38 The Endurance of Birds. 



They are natixes of Australia. 



Chkstxlti-iirkasikd P'ixcii (Mnuia castonciihorax). A 

 very handsome Austrahan Mannikin. which has not been freely 

 bred in English aviaries, though several aviculturists have had 

 young fully reared in their aviaries; but only on one occasion 

 has this been my hap])y experience. 



They are fairly active in a roomy aviary and make a very 

 pleasing addition to a mixed series. I have kept a fair number 

 of them at different times and always found them quite inoffen- 

 sive, yet well able to look after themseh es. 



It is a liardy species and can be successfully wintered out 

 of doors. 



Dufresne's Finch ( Lagonosilcta dufresni). An 

 exquisite little finch, the harmony and blending of its beautiful 

 plumage being perfect — a perfect picture ! 



It has not. I think, been bred in English aviaries, if it has 

 I have failed to note the record. 



Its general treatment, habits and characteristics are those 

 of the Common Eirefinch. and space need not be occupied with 

 recapitulation. 



Its powers of endurance are about on a par with those of 

 L. minima. It should be brought indoors for the w'inter 

 months, though in a sheltered aviary, where the subsoil is sand 

 or gravel, it has. and can be. successfully wintered out of doors 



Gold-fronted Finch (Mctaf'oma pusilla). This is a 

 very pretty species, and may well be described as a glorified 

 Lesser Redpoll, which bird it resembles in contour, size and 

 general characteristics. 



1 received, in 1914. a consignment ex Mr. Appleby, but I 

 was not at all successful in keeping this species. All were in 

 good plumage on arrival, and though the bulk of them lived for 

 several months, then they began to drop off one or two at a 

 time, and all had succumbed before the autumn passed. 



A pair, which I put in the aviary in May. appeared to 

 settle down at once, a nest was built high up in a tall privet, but 



