38



Cor> espondence.



remaining on the nest. I have now a pair of Redheaded Goulds nesting,

also a Cock Redhead and hen Blackhead with five eggs. I am anxiously

looking for results, but the cold nights are trying and the season far

advanced. I feed my birds on the best large Spanish canary, the small

Indian millet, spray millet, with plenty of cuttle-fish and fresh lettuce

daily. All the birds are in perfect health and feather, and, with the ex¬

ception of four or five, sleep in the trees growing in the outside uncovered

portion of the aviary, and which is exposed to all weathers; they, however,

seem none the worse for the very frequent night soakings they must have

experienced this season. I notice that the White Javas always seek some

retreat or nest in the closed in portion of the aviary. Do these birds from

the Celestial region feel our climate more than their African and Australian

brothers?* My birds have made mail} 7 nests and laid main 1 eggs, but they

seem to lack the patience and persistency in sitting which characterize the

Goulds. I have always found them extremely hardy, and not so pugna¬

cious as most of our naturalist books tell us; although I should not advise

any reader to keep them in a small cage with any weak or defenceless

birds. I have always found some difficulty in obtaining the pure White

Java, as nearly all those imported from China and Japan into this country

are foul-marked birds. The three birds I have, one is slightly spotted

the other two are pure white and very large birds. I should never hesitate

to recommend them to anj' amateur who wishes to keep a pair of birds

as pets in a small cage, for they are very tameable, have a pretty, liquid

song, and a handsome appearance.


My Grassfinches have not been successful this year, for, although

having several nests of eggs, no young birds have been reared.


A pair of Fire Finches nested in a small rush basket; four eggs were

laid, but no results.


Will not a few more members give us their experiences this year, on

the nesting and rearing of their birds in outdoor aviaries?


Eu.a C. Bamford.



YOUNG BIRDS FEEDING NESTLINGS.


Sir, —Mr. Seth-Smith tells of some young Zebra Finches feeding

their baby brothers and sisters, only a little while after they had learnt to

feed themselves, and he adds, “ It would be interesting to know if others of

our members have noticed similar cases.”


In the spring of 1899, my Green Cardinals nested, and a fine young



* Javas are very much more hardy than Goulds ; nevertheless the latter will almost

invariably roost in trees or shrubs where they have the opportunity, the Javas preferring

receptacles of some kind. Each species has its own peculiar nature, which controls its

movements regardless of weather and consequences. Goulds are particularly slow in

learning from experiences.—R.P.



