138 The Endurance of Birds. 



If the species does, at any time come into the hands of any 

 of our members, it should be given careful nursing till well 

 hardened off. 



White-headed Mannikin. — This is of a very pleasing 

 appearance, and is similar in habits, characteristics, etc., to the 

 Tri-coloured Mannikin. 



I have a remembrance of noting, at some time, a case of 

 their nesting, but have failed to trace any record, and in the 

 absence of such the species must remain on the list of those as 

 yet unbred in captivity. 



Bengalese. — These were originated by the Japanese, but 

 how or when past history does not record. There are three 

 forms, viz: the White, the Fawn and White, and the deep 

 Brown and White. 



They may be termed a prolific species, though some 

 aviarists do not get much luck with them. 



Only one pair should be kept in each aviary, and th'=' 

 young should be removed as soon as : h'e to fend for themselves, 

 as they all crowd into the nest, and most of the subsequent 

 clutches will be spoiled. 



This species breeds fairly readily in roomy cages. 



Java Sparrow. — A heavily built bird, but one which has 

 a fine appearance and looks well in a large outdoor aviary. 



There are two form;,, the Grey, and the White; the latter 

 is a Japanese creation, but when it came into being past history 

 does not reveal. 



Both forms may be termed prolific breeders, and have 

 produced young both in aviaries and cages. Like the preceding 

 species, it does better in some aviaries than others, quite apart 

 from excellent accommodation and a skilful aviculturist. 



The two forms readily interbreed, and the resulting pro- 

 geny mostly come true to the Grey form, with only a very 

 small percentage of pied or splashed birds. I have found that 

 a crossbred hen (i.e. Grey x White) produces a fairly reliable 

 free breeding strain. 



