88 Editorial. 



places in India that are not haunted by Crows and Mynahs, 

 but this would not be strictly accurate, for these ubiquitous 

 birds are invariably to be found in the neiijhbourhood of the 

 clearings made for the erection of forest bungalows. In all 

 othei" parts, however, the jungle is free from these birds and 

 it is the absence of these, quite as much as the presence of 

 Pied Hornbills, Racket -tailed Drongos, and Bronze -winged 

 Doves, which gives the sal forest its distinctive character. 



Editorial. 



The Endurance of Birds: This should prove a useful 

 topic, if the members would give details of the Inrds they keep. 

 This winter has certainly been mild, but its ever changing 

 temperature, cold rains, and furious winds have made it a some- 

 what trying time, out of doors, both for man and beast. Yet 

 time abundantly proves thnt, given' suitably constructed aviaries 

 even the reputably delica+e species, fe.g.. Cordon Bleus, Fire- 

 finches. Lavender Finches, etc., can be, and are, so kept in 

 almost every county of Great Britain. Lady Dunleath (Co. 

 Down), informs us that her birds are all doing well, flying out 

 of doors during the daytime, but are shut in the shelter at 

 night. She mentions Waxbills (several species). Cordon 

 Bleus, Avadavats (full colour)', and Firefinches as looking 

 particularly happy and fit. 



Hangnest Laying Egos tn Captivity: Lady Dunleath 

 has a common Hangnest (Icterus vulqaris)\ which she ob- 

 tained quite young at Pernambuco two and a half years ago. 

 It is now quite a pet and accompanies her everywhere : it is also 

 (luito an accomplished whistler. Last year it laid three eggs — first 

 two in a cage, which were broken — it was then put in an 

 aviary with a cock Hangnest of another species, of which it 

 would ta'-e no no'i -e; 1 oweve"^ f^e hen huilt a nest, laid another 

 egg (infertile)— there the episode ends for the present; but 

 Hangnests have so very seldom laid in captivity that w^ 

 consider the event wortli putting on record. 



The Aviaries at the Cripples' Hospital and 

 College: We have to acknowledge with many thanks the 

 following gifts to these aviaries: 



4 Waxbills and a pair of 7ebra Finches from H. L. 

 Sich, Esq. 



