68 



eggs are spoiled, which is not surprising, considering the num- 

 ber of young (usually five) crowded within the precincts of a 

 cocoa-nut husk. 



Protective Resemblance : This I should say would be 

 very striking when seen in their native haunts. It is sufficiently 

 so, with them in captivity, again and again in my aviary only 

 movement has revealed them among growing grass, rape, etc. 

 If this be the case among the somewhat sparse growth they per- 

 mit to flourish in the aviary, what must it be amid the rank 

 grass of their native wilds ? 



Diet: Many will say that in Bird Notes this is not neces- 

 sary ; it may not be for the bulk of our members, but correspon- 

 dence proves, that if B.N. is to meet the needs of all, accounts 

 even of common species must be comprehensive. This is very 

 simple : canary seed, white, spray, and small brown millet and 

 oats, with green food and cuttle fish will suffice for them at all 

 periods, when breeding or otherwise. As to green food, they will 

 eat lettuce readily, but what they delight in is grass in flower or 

 grass in the ear, of this they cannot have too much. I do 

 not think they despise insect food when wild, undoubtedly grass 

 seed is their main diet, but judging by the eagerness with which 

 they secure and devour mealworms when confined with insecti- 

 vorous birds I am convinced that many a juicy grub and cater- 

 pillar varies their seed menu. 



Aviary : Almost any structure will suffice, that supplies 

 the accommodation of an ordinary fowl run. The shed must be 

 draught and wet proof, and the whole so constructed that there is 

 sufficient shelter to prevent the wind blowing right through it. 

 I have found an aviary that is open at front and top only answer 

 best for nearly all species. 



Cage : This should be of the box type and roomy, say 

 2£ft. by i£ft. by 3ft. high. I shall hope in a later issue to illus- 

 trate a cage, which answers well for many species besides small 

 parrakeets. 



