158 



one— when I do get the bird : and a short time afterwards 

 I could have bought another just coming into colour, 

 for two and six. The ashes of repentance, of how little 

 avail are ye ! 



What other trials Fortune holds in store for me, I 

 know not. The future is mercifully shielded from our 

 eyes ; but I shall be surprised at nothing, unless— and I 

 think I shall be surprised at this— that I ever become 

 the possessor of a Madagascar Weaver. 



****** 



The heavens have fallen ! Si/ite ivriting the above, I 

 have paid one of my periodical visits eastwards, and at 

 Mrs. Abrahams' shop saw^ three splendid birds in full 

 colour. I was so astonished that I asked what they 

 were, and on being assured that they really 7vere Mada- 

 gascar Weavers, and were not sold, I took the best of the 



trio. 



Thus has my search ended! J. A. vSwan. 



PATIENCE EXEMPLIFIED. 



It is aw^ell-known saying that " Patience is a virtue," 

 and whether one is waiting for the first appearance of a 

 Club Magazine, or a light mule during the breeding 

 season, the proverb is equally true. It is further said 

 that " all things come to him who patiently waits." It 

 is a blessing that the gentle word Patience loses none of 

 its meaning to the true fancier, but influences his 

 mind and actions, for the benefit of both his pets and 

 their keeper. Patience is wanted in all the many 

 struggles of the aviculturist — as well in trying to obtain 

 something which at times seems almost impossible, 

 such as the breeding of a Canary-Bullfinch— as in his 

 efforts to gain the good opinion of his fellows and a 

 respected position in the fancy, which ought to be 

 within the reach of all. 



Patience, not content with the exercise of her own 

 great qualities, enlists, for the benefit of those with 



