70 BIRDS 



ground should be well sodded, and it may be well to make 

 gravel zones along the ^alls, to prevent the formation of 

 unsightly bare spaces. 



Evergreens, mountain laurels and rhododendrons make 

 excellent cover. Privet and similar shrubs are hardy and 

 grow well, while the many species of Spiraea add a touch 

 of color early in the spring. Pampas grass, if there is room 

 for it, is wonderfully decorative, and affords the best of 

 shelter. 



For aviculture on a smaller scale, aviaries of almost any 

 sort, so long as they are properly constructed, will do. 

 Many birds are sufficiently hardy to winter out of doors 

 without heat. It is always best, however, to attach to each 

 flight a shelter of some sort, into which the birds may be 

 driven in case of cold weather. Many bird-keepers make 

 use of such cages during the summer months only, and re- 

 move their pets to warmer quarters during the winter. 



Aviaries of the sorts described are suitable for birds of 

 many kinds, including all of the small perching birds, par- 

 rakeets, doves, quail, etc. The selection of cage-mates is a 

 matter for careful consideration. If the aviaries are large, 

 many species which will not agree in small quarters will 

 live in happiness. Most of the smaller birds may be asso- 

 ciated with safety, but many of the weavers are quarrel- 

 some and not to be trusted with weaker species. When it 

 comes to the larger forms, it is always best to be certain 

 of the characteristics of the species and the temper of the 

 individual before introducing it to mixed groups. Birds 

 which are so quarrelsome or delicate that they are best kept 

 alone will be noted in the following pages. 



If breeding is especially desired, seclusion is the keynote. 

 The safest way is to let each pair have a separate aviary to 

 itself. As this is often difficult, several pairs of different 

 species may be kept together, if the flight is large enough to 



