233 



latter makes splendid shade for Gouldians, etc., and grows some 10 or 

 12ft. high. 



This aviary is made ill sections, 12ft. long 8ft. high of 3" x 2' red 

 pine, hoarded 2ft. from the ground, and rests 011 a concrete and hrick 

 foundation ; the frame work is all mortised together, and the sections holt 

 together with |* iron holts. The centre posts consist of six uprights 

 4'x 2*, cemented in the ground ahout 2ft; these carry the cross heams which 

 support the top wire netting, heing fastened together by angle irons and 

 screws. The whole of the top and sides are covered with h' mesh wire 

 netting; in three of the sides I have a door. The houses, or shelters, con- 

 sist of one shed, 12 x 6ft., standing inside this flight, well lighted and 

 furnished with pea sticks and nest hoxes. 



There is another house, or shelter, the same size, hut this is built on 

 to the flight; there is also a rustic summer house. To the inside of the 

 flight sections are nailed pea sticks, which prevent the inmates from flying 

 wildly against the wire netting, or even fraying their tails, hut they pitch 

 on these natural perches instead, also when these sticks get covered with 

 creepers, hops, etc., they make the aviary more secluded. 



In the centre of the aviary is a fountain which is turned on for a 

 short time daily, and there are a few birds that do not take advantage of it 

 to get a shower bath. 



One of the most useful things to put in for cover in a large aviary are 

 bundles of straw ; these I prop against the centre posts which carry the 

 roof, and when covered with hops, etc., are quite picturesque in appearance, 

 give good cover and are great inducements to the birds to breed. 



Finches and small birds find plenty of holes in the straw, doves and 

 pigeons readily build on the top and there is no risk of the eggs or young 

 heing pushed out of the nest. 



In this aviary I have bred this year Peaceful Doves, Bronzewiug 

 Pigeons, Diamond Doves, Californian Quails, Rufous-tailed, Long-tailed 

 and Masked Grass-finches, Bengalese, Silverbills, Cutthroats and Zebra 

 Finches. I have also at present (Oct. 19th) Common Avadavats, Green Sing- 

 ing Finches, White Javas, Cordon Bleus, Crested Pigeons and Necklaced 

 Doves ; all with either eggs or young. 



A pair of Ruddy-shouldered Cow-birds have built in my aviaries for 

 two years in succession, but each time the eggs have been infertile. I can 

 support Mr. Mill sum in his statement that the hen alone incubates. This 

 pair whenever I entered the aviary would come screeching around me and 

 almost perch on my head, they seemed so tame ; but after the nest and eggs 

 were taken away a great deal of this tameness disappeared. (Vide plate of 

 nest and eggs.) 



Gouldians have not bred with me, though one pair built and eggs 

 were laid. 



Adjoining this " Wilderness Aviary " I have a large aviary 35 x 20ft. 

 which is used at present for a pair of .Spotted Kmus (see plate) of which I 



