i8o


CORRESPONDENCE.



HYBRID CARDINALS.


Sir, — In the last October number of the Avicultural Magazine,

Mr. Moerschell wrote: "Some years ago a friend of mine had eggs from a

Virginian cock and a Green Cardinal hen, but somehow they were all

broken, but it would be worthy an attempt, provided a very quiet place

could be given, and a liberal supply of mealworms."


Having at that time just completed building a new aviary, and having

both these birds in a mixed aviary, I thought I would try the experiment,

more especially as the green hen had killed already four small birds

{selecting always those approaching her own colour).


The cock I have had in an outdoor aviary through three winters, and

the hen two.


The aviary I placed them in was divided into two, one part all

covered in with wood and glass, which I use for canary breeding, the other

part an open wire flight (in which I placed the birds) 6 ft. x 6 ft. x 6 ft.,

partly covered on the top with three sides open, and on the fourth side

covered with Virginian cork to within two feet of the ground. The hen

started building about five weeks ago, making a nest among the cork, much

like a Blackbird's nest, and laid three eggs much like those of a Thrush,

but longer in shape ; I interfered ver}' little with her, so I was unable to

tell to a few days when the eggs were laid. On Saturday last, wishing to

show a friend the somewhat peculiar-shaped eggs, I found to my surprise

two were hatched, and the young are now three days old.


To my great sorrow the cock escaped the following day ; he remained

about the garden all day singing his loudest, but about six o'clock I lost

sight and hearing of him, and I much fear I shall never see him again.

The hen seems quite indifferent to his going, and continues feeding and

.sitting on her young. It will be interesting to know what colour the birds

will be from two so differently coloured parents. I learn from those who

have bred the Green Cardinal that the hen leaves the feeding of the young

after leaving the nest to the cock, so I much fear that the absence of the

cock will be fatal to the young.


Mr. Moerschell saj's he gave amongst his food fineh' minced meal-

worms, but I find my hen prefers to take them whole, biting them down

herself to a convenient size. lam giving besides, &'g^ and biscuit, boiled

millet, sunflower seeds, ants' eggs, and plain millet, hemp, and canary,

with a few oats, and much green food.


I was greath' surprised to find the eggs fertile as the two birds appeared

perfectly indifferent to each other since they have been together. The

cock has been singing at his best this year, but last 5'ear he scarcely sang

a note.


I must apologise for my rather lengthy letter, btit, as I believe this is

the first recorded cross between these two Cardinals, the matter may be of

interest to many of our members.


CivAUDE VERRAI,!,.



