io6 The 1 nvcresk Lodge Aviary. 



for midjT^es. Sad to say it disappeared when about eight days 

 old. Suspicion fell upon a fine pair of Indian White-fronted 

 Water-Hens, and these were caught up and interned. (In 

 connection with this, it would be very interesting if any members 

 could give their experience of this class of birds in a mixed 

 collection).* Now the hen Bunting is sitting again in the same 

 nest on four eggs, and a successful result is hoped for. The 

 pair of Shore Larks have always hitherto been inseparable 

 companions, and it is a promising sign that one is frequently 

 absent, though so far it has not been discovered where it gets to. 

 Apiarists know that the bees " do nothing invariably;" and 

 aviarists can tell the same tale, knowing the many individual 

 traits and idiosyncracies their birds exhibit. An interesting 

 comedy of courtship illustrates this point, the parties concerned 

 beinq- the cock Bullfinch and the (compared with him) gigantic 

 hen Yellow-belHed Grosbeak. The latter, a somewhat stolid and 

 indifferent bird, is followed closely at all times by the gallant 

 Bullfinch, which goes continually through a little pantomime, 

 aptly described by an observer as " trying to snatch a kiss!" 

 The result of such a worthy mating would be worthy of a special 

 medal. Owing no doubt to the somewhat similar colouring 

 the Bullfinch is extremely jealous of the male Virginian Cardinal, 

 whom he harries unmercifully. It may be added that the male 

 Grosbeak takes a philosophical view of the matter. One must 

 only refer briefly to the Pheasant pens situated a short distance 

 away in the park, in which are to be seen pairs of Silver, Golden, 

 Reeves, and hybrid Pheasants. A few young sturdy ^Silvers 

 are at present being reared by a bantam, and other eggs are 

 incubating. 



Since the above was written we are informed that the Reed Bunting's have 

 hatched out two chicks. Pope Cardinals have nested in a nest-pan in 

 the sheUer, on top of wall. Some Tufted Ducks have hatched out in 

 the park under a hen, and a pair of Carolina Ducks have been received, 

 but not vet turned into the aviary. — Ed. 



°®" 



* Would devour any fledglings or small birds they could get hold of. — Ed. 



