i is constructed with 
 brass rails and tinned wire, with 
 secure fastenings for cups and 
 door, and bars riveted. It comes 
 in five sizes : A, 12 inches diame- 
 ter, I2.50; B, 13 inches diameter, 
 $3.00 ; C, 14 inches diameter, I3.50 ; 
 D, 16 inches diameter, $4.50 ; E, 
 18 inches diameter, I5.50. 
 
 No. 2 is of solid brass, with 
 enamelled cups ; size, 25 inches 
 high, and 18 inches in diameter. 
 Price, $9.00. This is the most 
 stylish Parrot cage made. No. 3 
 is of tinned wire, with brass trim- 
 mings, and enamelled cups and 
 base; height, 28 inches ; diameter, 
 20 inches. Price, I7.00. No. 4 is 
 of a most excellent shape. The 
 frame is made of brass, with tinned 
 wires, revolving porcelain-lined 
 iron feed-cups, and black walnut 
 bottom, with drawers. It comes in two sizes : A is i5>^Xi3 
 inches, I8.50; B, 20X14^2 inches, |;io.oo. No. 5 is of 
 tin-plated wires, run through holes drilled in solid brass 
 wires, making the cage indestructible ; revolving feed cups 
 of porcelain-lined iron. It is in four sizes: A, 12 inches 
 diameter, ^3.00 ; B, 13 inches diameter, ^4.00 ; C, 15 inches 
 diameter, $5.00 ; D, 16 inches diameter, $6.00. With brass 
 top and enamelled bottom, the prices are 75c. per size 
 higher. In No. 5 the frame work is of brass, the wires of 
 
 NO. 8. 
 
68 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 tinned wire, and the base is of oil-finished walnut ; 
 enameled cups and strong grating in the bottom. It is in 
 two sizes : 20X22, |io.oo ; 22X24, |ii.oo. No. 7 is a parrot 
 stand of brass, with bronze foot-piece, and black-enameled 
 moveable tray ; the perch is of wood, and the feed cups are 
 enameled ; there is a brass chain to attach to the parrot's 
 foot; the height to the cups is 46 inches. Price, ^11.00; 
 without swing, I9.50. This is the finest perch manufactured. 
 No. 8 is a tin stand, with brass chain ; 40 inches high, |4,oo. 
 
 THE COCKATOOS. 
 
 These curious members of the Parrot "family are easily 
 
 tamed and although the> 
 rarely make good talkers, 
 they become very affec- 
 tionate towards their keep- 
 er. The most common of 
 the species, the Sulphur 
 Crested Cockatoo, is a 
 splendid bird. The plum- 
 age is snowy white with a 
 tinge of lemon on the 
 feathery crown that sur- 
 mounts the head and 
 which he can expand at 
 pleasure. The longest 
 feathers of the crest meas- 
 ures about seven inches. 
 He should be k-ept on a 
 perch and treated as di- 
 rected for Parrots. The 
 price of a good specimen 
 ranges from I15.00 to $2,0.00. 
 
 The Rose Breasted Cockatoo is no larger than & Gray 
 Parrot. The back and tail is of a soft dove color, while the 
 breast and crest is of a beautiful rose. They often make 
 most excellent talkers and are very affectionate when thor- 
 oughly tamed. They should be kept in an ordinary parrot 
 cage, and require a diet of canary seed and the soft food 
 described under the general management of Parrots. The 
 price ranges from |i2.oo to I15.00. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 69 
 
 THE BLUE MOUNTAIN LORY. 
 
 The Lory is of slighter build than other Parrots. The beak 
 is more oval and slender and is prolonged before coming 
 to a point. 
 
 The Blue Mountain Lory is the variety most commonly 
 met with. His size is about that of a Pigeon and the plum- 
 age is of a most gorgeous and commingled blue, scarlet, 
 purple, and yellow. He will if patiently taught, learn to 
 articulate words and even sentences. He should be kept 
 in a cage such as is illustrated as adapted for Cockateels, 
 the cost of which is $5.50. Feed him on plain canary seed, 
 ;md occasionally ripe fruits of any kind. The price of a good 
 oecimen is ^13.00. 
 
 THE CUBAN PARROT. 
 
 1 hese Parrots are brought here in vast quantities every year 
 from Cuba ; and, although rather small birds, they make 
 most excellent talkers, and learn very readily. They are 
 green in plumage, with markings of black, and have a face 
 of rose, edged with white. They require a rather small 
 cage, and the treatme#it they need differs in no way from the 
 general rules laid down previously. A good specimen, in 
 the Fall, is worth I5.00 ; and the price advances towards 
 Christmas to $8.00. 
 
 The Trinidad Parrot resembles the above in color and 
 size, but has not the rose face ; the price is the same. 
 
 THE GRAY PARROT. 
 
 This bird, both on account of its docility, when tamed, 
 and its superior intelligence, is among the foremost of the 
 Parrot. In size, the Gray Parrot varies from nine to twelve 
 inches in length. Its bill is black, strong, and much hooked, 
 and the orbits and space between them is covered with a 
 bald white skin. The entire body is of a pearl gray, and 
 
70 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 the tail of a deep bright scarlet. When properly treated, it 
 is one of the most healthy and longest- 
 lived of Parrots, It makes a most excel- 
 lent whistler, and will readily pick up 
 taking airs that are repeatedly whistled 
 to it. Never give a Gray Parrot water, 
 to drink, as it requires none, except such 
 as is in the soft food described. 
 
 A healthy young bird is worth $12.00 to 
 $18.00. In buying a Gray Parrot, be care- 
 ful not to get one that has been brought 
 from Liverpool on a steamer. These 
 birds are always stowed in an unventi- 
 lated box, and kept in the engine-room, 
 where they get impregnated with smoke 
 and soot, and blood poisoning thus con- 
 tracted, soon carries them off, even if seemingly healthy 
 when bought. The healthy birds are brought on sailing 
 vessels, direct from Africa to this country. 
 
 We illustrate a stylish cage for a Gray Parrot. It is made 
 of solid brass throughout, and has horizontal instead of ver- 
 tical bars. The swing and perches are of hard wood, and 
 the feed cups are enameled. Price, $9.00. 
 
 THE BLUE HEAD AMAZON PARROT. 
 
 This variety resembles the Yellow Head Parrot in every- 
 thing excepting the head, which is blue and yellow instead 
 of all yellow. The same sort of a cage or stand is required 
 as for other Parrots of similar size. They make excellent 
 talkers, and are worth from |8.oo to |i2.oo each. 
 
 Always bear in mind in buying a Parrot, to get it from a 
 reliable dealer. An unhealthy bird can be doctored up by 
 means of drugs so as to be seemingly healthy for a little 
 while, only to relapse into a state of chronic helplessness 
 after the effects of the stimulants have passed off. It is 
 always better to pay a few dollars more than to run the risk 
 of getting such a bird, and thousands of such are yearly 
 palmed off on the unwary. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE MACAW. 
 
 71 
 
 This is the largest of the Parrot family and some kinds 
 attain the immense size of three feet. 
 They are among the most gaudily 
 plumaged of birds ; the variety most 
 common being of a brilliant blue and 
 yellow! 
 
 The upper part of this species 
 is of a fine blue, more or less 
 tinted with green, while the lower 
 part from the breast downwards is a 
 light orange yellow. The bill is en- 
 tirely black, being large and strong 
 and considerably hooked in shape. 
 Macaws can be readily distinguished 
 from the rest of the Parrot tribe, by 
 the face being entirely bald, or at most 
 furnished with a few spare lines of 
 feathers. 
 
