126 



attempted to build, but always have made use of a box nest, almost 

 filling it with hay, feathers, grass, etc. ; they are scrupulously 

 clean in their domestic arrangements, as on examining nests 

 after young had flown, they were so clean, that if one had not 

 known the contrary, it was hard to believe they could have been 

 used for rearing a brood. Almost any square box will do — say 

 six to eight inches square — that is closed all round, with an 

 elliptical hole cut in one side for entrance and a perch fixed in 

 front of same. The young so far as I could ascertain were 

 always fed almost exclusively on dry ants' eggs (though they 

 had the choice of seeds and soft food as well) up to time of 

 leaving the nest, afterwards on millet only ; the young are very 

 strong and able to care for themselves in about ten days after 

 leaving the nest: all hatched are usually reared. Nidification 

 occupies twelve or thirteen days; both birds share the duties of 

 incubation. The season out-doors lasts from May to October, 

 indoors all the year round, except during moult. However I 

 have met with no success in the attempt to breed them indoors 

 in cages, but others have been more fortunate. 



Character : Experiences vary so much that all I can say 

 is, that with me they have always behaved in an exemplary 

 manner, and in my fairly large, but rather crowded aviary, I have 

 had odd hens, which refused the attentions of various bachelor 

 Mannikins, but took possession of a nest box, laid and incubated 

 eggs, which of course were unfertile, but they made no attempt to 

 interfere with the nesting arrangements of the pairs, so I class them 

 as amiable inmates of my aviary. 



The young exactly resemble their parents, though their 

 plumage lacks the lustre of the adult bird. This resemblance 

 is common to both sexes, both sexes being as distinct when they 

 leave the nest as are the adult birds. If not showil\ r coloured. 

 Ribbon Finches have a quiet elegant beauty of their own ; they 

 are hardy, easily kept in condition and but little trouble in an 

 aviary. Mr. Ribbon is so grotesque and amusing when making 

 love to his mate, with his jumping, twirling and ridiculous (to us) 

 contortions, as to be really entertaining, even when they are well 

 known. 



Song they have none — the male has a not unpleasant 



