CHAPTER XXVII. 



I HERE had been so much controversy about this 

 handsome bird that I determined to obtain a pair 

 of them at the earliest opportunity, and before long 

 was fortunate enough to procure two very fine specimens 

 in perfect plumage and condition from the late Mr. 

 Anton Jamrach, whose untimely death all aviarists have 

 so much reason to deplore. 



They were, indeed, a splendid pair of birds, so tame 

 and fearless, but as fierce and as cruel as hawks, as 

 far as other birds were concerned, which was the 

 reason why I was forced to get rid of them, for I would 

 not keep them in a cage, nor did I choose to part 

 with the rest of my collection on their account and 

 for their special benefit. 



The species is too well known now to need de- 

 scription, but I may remark that the male is consider- 

 ably larger than the female, to whom he is most 

 devoted, dancing and singing to her, combing her head 

 for her and feeding her incessantly. 



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