 The Macaw should always be 
 chained to a perch, as in a cage its 
 plumage is likely to be broken and 
 injured. The perch should be strongly 
 made, and all parts within reach of 
 the Macaw's powerful beak, covered 
 with tin or thin sheet brass, as a 
 wooden perch will be destroyed by a 
 mischievous bird in a few hours. We 
 will furnish a suitable perch with 
 chain for attaching to the bird's foot 
 for |6.oo. In summer the perch can 
 be kept out of doors all the time, a 
 roof being hung over it to protect 
 the bird from the rain. 
 If bought when young, this showy 
 bird can sometimes be taught to repeat words and senten- 
 ces, but if older it is a hopeless task to get it to utter any- 
 thing except its own hideous shriek. 
 
 The diet should be coarse, and consist mainly of corn and 
 crackers. It is very fond of nuts, the hardest of which are 
 readily cracked by its iron-like bill. 
 A young male Macaw is worth from $15.00 to 1125.00. 
 
72 BIKU FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 THE YELLOW-HEAD MEXICAN PARROT. 
 
 In the United States this species is, without doubt, the 
 
 most popular of Parrots, 
 and is the most fluent 
 talker and the most easily- 
 taught. In our opinion 
 the ISlexican Parrot is the 
 best talking bird in exist- 
 ence, and should be 
 ranked even before the 
 Gray Parrot. They are 
 larger than the Gray 
 Parrot, and are a beau- 
 tiful green in color, with 
 bright red on the edges 
 of the wings and tail. 
 Some Parrots of this 
 species are very fond of 
 bathing and should be 
 often indulged in this 
 cleanly habit, and when 
 they will not bathe of 
 their own free will, ex- 
 pose to a warm shower 
 in summer or a bath ap- 
 plied by a garden syringe. There are two kinds, the 
 DOUBLE YELLOW head and the single yellow head ; the 
 former being the better bird of the two, and a healthy young 
 specimen of which is worth |i2.oo to ^i8.oo. A Single Yel- 
 low Head is worth |io.oo to I15.00. These are the prices 
 for bright, active birds. 
 
 Talking birds of either of these varieties are worth from 
 S25.00 up to the most fabulous prices. We know of one 
 Mexican Parrot of the Double Head kind that can sing por- 
 tions of over a dozen popular songs, and there is hardly a 
 day passes that she does not add some word or sentence to 
 her already large vocabulary. Five hundred dollars have 
 been offered and refused for this wonderful bird. 
 
 Never teach a young Parrot the silly phrases " Pretty 
 Polly;" "Polly wants a cracker," etc., but rather call your 
 bird by some other name than Polly, and learn it something 
 less stale, flat, and unprofitable than such nonsense. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 73 
 
 THE AVIARY. 
 
 Of a bird-room we rarely hear in an American home, but 
 in Europe there are thousands of by no means wealthy peo- 
 ple whose delight it is to keep, to rear, and to study birds. 
 There, a gentleman's mansion is no more complete without 
 an Aviary than it would be here without a conservatory. 
 
 But the custom of keeping birds is growing in this country 
 in a surprising manner, and it will not be many years before 
 the pleasing practice will be as popular here as it is on the 
 other side of the Atlantic 
 
 An Aviary is most suitable and beautiful when constructed 
 similar to a conservatory, with glass roof and sides; but any 
 ordinary room that has a sunny outlook will answer. The 
 floor should be covered with white sea or river sand to the 
 depth of a couple of inches. There is no necessity to 
 renew this oftener than twice a year, but it should be 
 
74 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 raked once a week, with a fine rake ; and once a month 
 shoveled up and run through a sieve, by which means all the 
 excrement and dirt can be removed. A door of wire 
 screen should be at the entrance, so that the birds can be 
 observed without unnecessarily disturbing them ; and the 
 windows also covered with wire netting, so that air can get 
 into the room when the weather is warm. 
 ■ Around the walls should be ranged low evergreen shrubs. 
 They can be cut off near the roots, and kept upright by any 
 of the devices used for Christmas trees ; or, if planted in pots 
 or boxes, and occasionally wet, they will keep green for 
 many months. Several cedar or similar trees should be 
 placed down the middle of th*^ room. Ivy will grow along 
 the walls, but it takes several years tor it to become of con- 
 siderable size. One 
 or two stone foun- 
 tains, similar to 
 those described un- 
 der "Fine Bred 
 Poultry," should be 
 placed on the floor, 
 for their drinking 
 water. These foun- 
 tains are so con- 
 structed as to supply 
 the water only as fast 
 as drank, thus pre- 
 venting the birds 
 from fouling it. Seed 
 can also be kept in 
 these fountains, but 
 when used for this purpose, they should be placed on a shelf, 
 out of the reach of stray mice. Nest boxes can be arranged 
 around the walls and in quiet corners. These can be made 
 of cigar boxes, or cocoanut shells, or we will furnish wire 
 ones made for fastening against the walls, at lo cents each. 
 Many of the birds will build their nests in the evergreens. 
 
 A tray of tin should be made to fit one of the window 
 ledges, in which the bathing dishes can be placed, and 
 thereby preventing the spilled water from wetting the sand 
 on the floor. Around the wall, at different heights, arrange 
 wooden ledges so that the birds may have other places to 
 alight besides the floor and trees. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 75 
 
 The room can be readily heated in the winter by a gas or 
 oil stove ; but care should be taken to have it protected with 
 wire gauze, so that the birds cannot fly against the hot sur- 
 face, and burn themselves. 
 
 In such a room as described, soft-biiled and seed-eating 
 birds will live amicably together, make sweet music, and 
 build nests and rear their young. Should any bird or pair 
 of birds prove on introduction into an Aviary to be quarrel- 
 some with their associates, remove it or them at once before 
 some of the smaller birds are killed or nests and eggs de- 
 stroyed. A mischievous bird will sometimes do untold 
 damage in an Aviary. A very fair collection to start with 
 can be bought for $50.00, as follows : 
 
 Six Canary hens, I4.50; a male Canary, I2.50; a male 
 Goldfinch, |i. 50; a male Linnet, |i. 50; a male Chaffinch, 
 I1.50 ; a male Siskin, $1.50; a male Bullfinch, I3.50. Some 
 of these birds may mate with the canary hens, and produce 
 valuable mules. A pair of Java Sparrows, $4.00 ; a pair of 
 Australian Parrakeets, $7.00; three pairs of African Finches, 
 of different kinds, $12.00; and a pair of Cockateels, |i2.oo. 
 
 These are all seed-eating birds, and will breed in confine- 
 ment. By carefully reading the articles on the different 
 species of birds, you can readily tell whether or not any 
 certain one of them is suited for the Aviary. 
 
 An Aviary can be built out of doors, and glass frames con- 
 structed for use in winter. Nearly all varieties of birds, 
 excepting those from the hottest countries, will live in such 
 an Aviary without artificial heat. 
 
 We are prepared to furnish plans to build ; and arrange and 
 stock Aviaries on any scale desired. Plans for aviarieswith 
 instructions for building, arranging and stocking, sent by 
 mail at reasonable prices. 
 
 A collection of birds may be kept in a large cage, such as 
 is illustrated at the beginning of this article. It is 30 inches 
 high, 25 inches long, and 15 inches wide; of close brass 
 wires, and black walnut bottom. It will accommodate 40 
 birds. Price, $25.00. 
 
 The other illustration represents an Aviary cage, 27 inches 
 high, 24 inches long, and 24 inches wide. It is made of best 
 quality spring brass wire, and walnut base. There is also a 
 smaller size, holding 15 birds, at $10.00. Walnut cages, with 
 iron wire, can be made to order, of any size, and with any 
 width of wire at low prices. 
 
1^ 
 
 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 TRAPPING BIRDS. 
 
