AVIARIES, BIRD-ROOMS AND CAGES. 45 



Rtimped and Pectoral; also the Ribbon Finches, 

 commonly called Cutthroats. Most of these Birds, when 

 sufficiently recovered from the journey to this country 

 do well, and are fairly long lived. 



Where a mixed company of Foreign Birds is kept, 

 there is often considerable trouble, many of them prov- 

 ing very quarrelsome. But the following can generally 

 be relied upon to live amicably together. Cockatiels, 

 Budgerigars of both the green and yellow forms. Where 

 Red and Mealy Rosellas, White-eared Conures, and 

 these are kept it is safer to put in a pair of each species, 

 as an odd bird will frequently prove troublesome. These 

 pretty birds are not safe to keep with Finches; they are 

 sure <o cause trouble sooner or later, although occasion- 

 ally one hears of a fancier who experiences an exception 

 to the general rule. Many birds are perfectly harmless 

 when out of colour, but when in breeding plumage they 

 are naturally full of health and vigour, and consequently 

 inclined to be mischievous. 



The following may be relied upon to nest in an 

 outside aviary, thereby adding to the interest of the 

 collection : White Java Sparrows, Bengalese, Saffron, 

 Grey, Zebra, and Cutthroat Finches. The 'p rett y 

 Bronze-wings are hardly so reliable, but occasionally 

 manage to rear a brood. For nesting accommodation, 

 the interior should be fitted with cocoanut husks, small 

 boxes with a hole in one side, German Canary travelling 

 cages, and one may use suitably-shaped pieces of Virginia 

 cork, and so give a rustic appearance to the place. Hay 

 and dried grass are the building materials most in 

 demand, but the ordinary Canary nest-bag with cow- 

 hair, should also be supplied. 



