Finches. 209 



head and white stomach. It takes its name of striata 

 from the light streaks down the middle of every feather 

 on the back. 



The vS. acuticauda is not often imported into Eng- 

 land, but is chiefly interesting from being the progenitor 

 of the charming little birds called the Bengalees, which 

 have been lately introduced from Japan, where the 

 different varieties have been bred : some are pure white, 

 some " panache " (black and white), and Nankin-brown 

 and white. The former are the most delicate, and 

 frequently become blind in confinement. They do' 

 not thrive in an aviary, but are best kept in cages. 

 They should be fed chiefly on canary-seed. They are 

 very gentle, amiable little birds, and very amusing from 

 their droll little song, which they accompany with very 

 grotesque movements of the head and tail. I had a 

 pair of white Bengalies for some time, kindly sent me 

 by Mr. Hawkins on their first introduction into this 

 country ; subsequently a pair of the Nankin and white 

 birds were brought into the room, and were eagerly 

 greeted by the white birds. I put them into the same 

 compartment of the cage, and they made friends 

 immediately, and a great deal of dancing and bowing 

 ensued, which ended in their all going together into 

 the cocoa-nut suspended in the cage. All these birds 

 seem to be very fond of the little rush baskets, and 

 will crowd five or six together into one, not only at 

 night, but very often during the day. The last survivor 



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