 -/O 
 
 Our woods and fields are full of birds that make most 
 beautiful pets, when caged. They can be trapped in many 
 ways. One of the best is by the use of the trap -cage here- 
 with illustrated ; and in 
 the lower part of which a 
 singing bird, of the same 
 species as those you de- 
 sire to capture, should be 
 placed; the trap set, and 
 some attractive food 
 scattered about. If a live 
 bird cannot be had, a 
 stuffed one will answer, 
 though not likely to be as 
 successful. If a nest of 
 young birds are placed in 
 the trap-cage, the parents 
 can be readily caught. 
 
 Bird Lime is one of the 
 easiest and surest ways of 
 trapping birds. We sup- . 
 ply it, already prepared, 
 for 25c. per can. The 
 manner of using it is very simple. A bundle of long elastic 
 switches are cut from a willow or birch tree, smeared over 
 wdth the Bird Lime, and stuck into the ground, a few inches 
 apart, in the form of an oval. Inside of this a live bird is 
 placed, with its wings fastened to its body by means of a 
 rubber band, or a stuffed bird can be used. The bushes and 
 lower branches of near growing trees, upon which the birds 
 are likely to alight, should also be coated with the Bird 
 Lime. Tempting food should be scattered about the limed 
 switches. As soon as the feet, wings, or feathers of a bird 
 touches the Bird Lime, he is held a prisoner, and should be 
 taken off at once, before his plumage becomes coated with 
 the sticky substance. A stuffed owl will attract hosts of 
 small birds to the limed twigs. We can furnish stuffed 
 specimens of almost any variety of small birds, and send 
 them by mail for $1.25 each ; owls, $3.50 each. 
 
 When birds are first put into a cage, a rubf ^r band should 
 v>e slipped over their bod> lo.d wings, to p ^nt them fiut- 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 77 
 
 tering, and the cages placed in a darkened room, away from 
 all bustle and noise, until they become accustomed to cage 
 life. 
 
 Soft-billed birds make better songsters and become more 
 tame, when taken from the nest, just as the tail feathers be- 
 gin to grow, and raised by hand. They should be kept in 
 a soft cotton nest, and fed upon a paste made as follows : 
 Upon stale wheat bread pour boiling milk, and after it 
 becomes soft, squeeze dry, and mix with the yolk of a hard- 
 boiled egg, and a little finely-shredded lean raw meat. This 
 must be prepared fresh every day. Nestlings should be fed 
 a little at a time, but often, and water can be dropped into 
 their open mouths from a quill. Ev^en after they can feed 
 thetnselves, it is advisable to continue hand-feeding, as it 
 makes them grow more rapidly, and keeps them in good 
 condition. 
 
 STUFFING BIRDS. 
 
 People who have become attached to a bird, generally 
 desire to have it stuffed when it dies ; but those who live re- 
 mote from cities, have hitherto been unable to have them 
 stuffed. We are able to obviate this difficulty by giving 
 directions for preserving the dead body, so that it can be 
 sent from anywhere in the United States, reached by express 
 and it will come to us sufficiently preserved to stuff. As 
 soon as the bird dies, inject into its throat and arms, by 
 means of a syringe, a weak solution of carbolic acid, care 
 being taken not to get any on the plumage. Then pack it 
 in crushed charcoal, and send to us by express. The 
 charge for stuffing a bird, the size of a Canary, is |r.oo; one 
 as large as a Robin, I1.50, the size of an, Owl I3.50. The 
 price for stuffing animals varies from |;i.ooto $100. Glass 
 shades for mounted Canaries, to keep off the dust, are 
 worth |i. 00 each; next size, $1.50, and a size large enough 
 for an Owl, fo.oo. 
 
 We can supply almost all species of birds and animals 
 for collections, mounted in the most artistic and life-like 
 manner at prices ranging from 50c. to $100. 
 
 Money must accompany all birds or animals sent to us to 
 be stuffed. This we require as an evidence of good faith- 
 
78 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 CAGE FIXTURES. 
 
 NO. 1. 
 
 NO. 2. 
 
 No. 8. 
 
 NO. 3. 
 
 NO. 4. 
 
 NO. 9. 
 
 NO. 5. NO. 6. 
 
 NO. 7. 
 
 NO. 10. 
 
 NO. II. 
 
BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 79 
 
 Engravings i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 represent different styles 
 of cage cups. All are worth loc. each, and 3c. per cup extra 
 is required when ordered by mail. 
 
 No. 8, chain for suspending a cage. Price, per foot, with 
 ring and catch, loc. Can be sent by mail for 2c. extra per 
 foot. 
 
 No. 9.— Cage bracket of lacquered iron. Price, 20c. ; by 
 
 mail, 30C. . 
 
 No. 10.— Cage bracket, that screws into tne wall. Price, 
 loc; by mail, 20c, 
 
 No. II.— Swinging cage bracket, of bronzed metal, 25c.; 
 by mail, 35c. This bracket can be made to point in any 
 direction. 
 
 NO. 12. 
 
 NO. 13. 
 
 NO. 15. NO. 16. 
 
 NO. 14. 
 
 No. 12.— Spring bracket, that sways the cage as the bird 
 hops about, 20c.; by mail, 30c. 
 
 No. 13.— Brass chain, natural size, very strong, loc. per 
 foot ; by mail, 2c. per foot extra. Ring and catch, 5c. extra. 
 
 No. 14.— Brass chain, natural size, very strong, loc. per 
 foot ; by mail, 2c. per foot extra. Ring and catch, 5c. extra. 
 
 No. 15.— Brass chain, natural size, 5c. per foot ; by mail, 
 ic. per foot extra. Ring and catch, 5c. extra. 
 
 No. 16.— Cage spring of brass, 25c.; by mail, 2C. extra. 
 Silver-plated spring, 40c. 
 
80 BIRD FOOD company's BOOK OF CAGE BIRDS. 
 
 Brass wire cage guard, for preventing birds from scatter- 
 ing seed from their cages, 50c. per yard. Ten cents per 
 yard extra when sent by mail. 
 
 Feed Cups, all styles, except those used for Osborne 
 cages, IOC for either glass or opal. Osborne or Monogram 
 cups, 15c. each ; 25c. per pair. Mocking Bird cups, with 
 wire attachment for food or water, 15c. each, or 25c. per pair. 
 Bottles for Breeding Cages, loc. each. Tin food boxes for 
 Parrots, loc. each. All the above, 5c. each extra when sent 
 by mail. 
 
 Bath Dishes. — Opal glass for Canaries, two sizes : ist 
 size, IOC, 2d size, 12c. Size for Mocking Birds, 25c. each. 
 All the above, 5c. each extra, when sent by mail. 
 
 Cage Mats of tin, for the bottom of brass cages, all sizes, 
 round, loc; square, 15c. The cost to send by piail is 5c. 
 each. 
 
 Breeding Nests, of willow, 6c; vermin proof wins, loc; 
 wire nests, with back, to fasten against the wall, loc. 
 Postage, 2C. extra. 
 
 Perches, for brass canary cages, cedar, metal tipped, 5c 
 each ; for mocking bird cages, 12c. ; for parrot cages, t2C. 
 Perch sticks, 2c. per foot. Postage, 2c. on small perches, 
 and 5c. on parrot perches. 
 
 Swings for canary cages, of brass wire with cedar stick, 
 5c.; for parrot cages, 15c. to 25c. Postage on small swings, 
 2C.; large swings, 3c. to loc 
 
 Bird Foods. — Mixed Seed, per quart, 20c. Plain Canary 
 Seed, per quart, 20c. Russian Hemp, per quart, 15c. Ger- 
 man Rape, per quart, 20c German Millet, per quart, 20c. 
 Turkish Maw, per pound, 25c. Lettuce, per pound, 40c. 
 Sunflower, per quart, 35c. Unhulled Rice, per quart, 
 20C. Blue Maw Meal, per pound, 25c. Pea Meal, per 
 pound, IOC Hemp Meal, per pound, 20c. Ground Zwie- 
 back,* per pound, i8c. Ground Bullock Heart, per 
 pound, 50C. Ant Eggs, per ounce, loc. Cuttle Bone, 
 each 5c; per pound, 50c. Fish Food, per box, loc 
 Mocking Bird Food, per jar, 35c. Parrot Food, per box, 
 15c. Bird Manna, each, 15c. Bird Bitters, per bottle, 
 25c. Mite Exterminator, per bottle, 25c Meal Worms, 
 per hundred, 25c. 
 
