is



clean and cool-looking, and is done partly with paint, partly

with whitewash.


The windows, at the suggestion of Mr. Walker, are made

in the same way as in hunters’ stables, the top sash pulling

forward so that there is no down draught. The part that opens has

a casing of wood and wire, so that, even when the window is

pulled wide open, no bird can escape through it. Of course it is

only in the outside windows that this precaution is needed,

though all the windows are covered with wire netting, as

a precaution against any bird flying against the glass. The

size of each window is 2 ft. 3 inches by 3 ft. 5 inches.


And now having given a detailed, and I fear tedious, descrip¬

tion of the aviary, I must give some idea of what it cost. I sent for

three estimates, and selected one from Mr. Walker, Meersbrook

Bank Works, Sheffield. He had several advantages in his favour,

and his estimate was very much less than the other two. lie had

previously done work for me that had worn well. Mr. Walker

came over from Sheffield and talked things over with me. I

found him most obliging and ready with suggestions, telling me

clearly the advantages, or the reverse, of each point under

discussion. He strongly advocated a wooden lining to the roof;

and I am very glad now that I followed his advice, and did not

have it only of metal, as I proposed at first. The price of the

actual framework was ^46 5s., but to the original plan I added

several improvements; and of course this sum did not include

the cost of painting, brick foundations, levelling, and cement

floor, and the waste pipes and bath arrangements, all of which

latter items were done by local workmen.


The aviary was made in large sections at the Meersbrook

Works, and took only a few days to erect, the rough cement

floor, baths, &c., having been put down first. After the aviary

was put up the final layer of cement was added, and also anarrow

border of it round the inside edge of the open flights, as a pre¬

caution against vermin ; and I should also add the aviary was

erected on a loose square of bricks as a foundation.


The small wire run at the extreme right hand corner of

the picture (which has been reproduced from an amateur’s

photograph) is part of a small aviary for my Californian Quails.


The principal items in the cost of the aviary were as

follows :—


£ S. d.


Original estimate for aviary .. .. .. 46 5 o


Wood lining to roof .. .. .. .. 6 10 o


Glass roof and netting lining .. .. .. 546



