74 



Dr. Russ then gives a few lines to the BLACK - 

 THROATED FIREFINCH [L. nigricollis) quoting from one of 

 the above-mentioned writers to the effect that 

 these charming little birds were found in pairs or small 

 parties of two to five in thick long grass and clearings 

 in Wau, Djur, and Bongo in Central Africa, where they 

 are apparently resident, although this cannot be con- 

 sidered as quite certain, as they have not as yet been 

 under continuous observation for a whole year. They 

 are shy and quick in flight and prefer the thickest and 

 most impenetrable grass-jungles. In May, when they 

 pair, the male becomes a very bright wine-red, and 

 then sings loudly and sweetly. 



The next species is the VINACIOUS FIREFINCH {L. 

 vinacea) vehich our author hardly more than mentions by name 

 in the body of his work, but gives further information about 

 in the Addenda: 



The Vinacious Firefinch is also included in the 

 catalogue of the Prince of Coburg-Gotha's collection 

 of birds, and in notes written by the Prince himself 

 . . . . the following details are given : *' It is quite- 

 "the most attractive of all Waxbills, and in habits it 

 **much resembles the Lavender Finch. My three 

 *' examples I received, under the name of E. margarita, 

 "from M. St. Hilaire (Director of the Jardin d'Accli- 

 *' matisation, Paris), the only ones he had ever had. I 

 "regret to say they died in December last. Wiener 

 "has or had one specimen in his collection, the 

 " identity of which with the present species has only 

 " recently been established." In the Prince's notes 

 these three examples are also described as nearly 

 allied to the Masked Firefinch ; in my opinion indeed 

 the two species are inseparable, .... the grey 

 or brownish-grey crown and the slight difference be. 



