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bath, and this may be easily given in the form of a 

 shower from the garden watering pot once or twice a 

 week. The birds invariably take the utmost delight in 

 the proceeding, and it is highy advantageous to their 

 health and the condition of their plumage. 



The majority of Parrots live when wild on the seeds 

 of various plants, nuts, and fruit, but the Ivories, I^ori- 

 keets, and Hanging Parrots subsist almost entirely on 

 soft fruits, the honey of flowers, and probably insects. 

 These latter are therefore the most difficult to keep in 

 confinement. The various foods required will be most 

 coveniently described when treating of the different 

 species. Need I say that all Parrots and Parrakeets 

 require sharp grit to aid digestion, and water. 

 {To be Contmiied). 



THE CHAFFINCH. 



(Fringilla ccelebsj . 



It is my purpose in this little paper to enter into 

 some details about our beautiful and popular pet the 

 Chaffinch. 



There is hardly a corner of the Kingdom, however 

 barren, desolate, solitary, or remote, where you will not 

 find our friend, as lively and as busy as the proverbial 

 bee ; scouring all the corners and crevices, looking for 

 and devouring insects of all sorts and sizes, and taking 

 an occasional " alterative " in the shape of some newly- 

 ripened grain or seeds, of which there are, at different 

 seasons, a large number to select from. You see him 

 hopping along in a very sprightly and characteristic 

 style, now and then with his head feathers erected like a 

 crest, and always presenting a bold and jaunty appear- 

 ance. He is fond of an occasional "dust up" in dry 

 sand, in fine warm weather, and also frequently 

 takes a bath. He is by no means a shy bird, but allows 

 you to approach quite near to him, when he utters his 

 sharp cry of " Pink," " Pink," and hops or flies a few 

 yards away, until he feels quite secure from being 



