Mrs. Annmgsoiis Aviaries. 257 
fully illustrate Mrs. Aniiingson's method of closing her aviary 
up during the winter months I have reprinted an illustration 
figuring this, which appeared in quite an early volume of our 
Club journal. This will give a clear indication of the construc- 
tion of the aviary, and its almost entire lack of what we call 
natural conditions, a plot of grass, weeds, trees and bushes. The 
only plant life in the aviary were a few evergreens in large tubs — 
at ihe same time the furnishings are admirable and evidently 
carefully thought out, full of cover as the aviary is, the centre is 
left free and unobstructed, and yet here, in an aviary quite dis- 
similar from the orthodox breeding aviary, I met with unexpected 
results. 
Bkkeding the Red - collaked Whydah {Penthetria 
ardens). This is the first time that this species has been bred in 
this countr)', and our esteemed member is to be congratulated on 
so unique an event; but I had the satisfaction of getting a 
glimpse of the young birds, which were very vigorous and strong 
on the wing, resembling the female parent. The nest, a spherical 
one, with a sort of porch or lobby entrance, was woven to some 
branches close under the roof. Unfortiniately, until the 3'oung 
were seen, it was not known that they were nesting, and so details 
as to incubation, etc. cannot be given. However, a close watch 
is being kept so as to see at what age they assume adult plumage. 
This success entitles Mrs. Anningson to the Club certificate and 
medal. 
Breeding the Pintaii.ed Whydah {Vidua p>i7icipalis). 
This is another first on record, I believe, and equally unique, 
unless my memory is playing me false ; the only regrettable part 
of these episodes being the entire lack of breeding data, but in 
■each instance it was seeing the young that announced the success, 
all we can hope to gain from these interesting occurrences is the 
age and method at and l)y which they assume adult plumage. 
Another certificate and medal. 
All the Weavers appear to have been indefatigable nest 
builders, as tiie branch in ])hoto amply illustrates, and I under- 
stand there is one brood at least of Red-billed Weavers {Quclea 
■qHelea) all but fully reared. The year 1909, whatever its weather 
record may have been, must ever stand out notable as the \ ear in 
