ii8 



much as in the former, the sexes are nearly alike in 

 winter but differ slightly in summer, and they have a 

 partial spring moult as well as an autumn one. In 

 the latter, the sexes are nearly alike in winter but 

 differ markedly in summer : the males having a highly 

 ornate breeding dress. 



The females of the Fire-finches, unlike many of 

 their near relatives of the genus Estrilda, appear never 

 to combine to carr}'' on the work of incubation, as in 

 the case of E. astrilda for example. Nor are any 

 known to be polygamous, as in tlie VididyicB. 



From all accounts Fire-finches appear to be very 

 sociable birds, and to make most admirable pets. On 

 this point however I regret to be unable to speak from 

 my own experience. In confinement they are found 

 to eat, in addition to small seeds, insects, spiders, 

 small caterpillars, and ant cocoons. 



The three sub - families, PloceincB, EstrildincE, 

 and VididiicB, form the family /*/^<:^zV<^ (Weaver-birds). 

 Of the three-hundred and fifty species included in 

 this family — distributed over the Ethiopian, Oriental, 

 and Australasian regions — no less than two-hundred 

 and sixty are found in Africa. The nearest allies of 

 the Ploceid(B are the FringillidcB\ and it is doubtful 

 whether these two groups should not be united to 

 form a single Familv. 



