I.So



which, as already stated, is like to but duller than the plumage

of the fully adult bird. Hut the birds have left Mr. Astley’s

hands, and so it has fallen to my unhappy lot to write the account

of the species which has to accompany the coloured plate. Yes,

my unhappy lot, for my story is a story of failure, and it is not a

pleasing performance- not pleasing to oneself at any rate — to

trumpet abroad one’s own incompetency. Nevertheless failure is

an experience ; and Dr. Greene, in days long since gone by, once

told me that all experiences are valuable. This paper, con¬

sequently, is, or ought to be, of exceeding value, and should

therefore be read by every aspiring aviculturist who may be

thinking of investing in the not inexpensive luxury of a family

of Pittas.


It will clear the air, and help our readers to understand

the situation, if J state at once the two main causes of my failure ;

these were, the pugnacious character of the species, and my want

of space which prevented me from providing suitable and

separate lodging for each of the four birds. They are not

quarrelsome, .although a great nuisance, with birds of other

genera ; but no two Pittas, no matter the sex, could be kept

together, even in the comparatively large spaces (loose I mean)

of dining-room, bird-room, or aviary. My accommodation for

the birds is limited, especially during the cold season, when so

many, practically all of my So — 90 birds, have to be brought into

the house. A vieulturists who live in the country cannot form an

idea what it means to be unable to extend one’s boundary in any

direction by as much as two inches. Again, although my

summer arrangements are rather nice, in winter my bird-room,

which opens on to the back of the house and is shut in by pro¬

jecting buildings, is hopelessly dark and altogether abominable.

And when I add that the Pittas, although so welcome, for one

cannot secure a Pitta every day, came to me quite unexpectedly,

after every inch of available space had been very much more

than appropriated, it will be readily understood that it was

impossible for me to treat them as Pittas should have been

treated.


They are not small birds, and require a good deal of space

if they are to be maintained in health ; and I found too that,

owing to the darkness, they did not get on well if shut up in any

of the “houses” in my bird-room, although the smallest of

these is slightly over 4ft. long by eft. by eft. Besides all this,

they are delicate as regards temperature ; and, having but

partially-moulted wings, for some months they kept chiefly to



