86 PRACTiCAr, Bird-Keeping. 



aviary and was in the .surrouiidiiig woods for many weeks. A 

 neighbour — proud of his Ribston Pippins — was much, and very 

 naturally, annoyed to find every morning several empty "shells" 

 of apple skin on the ground. So curious was the way the apples 

 were eaten, leaving quite three parts of the skin intact, that I 

 felt sure my lost Rifle Bird was the culprit, a fact which was 

 afterwards proved by her recapture when all edibles, such as 

 apples and blackberries were over. When re-captured slie was 

 thin but perfectly healthy, and is now a member of the lovely 

 collection at the Zoological Gardens. 



As a family, they are undoubtedly very intelligent, an 

 important point in an aviary bird. They get tame quickly, and 

 several in my collection would take a grape or mealworm from 

 my fingers. 



Hunstein's Magnificent {Diphyllodes hunsteini) is, or appears 

 to be, the least intelligent. In the hen plumage these birds are 

 bright and quick in their movements, but as soon as they assume 

 adult plumage they become lethargic. A cock will sit absolutely 

 still for as long as you can stand or watch, with his green breast 

 plate spread out and his beak pointing upwards. Amongst green 

 foliage he would be absolutely invisible in this position, and it is 

 a wonderful instinct which makes him assume it when humans are 

 present. When these birds fly, the rustle of the wings is an 

 interesting point I have never heard explained. It is like the 

 loud rustle of silk and it is difficult to believe the wings make it 

 alone. I think in the Rifle Bird it is the most noticeable. 



The Apoda and Raggiajiia are very fond of mice, and woe 

 betide one if it enters their aviary. The business-like wa\' in 

 which the poor captive is held firmly under the foot, each tiny 

 limb broken by the powerful beak of its captor, shows it is not 

 a chance appetite, but one that is natural to the bird in its native 

 ■land. 



Each diff'erent species has its own peculiar display, all 

 somewhat ridiculous and yet very wonderful. Every gorgeous 

 feather is made the most of for the attraction of the hen bird, 

 who, I have often noticed, remains singularly unaffected and 

 receives all the adoration in a phlegmatic and unappreciative 

 manner. One hen Kins: Bird invariablv flew down to feed at 



