. Canaries, hybrids, and British birds in cage and aviary. EXHIBITING AND WASHING 185 lar a position as possible, and scoop the water in the third basin over it with the rioht hand until it is perfectly free from soap. A small cup can be used to run the water over the feathers, allowing it, of course, to run in the direction in which the feathers should lie. In either case too much water should not be placed on the head, as this exhausts the bird—about three sluicings over the head are quite suffi- cient. After this the flights and tail should be gently drawn through the fingers to remove as n
. Canaries, hybrids, and British birds in cage and aviary. EXHIBITING AND WASHING 185 lar a position as possible, and scoop the water in the third basin over it with the rioht hand until it is perfectly free from soap. A small cup can be used to run the water over the feathers, allowing it, of course, to run in the direction in which the feathers should lie. In either case too much water should not be placed on the head, as this exhausts the bird—about three sluicings over the head are quite suffi- cient. After this the flights and tail should be gently drawn through the fingers to remove as nuich water as possible before proceeding to the drying stage. Care must be taken not to use much pressure, or a portion, or possibly the whole, of the tail may be pulled out. If preferred, a sponge may be used for the final rinsing, and the bird may even be dipped and freely moved in the clean warm water—with the ex- ception, of course, of the head. In what- ever way it is done it should be remem- bered that the great point is to get every particle of soap completely out of the plumage, for if any is left in it will pro- portionately liinder a good result. At this stage a heavy sigh may probably be heard from the " better half," and an anxious face be seen watching the }>ro- ceedings. Very likely the operator feels badly too, as he beholds the miserable little object he has produced ; few men have ever '' smoie a smile "' at this crisis of their first wash. Never mind ; but having first " wrung out " the bird, as it were, with the fingers (some people draw the wings and tail through the lips instead), take one of the soft cloths, previously well warmed at the fire, which the good wife will have all ready for you ; place the bird on it, and '' dab " it gently between the hands until the worst of the wet is soaked up by the cloth. Be especially sure that the water is well absorbed from about the belly, vent, and under the wings. An excellent m
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Keywords: ., book, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, bookpublisherlondoncassell
