io7



I have heard the Hawfinch charged with precisely the

same offence, but have not found the charge justified. I have

two pairs at the present time.


The Thrush tribe are universally dangerous in my ex¬

perience, and a strong cock Skylark in full song will attack a

Turtle Dove or even a Pheasant, and will show fight to a Rosella.


My advice is : Do not keep two cocks of one species

together in the presence of a hen or hens if peace is desired.



THE ASPECT OF THE BIRD ROOM.


By H. R. Fillmer.


This is a matter of considerable importance to the

aviculturist, although perhaps it is not often that he has any

choice in the matter. Usually there is only one room in the house

which can be appropriated to the exclusive use of the birds, and

their owner has to take that or nothing. Still, some are more

fortunately situated, and many on removing to a new house can

seledt one which possesses a room suitable for a bird-room.


For foreign birds a southern aspedt is undoubtedly the

best, as it secures a maximum of sunshine during the winter,

when it is most needed. Moreover, it is sheltered from the

winds which blow from colder quarters, and in the middle of the

summer when the heat is apt to be excessive even for foreign

birds, the sun’s rays, in consequence of the great elevation of

the sun at midday, do not penetrate far into the room. A room

facing north is too cold, and is also very frequently damp ; still,

good results are often obtained in such a room, and undoubtedly

diredt sunshine is not so necessary as it is sometimes supposed to

be. An eastern aspedt is also too cold, but it has the advantage

of the morning sun, and if a south room cannot be obtained

perhaps an east room is the best alternative. A west room will

answer admirably in the winter on account of its warmth, but it

is very unsuitable in the summer, for it then becomes intensely

hot in the afternoon and evening, while the temperature falls

rapidly during the night, and is at its lowest in the morning

when the birds especially need warmth. In the summer a west

window admits much more diredt sunshine than a south one, as

the rays of the afternoon sun shine horizontally through it,

therefore it becomes overheated in the latter part of the day. This

high temperature would suit the birds if it could be maintained—

but it cannot, and nothing tries them more than rapid changes

of temperature.



