402



Correspondence , Notes, etc.



and that portion of the letterpress which refers to the nests and

eggs of the different species of British birds. The whole forms

a handsome, compact, and convenient book of reference to the

nesting habits and identification of the eggs of British birds,

and should receive great support from ornithologists generally.

Those who are specially interested in nests and eggs will hardly

be able to do without it: the plates alone are very cheap at the

price asked for the whole book.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



BREEDING SERIN-FINCHES.


Sir ,—Re colour of eggs of the Green Singing Finch. I see in the

August number, Dr. Butler calls attention to the variability of the

colouring.


At the time my Serin Finches were nesting, Zebra Finches were the

only other birds that I had put up for breeding, and as far as I can recollect

the eggs were the same colour as those of the Chestnut-eared Finch. Had

they differed in marking it would have attracted my attention, for at that

time these were the only birds that I had tried my ’prentice hand on. I

had no idea that they were difficult to get to breed—had not long taken up

Foreign Birds—had no Bird Book—used to saw away one-quarter of a

cocoa nut shell, ram in part of a cow hair and moss nest, wire it into a

canary breeding cage, and the birds took to it with very little altering, and

reared a family.


But this is going away from the subject, and I can look back twenty

years, and go over again the pride I felt when I first saw the youngsters in

the nest. It was in exactly six weeks that a precocious ‘ mother’s darling’

made his or her first appearance before the public, and sang so sweet a

song. It is only those devoted lovers of birds that can understand what my

feelings were, when I first heard those beautiful notes.


I fear, Mr. Editor, in my enthusiasm I have got off the track, and

must crave your indulgence and pardon.


W. T. CATPEUGH.



RARE AFRICAN WAXBILLS.


Sir,—W ill you kindly tell me if Violet-eared Waxbills have a winter

and summer plumage. A month ago I received two males and one female;

one male had a chocolate coloured breast, the breast of the other male was

in patches of chocolate and dull buff—he does not look like a young bird.



