THE RIBBON FINCH. 183 



Sparrow, but with very variable success. One breeder will rear a 

 great many, whilst others do not succeed at all." 



I asked Mr. Arthur Thompson, of the Zoological Gardens, what 

 was provided in the way of extra food for their finches when breeding, 

 and he told me they simply had a fresh turf in the cage. One thing 

 I should insist upon, as likely to keep this, and all Grass-finches, in 

 health, and that is : Lawn-grass seed should always be given to 

 them and, when procurable, grass in the ear, both ripe and unripe : 

 small spiders, too, are far preferable to mealworms, and are more 

 eagerly eaten by the birds : when breeding, I should give them 

 Abrahams' food. 



" It has been observed " says Wiener, " that in many cases the 

 mother is so jealous of the young brood, that if the male bird comes 

 near the nest, he will be persecuted so vigorously that the young 

 brood may be forgotten, or the male parent killed by the mother of 

 the chirping family. A separation of these veritably henpecked 

 husbands, from their family, is then the only remedy. For feeding the 

 young Diamond Sparrows, live insect food is absolutely necessary, and 

 fresh ants' eggs the best ; in their stead mealworms, egg-food, and 

 scalded, soaked, and strained seeds may be used." 



Illustration from specimens formerly living in the author's collection, 

 and from a living pair. 



THE RIBBON FINCH. 



Amadina fasciata, GMELIN. 



THIS common but pretty African species is also known by the far 

 more appropriate, though less pleasing name, of " Cut- throat 

 Finch." The male above is dull golden-brown, the outer borders of 

 the feathers brighter and barred with black ; the head is rather greyer 

 than the back, and the tail feathers blackish-grey, the inner webs 



