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unorthodox, if not rank heresy ; be that as it may, I am simply

stating what I have done ( ' experientia docct ) and am still doing.

If others will adopt the same precautions, they will succeed in

the same, and possibly greater measure. Now for the birds I

have kept, and still keep together in the same enclosure.


Waxbills in variety including the small N porceginthus

subftavics, a fairly representative series of Mannikins, Grass-

finches, Grey Java Sparrows, a few Buntings, and a pair of

Cockatiels.


Methods of procedure. Do not get some of all the above,

and loose them into your aviary straight away ; this would

simply invite disaster. Get first some Waxbills, and let them

have tlxe aviary to themselves for a mouth, by that time they will

know their way about and take care of themselves.


Next introduce a pair or two of Grassfinches, watching

carefully those of larger size till their demeanour is ascertained.


Mannikins may follow; these are generally quite harmless,

excepting the Magpie Mannikin (Amauresthes fringilloid.es),

which had better be left out, unless the enclosure be very large ;

for although he seldom does much harm, in the event of a

quarrel, a blow from his powerful beak would be fatal, even to

a bird fully his own size.


Saffron Finches must be introduced with caution, care¬

fully watched, and at once removed if they become at all

combative ; and only one pair must be kept. But in spite of the

evil reputation they enjoy, I have had a very amiable pair for

several years, which have never done any mischief ; I have only

the cock now; the hen died last summer while I was ill, egg

bound for want of lime-rubbish I suspect. Your birds fare but

poorly as a rule when you cannot attend to them yourself.


The same care must be exercised as to'Weavers; and as

they scarcely ever attempt to breed, though they build numbers

of their interesting and cleverly woven nests, it is as well to

limit the supply to one or two cocks ; for instance, the Orange,

Madagascar and Red-billed species.


The Cockatiels should be introduced the second year;

then they seldom do any mischief; mine have never done any.


Green Singing Finches and Pekin Robins are inveterate

egg eaters, unless the aviary be very large ; otherwise they are

handsome and charming birds.


Now I can almost hear someone saying, “ What about

tragedies?’’ Well, I have never had any, not a single death



