ill hollow trees, according to the orthodox Parrot 

 custom, the Hyaciiitliine INIacaw is said to make a 

 burrow in the ])anks of a stream, in which the hen 

 deposits two eggs. The}' rear two broods each year. 

 The Glaucous Macaw resembles the Hyacinthine in 

 colour, but is smaller. Spix's Macaw is the smallest and 

 the rarest of the blue ]\Iacaws. Nineteen species of 

 Macaws are known altogether. Those which are usually 

 kept by amateurs are the Red and Blue {A. macao)^ 

 the Red and Yellow [A. chloroptera), the Blue and Yellow 

 \A. aramtaia), and the INIilitary ]Macaw {A. rnilitaris). 

 Among the smaller species are lUigers {A. mamcana), and 

 the Noble Macaw (A. nobilis). 



(To he CotitinueJj . 



THE NUTHATCH, 



{Sitta ccesia. Wolf.) 



This interesting little bird, though common in most 

 of the Southern Counties where old timber abounds, 

 does not appear to be kept in captivity in very great 

 numbers ; at ain' rate, it is not often that one sees it 

 upon tlie Show bench, and still less frequently is it 

 rewarded with a first prize — which may perhaps account 

 for exhibitors not troubling to keep specimens of this 

 species. 



As regards plumage, it is certainly an attractive little 

 creature. The legs are short and very strong, which 

 enables it to run either up or down a tree-trunk and to 

 cling head downward whilst cracking a nut or killing a 

 beetle, of which it is very fond. It is easil}' kept in 

 good health and condition when fed upon the usual 

 insectivorous diet, but I have little doubt it would thrive 

 well upon monke}^ - nuts, sunflower seed, walnuts 

 (cracked), and chestnuts. It appears to be fond of 

 almost ail}' kind of uut. One or two mealworms may 

 be given occasionally, more as a luxur\' than a necessit}'. 

 The Nuthatch I have is very fond of bathing, even in 

 the depth of winter; and if mine is not an exception. 



