12 



but found the bird, however, building on low bushes, in community mth 

 Ploceus cucullatus. This traveller mentions the number of esjcrs in a brood 

 to be two or three." 



This Weaver-bird is often brought to England alive, and appears to 

 thrive on the ordinary food supplied to most finches ; there is no doubt it 

 does best in large aviaries where its liberty is not too confined. The large 

 centre dome of the southern aviary in the Zoological Gardens is apparently 

 suited to this species, in which I find it has bred several times ; but those 

 who are accustomed like myself to the notes and voices of these wild birds 

 cannot fail to observe this extraordinary bird as it flies from one branch to 

 another, raismg all its feathers and uttering its prolonged zicitz-zee-ee-ee 

 just as though it was scolding all the other inhabitants of its castle for 

 their bad behaviour. During the summer it is always busily engaged 

 weaving its nest, which is often destroyed before completion. I have 

 examined nineteen specimens of this species, many of which were very 

 obligingly lent to me by Capt. Gr. E. Shelley, Canon H. B. Tristram, and 

 M. A. Boucard. 



Specimens examined. 



No. Sex. Mus. Localities. 



a. ,? E. B. W. Africa 



h. <? E. B. W. Africa 



c. <? E. B. Fan tee, W. Africa (Ussher) 



d. S E. B. Fantee, W. Africa {Ussher) 



e. <? E. B. Gaboon, W. Africa 

 /: <? E. B. Fantee, W. Africa [Eirhy) 

 g. i imm. G. E. Shelley Gold Coast, W. Africa {Kirhy) 6-05 

 h. ? G. E. Shelley Abouri, W. Africa {Shelley) 

 i. 2 G. E. Shelley Abrobouko, Fantee {Shelley) 

 j. i E. B. Fantee, "W. Africa {Ussher) 



The figures (Plate II.) are taken from (fig. 1) a, the male in my own 

 collection; and (fig. 2) i, a female kindly lent to me by Capt. G. E. Shelley. 



