248 Bird-keeping. 



within a warmed room and one without, communicat- 

 ing by a sliding panel or swing door, might answer 

 well for Canaries and other semi-hardy birds, and give 

 them fresh air, sunshine, and warmth ; but of course 

 the outdoor compartment must be protected by shut- 

 ters in winter and at night. 



An unused attic, with wired windows, and a loose 

 net before the door, to enable the floor to be swept 

 out, and the room to be entered without allowing the 

 birds to escape, would be the simplest and most inex- 

 pensive aviary; but under a slated or tiled roof the 

 room would probably be very hot in summer and cold 

 in winter. A thatched roof would not be open to the 

 same objection. An oilcloth flooring kept constantly, 

 washed and sanded would answer well for this bird- 

 room. Care must always be taken to keep the aviary 

 clean and carefully swept out, and sanded afresh either 

 every day or every other day, according to the number 

 of birds confined in it, and as little dust should be 

 raised in this process as possible it will sometimes 

 affect the lungs of the delicate birds injuriously. Fresh 

 air, sunshine in moderation, warmth, and cleanliness 

 are indispensable for all birds kept in captivity. 



Of late years a great many outdoor and indoor 

 aviaries have been devoted to the breeding of foreign 

 birds, Virginian Nightingales, Parrots, Parrakeets, etc., 

 and these would require provision for their several 

 nesting-places. For the last-named birds, nothing is 



