FL\( 1 /IL'S AND Nl'XS. 2i>9 



a constant worker, and, unless lie has nests to build for his mates, is liable to use 

 whatever material is furnished him for weaving purposes to "hang up" some of 

 the defenceless smaller Finches. In the breeding-season he will divide his atten- 

 tion among his numerous mates, and build nests enough so that there will be some 

 for the other Finches to lay in, all of which prefer such to any artificial nests. 



Some time ago I owned a pair of these Bishops, and kept them separate from 

 other birds, in a brass cage 8 x 10 inches. They were given various colored wors- 

 teds to weave with, and made a nest, entrance, and diagonal avenues, that com- 

 pletely filled the cage. The gorgeous colors of the worsteds rivalled the bird's own 

 gay coat. The whole structure was very ingeniously made, and the knots and half- 

 hitches were marvels of neatness and strength. The worsted was given in pieces 

 measuring from six to twelve inches long, and there were, perhaps, two hundred or 

 more such pieces ; but not a loose end could be seen. All the ends were either 

 spliced, or else carefully tucked in toward the inner walls. The male alone did the 

 work, and used his feet more deftly in the delicate operations than a person could 

 use thumb and forefinger. The male is a singer, though with such beauty and 

 industry you can hardly expect the sweetest music : but he sings, and that, too, quite 

 constantly ; my impression is, that the less he sings, the better- you would like him. 

 The song consists of a series of harsh, metallic trills, such as might be produced 

 by " gusts " of fine shot on sheet-iron : the tone is so soft it is not at all painful. 



The Bishop is very hardy, and may be kept almost anywhere, without regard to 

 low temperature. He changes color twice a year, assuming, at times, a sombre 

 garb, after his bright apparel has become " rusty," only to re-appear in more bril- 

 liant habiliments. At this time, if I may liken the parts of his plumage to a man's 

 garments, first one sleeve will become, in two or three days, bright orange ; then 

 the whole back of the coat the same color ; and soon a glossy, satin-like waistcoat 

 appears. Quickly the whole suit is just perfection. The longer orange feathers 

 about the neck can be made to stand out like a ruffle whenever the bird is excited 

 or sings. 



The Madagascar Weaver, the Napoleon Weaver, and the Red-headed Weaver, 

 have cardinal and brown, lemon and brown, and cardinal and black, colors, all 

 differing in plumage from the Orange Bishop Weaver, but like him in respect to 

 weaving, song, and habits in the cage. All of these are kept in aviaries ; but, unless 

 the cage is a large one, only one kind should be confined in it. Not one of them is 

 an affectionate bird, either towards mankind or his own mate : indeed, love for the 

 mate is expressed by giving her a "switching." Two male Weavers will ignore 

 the best dinner that can be offered just for the fun of a good fight. 



One may grab the other by the foot, and hurl him the length of the cage repeat- 

 edly, without injury, so strong is the peculiar construction of the legs of this genus 

 for working purposes. 



The White-capped Nun is a soft seal-brown color all over, except the head and 

 upper part of the neck, which are grayish white or white. The bird was imported 

 from India, but has been bred here in cages. Perhaps not one other of all the 

 small birds for the aviary will so quietly, easily, and completely gain his keeper's 

 affection as this Nun with large, mild eyes, sweet face, subdued demeanor, and 

 'winning ways. He possesses, in a large degree, that kind of loveliness that leads 



