My Aviary and Birds. 273 



Rock Bunting.- Only possess a male, but it is a fine 

 aviary bird, and does not molest the small birds. 



Shaft-tailed Whydah : I was grieved to lose my 

 fine cock on October i 6th, the body when picked up was well 

 nourished, and it was in excellent condition generally, includ- 

 ing plumage. It was imported last June and appeared an 

 exceptionally strong bird, and the cause of its death is a 

 mystery. It had a peculiar habit of "hovering" in flight 

 over other birds, but did not appear to be vicious. 



Cordon BleU: Have only recently obta'ned this bird. 

 She has paired with an Orange-cheeked W'axbill, but 1 fear it 

 is tO(j late for results this season. 



COMB.\SOUS : I have two of this species, imported in 

 the early spring. One of them has come into perfect colour, 

 but the other only partially so, most probably owing to its 

 being a newly imported bird and climatic conditions here 

 retarding the moult. 



Java Sparrows: Two pairs have rested, but all "ggs 

 have been infertile, I am inclined to doubt the sex of some, 

 and the Oreys appear aged, which may account for the dis- 

 appointing result. I intend getting fresh b'ood bc^oie anothe.- 

 season when 1 hope for better luck. 



Sai-I-ROX l-ixcms: These nested in a small box in 

 the open, laid a clutch of four eggs, and fully reared two 

 strong young birds. But that is not the end of the story, 

 worse luck! The parent birds murdered a fla'f-masked 

 VVeaver, the third day after being placed in the aviary— they 

 also attacked other birds and made thamselves so generally 

 objectionable tliat 1 had to disjnjbe <jf ihcm. .A success and a 

 disaster ! 



Taiia and Half-.ma.sked Weavers : I purchased 

 these handsome birds in the pink of condition, 1 hey had t!ie 

 experience of being de!a)ed on la!! many hours by a Zej)iie- 

 lin raid. Both died violent deaths, the former by an Orange 

 Weaver, and the latter by the Saffron Fmches, 



