156 



One of the most pleasing features of these aviaries was 

 perhaps the family of Green Avadavats (Stictospiza formosa) as 

 they flitted to and fro, separating and gathering together again ; 

 calling for food and being fed (how many of the most beautiful and 

 chastely clad foreigners are numbered among those classed as 

 common, because cheap and plentiful) was indeed a pretty sight, 

 especially in the early mornings, as also was the watching of the 

 minute and exquisitely beautiful Golden-breasted Waxbill 

 (Sporceginthus subflavus). These two and also the Common 

 Avadavat nest annually in these aviaries. Other well-known — 

 so-called " common stuff" — to gladden the eye, were White Java 

 Sparrows, Tri-colour and other Mannikius. Among the British 

 birds, those which gave me the most pleasure to watch were the 

 Marsh and Crested Tits, and the Nuthatch ; this last was a well- 

 coloured specimen, very fit, and specially interesting to watch as 

 he slipped up and down the branches, going anywhere and 

 everywhere but to the nest while you were watching, and it was 

 the same with the hen. 



The records for 1905, 6, 7 and 8 are as follows : — 

 Species partly bred {i.e. nest and eggs . 56 

 Bred and fully reared .... 36 

 Bred for first time in United Kingdom . 12 



I hope that, later, Mr. Teschemaker will supplement this 

 very indifferent account, with a paper from his pen, illustrated 

 with diagrams, and also place on record in our pages much in- 

 teresting data, connected with the various notes so brokenly 

 passed in review herein. I can only in conclusion again express 

 the hope that where the pen has failed the few photos here re- 

 produced may succeed in indicating what a practical and well- 

 arranged series of aviaries Mr. Teschemaker possesses, and to 

 express the hope that much greater success may attend his efforts 

 to breed new and rare species in the future than has been the 

 case in the past. 



