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the nest was cup-shaped as in the nest-logs (d). I have myself lost a sitting

this year through no other cause, and I know others have done likewise.

Two or three shillings would have put as many pounds into the

aviculturist’s pockets. James Cooper.



SMALL FOREIGN BIRDS AND OTHERS OUT OF DOORS.


Sir, —I quite agree with Mr. Page that all foreign seed-eating birds

do much the best out of doors, all the year round; also that thickly-

planted aviaries are far and away the best, for they not only afford

natural shelter from the elements, but also screen the birds from obser¬

vation and so induce them to breed. Mr. Farrar’s wonderful success should

be proof enough for anyone : I am now taking a leaf out of his book, and

planting some of my aviaries as thickly as I can.


I do not war with the elements, for I can’t say that they do me a

great deal of harm; but I do war with the mice, and these I find my

great enemy, for they not only disturb the birds, but they eat up the seed

and, moreover, they kill the young and suck the eggs. Ivlv cat is ready

everv morning and follows me when I go to feed the birds, for she well

knows where a good feed is likely to turn up, and she generally gets it.


I find little gin traps far the best for catching mice but, of course,

you can’t set them inside the aviary unless they are covered up. Sunflower

seeds are the best baits for mice.


F'or indoor bird-rooms, I have noticed that it is necessary to have the

top lights, if any, of a flat pitch : the sun’s rays do not then strike at such

an angle as to overheat the place, as they will do if at a pitch such as is

usual in a greenhouse. I once saw a greenhouse with a very flat roof, and

the plants did simply splendidly in it; they were close up to the glass, and

the sun did not burn them ; moreover, the temperature could be better

regulated, and there was not the burning up in the day nor starvation at

night. It is just the same in a bird-room with top lights.


I have just invested in Dr. Butler’s excellent book on foreign birds.

I find he recommends artificial heat in winter, and I fancy a good many

will not agree with him on this point. His idea of fountains with glass

receivers sounds nice and clean ; but what about frost, and where is the

foothold for the birds ? His cement sides a foot high and faced with tiles

I consider quite useless—I mean as to the tiles; the cement is all right and

should go well into the ground to prevent vermin undermining it; but

mice can easily jump a foot high, so tiles would only be a waste of expense.

Summer and Winter quarters are not necessary so long as a good shed is

provided, with plenty of branches and furze bushes hung about, and plenty

of trees, bushes, and evergreens are planted in the foreground.


James Cooper.



A NESTING PARROT.


Sir,—I t may interest your readers to hear of a nest built by a Parrot

while at liberty


The bird was found in the forest with a clipped wing and was kept



(<{). Mr. Abrahams always has a supply of these nest-log's in stock.—R. P.



