2i2 FOREIGN FINCHES IN CAPTIVITY. 



song ; its greater activity is probably partly the result of its finer 

 build. 



Another complete link between the so-called Manuikins and the 

 Grass-finches is the Bengalee, or Pied Mannikin ; regarded (I think 

 rightly) by Mr. Abrahams as a fertile hybrid, derived from the Indian 

 Silver-bill and the Striated Finch, but having more nearly the character 

 of the latter than the former ; for which reason I place it at the 

 commencement of this group. 



For show purposes it is convenient to fix a limit to this arbitrary 

 group ; otherwise it might be altogether ignored. In all its main 

 features it corresponds with the typical Grass-finches, the distinction 

 being one of external aspect, chiefly due to a combination of black, 

 various shades of chestnut and usually white, together with an un- 

 usually heavy conical beak. To this general rule Munia for PaddaJ 

 oryzwora, the Java Sparrow is an exception ; its colouring is wholly 

 aberrant, and its forehead is almost level with the base of its powerful 

 beak ; its song, and its position when singing, moreover, are entirely 

 unlike that of any true Munia, whilst its chattering seems to indicate 

 an affinity to the Weaver-birds. 



A comparison of the Ribbon Finch with the various Spice Finches, 

 or of the Gouldian with the Chestnut-breasted Finch, should, I think, 

 convince any sceptical aviarist that the true Grass-finches and Manni- 

 kins have a very great deal in common ; that they are not difficult to 

 cross, has been proved by the successes of our German friends. 



The late Consul R. Swinhoe informs us, that the Chinese bird- 

 catchers pick off Munite, and other birds, from the trees by means of 

 a little bird-lime stuck to the top of a bamboo pole. 



THE BENGALEE. 



Aidemosyne malabarica + Uroloncha striata, LINN. 



THIS delightful little fertile hybrid was produced by the Japanese, 

 who, probably, carefully bred and selected for some hundreds of 

 years, until they developed the three well-known forms. These are, 



