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in the same space. The room is scrupulously clean, and has

plenty of light. The cages are sensible, and I had but one

criticism to make — I thought it too hot. There was a stove

burning, and no window open. Of course an open window

could not be expected at 6.30 p.m., but I do not think a stove

was desirable on the third of May. If I had one, I should have

Tobin's system of ventilation going on. Parrots do not require

great heat ; and the only time they suffer from cold is when they

are moulting in September and on the very severe da3^s of winter,

Then I think they like artificial warmth. Parrots, however, are

different in their powers of enduring heat.


The first bird I looked at was the Hyacinthine Macaw. He

evidently did not mind the heat, for he was in the pink of bloom

— I do not think I have ever seen a Macaw with such a sheen on

his plumage. This was the bird which Mr. FuUjames said, in a

previous number, was not good-tempered. I hardly agree. The

bird is devoted to Mrs. S. (as I will call the lady who looks after

them), and I think his devotion to her is the cause of his

warning off other people. I think he would always be good to

his feeder. However, one has to be careful of such a tremendous

beak. He had twisted about the wires of his cage in all

directions. The next bird to him was the Shining Parrakeet,

■claimed by Mr. Fulljames at the last Palace Show. This bird is

quite thrown away where he is — he is full of antics, and evidently

wanted a great deal of play and petting. He ought to be with

some one whose "only joy" he should be. After him came a

Meyer's. This bird was in admirable condition, but not as tame

as those deposited at the Zoological Gardens some three or four

years back — they were charming — pocket companions, I might

■call them, but this one was as much where he ought to be, as the

Shining Parrakeet was where he ought not to be — nothing was

wasted in keeping him for exhibition purposes only. Then

there were two Antipodes Island Parrakeets, (^Cyanorhamphus

ufiicolo?''). I thought the Zoo. alone had a specimen of this

very rare Parrot, but found, to my surprise, Mr. Fulljames with

two. Alas, both cocks ! Had they not been, I think I must

have asked Mr. Fulljames to let me try and breed some for him.

Next to them were a pair of Blue Bonnets, Then a lyineolated

Parrakeet. This, my host thought, might come near to my

ideal pet. It is pretty, if not gorgeous, and quiet ; but I should

doubt its capacit)' for talking. Considering that they have been

brought over in some numbers at different times, I rather

wonder we have not heard more about them as cage-birds. I

have never had any myself, because my space is limited, and there



