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it out; whereas, if a bird goes wrong in a cage, why, there you

have him.


Do not be above learning. “ We can all learn,” as Jowett

once said, “ even the youngest undergraduate.” Remember

Luther’s words to Melanctlion : “ Tell Philip that he does not

know everything in the world.” It is wonderful what a lot of

useful information can be picked up, if only ycu will not

pretend to be omniscient. S. Paul’s words are worth remembering:

“ Be not wise in your own conceits.” What to buy is of course

largely a matter of taste and—pocket.


I append a list of birds—some rare and some otherwise—

from which, as the horticultural dealers say, we can make a

“ suitable selection.”


The Silverbill. An old and honoured friend, in spite of his

sober, snuff-coloured garments. He has the great merit of

hardiness. I might say that he is as hard as nails.


The Zebra Waxbill. A charming little bird, but alas !

common. “How can you keep such common stuff?” I was once

asked, “ anybody can buy them ! ” I say, “ Happy anybody.

Are we to keep nothing but what is rare and expensive ? ” Rather

let us thank God that there are birds within the reach of all !


The Dhyal is as quarrelsome as the natives of Sumatra

after the pepper harvest. He is a gentleman that, as the gardeners

say of certain plants, “needs perpetual restraint.” Like a

naughty child, he is always getting into mischief, and is like a

certain boy I once knew, of whom it was said, you never

knew what he would be up to next. As a sly and crafty slayer

of small and inoffensive birds he could give points to the Thugs.

Given a nice big aviary all to himself, he will live and prosper,

and if you can find him a wife, he will do his best to increase and

multiply in the land.


The Cherrvfinch. The brave aviculturist will not be

content merely with gaudy and showy specimens ; he will

experiment with this modest Grassfinch, so-called from his sober

colouring. A charming little bird and fairly hardy.


The Scarlet Tanager will always delight and surprise with

its beauty ; just as when we sometimes come upon some glorious

sunset, we cry, “ How lovely ! ” so shall we do as often as we see

our scarlet friend flashing about. The hen is a very rare and

difficult bird to light on ; therefore, if you should find one, prize

her, for her price is above rubies. She is of sober olivaceous

tint above, and yellow on the breast and underparts.



