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and flowering grass (never given in a wet state) and Mr.

Abrahams’ seed mixture. They are not exposed to the sun

after the early morning, when they have their bath. Afterwards

my aviary cage is kept in a large cool drawing room with sun-

blinds down when necessary. I fancy two of my deceased birds

came from the same place where Mr. Wiener procured his stock.

I do not consider myself unlucky with birds as a rule, and am

able to keep the small rarer species of Waxbills successfully, and

also Tanagers, Zosterops and Sugar Birds. I have had a hen

Daciiis cayana for over two years in perfect condition. The only

drawback to the Tanagers (of which I have three, Scarlet,

Green-headed, and Blue-and-Black) is their occasional spiteful

fits. The late Mr. Abrahams told me this would occur at the

breeding season, and except with the Superb Tanagers, I find

that their peaceable disposition returns after a few weeks.

During their quarrelsome phases they drive the other birds about

the cage, but do no actual harm, with the exception of the

Superb Tanager, Calliste fastuosa. One I had slew first a

Lavender Waxbill and then a Masked Grassfinch, after having

been perfectly peaceable for six months previously. I have found

the Violet Tanagers more delicate than the others. It is curious

how the Shama delights in noise. I have had my bird

“ Drosselbart” for nearly seven years and he is a splendid

singer, combining every good quality of a pet bird. I always go

to London for a short time every spring ; “ Drosselbart” accom¬

panies me and sings from morning till night. He revels in the

various street noises and especially loves to reply to a boy

whistling. The country seems now to strike him as rather dull,

and he is less disposed to favour me with his music, though he

likes to answer the thrushes in the rhododendron bushes on the

lawn.



THE ILLUSTRATION.



We are glad to include in this number a picture of the

Demoiselle Cranes with young one, whose nesting was lately

related by their owner, the Honble. Gerald Lascelles. We

greatly regret to hear that the female has in the meanwhile

fallen a prey to a fox, after living happily in captivity for

years. O. E. C., Editor.