 Any special design, shape, or size of cage for birds or 
 animals, made to order at short notice and at reasonable 
 prices. 
 
LIST OF HIGH-CLASS POULTRY. 
 
 HIGH-CLASS POULTRY. 
 
 8i 
 
 We deal in all kinds of fine-bred land and water fowl, and 
 are prepared to fill all orders at short notice. The prices 
 quoted below are for good specimens. Exhibition fowl are 
 worth more, and parties desiring such should write to us, 
 stating exactly what they want, and we will quote prices by 
 return mail. No charge will be made for boxing and deliv- 
 ering at the express office. 
 
 A trio of fowl consists of two hens and one rooster; thir- 
 teen eggs are given to a sitting. Our eggs for hatching, 
 are from the finest strains in the country. 
 
 Leghorns: — There are three varieties of this breed; 
 White, Brown, and Black ; all are the best of layers, and 
 are non-sitters. The first two are worth |6.oo per trio, 
 rooster, I3.00 each, and eggs, $2.00 per sitthig. Black Leg- 
 horns, $10.00 per trio ; rooster, I3.00; eggs, $2.00 per sitting. 
 
 Plymouth Rocks. — This is emphatically the farmers' 
 fowl ; they are of good size, excellent layers, and the chick- 
 ens mature early. Per trio, $9.00 ; roosters, $4.00 ; eggs per 
 sitting, $2.50. 
 
 Brahmas, both light and dark, are most excellent fowls, 
 being very large, and quite good layers. Price. |;i2.oo per 
 trio, for either variety ; roosters, I5.00 each ; and eggs I3.00 
 per sitting. 
 
 Black Spanish are once more springing into popularity. 
 They are prolific layers, and their flesh is very tender, and 
 
82 LIST OF HIGH-CLASS POITLTRY. 
 
 most excellent eating. Price, per trio, $8.00 ; roosters, I3.00 ; 
 eggs for hatching, $2.00. 
 
 Game. — There is an almost endless variety of the breed. 
 We can furnish any kind from $5.00 to |i2.oo per trio ; j^2.oo 
 to I5.00 for a rooster, and $2.00 to ^4.00 per sitting of eggs. 
 In ordering, please mention if you desire birds for ornamen- 
 tal purposes, or those that will stand "steel." 
 
 Langsangs. — This is a large breed, black in color, that 
 has been but recently introduced. Per trio, |i2.oo ; rooster, 
 I4.00 ; eggs per sitting, I3. 00. 
 
 Cochins are of four kinds: White, Buff, Partridge, 
 and Black. They are very popular fowl, and deservedly 
 so. Each of the varieties is worth $12.00 per trio ; I4.00 for 
 a rooster, and $2.50 per sitting of eggs. 
 
 Hamburgs are very ornamental, excellent layers, and of 
 medium size. There are seven varieties, white, black, silver 
 spangled, golden spangled, golden penciled, silver span- 
 gled. Price, per trio, |8.oo ; rooster, $3.00 ; per sitting of 
 eggs, $2.00. 
 
 DoMiNiQUES have many admirers ; they are about the size 
 of Leghorns, which they much resemble in shape and laying 
 qualities. Price, per trio, |6,oo ; rooster, ^3.00 ; per sitting 
 of eggs, I2.00. 
 
 Houdans, Crevecoures, and La Fleche are curious 
 fowl, of French extraction. They are excellent layers, and 
 very ornamental. Price, I9.00 per trio ; rooster, $4.00 ; eggs 
 per sitting, I3.00. 
 
 ^ Dorkings, both white and gray, are among the most de- 
 sirable of fowl for spring-chicken raising. They are heavily 
 fleshed, and mature early. Per trio, |i2.oo; rooster, ^5.00; 
 eggs for sitting, I3.00. 
 
 PoLANDS are of medium size, with a crown of feathers on 
 the head. They are white, white-crested black, black, 
 and golden. Price, per trio |;8.6o ; rooster, I3.00 ; eggs per 
 sitting, $2.50. 
 
 Bantams, of all breeds, from I3.00 to |io.oo per trio ; roos- 
 ters, $1.00 to $4.00; eggs for hatching, $1.00 to I3.00 per 
 sitting. 
 
 Ducks of all varieties, Ruen, Aylesbury, Pekin, etc., at 
 prices that range from ^5.00 to $15.00 per trio ; eggs for 
 hatching, $2.00 to I3.00 per sitting. 
 
 Geese, of all kinds, from $10.00 to $25.00 per trio ; eggs 
 lor hatching, $4.00 to $6.00 per sitting. 
 
LIST OF HIGH-CLASS POULTRY. 83 
 
 Bronze Turkeys. — Large fowl are worth I20.00 per trio ; 
 extra gobblers, $7.cx) each ; eggs, $5.00 per sitting. 
 
 Guinea Fowl are worth |6.oo per trio ; cocks, $3.00 ; 
 eggs, |2,oo per sitting. The White variety, I9.00 per trio ; 
 cocks, I4.00 ; eggs, I3.00 per sitting. 
 
 Peafowl are worth |i 5.00 per pair; eggs, I5.00 per sitting. 
 White Peafowl, I50.00 for a male, or 1:75.00 per pair. 
 
 Swans. — We can import these beautiful fowl, at six 
 weeks' notice, for ^75.00 per pair for White, and $100 per 
 pair for Black. 
 
 Pheasants. — The English Variety, |io.oo to 1125.00 
 per pair; Chinese Silver and Golden, ^25.00 to I50.00 
 per pair. 
 
 Wood Ducks, the most beautiful of all the family, and 
 easily domesticated. |io to I15 per pair for specimens in 
 perfect plumage. 
 
 Silkies are curious fowl, white in color, the plumage of 
 which resembles hair. Per trio, $10.00 to $25.00 ; eggs, per 
 sitting, $5.00. 
 
 RuMPLESs fowl have no tail or rump ; they are excellent 
 layers ; per trio, I9.00 ; roosters $4.00 ; eggs, per sitting, I2.50. 
 
 Newly Hatched Chickens or Ducks for Easter 
 presents ; 25c. each. 
 
 Stone Drinking Fountains, for fowl and Pigeons. 
 One quart, 35c.; half gallon, 70c.; gallon, |i.oo; two gallons, 
 $1.50. Broken bone for fowl, 4c. per pound. 
 
 diseases of poultry. 
 
 For that dread disease, chicken cholera, we recommend 
 our Chicken Cholera Pills as the best specific ever dis- 
 covered. It will also cure roup and almost all other dis- 
 eases that chicken flesh is heir to. Price 25c. per box. Can 
 be had of drugj^istc or will be sent by mail on receipt of 
 price. Medicine in pills is more easily administered to 
 fowl than in any other form. 
 
 Our Poultry Powder, when mixed with corn meal and 
 fed daily to hens, will increase their laying qualities in a 
 wonderful degree. It will keep poultry always healthy and 
 free from disease, and promote the growth of young 
 chickens in a remarkable manner. Price, 25c. per package, 
 by mail, 40c. 
 
84 
 
 LIST OF SMALL PET ANIMALS. 
 
 SMALL PET ANIMALS. 
 
