158 



liimself freely to all the above and appears to thrive 

 on the same ; though rather sickly when he came 

 into my possession he soon picked up, and has never 

 ailed since, and is at the moment of writing in exhibi- 

 tion condition. 



He has recently had a day's liberty in the garden, 

 owing to a small flap being inadvertently left open, 

 but he allowed himself to be recaptured, and if one 

 may judge by his demeanour, he evidenth^ prefers the 

 plenty and safety of the aviary, (or perhaps captivity 

 as the sentimentalists are apt to term it), to catering 

 for himself at large. When he was once more in 

 " durance vile " he had a good feed, trilled his little 

 lay, and then had a sleep. I was not so fortunate with 

 some of the other birds however, and among others 

 had to mourn the loss of some well-seasoned Aurora 

 Finches and Yellow Sparrows. Mr. R. A. Todd 

 found his birds of a retiring disposition, keeping 

 mostly among cover. This may be so when they are 

 building or incubating, but I cannot think it can be 

 general ; my bird is of a very bold and confiding 

 disposition and he will feed with anyone, (even a 

 stranger), in close proximity. This fearless behaviour, 

 coupled with his vivacit}^ and sweet little song, 

 constitutes his greatest charm. 



He is a handsome and engaging little fellow and 

 should be in all collections of small birds. 



