And now once more to the front of the aviary. Here are a splendid pair of golden pheasants, the male bird as he darts about in the sunshine looking a perfect vision of beauty. He was reared at Windsor from parents bred at the Zoological Gardens. The eggs of his mate are given to a sedate hen to hatch, for greater safety than they would get in the nest of their somewhat frivolous mother, who in her turn receives those of a bantam to take care of.
In the same pen with the golden pheasants lives a pretty little family of buff and white pied pigeons—the property of the Queen’s Indian Secretary.
Near by one may see a small party of ringdoves assuming the most graceful attitudes as they whisper soft nothings to one another in the bright warm sunshine. These pretty creatures are a living reminder of the innate gallantry of the Irish race. During the Queen’s first progress through Ireland after her marriage, as the Royal carriage was slowly passing through a triumphal arch, a pair of ringdoves were gently lowered almost into Her Majesty’s hands. It is from this pair that the pretty little family before mentioned is descended. The doves are great favourites with the Queen, who always relates the history of their origin with special pleasure.
Before leaving, one must have a glance at the Queen’s room, situated in the centre of the aviary, which remains practically the same in appearance as when first fitted under the superintendence of the Prince Consort. It is a very simple but bright apartment of moderate size, with a big bay window overlooking the terrace and fountain.
The walls are papered with a light chintz pattern, and the furniture is framed in light oak and upholstered with a flower pattern cretonne. The principal ornament of the room is a large case of stuffed birds shot by the late Prince Consort. The case is about six feet in height, and has a rustic oak framework. Its occupants are grouse, black cock, and capercailzie. Carved on the frame of the case is “Taymouth, Sep. 8th and 9th, 1842.” All around the walls of the room are other cases of old favourites which in days gone by adorned the pens of the aviary. There is a splendid pied peacock, Amherst pheasants, Indian pigeons, a bantam formerly belonging to the Prince of Wales, and many others. One should also notice the head and claws of a gigantic emu, who in his lifetime was the proud representative of Australia at Windsor. In the corridor leading from the Queen’s room to the garden stands a group of kangaroo rats, a big bustard, a Muscovy duck, and a splendid peacock, once the property of the Earl of Beaconsfield. This last bird was removed to the aviary from Hughenden shortly after the late Earl’s death.
“THE FOSTER-MOTHER.”
Until the last few years, the aviary was a favourite place for the Royal Family to partake of afternoon tea, and here in the Queen’s room is still kept the neat dark blue-and-white Dresden china service which was in ordinary use by Her Majesty. The Queen still drives round the aviary in her daily visit to Frogmore, but rarely alights from her carriage.
Of Royal and distinguished visitors there are many, but not any so regular or so welcome as the children of H.R.H. Princess Beatrice, who seldom allow a day to pass, when staying at Windsor, without “coming to feed the birds”; and right well do those same birds know and welcome the youthful visitors. From the big turkey to the tiny doves, all are on the alert when the sound of carriage wheels is heard, and a universal chorus of approval bursts from the feathered throats as the Royal party distribute their largesse.
The family of the Duke of Connaught also have a special interest in the aviary in the shape of some dozen or so of long-haired white Canadian guinea-pigs (a present from their aunt, the Princess Louise), which live and flourish under Hammond’s fostering care.