241 



valuable form in which to supply it to birds in cages, 

 as it gives exercise to many species in picking out 

 the seed, that are sluggish under the conditions of 

 cage life. In the aviary I seldom use it, as the birds 

 get plenty of exercise without such devices. 



Brown Mii,l,kt : I do not care to pass my opinion 

 as to the merits or demerits of this seed, in the days 

 when I bought mixtures, if it had not been for the 

 Quails and Doves it would have been wasted. 



Paddy Rice or Rice in the Husk, is certainly 

 another wholesome food, not so much used as it 

 deserves to be, the South American Grosbeaks and 

 most of the Grassfinches are very fond of it, and I am 

 of the opinion that it is certainly conducive to fine 

 condition with some species. 



Oats : The same applies as to the paddy rice, the 

 so-called white oats are more readily eaten than the 

 dark or black oats, and may be supplied either whole 

 or crushed. The above seeds are all of a floury 

 uature and maybe supplied ad lib. to all cage or aviary 



birds. 



{To be continued). 



ITbe JBIack^beaDet) Stbia. 



{Malacias capistrata). 

 By Mrs. E. Warren Vernon. 



I had no idea what these lovely birds were like 

 when I got a wire from Mr. Hamlyn saying he had a 

 pair for sale. 



I believe there are very few in England at this 

 lime. They are large, long, slim birds with black 

 heads. The cock can raise his head feathers and bring 



