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eliminate all “padding,” to limit the size of the book, and to give

as much as possible within those limits : probably some readers

might have preferred a more gossipy style, but the book

doubtless would have lost in usefulness, even if it had gained

somewhat in attractiveness.


One chapter is devoted to “ Cages and Aviaries,” and a

second to “Food and General Management;” the remaining

three chapters deal respectively with Waxbills, Grass-finches, and

Mannikins. The instruction given in the first two chapters is

thoroughly sound and practical: it is evident that Mr. Fillmer

writes from an acquaintance of no recent date with his subject,

and the budding aviculturist may rest assured that he will not go

wrong if he closely follows the advice here given on the general

arrangement of a bird-room, the construction of the aviaries,

and the methods of heating. We do not, however, share Mr.

Fillmer’s dislike of the oil-stove, which, in some cases, may be

the best heating apparatus available.


In treating of each species, a short description of the

plumage and general appearance is given, with the sexual

differences : these descriptions are necessarily brief, but are

sufficient to enable the beginner to identify all the more common

species, and are, in almost every case, very accurate. We, feel

bound, however, to take exception to the delicate tints of the

Rufous-tailed Grass-finch being summed up as “ red and brown,”

which gives, as w T e think, a wrong impression of the bird. Mr.

Fillmer places this species among the Waxbills on account of its

resemblance to the Crimson-finch, but its song is almost exactly

like that of the Gouldian - finches : we do not agree with the

statement that it is “ nearly as quarrelsome as the Crimson-

finch.”


Like most aviculturists who have kept the species, the

author is much enamoured of the Parrot-finch : he remarks that

his bird appeared to moult twice a year, which corresponds with

our own observations. The legs of the Parrot-finch, by-the-bye,

are not black but brown, in some cases light brown.


The best account in the book, as we think, is that of the

Parson Finch. We quite agree with the author’s opinion that it

is difficult to distinguish the sexes by the plumage with any

degree of certainty. Some very useful and practical hints on

the breeding of this species in confinement are given.


Mr. Fillmer considers that the Bengalese is a variety of

the Striated Finch, an opinion which we believe will be generally

shared by those who have closely observed the two birds.



