202 



like the 3'ellow-rumped grey Angola Singiug-finch, 

 except about the head and chin. It is rather extra- 

 ordinary that these two different species have mated, 

 as in the same aviary there is certainly one cock 

 Green Singing-finch, as well as one or two other 

 individuals, both Green and Grey, whose sex is rather 

 doubtful. Budgerigars of course breed in swarms, 

 yellow as well as green, and the same may almost be 

 said of the Zebra-finches, a small flock of which is a 

 noticeable feature of the small birds' aviary. I also 

 saw eggs of St. Helena Waxbills and Nutmeg-finches, 

 the latter of which successfully reared young last 

 year, and looked like doing so again before the end 

 of this season. Mr. Dart also succeeded in breeding. 

 Avadavats in the aviary, either this 3'ear or the 3^ear 

 before, and so has reason to be proud of his results in 

 this direction. 



I am sure he deserves success as he takes an 

 immense amount of trouble with his birds, giving 

 them constant attention and taking care to supply 

 their every need. In the food line in particular he 

 does them right royally, not to say extravagantly : — 

 Each aviaiy seems to have one wall lined with food- 

 hoppers in addition to the liberal supply in a pan on 

 the ground, so that the humblest canary has the choice 

 of a dozen or more dining-places, where a most varied 

 menu is provided. I suggested that this must be a 

 perfect paradise to mice, but Mr. Dart told me that 

 he rarely saw even one, — entrance is fairl}^ easy but 

 exit difficult, and although one may occasionally get 

 in, he rarely escapes to spread the news of this land 

 of plenty, when once the boss has discovered the 

 trespass and started on the trail with his chopper or 



