My Breeding Experiences — 191 6. 11 



the bird had died of egg-binding and most kindly sent me 

 another hen. In August a pair went to nest in a large fir 

 branch. They built a rather untidy, deep cup-shaped nest 

 and the hen deposited therein four clear white eggs ; she 

 incubated steadily for about ten days and then 1 could not 

 see her in the nest, she simply disappeared a::d I have never 

 found her body — it was impossible for her to have got through 

 the small mesh wire netting I 



GOULDIAN Finches {Poephila goiildiae) : Every a\i- 

 culturist keeps these exquisite feathered gems of the far 

 away antipodes; but they are the cause of much disappoint- 

 ment, for many bird-keepers have found it difficult to establish 

 and pair such uncertain breeders ; others again have done 

 well with them, and been fortunate enough to secure breeding 

 pairs. Unfortunately my experience with them has been none 

 too happy, but one continues to keep them, in spite of every 

 disappointment, for the sake of their lovely plumage ; they 

 make such a grand show in the aviary. I have a lovely 

 pair of Red-heads, and tbey duly nested, and a clutch of eggs 

 was laid and steadily incubated, but the eggs were infertile. 

 I attribute this to the interference of an unmated Red-headed 

 Finch {Atnadina erythrocephcila), for v/hom I failed to lind 

 a mate. The Gouldians made no further attempt. 



Cordon Bleus {Estrilda phoenicotls) : These, too, are 

 lovely feathered mites, and the record of tlu-ir doings is a 

 more encouraging one, the bright spot amid a record of failure 

 and disaster, but I can give no details save the fact that five 

 young ones "were fully reared, and a lovc.'y picture they and 

 their parents made in the aviary. 



Cuban Finches {Pfionipara canota): My hopes were 

 raised, but alas! the hen died egg-bound. 



AvAi)A\"AT {Sporaeginthus amanduva) : Sold to mc 

 as a pair, but the supposed hen later can.*^' into colour, and 

 I wa.; the p(jssessor of two, Avho could only be ornamental. 



Rose I. LA Parkakeets [P/a/ycercus exiinius): A very 

 similar result to the preceding account. 1 possessc-d a fine 

 hen and procured a '' warranted cock." Both went to ncst in 

 a large barrel but no result, 1 fjcl sure both art* liens, as 

 there were six eggs and three of tlicun wcix; much smaller 



