83 



H ffaecinating Ibobbp. 



By Miss E. M. Baker. 



The keeping of foreign birds is to me intensely- 

 interesting ; my birds are kept in a good sized aviary 

 and I find them very little trouble to keep in health 

 and condition ; of course I am speaking of the 

 commoner, that is the freely imported species, that are 

 kept by the majority of bird lovers.* 



One never tires of studying their individuality, 

 charming characteristics, song, courting movements, 

 and endless other interesting birdy ways ; which 

 keep up an endless source of interest to the fortunate 

 possessor of a garden-aviary and mixed series. 



Most of these (the common species) reward our 

 care, by their confidence, and readiness to nest in our 

 aviaries. 



I have two outdoor aviaries. In one I keep all 

 kinds of small Finches and Doves ; in the others are 

 Parrakeets, Cardinals, Malabar Starlings, Budgerigars, 

 Crested Doves, and many others. 



Last year the Zebra Finches, Cutthroats, Doves, 

 Canaries, etc., successfully reared young. It was very 

 interesting, and quite a prett}^ picture to watch the old 

 birds (Zebra Finches) and their young (after they were 

 full grown), cuddling altogether in the nest, which 

 was built in a toy basket, f 



*Itis surprising- what a really interesting series of handsome, beautiful, 

 and engaging- birds can be kept without going outside the freely imported 

 species.— Ed. 



t This species, in spite of its commonness, is a general favourite ; its 

 saucy independence, fearless demeanour, readiness to produce its kind, and 

 even his "penny trumpet " sort of song, have won for him a place from 

 which he will not readily be deposed, for he is still to be found iu almost 

 every coUectiou of foreign Finches.— Ed. 



