68 
Our  Canaries 
upon  whom  a  fond  and  foolish  owner  has  wasted  his  entry  fee  is  simply  a  bird ;  the 
first  prize  winner,  in  their  eyes,  is  no  more.  I  am  much  indebted  to  just  such  a 
man  for  a  lot  of  the  information  contained  herein.  In  towns  and  suburban 
areas  where  space  is  limited,  I  do  not  think  a  less  expensive  or  more  interesting 
hobby  could  be  found  than  an  aviary  of  birds.  Let  me  at  once  state  that  such  a 
place  would  not  be  suitable  for  breeding  fixed  types  of  Canaries  with  a  view 
to  exhibiting  them.  Canaries  of  a  common,  hardy  sort  can,  and  have,  been  bred 
in  aviaries  such  as  I  will  briefly  describe.   With  the  aid  of  a  few  tools  they  can  be 
easily  put  up  by  anyone  possessing  average 
gumption. 
"  First  of  all,  if  possible,  let  your  aviary 
face  south.  If  you  have  a  wall  to  build 
against,  so  much  the  better,  it  will  save  time 
and  expense.  The  roof  is  one  of  the  most 
important  items.  Galvanised  corrugated  iron 
is  rainproof.  I  always  use  it.  If  you  have 
a  wooden  roof  under  that,  the  building  will 
be  cooler  in  summer  and  warmer  in  winter. 
Put  some  perches  high  up  against  the  wooden 
roof;  it  makes  a  warm  roosting  place.  Case 
in  your  aviary  at  both  ends,  leaving  an  open 
fly  in  the  centre,  covered  in  front  with  ^-inch 
netting,  suspended  from  the  roof  therein  one 
or  two  small  fir  trees  for  the  birds  to  play  in. 
Do  not  forget  to  put  a  weather  board  or  two, 
according  to  the  height  of  your  aviary,  top 
and  bottom  of  the  open  fly.  It  will  prevent 
the  rain  driving  in,  and  also  make  the 
shelters  at  either  end  warmer.  Whilst  building  always  have  your  wife  and 
children  round  you ;  the  former  is  useful  for  running  errands  and  finding  the 
tools  the  latter  mislay. 
AMATEUR  THEATRICALS. 
"  Don't  forget  to  strike  your  finger  with  the  hammer  occasionally  instead  of 
the  nail  you  intended.  As  you  jump  around  and  shout,  you  will  contribute  largely 
to  the  gaiety  of  the  home.  The  finger  being  no  longer  painful,  and  the  laughter 
having  died  away,  we  will  continue  building  the  aviary.  The  floor  can  be  wood, 
in  which  case  it  must  be  raised  two  or  three  inches  above  ground,  or  just  gravel, 
but  best  of  all  cement.  Doors  as  required.  For  light,  a  glazed  sash  can  be 
procured  second-hand  from  most  builders  for  a  small  sum.  Don't  forget  to  protect 
the  glass  with  i-in.  mesh  wire  netting.  It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  to  go  to 
the  timber  yard  and  lay  out  a  lot  of  money.    Large  boxes,  packing  cases,  etc.,  can 
D 
d]  O 
Blf\D    f\OOI^  * — ■ 
COV£f\ED 
FLIGHT 
.     ^  ■ 
A 
OPEM 
FLIGHT 
GROUND  PLAN  OP  COMBINED 
BIRD  HOUSE  AND  OPEN  FLIGHT. 
A.  Doors.     B.  Windows.    C.  Lobby  with 
double  doors  tor  entrance  into  open  flight. 
D.   Staging.      E.    Boiler  for  hot  water 
heating  appaLratus. 
