32 FOREIGN FINCHES IN CAPTIVITY. 



breeding results are known to me, I am nevertheless thereby convinced 

 that, in like manner, it will also nest well in cages, and moreover, that 

 it is one of the best birds for breeding in captivity. Of course one 

 must avoid keeping its nearest allies with it in the bird-room, for 

 even those which are much smaller, as the Grey Serin, and Hartlaub's 

 Siskin, quarrel with and pursue it so that it is prevented from breeding." 



These observations would lead one to suppose not only that my 

 St. Helena Seed-eater was an unusually pugnacious individual, but 

 that my Green and Grey Singing Finches associated with him were 

 particularly amiable ; yet the former of these followed out Dr. Russ' 

 programme for a year after the reunion of the species, but in March, 

 1894, was pursued and killed by the St. Helena Seed-eater; the Grey 

 Singing Finch confines his attacks to those of his own kind in the 

 adjoining aviary, whom he fights through the wire partition. As regards 

 breeding in a cage, I must admit that my repeated attempts to satisfy 

 5. flaviventris with hen Canaries to its liking and my inability to please 

 it, make me very sceptical ; possibly a newly imported bird, if not 

 allowed the run of a big aviary, but kept in a cage from the commence- 

 ment of its captivity, might be induced to do so ; but not one which 

 has for years, or even months, been flying at large. 



My bird does not bear out Dr. Russ' further observations, that 

 it is " peaceable with all other smaller birds and far more harmless than 

 most other Finches." I have seen it disputing with Canaries, hen 

 Weavers, the Nonpareil and Saffron Finches ; but more especially when 

 there was some green food to quarrel for : I have also known it to fight 

 with a cock Comoro Weaver. 



The habits of individuals do not necessarily represent the natural 

 tendencies of species ; therefore only a study of numerous individuals, 

 by many independent witnesses, can decide whether their behavioiir 

 is normal or abnormal. 



The illustrations are from a living male in the author's collection, 

 and from a skin of the female in the Natural History Museum. 



