All rights reseri-eil.] ■ January, 1910. 
BIRD NOTES: 
THE 
JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB. 
My Wilderness Aviary. 
By H. WiLLPORD. 
To accompany Mr. Goodchild's excellent plate of my 
largest out-door aviary, our Editor has asked me to write a few 
lines, and although my aviaries have already been rather fully 
described (chiefly their constructional details), perhaps a few 
words further will not be out of place. 
Firstly, then as regards the planting out, which, next to 
stocking it with suitable inmates, is, I should say the most impor- 
tant thing to be considered from a breeder's point of view, as well 
as from artistic or spectacular one. I have found the common laurel 
to be by far the hardiest and most suitable shrub to plant for this 
locality, and in an aviary like this (the " wilderness ") where all 
sides are exposed to the elements, a good laurel heilge, consisting 
of shrubs, so planted that their sides just touch, form a capital break 
to the bitterest winds. It is fairly quick growing and inexpensive, 
good Laurels, four to five feet high and a yard across, cost in this 
part of the country, about half-a-crown each. Besides these any 
kind of Fir, Larch or Conifer are useful, chiefly as feeding- 
grounds for the smaller insectivorous birds such as Wrens, &c., 
as are also many kinds of creepers ; the common Nasturtium being 
a very rapid grower, can be used to such good purpose that even 
the most unsightly structure can be made to look quite picturesque. 
I have this year introduced several kinds of Michaelmas 
Daisies and other flowering plants, many of which grow to a 
height of seven feet or more, and, although of little use for nesting, 
with Nasturtiums, Marigolds, &c., form an excellent and natural 
colour food for most species of birds ; I have often sat and 
watched many of the brightest coloured species searching, pre- 
sumably, for minute insects, perched sometimes on a Marigold 
head, and at others among the Nasturtiums, their little beaks 
