126



are illustrated and described. Two species we should like to

Rave seen included, are omitted, namely, the Rufous-backed

Mannikin f Spermestes nigricepsJ , and the White-breasted (Munia

pectoralisJ .


It is impossible in the space available to do justice to the

author’s untiring industry: we can only advise our readers to

get the book before it is out of print. In Part VIII. are included

illustrations and descriptions of the Black, and White-headed

Mannikins, the Java Sparrow, the Magpie, Bronze and Two-

coloured Mannikins, the Combasou, and the Pin-tailed Whydah.



CORRESPONDENCE.



TITS NESTING IN A LETTER-BOX.


An interesting case of the nesting of a pair of Tits in a letter-box is

reported from a village in the South of England. The hen remained on

the nest while the box was being used. Our informant wishes his name

and address to be suppressed, in fear that its publication might lead to the

taking of the nest.



WASHING COCKATOOS.


Sir,—I am most anxious to know the opinion of experts upon

washing Cockatoos. Is soap injurious to the powdery substance in their

plumage P My birds, through staying so long in town, are in a most

unpresentable condition ; and their daily ablutions, or shower baths from

the watering-pot, do not cleanse them in the least. I have washed them

with soap, but it certainly leaves the feathers in rather a dry condition.


My Parrots look in splendid condition, but then they bathe almost as

frequently as Jackdaws. Edith Hawthorn.



PROBLEMS IN BIRD BREEDING.


Sir,— Various specimens shown at our Bird Shows clearly demonstrate

that among British birds kept under suitable conditions it is possible to

obtain mules, one of the most conspicuous among such exhibits being the

cross-bred Goldfinch and Bullfinch.


What the conditions are, under which such mules are raised, I am

not aware. Generally speaking, mules of which the Canary is one of the

parents are the product of the lieu Canary; and this is naturally so,

because the hen Canary will more readily sit in confinement than will a

British bird, and so the cock Goldfinch or Linnet or Siskin is usually put

with her. Probably the British mules we see at the Shows are bred from a

hen Goldfinch or Linnet which has been hatched by a Canary, and so

having been raised in a cage from birth, has become familiar and steady

enough to sit.


But in a large aviary of mixed British birds, though more or less

breeding goes on, never within my experience has a cross occurred

naturally. One season, a cock Goldfinch and hen Brown Linnet

appeared desirous of making a match, but nothing resulted except an



