3966. Reed Bird or Bob-o-link.—Is apt to die in November, if too well fed. Give oats, buckwheat, and canary seed, and abundant water for bathing. At other seasons feed same indiscriminately, as the Finch tribe.
3967. Chickweed or salad, which in proper season is excellent, are absolutely poison if given too early, before the bitterness is off, and the cold acrid juices are dissipated by the sun.
Insects from Bird-cages, Drawers, &c.—To keep away insects from birds' eyes, suspend a little bag of sulphur in the cage. This is said to be healthful for birds generally, as well as serving to keep away insects by which they become infested.
3968. Aviaries.—The aviary must face the south or west; the ground within may be covered with fine turf, and divided by gravel walks. The evergreens planted inside are, phyllerca, holly, laurel, Portugal laurel, lauristinus, yew, box, and furze. The building should be principally wire, and open to the air, but there should be wings on either side, protected by a roof of wood or glass. In putting goldfinches, linnets, and canaries in an aviary for the purpose of breeding, the males of the two former should be put in with hen canaries as the male birds of the wild species will mate only with canaries. Two or three male canaries may be put amongst them, as the young male birds will learn some of the canaries' notes.
3969. Gold-fish.—Great care must be taken of gold-fish, as they are very susceptible; and hence a loud noise, strong smell, violent or even slight shaking of the vessel, will ofttimes destroy them.
3970. Food for Gold-fish.—Foreign vermicelli, in minute portions, given at intervals of two or three days, is the very best aliment for gold-fish. A frequent cause of their death is injudicious food, and too much of it; bread kills them, and biscuit is scarcely to be trusted, because the materials of which it is composed are not always pure. Water contains so much nourishment, that if it be changed every day, little food need be given in addition. The most proper situation for a globe of fish is near a window, but not in the direct rays of the sun.