C. N. Abrahams—Experiences and Incidents in South Africa 49


aviaries are built of wood, felt, and concrete. The concrete foundations

are 18 inches deep right around below ground and the houses and

flights are firmly fixed to them, so as to withstand the terrific storms

of winter. These deep foundations also serve to stop mice and snakes

from burrowing their way through to contaminate seed and poach eggs.


The houses are constructed of wood, covered with felt. A J in.

square mesh wire, 18 inches high, is fastened between wood and felt,

right around all houses, starting from foundation up. This prevents

mice from gnawing their way through the wood. All windows fitted

are of the dual type. The inner ones are covered with mosquito gauze

and the outer ones are made of glass.


Two rows of controllable ventilation holes are provided near the

roofs and also covered with mosquito gauze. Thus the houses are

absolutely vermin proof, except for the Argentine ant, and draught-

proof, at the same time affording plenty of ventilation.


A false roof is fitted over the roofs of the houses, thus causing a

continuous current of air to flow between them. Throughout the year

all birds are put to bed every night and safely locked up in their houses.


In winter, with the glass windows closed, we are able to heat up

the house. Then, with the advantage of controllable ventilators, we

are able to maintain a steady temperature, at the same time eliminating

the damp air of our wet winter so injurious to Violet Ears, Diamond

Sparrows, and other such delicate species, which cannot stand dampness.


On summer evenings, with the glass windows wide open and the

gauze ones closed, the birds are safely protected against cunning cats

and nagging mosquitoes, at the same time admitting an abundance

of fresh air.


The false roof serves to modify the intense heat of summer days,

as well as nights (summer nights are sometimes quite hot) and keeps

the houses beautifully cool.


I think the Argentine ant is easily our most troublesome pest and

the most difficult to control. We have tried every known brand of

poison without success. They are spread throughout the Peninsula,

but I think they prefer Claremont to any other suburb.


Most troublesome in summer they (the Japanese army) are always

travelling for the soft food mixtures, termites, fruit, and young birds.


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