.. H7 



during the rest of the year, and it is only when the 

 supply of the latter has been exhausted, or been 

 buried too deeply beneath the snow, that the bird for- 

 sakes the Arctic for more temperate regions. 



The late Mr. Meinertzhagen, whose untimely 

 death at the age of twenty-three years was a distinct 

 loss to the world of science, as well as a deplorable 

 calamity to his friends, found the nest of the Waxwing 

 in Lapland, and obtained some young birds, which, 

 however, did not live to reach England. 



The eggs have an olivaceous grey ground, and are 

 speckled and marked with brown of several shades. 



In confinement ants' eggs, soaked currants, and 

 minced raisins, will form as good a substitute for the 

 natural food as can be obtained, and if the temperature 

 is regulated to suit its requirements the Waxwing will 

 live for a year or two in this country. 



[Mr. Keulemans has been good enough to furnish 

 me with the following notes on this bird. 



" I have had many adult specimens with red tips 

 "to the tail, probably very old birds. 



"In 1867 Waxwings were very common in Hol- 

 " land during the months of November and December. 

 " Many remained till February 1868, and one pair 

 " built a nest, (which was however taken down by a 

 "gardener), early in that month on a gentleman's 

 " estate near Ley den. 



"I had two fine specimens, both males, in a cage 

 " for several months. I found them attractive owing to 

 " their beautiful plumage, but a bit lazy in their habits. 

 " I never heard their song, (if they have any), only 

 " their soft call note. I fed them on Thrushes' food, 

 "boiled currants, and plenty of mealworms." — Kd]. 



