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none, and when those I had ordered at last came, of course it

was too late.


I was very disappointed, for the dead young one was

quite a large size and looked very healthy.


Early in June the Diucas tried again. This time I

determined to do better, and wrote to their former owner to ask

if he would mind giving me the address of the breeder of the

birds. This he very kindly did, and I wrote at once to Germany.

I got a most courteous answer, telling me that the old birds

would feed the young on nothing but insects or mealworms, and

that I was to remember as most important to leave some meal¬

worms overnight for the birds to find first thing in the morning (a).

This fourth nest the Diucas built in half a cigar box (placed

lengthways on). The nest was very neat, made chiefly of hay,

with a soft lining of feathers. One egg was thrown out, and

also a newly-hatched young bird, after the hen had sat some

time. A little later an older bird, with grey down on the head,

was found dead on the floor, and I began to fear I was again to

fail.


On the whole the hen sat well, but was rather restless

sometimes. During this time the cock ceased his love song of

six sharp notes, and became almost silent.


The remaining two eggs were hatched about June 20th, as

far as I could tell. Both the parents fed the young on cut up meal¬

worms, but the cock seemed to let the hen have the leading

share in the operations, giving her the mealworms, and she in turn

would give them to the young birds. The parents were

absurdly jealous, and attacked every innocent bird that came

near the nest. O11 July 7th was first heard the joyful sound of

the young ones chirping, and three days later I got a glimpse of

the open beaks of the two nestlings.- They were very wide, with a

thick wax skin round the mouth. The cock began now to

attempt to sing his former song again. The elder 3 r oung one

emerged from the nest on July 12th. It was a very pretty

looking little thing, decidedly perky in its appearance and

movements. The tawny and white markings were less decided,

otherwise it was much the same colour as the hen bird. It

retired back to the nest at night, and the next day No. 2 came

really out. I had previously seen it leave the nest for a moment

and then go back. This nestling was younger, and not so strong

as No 1. Its feet began to get very weak, and on Sunday, July


[a). I am also indebted to one of our Members who very kindly helped me in this

difficulty.—R.A.



