Correspondence. 29 



1 Olive Tanager. 

 1 Paradise Whydah. 

 1 pair Zebra Finches. 

 1 pair B.H. Gcaildiaii Finches. 

 1 pair Orange-breasted Waxbills, 

 1 pair Eed-billed Weavers. 

 Blue Tits: These I find most interesting and they live in 

 perfect harmony with the rsst. 



Zebra Finches: These are very quaint and interesting, but 

 though they have lived and loved, and also laid a number of eggs 

 in a " Record box " which I placed in their cage, no young have 

 been reared. 



I have a large aviary-cage which can bs carried into the 

 garden in fine weather; last spring I procured and placed therein 

 two pairs of B.H. Gouldian Finches — one pair were soon busy 

 ccinstructing a nest and I shook hands with myself and said we 

 shall see. My hopes were dashed to pieces by the death of the hen 

 through Qgg trouble and in the moult I lost another cock and hen. 

 My grief was great at the loss of these the most beautiful of 

 all birds. 



Orange-breasted Waxbills: These run the Gouldians very 

 close for beauty, but it is their minute size, loveable and confiding 

 demeanour, which cause these feathered gems to appeal to me 

 perhaps more than any of my pets. 



Red-billed Weavers: These have interested me greatly by 

 their weaving skill and the numerous nests they have built have made 

 snug sleeping quarters for the smaller birds. 



Paradise Whydah: This bird has done really Avell with me 

 and has a fine tail — I must procure a mate and try and get^some 

 youngsters during the coming season. 



Olive Tanager: This bird is very good tempered, in fact 

 is really the policeman of my aviary — he lets the others feed and 

 bathe first and at the least sign of fighting, interposes his superior 

 strength and soon puts matters right. 



The Bill of Fare: My birds get the usual seeds— canary, 

 white millet, spray millet, rape, teazle, etc.; green grass seed, 

 chickweed and groundsel; also fruit of difi'erent kinds. The green 

 grass seed is greedily eaten and is very good for the birds. My 

 pets are now all in perfect condition and are a source of endless 

 pleasure and interest to me. 



This year I hope to do better as I am arranging for a 

 natural garden flight. 



(Miss) LYDIA CLARE. 



