Breeding in Aviaries. 75 



the little that has to be done for the hirds in regard 

 to their building. 



11. I have no faith at all in match-making ; in nine 

 cases out of ten it is quite certain that the birds suit 

 themselves better than we could suit them. Besides, 

 half the amusement is seeing what they will do. The 

 prettiest nest I have had this year was the production 

 of a strong-minded fenlale, who fairly hunted down a 

 poor little German bird not more than half her size. 

 Never was anything more amusing than Jenny's 

 pertinacity ; first she drove away all the other birds, 

 daring them to come near her, and then she fairly 

 flattered little timid Tuft into becoming her most 

 submissive spouse. She treated him well, however, 

 and fought his battles for him. 



12. A match between a Goldfinch and yellow 

 (Jonquille) Canary is one much to be desired; the 

 nestlings are so pretty. Siskins and Canaries are 

 also veiy pretty ; and some of the little crimson 

 plumaged foreign birds should be encouraged in any 

 such alliances. The being together much, the being 

 thoroughly tame, and the having abundant room, and 

 good choice of building places, are the chief means by 

 which one might promote this end. 



Two crested birds should never be allowed to pair. 

 I settle that by having with the others only crested 

 liens. The crested Goldfinches are extremely pretty 

 as well as rare, but I never heard of any progeny 



