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 ‘‘Max,’’ 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. 
“ie Freaturrep Wortp,' 9, ARUNDEL STREET, STRAND, Lonpon, W.C. Y.P C —31/3/11. 
