88 The Canary Book. 



as to fit round the moulding of the grate to prevent smoke 

 coming out during adverse winds. It has a large steel knob 

 in the centre to lift it by. At the top, on the inside, is a 

 piece of iron like a square hook which goes inside the grate 

 to prevent it being blown forward, and it is fixed on the 

 bars by another hook at the bottom; it is made of sheet- 

 iron; this instrument acts as a "blower/' and makes the 

 fire burn well, but it also consumes the coals rapidly, and 

 requires frequent attention. I can regulate the heat in cold 

 weather to about 45deg., and in moderate weather to 50deg. 

 or 55deg. ; however, Gin. hot- water pipes with a No. 2 com- 

 bustion stove would be more satisfactory, but in a circumscribed 

 place this is out of the question. I only breed birds for my 

 own gratification, amusement, experiment, and study, not for 

 profit, hence I never put up more than about twelve pairs 

 of birds. Besides this house, I have an aviary in which I 

 can turn my young birds that are to be used for breeding 

 purposes only. The house is very light in appearance, and 

 the birds thrive in it splendidly. It is painted white outside 

 and French- white inside, excepting the shelving, which is dark 

 stone colour. 



The roof is slated and spouted, in all respects like an 

 ordinary dwelling. I have the town water laid on, which I 

 find very convenient. Anyone who has sufficient ground space, 

 and as much as 25 to spare, I would recommend to have 

 a house of this sort. I must not omit to mention that I 

 have a wood-and-wire frame for the centre window and the 

 sky-light, which is all that is necessary to be opened, and 

 in hot weather I shade the front with calico coverings. 



Birds create a great deal of dirt, and fanciers who happen 

 to be blest with wives of cleanly habits, fastidious tastes, and 

 pungent tempers, are not generally without a knowledge of this 

 sublime fact. Besides, most fanciers have friends who are 

 also fanciers, and consequently frequent visitors, especially in 

 wet weather, when they cannot very well spend their time in 

 out-of-door pursuits elsewhere, and they as well as the birda 

 make dirt. A house such as I have described obviates this. 



