pairs of the White-breasted Mannikin (Mania pectoralis) , a

species which has recently become comparatively common,

although formerly very rare.


Two interesting and uncommon exhibits were those of

hybrids between Parson-finch and Bengalese, and Chestnut-finch

and Bengalese, both sent by Mr. Hawkins, but for whom the

foreign Finches at this Show would have been a poor lot indeed.


In the class for all species of Grosbeaks, True Finches and

Buntings, not included elsewhere, the first and second prizes

were awarded to Red-headed and Green Cardinals shown by

Messrs. J. B. Housden and G. G. Henderson respectively, and the

third to a very fine Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca ccerulea) sent by Mrs.

Galloway. The female of this species is very rarely imported,

which is much to be regretted.


Swainson’s Sparrows are uncommon in this country and

therefore interesting, and the pair exhibited in this class were

worth notice, as was a Red-lieaded Bunting, a Japanese Hawfinch,

and a pair of European Black-headed Buntings.


In the class for Tanagers there were some lovely birds,

including several specimens of the Blue-and-black, the Blue-

lieaded and the Scarlet.


The Parrakeet class always has special attraction for me,

and on this occasion there were some especially rare and

beautiful specimens exhibited. First of all came Captain

Sutton’s beautiful Masked Parrakeet from Fiji, in perfect trim ;

then Mr. Hawkins’s very neat and charming little hen Golden-

Shoulder. By the way, all who are interested in the Psephoti

should not fail to see the very beautiful hybrids between this

species and the Many-coloured Parrakeet now in the Parrot-

house at the “ Zoo.”


The Red-shining Parrakeet ( c) sent by Captain Sutton was

not quite perfect in plumage, but was nevertheless a very

delightful bird and a very fair talker ; I certainly think it should

have been placed third and Mr. Hawkins’ Turquoisine fourth,

instead of vice-versa.


There were besides, a good King and Queen, a pair of

Pennants, and single specimens of the Redrump, Crimsonwing,

Plumhead, &c.


In the class for Amazon and Grey Parrots the first prize

was won by an exceptionally fine Grey sent by Mrs. R. Baptie,

but Mr. Woodfield’s Yellow-faced Amazon, which came second,



^). Rightly or wrongly, I mule this bird out to be a Tabuau {Pyrrhnlopsis tabuensis). —R-.P".



