2r8 I'hc Jliiditraitcc of Birds. 



Better for a liberal supply of live insects at all periods of 

 the year. 



C'apk Si'akkovv. — This species has not bred in my aviaries, 

 but it has been successfully bred by Mr. I). Seth .Smith and 

 others — it may be classed as a prolific breeder. 



It is a very handsome and attractive species, not brii.;htly 

 coloured, but its white, brown and black plumaL;e is pleasingly 

 and contrastily arranged. 



Amiable, hardy and enduring; very fond of live insects. 



Java Sparrows.— These picturesque and attractive birds 

 are very conspicuous objects in a large garden aviary, the White 

 variety even more so than the species. 



I have bred quite a few Grey Javas, and also many of the 

 White form at various times. 



A good many pairs of (irey Javas show no inclination to 

 go to nest at all, but once a breeding pair is secured they are 

 quite prolific. 



The White form is very ready to go to nest and rear 

 young, and a free breeding strain can be produced by mating a 

 White hen with an imported Grey cock, and then remating the 

 females of their progeny with imported males, and the resulting 

 young, from the latter mating, I have found very ready to go to 

 nest when properly housed and not overcrowded. 



The result of mating Grey with White is ninety per cent, 

 or more of pure Grey young, but a little lighter in hue than 

 imported birds. Very few pied specimens are produced. When 

 the young of such cross mating are paired back again to 

 imported Greys their progeny cannot be distinguished from 

 imported birds. 



In conclusion. I would add. that what few pied birds are 

 thrown, these are usually \ery handsome and attractive. 



Java Sparrows are usually amiable in a roomy aviary, but 

 less so in confined quarters. As with other species individuals 

 of aggressive and bullying temperament are not unknown. 



I have recently renewed my acquaintance with this species, 

 and at present have four pairs in my large aviary. 



They are very hardy and enduring. 

 (To be continued). 



