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then it is advertised as thoroughly acclimatized. I speak feelingly, as only

lately I bought a pair of so-called acclimatized Diamond Sparrows. Well,

if they are acclimatized, appearances are against them—this is putting it

mildly. As they were quite naked on the sides and underneath, I should

{in my simplicity) have denominated them “ very newly come over.” I

suppose this shows my ignorance ! So far as I can gather, it takes ten days

to “ thoroughly acclimatize.”


I am beginning to seriously question very much what is put down in

Amateur Guides. For example, we are always told that Cutthroats and

Diamond Sparrows are most dangerous birds amongst others. All I can

say is that I have never had one such, and I have had a good lot in my

time. Cutthroats will nest time after time in the same box ; and as for

Diamonds. I have seen a Green Avadavat order them to move on ; and they

have promptly done so.


I have just now six beautiful young Gouldian Finches in their nest

feathers, and I am anxiously watching to see if they will turn out Red^

heads or Blackheads. The young cocks sing all day long, though their

song is hardly audible a few yards away.


It is most advisable at this time of year to give plenty' of flowering

grass; all little finches like it above any-’ other sort of food. I laid in a large

stock last week before my hay was cut.


The present time is a very bad one for mealworms, as many of the

worms have turned into beetles. I am going to try wasp grub as a substi¬

tute, till times are better.


I see that niv Parson Finches are building. These, if you like, are

quarrelsome birds. No other bird is ever allowed to approach the side of

the aviary they' fancy', but I think their bark is worse than their bite. The

song of the cock is the funniest sound you ever heard ; just like a miniature

bugle.


C. D. Farrar.



DANGEROUS BIRDS.


Sir, —It seems to me unsafe to characterise any species as either safe

or dangerous, for many species which are usually' accounted safe produce

most dangerous specimens, and many so-called dangerous species produce

perfectly' harmless birds.


Some years ago I possessed a Silverbill which was a torment to his

companions. This y T ear I have been compelled to remove a pair of St.

Helena Waxbills from an aviary in which they were persecuting some

Parson Finches. My Pin-tailed Whydali has lived for nearly two y'ears

among a collection of Waxbills, and has never attacked one of them : on

the other hand he was chased about and nearly killed by a cock Combasou,

which is most peacefully disposed towards all other birds.


Parson Finches vary greatly in character. Last year I reared three

young cocks of this species. Two of these were from the same nest, and

were so much alike that I could not tell them apart. This spring I placed

one of these with a hen, but he became so spiteful to the other birds in the

aviary that I removed him and substituted his brother, who is perfectly

gentle towards all his companions. The hen is now sitting. My old cock

Parson Finch, the father of the young cocks, is likewise quite harmless —



