So?ne Experiences of an A viculturist. 301


the locality of the eyelids swells to such an extent as to com¬

pletely conceal the eye, and it remains in this condition for a

week or more, in spite of constant bathing of the parts with

Boracic acid dissolved in hot water and allowed to cool. At

other times a waxy exudence shows itself round the eye lid, but

if taken in time yields quickly to the same treatment.


With regard to the singing qualities of this bird there can

be no two opinions, when heard at its best it much resembles the

Skylark, but of course it has neither the volume or the variety

of notes of the latter, but it is none the less a charming songster.

I have found a very great difference in individuals, having

possessed some that were very free singers and others somewhat

shy. I have one at the present time which, although I have had

him for upwards of twelve months, has only sung three or four

times to my knowledge, but is incessantly calling to his mate.

He bred last year, but the young disappeared mysteriously from

the nest. I blamed mice.


I must not overlook the remark made somewhere by Dr.

Butler in regard to a statement made to him by the late Mr.

Joseph Abrahams who had said that when a Grey Singing Finch

was actually singing “he showed a white spot 011 the throat.” I

seem to remember Dr. Butler saying he had looked in vain for

this white spot. I can only hope that so careful an observer as

the worthy Doctor has now found it, as it certainly is present in

most individuals, and shows to greater advantage in old cocks

whose plumage is generally darker on the surface. The action of

the throat parts the outer feathers, exposing the downy feathers

underneath which show up in the form of a small round patch.

This spot is quite distinct in two or three specimens I have at

the moment, although their plumage has undergone no change

due to age.


Golden-breasted Waxbills have always been great favourites

with me, and experience has led me to believe the cock bird

is shorter lived than the hen, as out of eight pairs I have not had

a single case where the former has outlived his partner purchased

at the same time. The most satisfactory pair I ever possessed

lived with me for about three years, and during that time I must

have had dozens of eggs laid in a small wicker cage in which



