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THE


Avicultural Nagazine,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF

THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY.



Third Series. —Yol. VIII.—No. 9 .—All rights reserved. JULY, 1917.


THE NEST OF A CHAFFINCH.


(.A Tale of Romance ancl Resource.)


By Alexander Goodall.


The Auld Kirk Manse, or The Manse, as it is usually called, is

a long rambling, two-storied building situated at the top of one of the

many feeders of our exceedingly busy main street. Surrounded by

tall trees, in which there is occasionally a colony of rooks, and

ornamented by shrubs and evergreens, it has the appearance, and I

know it possesses, all the peaceful felicity and calm serenity generally

attributed to the rural minister’s residence, although standing almost

in the heart of a manufacturing town. There is one green sward

suitable for such like pastimes as bowls, croquet, etc., and another

which is put to more utilitarian purposes, besides a large garden, where

many of the various fruits and vegetables necessary for the comfort

and the well-being of the inner man are grown. Nor must I forget

the reverend doctor’s bees (his only hobby), nor his good lady’s hens,

both of which colonies, by their products, help to sweeten the life

and fill with vigour the numerous members of The Manse household.

I could relate many incidents connected with the history of The

Manse, but am afraid they would be rather out of place in this

article. There are meetings—rejoicings—partings—weepings—

marrying and giving in marriage; for the couples are many

who come to The Manse to be bound together in the bonds of

matrimony. And it is in connection with the latter that I have


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