So



or “spittle insect,” belonging, in all probability, to the genus lassus. I

was not, however, able to identify the species, as it was not represented in

the Natural History Museum. It belongs to the same group of insects as

the so-called “ dried flies ” well-known to aviculturists, but is much smaller

and, owing to its green colouring, attracts the attention of the birds more

readily than the wliity-brown species generally in use.


I found that not only was this insect relished by the American Blue¬

bird, the Green Cardinal, the Liothrix and the Yellow Wagtail, to all of

which I offered the insects dry, and unmixed with other food ; but that some

which I gave to a friend (who is anxious about his Indigo Bunting) were

greedily eaten by half-a-dozen Canaries as soon as they were put in a little

heap on the floor of the aviary.


I have since mixed them with my usual soft food, and find that all

my insectivorous birds have eaten them. If, therefore, these insects can be

imported so as to be obtainable at a cheaper rate than ants’ cocoons, they

would certainly be a great boon to aviculturists.


A. G. BuTinSR.



ZOSTEROPS.


[In reply to an enquiry by a member as to what Zosterops are, the

following letter was written by Mr. Phillipps.]


These are little birds freely scattered over large portions of the world.

Many of the species have a ring of white feathers round the eye, from

which they take their name (Zosterops) and also the familiar name of

Spedtacle-bird usually given to them in this country. Over eighty species

are known, but, so far as I have observed, only two have been shown in this

country — I maybe quite wrong here—an Australian and a Chinese species.


For a few years back, not many appeared, and these were sold at

very high prices: consequently the markets are now glutted. On their

arrival, they are usually in poor condition and partially naked; but I find

that they are easily kept, and with warmth and proper care will come

round all riglit if not too far gone. They are lively little things, and have a

cheerful twitter. The}’ require to be always eating, and should always

have a supply of food in their cage ; during the dark evenings a light

should be supplied, so that they may feed up to at least io p.m. or n p.m.

They make a lot of mess in their cage. The most suitable foods for them,

according to my experience, are stewed apple sweetened with white castor

sugar, biscuit and milk sop, pears, bananas, and a little insectivorous food.

Mine were very keen after prepared yolk of egg: but I think it should be

given only in moderation. I found them slow in taking to a new food, but

when once they commenced on the stewed apple, they wholly deserted the

raw. I could never teach my birds to touch grapes.



R. Phirripps.



