viii FOREIGN FINCHES IN CAPTIVITY. 



as a rule, at least half of them never reach Europe alive, whilst many 

 others die soon after their arrival. 



Before concluding these introductory observations, it is only right 

 that I should thank such friends as have from time to time encouraged 

 me in the study of Cage-Finches : I am indebted to the Hon. Walter 

 de Rothschild for the first living examples which I possessed of Green 

 Amaduvades, Pin-tailed Nonpareils and Red and Black-headed Gouldian 

 Finches. To Messrs. J. Abrahams, J. Johnston, my artist Mr. F. W. 

 Frohawk, and Miss B. M. Sharpe for similar kind gifts. 



To my friend Mr. J. Housden, of Sydenham, for much assistance 

 in many ways since I first became acquainted with him and his vast 

 collection of feathered pets. 



To the Rev. W. J. Holland, D.D., Ph.D., &c. of Pittsburg, U.S.A. ; 

 to Col. Charles Swinhoe, late Commissary General of Bombay ; and to 

 Dr. F. Moore, late Zoological Curator of the Indian Museum, London, 

 for valuable information respecting the habits of Finches in a wild 

 state ; and to my friend and colleague Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, for the 

 great assistance which I have derived from a study of his many and 

 important Ornithological Works. 



"The Lilies," Beckeuham. 



ARTHUR G: BUTLER. 



