348 Visits to Memtjers Aviaries. 



has been fitted with a verandah and a flight of steps down 

 into the Wilderness Aviary, and a llig'ht of steps up to a 

 roomy loolc-out platform on the roof. 



'Most oJ: these aviaries liave now matured and tlie oc- 

 cupants are able to nest under practically natural conditions. 

 Among the many rare and uncommon species occupying them, 

 none interested me more than a group of indigenous species 

 Redstarts, Willow Warblers, Lesser Whitethroats, Stonechats, 

 etc. These ni;j,de a fascinating jjicture, and held my fixed 

 attention for quite a period on more than one occasion. Vejy 

 entrancing weie a group of hand -reared Stonechats (almost 

 in matuie plumage) in the ^\'ilderness Aviary, being even 

 more tame and confiding than caged birds, coming to till, 

 strangers, or otherwise, asking by their demcauoui', for some 

 tit -bit. 



Here again, hope of a detailed account of the year's 

 doings of the birds in the Haven-street Aviaries, cause me to 

 refrain from fuller details. 



Mil. Sich's Aviaky: Fi'om Mr. \'\'illford's I went on to 

 Mr. Sich and spent a few days with him at East Hoathly, 

 and though th(} weather was very unfavourable, a most in- 

 teresting time was spent amid the birds, and much avicul- 

 tural yarning. As a iuU description of this aviary and its 

 occupants from Mr. Sich's pen appeared in a recent issue 

 of Bird Notes, only passing mention is called for from me. 



First I toust say that the ground plan and description 

 conveys but a small idea of what a birdy paradise this 

 roomy flight will be, for next season — the natural cover ,is 

 being extended, as also is the shelter accommodation -this 

 combined with its being placed right in tlie heart of rui'al 

 Sussex, with its pure atmosphere, southern situation, and a- 

 bounding supply of insect life, should enable its occupants 

 to successfully reproduce their kind, and to enjoy life — apart 

 from peril — to the fullest extent of the birdy-mind. 



,To conclude, I would urge those, that hitherto, liave 

 not gone in for the garden aviary, to do so, as, if only a few 

 birds are kept, to give them space and growing trees to live 

 among, will increase interest and pleasure in them forty- 

 fold — for amid such surroundings, it is an everchanging pan- 

 orama, as their life history from the egg to the mature, bird 



