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offer, as there seemed to be a possibility that it may have been

previously bred, although such an event remains unrecorded as

far as we know, notwithstanding that it does seem to be such an

easy species to breed. On the other hand, aviculturists have had

their eye on it for such a number of years that any instance of its

successful breeding would hardly have been passed over

unnoticed. And when I observe how many aviculturists of the

first water have not been successful, it slowly dawns upon me

that my little black-billed friends are quite worthy of so great

an honour, and introduce them to the Members of the Avicultural

Society accordingly.


[On August 29 l again saw the male retaining a large feather in his bill under the

circumstances already related. O11 August 31st I first noticed one young bird shewing

red on the brow, and from that day the red tinge 011 bill and brow has been steadily

becoming more apparent 011 all of them. To-day, September 10, I saw the group o

three little ones together, all apparently in perfect health and condition, and all slowly

coming into colour. — R. P.]



THE BRAZILIAN HANG-NEST.


Icterus jainacciii.


By A. G. Butler, Ph.D.


Up to 1897 I always longed to possess a specimen of this

American Starling; but, though I saw one or two in the shops

of various dealers, they were either too high-priced, or had some

defect. Mr. Abrahams once showed me a beauty, which would

come out of its cage and take a mealworm from his hand ; but

he wanted two pounds for it, and that was more than I cared

to give for so common a bird. Some years later I saw a nice-

looking specimen in Mr. Maschke’s shop, and, as he asked a

pound for it, I was tempted to buy it; until I noticed that it had,

apparently, been pinioned. It maj^ have been all right, but I

was not inclined to risk it.


In 1897 my friend Mr. Housden brought me a specimen,

somewhat ragged in plumage and a good deal pecked about the

head. It was cheaper than Maschke’s bird, but a much more

risky venture ; nevertheless, I had waited so long that I was

tempted to try my luck; and, on the thirteenth day after I

bought it, the bird died.


No more specimens came my way for two years : then Mr.

Housden again assisted me, and this time brought me a really

good specimen, but little damaged in plumage and in good

health, and asked me if I cared to have it: the price was even

lower than that asked for my previous venture ; therefore it may



