59



It inhabits Peru and Brazil, and the other South American

States which lie to the North of those Republics.


The Lined Finch (Spermophila lineola).


The upper parts of the male are glossy black, the under

parts yellowish white ; there is a longitudinal band of white run¬

ning back from the base of the bill along the crown. The throat is

black. The cheeks and ear coverts are white, forming a broad

band of white on each side. The band of white along the

crown and the bands on each side of the face have a curious

appearance. Mr. Wiener remarks that these bands resemble a

white cross. In size it is equal to the White-throated Finch.

The female is olive brown above and buffy white below.


This species has recently been imported in considerable

numbers. Unfortunately it is very seldom to be seen in really

good plumage; when in perfect condition it is a handsome little

bird.


I have kept this bird for years, and find it rather dull and

inclined to mope. It has a really fine song, decidedly superior

to that of the White-throated Finch ; nevertheless, as an aviary

bird I much prefer the White-throated Finch, which is far

prettier and more lively.


The Lined Finch is a native of Brazil, Guiana, and

Venezuela.


(To be continued).



SOMETHING ABOUT A FRUIT PIGEON FROM


SAMOA.


By the Rev. Hubert D. Asteey.


Not having had an opportunity of visiting the Ornitho¬

logical Department of the Natural History Museum in South

Kensington, I can only write about a pair of Fruit Pigeons

which I have had in my possession since last August, from my

own experience of the birds, and from what Mr. Albert K.

Jamracli has informed me of them, from whom I purchased

them. He believes them to be the only living pair in Europe,

but of this fact I fancy he is not absolutely certain. He further

informs me that their true title is Ptilonopus apicalis, and that

their habitat is Samoa—a place full of interesting sentiment in

connection with the name and life of the great writer, R. L

Stevenson.


Lovely birds they are ! stoutty built, and in size about

one-third of the wild English Turtle Dove, or perhaps less. The



