CONCLUSION. 



as well to impress on yourself you have "no more 

 room" for tempting fresh birds. 



And here I wonder if I make a mistake in never 

 parting with my old favourites ; their young ones 

 may, and have, to go, or the aviaries would soon 

 be too full; but doves are long-lived — witness my 

 old cock Aurita; I have had him (an adult bird 

 when he came) 12 years, and he looks like living 

 another 12. I have bred Auritas again and again. 

 Should I not be learning more if I parted with the 

 old birds and filled their places with new kinds, then 

 when they had served their turn with others still? 



There is not the least doubt one would gain more 

 knowledge with this plan ; but I lean to the side of 



sentiment. I look on my birds and all my other 

 pets as my friends, and true friends are never 

 willingly parted. 



Some few years ago hardly anyone kept doves ; 

 it was a lonely hobby then, but a change has 

 gradually come about, and many people keep them 

 now, and are learning to properly appreciate them. 

 I keep other birds also — tiny Waxbills and Finches, 

 Partridges, Parrots, and Parrakeets, but if I omit 

 my two favourite parrots, "Cric" and "Ma,\," the 

 softest corner in my heart for my birds is kept for 

 my doves. If you keep birds try them too, and you 

 may soon think as I do, and love them as well 

 and truly. 



Finis. 



'liiE Featuicker Wosld,' g, Arundfl Street, Strand, London, W.C. Y.P C — 31/3/11. 



