84 H uzv I Ih'catiic Interested in foreign Birds. 



right to keep birds at all if we aim at anything short of this. 



Well my task is nearly ended, for the food question is 



similar, species for species, to that rec|uired for aviaries, and 

 need not be repeated in detail. A word of warning, however, 

 is necessary; birds in cages, even of the type above described, 

 dc not get the same amount of exercise that birds in roomy 

 aviaries do, therefore they do not need so much of the rich, 

 flesh-forming foods as birds in aviaries do — to birds in cages 

 these would mean overfatness and consequent illhealth, while 

 those in aviaries could take almost any quantity with impunity 



To be quite clear 1 never give soft-food to caged hardbills 

 unless they are feeding young; live insects must also be given 

 in strict moderation. The birds should be kept under strict 

 observation and at the least sign of obesity and grossness 

 be put on a course of fluid magnesia and chemical food. 

 To hardbills in cages 1 find for most of the year that seed and 

 green-food (some species require a little ripe fruit as well) alone 

 are ample to keep them in that condition commonly called fit. 



At the time of the moult a little more may be required, 

 c'ud soft-food may be supplied to such species as care to take it, 

 also a little live-food; the latter weavers and whydahs require 

 both at the time of the moult, and also when they are coming 

 into colour (donning breeding plumage ) ; once these are com- 

 plete the supply of these rich foods should be gradually, not 

 suddenly, cut-off. 



I have ignored tautology in the hope of making myself 

 clear to all, and trust I have succeeded in doing so. 



The next instalment. Parrots and Parrakeets, will 

 conclude our subject. 



(To be concluded). 



How I Became Interested in Foreign Birds. 



By S. T. Parker. 



I response to our respected Editor's appeal in the 



February-March issue, I have always felt too modest to attempt 



tr write copy for Bird Notes, being content to leave it to more 



advanced and experienced aviculturists, but as our Editor, of 