 Rabbits should head this Hst, from their popularity. 
 There are quite a number of fancy breeds. The Lop-Eared, 
 which have long, pendant ears. Prices, $5.00 to |25.ooper pair. 
 The Angora, with long hair, usually white. Prices, I5.00 
 to |io,oo per pair. The Belgian Hare, the largest of all 
 breeds, much bred in Europe as food animals ; prices, ^5.00 
 to I25.00 per pair. Himalayan are a beautiful variety, 
 snow white, with nose, ears, feet, and tail black or brown. 
 Prices, $5.00 to I15.00 per pair. Silver Gray have a coat 
 of a beautiful silver-gray color. Prices, $5 to I15 per pair. 
 Dutch are the smallest of all, weighing from two to four 
 pounds. Prices, $4.00 to $15.00 per pair. Common, of all 
 colors, $3.00 per pair for old, and I2.00 for young ones. 
 Guinea Pigs rank next to Rabbits, and are generally the 
 
 first of a boy's pets. 
 Common, are worth 
 I2.50 for old, and I1.50 
 for young ones. Pure 
 White, with pink eyes, 
 I5.00 per pair. Abyssin- 
 ian, the hair of which 
 appears as if brushed 
 the wrong w^ay, $5.00 to 
 $10.00 per pair. 
 
 White Mice are 
 pretty little creatures, with pink eyes, and can be readily 
 tamed. Price, for old ones, per pair, $1.00 ; young ones, 50c. 
 A cage to keep them, such as is shown in the engraving, is 
 worth $1.00. 
 
 White Rats are usually very amiable in disposition, and 
 will not bite. Per pair, for old ones, $3.00 ; young ones, 
 $2.00. 
 
 Ferrets, trained or untrained, white or the fitch variety, 
 are worth from ^10.00 to $20.00 per pair. 
 
 Squirrels make very interesting pets, and can be easily 
 tamed. They should be kept in a cage similar to the one 
 illustrated. This style is made of the best quality tinned 
 wire, with brass frame. Size for a Gray Squirrel, is worth 
 $10.00; for Red Squirrel, $8.00; for Chip Squirrel, $5.00. 
 A Gray Squirrel, is worth from $3.00 to $10,001 a Black Squir- 
 
 WHITE mice cage. 
 
LIST OF SMALL PET ANIMALS. 
 
 85 
 
 rel, I5.00 to $15.00 ; a Flying Squirrel, I3.00 to |io.oo; a Red 
 Squirrel, $3.00 to $10.00 ; a Chip Squirrel, $2.00 to |6.oo ; 
 a White Squirrel, $25.00 to $100. The prices vary, according" 
 to the tameness of the 
 animal; the lowest 
 prices being for newly- 
 caught squirrels. 
 
 Maltese Cats, full 
 grown or kittens, are 
 worth, for the pure 
 breed without a white 
 hair, $3.00 for males, 
 and $1.50 for females. 
 
 Angora Cats, pure 
 white, with long hair, 
 can be imported at $50 
 for males, and $25 for 
 females, or $65 per pair. 
 Kittens about 15 per 
 cent. less. Maltese c.mttot^ttt r-Ar-j? 
 
 Angora Cats, as their squirrel cage. 
 
 name signifies, are lonS-haired Maltese Cats. Males are 
 worth I25 ; females, I15. Tiger Cats have stripes resem- 
 bling a tiger. Males, $25 ; females, $15. 
 
 Monkeys of small breeds make interesting, though not 
 very clean pets. The Ringtailed variety is one of the 
 best-tempered ; price, I15 to $30 each. 
 
 Marmosets are pretty little creatures allied to the monkey 
 family, about the size of a rat, with a long tail thickly covered 
 with hair. They make attractive and harmless pets. Price, 
 $6.00 to $15 each. 
 
 We can generally supply, at short notice, all kinds of ani- 
 mals ; such as Coons,Opossums, Prairie Dogs, Foxes,Deer,etc. 
 
 OLD CAGES REFINISHED. 
 
 Brass, Nickle, and Silver-plated Bird Cages, when tar- 
 nished, can be made equal to new again. We charge, for 
 doing this, fli.oo for brass and nickle, and $2.00 for silver- 
 plated cages. Persons living in the city can drop us a postal 
 card, and we will send after their cage, and loan them one 
 in which to keep their bird until their own cage is refinished. 
 The time required is usually five days. 
 
86 LIST OF FANCY PIGEONS. 
 
 FANCY PIGEONS. 
 
 We can supply all varieties of Pigeons, either high class 
 or ordinary specimens. Before ordering, it will be better to 
 write to us, stating the kind of birds desired ; and we will 
 forward descriptions and prices. Almost all varieties of 
 Pigeons can be had of the following colors : black, silver, 
 yellow, red, dun, and white. 
 
 English Carriers are of noble carriage and have a warty 
 excrescence on the beak and around the eyes. The beak is 
 long and straight. Prices range from I3.00 to $100 per pair. 
 
 English Barbs are stoutly built, with very short thick 
 beaks and warty circles about the eyes. They are of as 
 many colors as the Carrier, and prices range from I3.00 to 
 I50.00 per pair. 
 
 Fantails are beautiful birds, with a wide fan-shaped tail, 
 some have a cap of feathers on the head. Their most com- 
 mon and at the same time most beautiful color is white, 
 although they are to be had in other colors. Prices range 
 from I2.00 to I25.00 per pair. 
 
 Owls are neat little Pigeons with short beaks and a rose- 
 shaped cluster of feathers on the breast. Prices range from 
 I2.00 to I25.00 per pair. African Owls are much smaller 
 than the ordinary variety, and are higher in price. 
 
 TuRBiTS are similar in build to the Owl Pigeon, but the 
 wings are colored, and contrast with a pure white body, 
 tail, and wings ; they have crests on the head. There is a 
 solid-color variety. Prices range from I2.00 to $25.00 per 
 pair. 
 
 Runts are the largest of pigeons, the Spanish variety, for 
 instance, being as large as a spring chicken. Prices range 
 from I2.00 to I50.00 per pair. 
 
LIST OF FANCY PIGEONS. 87 
 
 Trumpeters are curious Pigeons. They can be had both 
 mottled and of soHd color. The feathers of the head grow- 
 downward over the eyes, and the legs are heavily booted 
 with feathers. They make a curious booming noise, which 
 can be heard for a long distance. Prices, I2.50 to $25 per pair. 
 
 Pouters, sometimes called Croppers, stand upright like a 
 person, and they can inflate their crops at pleasure, until it 
 is almost as large as a toy balloon ; the legs are booted with 
 feathers. Prices, $3.00 to I150 per pair. 
 
 Almond Tumblers are small Pigeons, with a short beak 
 and face. They are of the color of an almond, and curious- 
 ly mottled. Prices. I3.00 to $50.00 per pair. 
 
 Bald Tumblers have a white head, tail, and wangs ; the 
 rest of the body being of another color. Price, $2.00 to 
 I15.00 per pair. 
 
 Bearded Tumblers have a triangular streak of white 
 under the throat ; the body being differently colored. Price, 
 $2.00 to I15.00 per pair. 
 
 Common Tumblers turn somersaults in the air as they 
 fly. Price, 75c. to I3.00 per pair. 
 
 Ground Tumblers have the tumbling quality so fully 
 developed that they cannot fly higher than a few feet from the 
 floor without turning a somersault. Prices, $2 to $10 per pair. 
 
 Magpies, as their name indicates, are marked similar to a 
 Magpie. They are to be had both crested, and with plain 
 head. Price, |2.oo to $10.00. 
 
 Nuns are of white and some other color, with a head like 
 a nun's hood. Price, $2.00 to |io.oo per pair. 
 
 Duchesses are large Pigeons, with legs heavily booted 
 with feathers. Price, |i.oo to $5.00 per pair. 
 
 Antwerps are used for carrying messages, and are known 
 outside the fancy as carriers. Prices, |i.oo to $10 per pair. 
 
 Blondinettes and Satinettes are, in shape, very simi- 
 lar to the Owl Pigeon ; but their plumage is very beautiful 
 and cunous. Prices, $5.00 to $25.00 per pair. 
 
 Common Pigeons, of all colors, good strong specimens 
 are worth 50c. to 75c. per pair. 
 
 Archangels are of very curious plumage, about the size 
 of a Tumbler Pigeon. Prices, $2.00 to $5.00 per pair. 
 
 Swallows have beautifully-contrasted plumage, and 
 heavily-booted legs. Prices, $3.00 to $25.00 per pair. 
 
 Jacobins have a curious hood of feathers, that envelopes 
 the head and shoulders. Price, $3.00 to $15-00 per pair. 
 
88 JMANAGEMENT OF THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 THE FRESH WATER AQUARIUM. 
 
 The first consideration in the management of the Aqua- 
 rium is, that the vessel used shall be free from contaminating 
 influences: such as the oxidation of iron, or the poisons 
 given off from mineral paints not sufficiently dried. For 
 iron, a covering of Portland cement is the most satisfactory 
 protection, if properly applied. Three coats of shellac var- 
 nish answers very well, allowing each to dry thoroughly 
 before applying the next. 
 
 The next consideration is position. As we are consider- 
 ing the Aquarium in its proper sense, as a self-sustaining 
 adjustment of the relations between animal- and vegetable 
 life, plenty of daylight is essential to success, and, if possi- 
 ble, sunlight. The Aquarium, therefore, should be placed at a 
 window. Plants will healthily grow only in the light. In 
 the hot season the Aquarium may be shielded from the rays 
 
 of the mid-day sun by a screen of 
 paper or cloth, of blue color. Blue is 
 recommended, as the result of ex- 
 perience in preventing a too rapid 
 growth of the green confervse on the 
 sides of the Aquarium. As to tem- 
 perature, it should range from fifty to 
 seventy. Within that range, the 
 lower the better. Of course, there 
 can be no absolute rule ; each indi- 
 
 vidual, in the management of his or 
 
 P her Aquarium, being restricted to the 
 
 _ ' * conditions attainable, and success is 
 
 often attained in violation of all rules. Fish show the same 
 
 signs of suffering, from excessive heat, as are shown by 
 
 human beings : rapid respiration and lassitude. 
 
 In stocking the Aquarium, the clean silver sand, put up 
 by us, pebbles, or pieces of rock may be used, as covering 
 for the bottom, and in which to imbed the plants, according 
 as fancy may dictate. Shells should be avoided as being 
 injurious, from their salty nature. 
 
 As to plants, there are many which will thrive in the 
 Aquarium ; but that which is most popular, and which un- 
 doubtedly thrives best under all circumstances, is the 
 Myriophylhiin spicatum or Water Milfoil, as it is called in 
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 89 
 
 England. This roots readily and quickly, whether imbedded 
 in sand, or simply stuck into a terra-cotta ornament. The 
 Valisneria spiralis, the so-called Water Celery on which 
 the canvas-back duck feeds, only obtainable from May to 
 November, is another of the valuable rooting plants. 
 Anacharis Canadensis is another. Of those which do not 
 root, the Ceratrophylhini demersmn, or Marestail, and 
 Utricularia ijijjata, or Bladder wort, are most desirable. 
 
 To those wishing simply an ornament or a toy, with a 
 minimum of care, we recommend only the gold and sih^er 
 fishes. They being vegetable feeders, will thrive on the 
 prepared fish food sold by us for ten cents per box. 
 
 To those desiring an Aquarium possessing scientific in- 
 terest or novelty, there is a great variety of fish, harmless 
 reptiles, water beetles, etc., which are 
 of much deeper interest in their habits 
 than the more showy goldfish, but 
 which require to be fed on such food 
 as is suited to their varied wants. 
 Some of these will take meat, oyster, 
 etc., while others will refuse all but 
 that which they kill themselves. In 
 feeding fish, care should be taken to 
 remove all that is not 'saten, before it 
 has time to decompose. A very good 
 plan for feeding is, to have set a glass 
 jar, mouth upwards, in the Aquarium 
 into which to place the food. The fish 
 will not be iong in finding the way into it, and they will 
 never forget it. This prevents the food from being 
 scattered about. 
 
 Be satisfied with a moderate number offish. Much of the 
 want of success with Aquariums, is due to over-stocking. 
 It destroys the necessary natural conditions, producing 
 foulness and impurity, disease and death. 
 
 It is not necessary to change the water unless the fish 
 show signs of suffering by remaining at the surface, with the 
 nose out of the water. This indicates a lack of oxygen in 
 the water, and may be caused by decomposition of food 
 carelessly left in the water, by unusual heat, or' by over- 
 stocking with fish. If our directions are followed strictly, 
 the water will remain sweet and pure for years, without 
 change, except that which is produced by evaporation. All 
 
 Fig. 2. 
 
90 
 
 MANAGEMENT OF THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 sediment should be removed about twice a week by means 
 
 of a small siphon or lifting-tube. 
 An Aquarium with metal frame and glass sides, will cost 
 
 (size of front glass), 6Xio inches, I1.50; 9X13 inches, $2.00; 
 
 10X16 inches, I3.00. Aquariums with iron frames and 
 
 plate glass, all sizes, with and without running water 
 
 attachment, |io to $250. Send size wanted and we will 
 
 quote price. 
 Fish Globes with brass chain affixed for hanging (see Fig. 
 
 i), are worth: Yz pint size, 25c.; i pint, 30c.; i quart, 40c.; % 
 
 gallon, 50c.; I gallon, 65c,; 2 gallons, ^i.oo. 
 
 Fish Globes, with feet, (see Fig. 2), quart size, 75c., ^ 
 
 gallon, |i.oo; i gallon, |i. 25 ; i^^ gallon, I1.50; 2 gallons, 
 
 I2.00 ; 3 gallons, $3.50 ; 4 gallons, I4.50. . 
 
 Glass Tanks (see Fig. 3), are worth : Quart size, 75c.; Yz 
 
 gallon, li.oo; i gallon, |i. 25 ; 2 gallons, $1.75 ; 5 gallons, 
 
 $3.00 ; 10 gallons, I7.50 ; 12 gallons, $10.00. 
 
 Stands for square or round Aquariums, of wood, iron, 
 
 wire, and brass, |i.oo to I25. 
 Fish of all kinds can be shipped almost any distance, by 
 
 express, with safety. Goldfish are worth, all sizes, 25c. 
 
 each ; Silver Fish, 15c.; Japanese Goldfish, with long flow- 
 ing tails, $2.00. Small native fish 
 of all kinds, loc. each ; Newts, In- 
 sects, small Frogs, Pollywogs, 
 Crawfish, loc, small Turtles, 25c. 
 each. Water Plants of any of the 
 kinds described, loc; per bunch, 
 |i.oo per dozen. These latter will 
 be sent by mail on receipt of price. 
 Water Snails, very useful for de- 
 vouring the green confervas that ac- 
 cumulates on the glass of the 
 
 Aquarium, loc. per dozen. Terra Cotta ornaments for the 
 
 centre of the Aquarium, from loc. to |i.oo each. 
 Fish Food, sufficient to feed six goldfish for six months, 
 
 IOC. per box, by mail. Aquarium Cement, 25c. per box. 
 
 Silver Gravel, for bottom of Aquariums, loc. per cjuart. 
 
 Small pebbles, same price. Dip net for catching fish in the 
 
 Aquarium, 25c. each by mail. 
 
 We will undertake to make and stock Aquariums of all 
 
 sizes, and keep the water fresh without change, at reasona- 
 ble prices. Also to build and stock Marine Aquariums. 
 
 Fig. 3. 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 
 
 DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 
 
 911 
 
 YORKSHIRE, 
 
 PUG. 
 
 We make a specialty of importing and selling fine-bred 
 dogs of all breeds. We have in our employ probably the 
 best general judges of dogs in the United States, besides 
 
 several agents in 
 
 Europe, who ship 
 
 dogs to us on 
 
 almost every 
 
 steamer. We "sell 
 
 a dog the same as 
 
 we sell everything 
 
 else, with a guar- 
 antee that the 
 
 animal is just as 
 
 it is represented. 
 
 Heretofore, this 
 business has been in the hands of sharpers, who swindled 
 the inexperienced by palming off worthless curs as fine-bred 
 stock. We have raised the business to the lev^l of a legiti- 
 mate trade, and sell dogs for what they are worth, and not 
 for what they will bring. 
 
 We have on hand, or will procure at short notice, dogs of 
 the following breeds: — 
 
 The King Charles Spaniel. — This ranks among the 
 highest-priced and scarcest of dogs. A good specimen, 
 "male or female, is worth from I50.00 to ^300. Puppies are 
 slightly less in price. We generally keep both dogs arid 
 puppies on hand. 
 
 ■ The Blenheim Spaniel. — This is almost as rare as the 
 King Charles, and brings about the same price. Both the 
 Blenheim and King Charles will be imported to order at six 
 weeks' notice. 
 
 The Pug. — There are three varieties of this breed : the 
 English, 2t. Pug of medium size; the Willoi(ghby,3. small 
 size Pug ; and the Russian, a Pug with much black on the 
 face and head. These dogs have cheapened much in price 
 during the last year. Good specimens can now be had from 
 $25.00 to 5100. Females and puppies at less. 
 
 The Fox Terrier has lately sprung into popularity in 
 this country, although it has taken high rank among the 
 
92 DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 
 
 fashionable ladies' dogs of Europe for some years. Price, 
 ^25.00 to I250. 
 
 The Bull Terrier is a dog that well deserves the pop- 
 ularity that has at last fallen to his lot. He is good-tem- 
 pered, intelligent, active, and plucky. Specimens exist that 
 weigh under five pounds, but these bring fabulous prices. 
 Dogs that weigh from six to twenty pounds are worth from 
 ^15 to I150. Dogs from 20 to 30 lbs., I5.00 to ^25. 
 
 The Yorkshire Terrier is the fashionable dog of the 
 period for ladies. Specimens are frequently met with that 
 weigh under four pounds. Price, |2o to ^150. Puppies, 
 |i5 to $75. 
 
 The Skye Terrier comes in silver, blue, and gold ; the 
 blue being the more valuable. A good specimen can be 
 bought for $25, but prices are from that up to ^75, for extra 
 small and fine ones ; puppies, I500 to $50. 
 
 The Scotch Terrier, in color, should always be yellow, 
 and the hair not so long as the Skye. He makes a good 
 pet, and a most wonderful rat-killer. A good specimen 
 should be short and stumpy. Price, ^5.00 to $25 ; puppies, 
 I5.00 to $15.00. 
 
 The Black and Tan Terrier, once so popular, is com- 
 ing into favor again. They are the smallest of dogs, three 
 pound specimens not being so very rare. There is also an 
 all-tan color variety. Price, $5.00 to $75 ; puppies, I5.00 
 to $15 ; the tan color dogs are rather higher. 
 
 The P^rench Poodle is the small variety sometimes called 
 a lap-dog. They are generally white in color, but are occa- 
 sionally black, brown, or spotted. Prices, I5.00 to $25 ; 
 puppies, I3.00 to $10. 
 
 The German Poodle is the large breed, and is of all 
 colors, and spotted. Prices, I5.00 to 125 ; puppies, I3.00 to 
 |io. Trick dogs of this kind can be had for $25 to |ioo. 
 
 The Cocker Spaniel is a good house dog, and excel- 
 lent for hunting Snipe, Woodcock, Pheasants, and Ducks. 
 Unbroken, the prices range from $5.00 to $25 ; broken, from 
 $10 to |ioo ; puppies, I5.00 to $50. Imported dogs, from I25 
 to |ioo. ^ 
 
 The Sussex and Clumber Spaniels are not often met 
 with in this country, but can be imported at a cost from $25 
 to $200, according to quality. 
 
 The Pointer is not as popular now as the setter for hunt- 
 ing, and good specimens can be had, broken, for $25 to $75 ; 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 93 
 
 unbroken, ^lo to I25. Puppies, ^5.00 to I25. The higher 
 prices are for pedigreed stock. 
 
 The Setter is a specialty with us, and we can furnish all 
 kinds, with or without pedigree, broken or unbroken. 
 Puppies, I5.00 to I50. Red Irish are worth from ^25 to 
 I250 for broken, and from I15 to $75 for unbroken dogs ; 
 puppies, $5.00 to $50. Blue Belton are now very popular, 
 and range in prices from $20 to $300 when broken, and un- 
 broken from lio to $50 ; puppies, |io to $50. Laverack 
 are orange and white, lemon and white, or black and white, 
 in color. Prices for broken dogs range from $25 to |2oo ; 
 unbroken, $10 to |ioo; puppies, $5.00 to I50. Gilder- 
 steeve, the same colors as Laverack, are worth about the 
 same prices. Gordon are jet black in color, with tan 
 poi-nts. Prices, when broken, $50 to $250 ; unbroken, 115 to 
 $100; puppies, lio to I75. There are many other strains of 
 setters, such as Bismark, Llewellyn, etc., which are worth 
 about the same range of prices as the preceding. 
 
 The Irish Water Spaniel is deep red in color, with 
 ligft curly hair, and is about the size of a large poodle, 
 which he somewhat resembles. They are used principally 
 for duck shooting. Prices, $1$ to I50; puppies, ^5.00 to $25. 
 
 The Chesapeake Dog originated on the shores of the 
 Chesapeake Bay, where it is used for duck shooting. It is 
 about the size of a small N.ewfoundland, and has a coat of 
 deep red. It is the best surf dog in the world. A good 
 specimen is now very scarce, and is worth from ^50 to |;ioo. 
 
 The Newfoundland is the handsomest and best-natured 
 dog of all. There are two varieties: one has tight, curly, 
 dull black hair, the other a long, silky, lustrous coat ; both 
 are equally valuable, a jet black specimen, broken to 
 carry, is worth from 125 to $150; unbroken, from |i5 to 
 |ioo. One with a white star or white on feet or tail, from 
 $10 to 1:50. The price depends mostly on the size, the larger 
 the dog the more he will cost. Jet black puppies, 115 to 
 I50 ; with white on them, |io to $25. Female puppies are 
 much less in price. 
 
 The English Mastiff, either short or long-haired, is 
 coming into high favor as a guardian for country places. A 
 good specimen is worth frorh 150 to I150 ; puppies, $25 to 
 ^75. We can import them at short notice. 
 
 The Greyhound is a great runner, and can be readily 
 trained to accompany his master or mistress on horseback 
 
94 DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 
 
 or in a carriage. The dun-colored variety is worth from 
 $15 to $25 ; the black variety, $25 to $50 ; the white variety, 
 I25 to |ioo. 
 
 The Italian Hound resembles the Greyhound, but is 
 much smaller. It also can be had in fawn color, from |io 
 to $25 ; in white, $25 to |ioo ; in black, $50 to ^100. 
 
 The Bulldog is white and brindled ; he is a most 
 ferocious-looking animal, that strikes terror to the hearts of 
 tramps. As a rule, he is kind and gentle with his friends. 
 Good specimens are worth from ^10 to $100 ; puppies, I5.00 
 to I50. 
 
 The St. Bernard, of the genuine breed, is scarce even 
 in Europe. In this country, almost every Newfoundland 
 that is grizzled, or red and white is sold as a St. Bernard. 
 A good male specimen of the genuine breed is worth from 
 |ioo to $500, and must be imported to order. The dogs 
 that are called St. Bernards by dealers, are worth from $10 
 to I50 for dogs, and $5.00 to $25 for puppies. 
 
 The Leonberg Dog is a gigantic, long-haired variety, 
 larger even than a bloodhound. They resemble the New- 
 foundland in shape and hair. Prices, |ioo to $250; puppies, 
 I50 to 1 100. 
 
 The Retriever is jet black in color, and has either tight 
 curly or wavy hair. It is about the size of a setter, and is a 
 most excellent water dog. Prices, ^15 to $50; puppies, 
 l5.ooto|25. 
 
 The Bloodhound is a most ferocious looking beast, with 
 long ears, and the best specimens are of a deep tan color. 
 Prices, I50 to $250 ; puppies, $25 to |;ioo. The Bloodhound 
 of the Southern States is really the German Mastiff. Prices, 
 $25 to $75 ; puppies, $10 to I25. 
 
 The Black Spaniel ranks very high as a beautiful and 
 intelligent dog. He is jet black, with wavy hair, and rather 
 larger than the Cocker Spaniel. Prices, $15 to |ioo ; pup- 
 pies, $10 to I50, 
 
 Rabbit Hounds are of several varieties, the commonest 
 of which is the Beagle, a small dog, with short legs. 
 Prices, |io to $50; puppies, $5.00 to I25. The Harrier is 
 larger and swifter than the former. Prices are the same. 
 The Dachsaund is a German Beagle Hound, with a long 
 body and short, bowed legs. Prices, $25 to ^100 ; puppies, 
 $15 to $so. The Basset Hound is of French origin, and 
 somewhat resembles the German Hound. Prices, $50 to 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 95 
 
 $250 ; puppies, $2$ to |icxd. We can generally furnish these 
 dogs, both trained and untrained. 
 
 Fox Hounds, trained dogs are worth $10 to $50 ; pup- 
 pies, $5.00 to I25. Imported English Fox Hounds, of line 
 strains, $25 to |ioo ; puppies, $15 to I50. 
 
 The Dalmatian Coach Dog is white, with brown or 
 black spots. A dog of this breed, trained to run under a 
 wagon or between a team of horses, is worth from ^10 to $2$ ; 
 puppies, $5.00 to |io. 
 
 The Dandie Dinmont owes its celebrity to Sir Walter 
 Scott, who introduced it to the public notice through 
 his novel of "Guy Mannering." This breed somewhat re- 
 sembles the Skye Terrier. Prices, $25 to ^loo ; puppies, 
 |i5to$5o. ' 
 
 The Irish Terrier is a most excellent rat-killer, that 
 will stand almost any amount of hard work. In size and 
 build they resemble the Scotch breed, but are red in color, 
 and have short, wiry hair. Prices, $1$ to ^50: puppies, ^10 
 to I25. 
 
 The Spitz or Pomerian Dog is fast going out of fash- 
 ion, except among the Germans. A white one is worth 
 $5.00 to $15; puppies, I3.00 to $8.00. The black variety, 
 Jio to $25 ; puppies, $5.00 to $10. 
 
 The Maltese Dog is very small and white, with long 
 wavy hair. Prices, $25 to I50 ; puppies, |io to 125. _ 
 
 The Wolf Hound resembles the Greyhound in build, 
 but has long shaggy hair. Prices, $50 to $250 ; puppies, 
 $35 to $100. 
 
 The Mexican Dog, sometimes called the Chinese 
 Terrier, is a hairless breed that differs in size from that of 
 a small black-and-tan to that of a bull-dog. Prices, $10 to 
 
 I50. 
 
 Our Mange Cure 
 
 is a positive remedy for this loathsome disease, and will 
 cure quickly and radically. It consists of both external and 
 internal treatment. Price, $1.00. 
 
 Our Distemper Cure 
 is admitted by all who have used it, to be the best medicine 
 ever prescribed for this disease, by which nearly all dogs 
 are afflicted sometime during their lives. Distemper should 
 be allowed to run its course the same as measles in a child, 
 and when checked by any drug, will be sure to result in 
 
96 DEPARTMENT FOR DOGS. 
 
 some chronic affliction, such as twitchings, deafness, sore 
 eyes, etc., that will injure the dog for life. Our Distemper 
 Cure causes, the disease to be of a mild form, and prevents 
 other complications from arising, leaving the dog, when the 
 disease has run its course, in as perfect condition as be- 
 fore. Full directions regarding necessary diet and care are 
 wrapped around the bottle. Price, One Dollar. 
 
 Our Worm Powder 
 
 is harmless and certain. Nearly all the diseases of dogs 
 before they are a year old, are caused by worms ; the list 
 includes fits, weakness, emaciation, etc. The powder is 
 worth 25 cents per box. 
 
 Our Flea- Soap 
 
 will destroy these pests at one washing of the vermin-bitten 
 animal. It is free from mineral poisons, and is perfectly 
 harmless to dogs. Price, 25c. per cake. 
 
 These remedies can be had of all druggists, or will be sent 
 to any address on receipt of price. We will prescribe the 
 necessary medicine and treatment for all diseases of dogs, 
 if a detailed description of the symptoms are sent us in a 
 letter, and accompanied by our usual fee of One Dollar. 
 
 To Correspondents. 
 
 We are always willing to answer letters relating to cage 
 birds, dogs, and pets of all kinds ; providing a stamp is en- 
 closed. One stamp is a small thing, but a year's aggregate 
 amounts to a large sum of money. In writing to us, be as 
 brief as possible, and always sign your full name, with 
 post-office address, and county and state. 
 
 
 237 South Eighth Street, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA. 
 
lE^OI^TOrS : 
 
 Strength ! 
 
 Smoothness! 
 
 Full Length! 
 
 Elxquisite Colorsl 
 
 WHITE COTTON ON BLACK SPOOLS. 
 
 M I LE-EN D 
 
 Strawbridge & Clothier, 
 
 John Wanamaker, 
 
 Cooper & Conard, 
 
 Sharpless & Sons, 
 
 and all large retailers. 
 
BIRD MANNA/ 
 
 A positive necessity to every cag:e tiird. 
 
 The recipe from which 
 Bird Manna is made, was 
 [)rocured from the Canary 
 Bird breeders of the Hartz 
 Mountains of Germany, who 
 supply almost the entire 
 world with 
 these song- 
 sters ; and is 
 used by 
 them as a 
 remedy for 
 nearly all 
 the diseases 
 of cage 
 birds. 
 
 Although 
 it has been 
 on the mar- 
 ket but a 
 short time, 
 we have al- 
 ready re- 
 ceived hun- 
 dreds of un- 
 solicited tes- 
 
 If given tO:Gage birds dur- 
 ing the moulting season it 
 will usually carry them 
 through this critical period 
 without los^ of iSong. 
 When it is placed in the 
 cage of a 
 pair of birds 
 that are 
 breeding, a 
 marked im- 
 provement 
 in t h e 
 growth of 
 the nestlings 
 v\' i 1 1 be at 
 once no- 
 ticed, and 
 the usual 
 percentage 
 of deaths 
 will be con- 
 si d era biy 
 lessened. 
 The Bird 
 Manna is 
 metal cups 
 
 timonials of its curing almost 
 all the different diseases of 
 both seed -eating and soft- 
 billed birds, and of restoring 
 the song of birds that have 
 been silent for long periods. 
 
 The Manna can be had of a 
 mail on receipt of 15c. 
 
 JOHISSTON, HOI^t^OYTAY & CO., 
 
 Wholesale Agents. 
 602 Arch Street, Philadelphia. 
 
 put up in little 
 
 (protected by IHUrs patent)^ 
 
 that fasten to the wires of theoo 
 
 cage. When given accord-^ 
 
 ing to the directions, a MannaO 
 
 will last several weeks. o 
 
 1 druggists, or will be sent by^ 
 
 ll 
 o 
 
 >- 
 d 
 
 03