214 



vitiated atmosphere, they must \\2ive fresh air without 

 draught. To sum up, do not coddle, at the same time 

 guard against draught; keep cages and food vessels 

 strictly clean, supply wholesome and nourishing food 

 according to the species ; let your quarantine cages* 

 be roomy and of the box type, with perches, etc., 

 arranged so as to leave room for exercise. By the 

 above " rough and ready" method I usually succeed in 

 saving the bulk of my purchases, but I must freely con- 

 fess that Cordon Bleus and Fire Finches I have never 

 kept, not considering it right in the face of the azvful 

 mortality that occurs under the present conditions of 



importation. 



[To be continued). 



Z\)c (Brceu Sinoino jfincb. 



(Serinns icterus). 

 By AvicuvruRiST. 



This beautiful Southern and Western African bird 

 greatly resembles our English Siskin in colour, size, 

 and activity ; but is more slimly built, and is fully as 

 active and entertaining among the branches as our 

 native Tits. A description would be superfluous — it 

 being well known — therefore will simply say, for the 

 benefit of any unacquainted with this charming Serin, 

 that it is a bright yellow bird, variegated with olive 

 green and lined with black. 



The\' are very attractive and pleasing, both in 

 colour and deportment, readily become tame, but are 

 g2iar?-elsonie in a viixed collection put tip for breedhig ; 

 with a mixed assortment of Finches kept simply for 



* Spare cages should be ou hand, and after a death the cage in question 

 should be scalded out and distempered before using again. 



