200 



Reminiscences. 



have to content myself with one aviary of modest dimensions 

 and a collection of hifds only worthy of the veriest tyro. E\'en 

 vouni^' Zclira h'inclies cause a flutter in the dove cot. But let 

 us not lose time in vain regrets, but get on with the subject in 

 hand. 



]\1\- next aviaries were my first serious attempt at building 

 an aviary, and I had a great deal of advice as to their construc- 

 tion . The result was not pleasing". If you have ever seen a 

 fine drawing-room hopelessly cut up and spoilt Ijy being badly 

 furnished von can fane: Vvhat these aviaries were like. To 

 commence with; they were built against a south wall. The 

 roof of the shelter slanted from the wall downwards. The 

 result was that these aviaries were very dismal, even in summer. 

 I realised it when too late. Obviously one ought to have either 

 a top light or large high windows to let in the sun in all its 

 glory, and not do one's best to discourage it. One can 

 diagrammatically represent what I mean, thus : — 



r 



2 



/^(oor op- rLiCH", 



V 



J 



Ui 



I 



SOOTH 



F LIG-HT 





Now. wherever you put the sun it is obvious that its rays can 

 never reach one quarter of the shelter, and at its most advan- 

 tageous altitude the sun must necessarily be rising or setting. 



