The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-12-28

removed, that the birds may not drlnk the water tlrey have washed in:'' ''' :
 Once a year comes the critical period of mouIting. It's coming is usually manifested by listlessness and droWsl- ness on the part of birds, which Will perhaps wander about the cage as though looking for something. At this time sudden changes of temperature are dangerous, as the bird is sensitive and liable to catch cold. A simple way to guard against the danger of draughts is to put thin linen cover over thd cage until the bird is in feather again. When moulting a canary should be fed literally, a few dainties like egg and bread, maw seed millet seed and lin seed being added to the regular fare from time to time. Green food should as a rule be avoided at this time, though a piece of apple, thin slice or carrot or head of ripe plantain once or twice a week will do no harm, to- wards the end of the moult. If for any reason an adult canary does not moult during any year, so if he shows no signs of shedding his feathers before the end of September, an attempt snould pc made to bring about the desired condl- ton artificially. A method often at- tended with success consists of darken- ing the cage and placing 1t ina very warm place. It is best to darken 1t by degrees; with linen at first and dark serge day or two later. A good place to put it IS in a warm closet near the stove, though care should be taken to see that plenty of air is admitted. A i,,t drinking water is recommended in addition. The ob- ject of this solitary confinement is to make the bird fret, and by fretting bring on the moult. When the feathers begin to fall freely the cage should be gradually moved to cooler atmos- phere, but not to room without a fre Moulting birds should be allowed to bathe, and few drops of alcohol in the bath will prevent them from taking cold.
 The breeding of canaries is business in itself. and can be dealt with in 0 superficial manner only. There are several standard works on this sup)ect, and any one who is tempted to become q breeder is advised to consult one or these books which may be obtained ln any large library. To those who sim .
 ply wish to rear a nest or two Of young canaries, the following hints may be useful.
 The birds which are to be mated in the spring should be put some months before in separate cages placed close together. that prospective bride ana groom may have chance to become acquainted. They will then usuaily mate much more readily when enclosed in the same cage. The time Tor pair- ing is from the middle to the latter part of March, and at this time the two birds should be put into cage which has previously been thoroughly cleaned washed out with kerosene fir oil'or oth- CT insecticide. and allowed to stand forty eight hours exposed to Wlnd ana sun. Neat boxes of open wicker or wire work are best, as they not allow tne dust to accumulate; fine hay and COW hair are excellent materials for the nest As at all other times there should pc plenty of clean sand at the bottom ol the cage. The birds may quarrel ilt- tie at first, but usually become recon ciled to each other within ten days Il the cale persists in seriously peckine the female, a second hen should be put in the cage, and the two will usually bring the male to his senses He vii mate with one, and then the other should be taken away. Breeding plrds may be fed with hard boiled egg, grated fine and mixed well with an equa quantity of finely crumbled bread and little maw seed. A tablespoonful twice a day for pair v.pf canaries VIII ps about the right quantity. The eggs should hatch in thirteen or fourteen days. and about two days before it vii be found a good plan to fill the watel cups, put in plenty of good food, ant keep away from the cage until the llttl' ones are two or three days old. It + important that the hen should not b' disturbed whilst the young are yer! weak. As a change of food at this time soak d piece of stale bread, squeeze ou the water and moisten again with little sweet milk.
 When the little fellows can feed them selves, they should be caged off and fet on egg and bread with the addition Of little maw and ground rape seed Gradually little hard seed should b offered to them, and when they arr about seven weeks old they will be abl to crack it.
 ERNEST HAROLD BAYNES.