Early Experiences. 25 



adult when in the aviary, say 7ft. above the ground, which 

 would mean that stakes 8Ht. long would be required. If not 

 alread\ stripped of the bark, this must be the first step, the 

 next is to obtain a pail of creosote and place the ends of 

 the stakes that are "to go into the ground therein to soak for 

 about twenty-four hours or more, the pail will not be 2ft. 

 deep, so with a brush you must rub in the creosote, at least 

 three times, to that height ; when dry, the stakes will be ready 

 for use. Dig holes on the inside of your foundation six feet 

 apart, place in the stakes and ram them lirmly into position 

 close against the foundation, netting or corrugated iron as the 

 case may be, and then give them at least two coats of creo- 

 sote. The next step will be to put a skirting board 9in. x 

 I in. all round, the boards hrst having received two coats of 

 creosote, nailing this skirting on thi' outside of the s'takes and 

 covering Xip the portion of the netting or corrugated iron foun- 

 dation above ground with it, next securely nail the netting or 

 corrugated iron, to the skirting board. The next step will be 

 to connect the tops of the upright chestnut stakes together by 

 naiIin,L; lengths of 2in. x 2in. spruce on top of them. 

 Having reached this stage we shall have to consider shelter 

 accommodation, and before proceeding further we had better 

 have one or two plans before us, or the written directions, 

 however simply jiut, may appear complex without some such 

 guidance; and the plans accompanying this instalment will, it 

 is hoped achieve their purpose. 



It 'will materially lessen cost of the construction if a 

 suitable site can be found against some boundary wall or 

 shed. I 1 



The foregoing must be taken as general or rather in- 

 troductory, yet at the same time as necessary and essential 

 for any aviary not erected against boundary walls, and all 

 such aviaries should have the north and east sides solid, that 

 is either of wood, or wood and glass — in all open country rats 

 and similar pests are a possibility, and niust be guarded 

 against as indicated; bther than brick or concrete, corrugated 

 iron sheet? are the most lasting for below ground protection, 

 and even at presen'^ prices are fully as cheap, if not cheaper 

 than thick gauge wire netting. As apology for minute, simple 



