On Ornamental Aviaries. 101 



the expense of seed will not amount to more than the differ- 

 ence in wages. Some humane minds Iiave objected to an 

 aviary, from a dislike to deprive the inmates of their liberty ; 

 this is, however, an objection more specious than real. Those 

 who have directed much attention to the habits of animals, 

 will confirm me in the assertion, that even birds, who have the 

 power of locomotion to a greater degree than other animals, 

 make excursions principally for the purpose of obtaining food; 

 and I have observed the same pair of bullfinches on the same 

 hedge, and started them within a few paces of the same spot, 

 day after day, for many weeks ; and that in winter, when it 

 could not be from the attraction of their nest. I found a pair 

 of hedge-sparrows had taken leave to enter my aviary, and, 

 for some time, was unable to discover how they had gained 

 admittance ; but they had found a defect near the roof, through 

 which they could enter, and they took advantage of it. They 

 occasionally went out, but never to any distance ; they natu- 

 ralized themselves to the place most completely, and had a nest 

 of eggs in the aviary. I believe if animals have plenty of food, 

 and suflicient room for exercise, they require and desire no 

 more. If, therefore, the proprietor of an aviary consults 

 the habits of the birds he places there, and supplies them with 

 appropriate food, he affords them ample compensation for the 

 gratification they afford him, when hearing their lively song, 

 and observing their sprightly movements ; of course, there is 

 great difference between the freedom of an aviary and soli- 

 tary confinement in a cage. Few improvements have been 

 made in the construction of aviaries, because few have ex- 

 pended property or pains in erecting them. The site of an 

 aviary should be facing the south or west, and sheltered from 

 the north and east. It should be principally open to the air, 

 and should be constructed of wire almost entirely. But there 

 is no objection, indeed it is rather desirable, that some parts 

 of it should be covered with a roof affording shelter in winter, 

 and shade in summer. A constant supply of fresh, and, if 

 possible, running, water is exceedingly necessary for the health 

 and comfort of the little inmates. The aviary should be well 

 covered all over with turf, excepting the walks, which should 



