The Aviariec and Bird,'^ ai Hoddam Castle., 179 



of some kind, according to the requirements of the respective 

 species, but so far none of these had been made use of. 

 However, this reproach can no longer hold good as on the 

 day I left, the hen Rifle Bird dropped an egg from the perch, 

 and the following day a second one — both being broken. I 

 am sure all our members will join with me in congratulating 

 Mr. Brook on this unique event, and in the wish that young 

 of this fine species may soon be reared in his aviaries. 



The general plan of all the aviaries is very similar, 

 though the flights of some vary in size, according to their 

 occupants. It will be seen that in the inner compartments, 

 a service passage runs the entire length of each range of 

 aviaries, with several doors arranged at intervals of about 

 20 feet to prevent draught. There is an entrance from 

 this passage to each aviary, and agahi an entrance from the 

 inner to the outer compartment, in the centre of this latter 

 door, is a small hole (similar to entrances in a pigeon -loft), 

 with platform, by which the birds have egress and ingress. 

 These entrances are very distinct in one of the photo -repro- 

 ductions. The flights are mostly grass and only one or two 

 contain growing trees, but are w^ell furnished with perches 

 and natural branches. It will be seen that the ranges of 

 houses, which form the shelters, are substantial and decora- 

 tive — they certainly harmonise well with their surroundings. 

 Each range has an efficient heating surface of hot-water pipes 

 and radiators. The flights are all constructed of iron framing 

 and hand-woven wirework, and are about 12 feet high. 



The Small Birds' House (Photo No. 4) is excellently ar- 

 ranged (see plan), every care has been taken to secure ample 

 light, as well as shade, and each compartment contains either 

 growing trees, or suitable branches, planted in large pots and 

 tubs. The various flights contained Gouldian, Parrot and other 

 Finches, Tanagers, Sugar Birds, and several Birds of Paradise. 

 Some of these flights are to be fitted up for Sunbirds, which 

 are due to arrive about the end of May; they should do well 

 in these enclosures, and with the fruit syrups, sops, and 

 unlimited and varied supply of fruit, their life should be 

 long and happy, for it appeared to me that nothing could be 

 wanting to secure this, as I surveyed the quarters intended 

 for their reception. 



