Birds like to have a good depth of water to bathe in ; at the same time, of course, they do not wish to be drowned. If birds are ill, a bath seems to be their most universal remedy; they are hydropathists. A bird looks mopy, and then ensues a grand bathing; a hearty lunch follows, and the patient brushes up and returns to active life. If a newly bought or unhappy bird can be induced to bathe, it is the best of signs that it is getting better.

Canaries should be daily supplied with fresh water for a bath; they will not bathe in stale or dirty water. Procure from the bird-store, or china-store, an article made on purpose for birds, bathing-tubs; or, if unable to get one of them, a common vegetable dish of small size will answer; one that will easily pass through the cage-door, as some owners never take the bird out of the cage. After the little pet has bathed, dry the cage with a soft towel; first taking out the tub, which should never be left in the cage, as few birds take more than one bath in a day. If the bird is in a wire cage which can be detached from the bottom, it is a very good plan, which was practised by a friend of the writer. She unhooked the bottom of her cage every day, and lifted off the top (the bird being on the highest perch), and set it on the floor over the bird's bath-tub, filled with fresh water. The little fellow seemed to like it, for he never failed to bathe immediately, and splashed the water, hopped away, returned and took another dip, and sometimes several plunges. The cage was then fastened together again, and was perfectly dry. Some care is, of course, necessary to prevent his getting out, but it will be no trouble after a little practice. The greatest danger in this plan resulted sadly in a recent case. The lady did not fasten the top and bottom together securely, and after the cage was hung from the window the bottom dropped off and the bird flew away out of her sight. In aviaries, glass bathing-pans are sometimes used ; they can be hung up in a wire basket, like those used for flowers, in the front of an aviary, where a little splashing is likely to do no harm; but when the birds are in a room in a large cage, a glass house in which the bath can stand is very nice. Have a common square bird cage, glazed, the floor being covered with sand, and a bath placed within it: we can thus have the fullest amusement in watching the birds. If some shells are put into the water, the pretty creatures will stand on them, balancing on the edge, dashing down their heads, and fluttering their wings in the water in an ecstasy of delight.