26 



British Cage Birds. 



it is framed and wired in the front like an ordinary 

 breeding-cage. On the other parts of the walls I have a 

 few cages hung up, in which I place any bird that I find 

 quarrelsome and mischievous. This aviary accommodates from 

 fifteen to twenty small birds admirably. 



I could go on enumerating a great many more aviaries 

 for out-of-door use ; but I think those which I have already 

 mentioned will be found sufficient to meet the wants and 

 requirements of all classes of bird fanciers. 



Indoor Aviaries. — There are a great variety of aviaries 

 of this description, so much depending on taste and circum- 

 stances. Some are very elaborate and ornamental, but few 

 such possess that essential requirement — utility. I prefer 

 an indoor aviary made in three compartments, so con- 

 trived that they can at pleasure be made into two or one. 

 The Crystal Palace pattern is both useful and ornamental 

 when properly made and artistically executed, with a central 

 transept and wings (shown at Fig. 4), and with sliding wired 

 divisions. This pattern of aviary should be fitted up and 

 arranged like an ordinary birdcage, with feeding-hoppers, 

 perches, and water-troughs. Sliding wire doors should be 

 made near the top at each end, so that nest-boxes can be 

 hung on if required. The great desideratum in an aviary is 

 space, combined with airiness, convenience, and comfort for 

 the occupants. 



These aviaries are made of various sizes to hold from ten 

 to twenty birds, but it would require one of huge dimensions 

 to properly accommodate the latter number, as overcrowding 

 is not only detrimental to the health of birds, but it leads 

 to bickerings and contentions, which are best avoided. Few 

 indoor aviaries will accommodate more than ten, or at most 

 twelve, birds ; and these require to be of such proportions 

 that they would occupy a considerable amount of space, and 

 would therefore be most inconvenient if required for a small 

 room. 



Next to this style, a large, single compartment, waggon- 

 shaped aviary is best, the dimensions to be regulated according 

 to the number and kind of birds it is desired to keep in 

 it. One to accommodate ten birds should be from 3ft. to oft. 

 Gin. in length, 2ft. in width, and oft. in height to the top 

 of roof. 



