122 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS. 



hen together. Pittas have never been bred in captivity, 

 so that some interesting discoveries very likely await any 

 one who will devote himself to the study of their breeding- 

 habits. 



They are not difficult to feed ; ghee-and-safoo paste, with 

 a little finely-minced raw meat worked up in it, will do very 

 well as a staple food, and if plenty of maggots are available 

 the meat may be omitted. But plenty of cockroaches, 

 grasshoppers, etc., should always be provided, and any 

 fruit which they may show an inclination for should be 

 given. 



Pittas have been taken to England alive on a few occa- 

 sions, but are never likely to become common with 

 amateurs there, and so are always worth taking home. 

 On account of their active habits and compact shape, 

 they are easy to keep in good condition even in a small 

 cage, but they must be kept warm. 



