THE BLACK-HEADED FINCH. 59 



itself, as well as hollow logs, and rolls of what is called 

 virgin cork should be disposed about the place, from 

 which mice should be rigorously excluded. Plenty of 

 building material would also be necessary, and in all 

 probability the desired result would be attained, that 

 is to say if the birds were not unduly disturbed by 

 fussy and curious interference on the part of the pro- 

 prietor. 



The food is millet, white and spray, otherwise French, 

 and they will all eat ants' eggs and mealworms, or 

 gentles, although the live insects are by no means 

 indispensable, for Nuns will live in the house for twelve 

 or fourteen years without anything of the kind: but if 

 it is desired to get them to breed, no doubt a supply 

 of the delicacies in question would be conducive to 

 bringing about the desired result. 



No green food is advisable other than a sod of 

 grass, for in a garden-aviary they will sometimes spend 

 a little time on the ground. 



The scientific name is Munia sincnsis. 



