179 



for the ordinary aviarist both on account of their expensive 

 nature and the length of time required to mix them, the author 

 gives a simple and wholesome receipe. 



Then follows a description of selected foreign species, with 

 ample notes on plumage, habitat, food and general details and 

 (with a special eye to the requirements of the beginner) in many 

 cases the prices at which they may be obtained in the bird- 

 market. 



The majority of these species are selected from the Com- 

 moner Finches, Mannikins, Waxbills, and Whydahs, but Mr. Page 

 also gives most interesting notes of some rarer birds from his 

 personal experience of them in his own aviaries, as for instance 

 of the Grey-winged Ouzel, Jacarini Finch, etc. Mr. Page is able 

 to describe a nest of the Silky Cowbird which must be a 

 most unusual occurrence as this species is of course normally 

 parasitic. There are also essays on the Sugar Birds, one Dove 

 (G. aineata) and some of the Cockatiels and Parrakeets. 



There are seven plates in black and white and one excellent 

 coloured plate of the Psittacidae. A few errata have crept in (as 

 will always occur even after the most careful correction of 

 proofs); for instance the bird illustrated as a Bengalee is 

 apparently a Black-headed Mannikin. 



Some of the points raised are open to a difference of 

 opinion, as for instance the design of nest-box* recommended 

 for doves, which is one in which the writer has never been able 

 to induce any foreign dove to nest. 



This little handbook can be strongly recommended and at 

 the present time, when so many beginners are taking up this 

 hobby and losing birds through sheer ignorance, it will prove 

 most useful. W. E. T. 



Other recent Books are : — 

 The Indian Wild Ducks and their Alliks. By K. C. Stuakt Bakkr. 



Coloured plates by H. Gronvold, G. E. Lodge and J. G. Keuleniaiis. Published by the 

 Bombay Natural History Society. London : R. H. Porter. Price 2 guineas net. 

 The Romance of Bird Ijfe. By John Lea, M.A. Illustrated 



London : Sekley & Co. Price 5/- 



How to Attract and Protect Wild Birds. By Martin Hikskmann, 



with an introduction by H. G. the Duchess of Bedford. Illustrated. Published b 

 Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn, London, W. 1 6 net. 



* I have had 10 pairs of Diamond Doves reared in such a box during the past two 

 seasons. — W. T. P. 



