CHAPTER VIII. 



THE ROOM AVIARY. 



bdktJC one of the least troublesome and 

 most enjoyable of aviaries is that fitted 

 up in a small spare room. It is better with- 

 out paper on the walls ; but if it is on, be 

 careful not to have the least bit loose, as the 

 birds will find it, and tug at it till they get 

 off all they can. The birds will peck a 

 merely plastered wall, but that will do them 

 good. 



The glass sashes have to be covered with 

 wire-work, or are, some say, much better 

 taken out altogether during the summer 

 months. I do not quite agree to that view 

 myself, as it seems to me that the means of 

 closing a window is not to be despised in 

 case of heavy storms ; and, putting aside the 

 birds, I have visions of housemaids in con- 



