372 Zoological Society : — 



quently, its first singing notes were of a character totally different to 

 those usual with the Canary. 



Constantly being talked to, the bird, when about three months 

 old, astonished its mistress by repeating the endearing terms used 

 in talking to it, such as " Kissie, Kissie," with its significant sounds. 

 This went on, and from time to time the little bird repeated other 

 words ; and now, for hours together, except during the moulting 

 season, astonishes us by ringing the changes, according to its own 

 fancy, and as plain as any human voice can articulate them, on the 

 several words — "Dear sweet Titchie" (its name), "Kiss Minnie," 

 " Kiss me then dear Minnie," " Sweet pretty little Titchie," 

 "Kissie, kissie, kissie," "Dear Titchie," "Titchie wee, gee, gee, 

 gee, Titchie, Titchie" 



Now as I have shown that the great Melanchthon signed his name 

 in no less than sixty different ways in uniting the words Philippus 

 Melanchthon (see the plate of facsimiles in my work, a copy of which 

 is in the British Museum), you will not be surprised at the extra- 

 ordinary manner in which the dear little bird varies the several 

 words he has learned. 



The usual singing notes of the bird are more of the character of 

 the Nightingale, mingled occasionally with the sound of the dog- 

 whistle used about the house. It whistles also, very clearly, the 

 first bar of " God save the Queen." It is hardly necessary to add 

 that the bird is, of course, by nature remarkably tame ; so much so, 

 that, during its season, it will perch down from its cage on my finger, 

 shouting and talking in the most excited state. 



Our friend Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, who has heard the bird, 

 tells me that about twenty years ago a Canary that spoke a few 

 words was exhibited in Regent Street, the only other instance, I be- 

 lieve, publicly known. 



I have now only to apologize for having trespassed upon your 

 patience to read all this long story about the accomplishments of a 

 little bird ; though at the same time I feel, that in acquainting you, 

 as Vice-President of the Zoological Society, with the facts stated, I 

 am not only giving you the means of placing upon record the same, 

 but affording you the opportunity of witnessing the truth thereof, 

 as being, in the event of any accident happening to the bird, a more 

 satisfactory evidence than the mere assertion of, 



Dear Sir, 



Yours most faithfully, 

 Dr. John Gray. S. Leigh Sotheby. 



April 27, 1858.— Dr. Gray, F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. 



Descriptions of new species of Ant-wrens (Formicivo- 

 rinae). By Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., F.L.S. etc. 



Myrmotherula multostriata. 



c? . Nigra, albo striata : alis caudaque nigris albo limbatis et ter- 

 minatis : subtus alba, lineis angustis nigris omnino striata. 



