good and joyful tiling for brethren to dwell together in unity. Put

a rival in his enclosure and he will hunt him as keenly as Saul

hunted David on the hills of Engedi ; and what is more, if he

gets him, he will make an utter end of him. “Azure Finch”

is the poetic name by which he is known to dealers, who “set

traps to catch men.”


The Java Sfiarrozv in the white variety, is, with regard to

colour, like the cream of which we are told that “ it is seldom

what it seems.” Generally certain spots and blemishes have been

removed before his appearance in public, and these, like the weeds

in our garden, sooner or later reappear to the great sorrow and

indignation of the purchaser. Added to this, he is a dull

vicious bird, and therefore I would always prefer his room to his

company. The grey variety is a good tough bird, on which the

prentice hand should try his skill. I doubt that he could kill

him except by personal violence.


The Zebra Finch is a bright and cheerful little fellow, and,

“like a brother born for adversity,” is always welcome. His life

is what Insurance Agents would call a “ good one,” and his gay

coat and sprightly ways will enliven the aviary at all times. He

is, moreover, a “ free breeder,” and Dr. Butler says he likes his

nest cleaned out and re-arranged ever so much ! ! !! ( a ).


The Pintail Nonbarcil is undeniably beautiful, but I dare

not recommend him as hardy. Still, I have wintered him out of

doors; but then you must be prepared, as the furniture removing

people say, “ to take all risks.”


The Parrot Finch. There are some birds that once seen are

loved for ever. The Parrot Finch is one. I have found him

pretty hardy ; and his beautiful crimson head and green body

colour are always admired.


The Cutthroat is a very desirable bird for a beginner to try

his prentice hand on, and the broad band of red on his throat

always suggests the idea that he has had an accident whilst shaving.


The Gouldian Finch is rather a sad and depressing bird,

suggestive of a text on human life, “ So soon passeth it away

and we are gone.” Their beauty is undeniable. Solomon in all

his glory was not arrayed like one of these ; but as a liver he is

distinctly disappointing, and always reminds one of a quaint

epitaph on a little child, I once saw : —


“ I was so very quickly clone for,


I wonder what I was begun for.”


Still, if money is no object, there is no harm in trying him.



(a). Mr. Farrar ought to go in for romance: he is certainly an inventive genius.—A. G. B.



