THE DIAMOND SPARROW. 113 



the wings and tail being a shade darker; all the 

 feathers have transverse blackish wavy lines all over 

 them, giving them a very soft and silken appear- 

 ance. 



THE DIAMOND SPARROW, or " spotted-sided finch," 

 a native of Australia, is a short, stout bird, some- 

 what larger than the St. Helena waxbill. The un- 

 der part of the body is white, and the sides under 

 the wings quite black, with oblong white spots. 

 They have the utmost desire to catch flies ; and, if 

 allowed the liberty of a room, will rush to the win- 

 dow, and remain by the hour catching them. They 

 can be made remarkably tame, and can be trusted 

 without their cage. 



THE FIRE FINCH bears a strong resemblance to 

 the avadavat at certain seasons of the year. He 

 is somewhat larger, but has little song, being kept 

 particularly for beauty and cheerful disposition. 



THE SAFFRON FINCH is in many respects similar 

 to the canary, though not quite as large. In point 

 of color, however, the finch is more desirable, as 

 the shades are of brighter tints. 



" The tropic sunshine from his golden wings." 



The above comprise a variety of the family of 

 finches. There are, however, very many others, 

 which can be obtained at any well-kept bird store. 



They should be fed upon millet-seed, and given a 

 bath daily ; care should be taken that they are kept 

 in a warm room, and, if possible, in the warm rays 



