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inches long. I found if the sprays were given any longer they

became rather awkward for the birds to manage. Only one

bird seemed to work at once, and I fancy the hen did the

principal share. It was very pretty to watch them fetch a spray

and carry it up into the nest, then turn round and drag it inside.

They worked very fast, and raised the roof by pushing it up

vigorously from the inside with their beaks. A few feathers

formed the lining, and a narrow hollow tunnel, (hanging rather

downwards), was attached to the nest.


On Sunday, October 28th, I noticed the hen looked

puffy, but soon looked quite herself again, and I concluded the

first egg had been laid.


I wish I could leave the story of my little Lavenders

here, for the sequel is a very sad one. On November 3rd, the

hen was found ill, evidently egg bound, and scarcely able to fly

(though only a short time before she had looked quite bright and

lively). She died about ten o’clock at night to my great sorrow.

The cock and little one miss the hen very much, and look quite

lost without her, for the three made such a pretty trio. They still

sleep in the nest at night. I found there were no more eggs, so

apparently the hen did not commence to lay until almost a week

after the completion of the nest. I should add, in conclusion,

that, besides the usual seeds always in the aviary, namely

canary, white and Indian millet, and four kinds of grass seeds,

the birds have had for the last few weeks a dry mixture of

crushed broken biscuit, preserved } r olk of egg, and a little maw

seed. Of course this is given fresh daily. I first began it for

some breeding Canaries ; but the birds, and especially some small

Doves, all seem so fond of it, and it appears to do them so much

good, that I have continued it every day. Of course, as soon as

I knew about the young Lavender, I provided mealworms (cut

in several pieces) at short intervals during the da} r , and, what I

think very important, always left some mealworms over-night, so

as to be ready for the birds first thing in the morning. To-day,

November 12th, I have examined the Lavenders’ second nest

(the autumn cleaning in the aviary having begun) and I find it is

made of chickweed, hay and feathers, the latter woven in as well

as lining it. Inside I found one or two ants’ eggs, which looks as

if they had formed part of the food for the young ones. The

interior of the nest was very dirty.


Lavender Finches have always been great favourites of

mine ; their little ways are so quaint and cheerful. One very fine

cock I once had, called “ Little Billee,” was the liveliest of all



