220 



little fellows, apparently very fit and happy), Pileated I'incb, 

 Black-faced Serin, and another vSerin, in too poor plnniap^e to 

 determine the species. All these cages were arranged in a lofty 

 conservatory, and embowered as they were in greener\' and 

 floral display, the appearance of the birds was much enhanced; 

 the aviary-cage of Tanagers especially looking very fine amidst 

 such environment. 



The Bird Room : Mrs. Vernon has already described this 

 ill our pages, so it simply remains for me to note, that it 

 answers its purpose perfectly well, and its arrangements, though 

 ver\' simple, are yet fully comprehensive ; one point is worthy of 

 note, that is, the window covered with wire netting on the in- 

 side, had another covering of string netting in front of same, 

 of course with a space between, making it almost impossible 

 for the wildest bird to injure itself. Flying loose were: Taha, 

 Madagascar, and Grenadier Weavers, Pintail Whydah (a very 

 fine and also pugnacious fellow). Cutthroats, Liothrix, Scarlet- 

 cheeked Bulbuls, Red-headed Finch, Brown-throated Cardinal, 

 Cape Sparrows, White Java Sparrows, etc., all in very fine con- 

 dition. 



The WaxbiixS' Aviary: This was out of doors, and of 

 course to me was the })ick of the lot ; its diminutive in- 

 liabitants evidently revelling in hygienic surroundings and a 

 Southern situation. Here were two pairs Zebra Waxbills, one 

 pair Green and two pairs Common Avadavats, two pairs Cordon 

 Bleus and one pair each Pintail Nonpariels, Diamond vSparrows, 

 and Green Singing Finches. From their appearance, the un- 

 speakable weather of this year had troubled them but little. 

 The branches at back of aviary, had long straw fastened to 

 them, making splendid shelter for the birds ; among these were 

 quite a number of spherical nests, with entrance hole facing 

 the light, constructed of hay, grass, etc., and snugly lined with, 

 feathers; one of these contained a brood of Green Avadavats* 

 fully fledged, these I learn later are feuding for themselves, and 

 alreadj' beginning to show adult plumage. On the ground, 

 among the growing grass, right against front of aviary, was a 

 really cunning nest*, built by the Zebra Waxbills, and, just on 



* See plates. 



