23



BREEDING OPERATIONS AT MICKEEFIERD IN 1898.


Sir,—O nce more I send you a record of the doings of my feathered

friends during the present year.


The first to lead off were the Cherry-finches. They built a lovely

nest in a box tree, warmly lined with feathers, and, strangely enough,

decorated on the outside with the same. They laid three good-sized, longish,

white eggs; sat the full time, but failed to hatch : why, I do not know. I

have had this pair for years out of doors.


I will not trouble to record the doings of such common stuff as

Zebra-finches, Silverbills, Ribbon Finches or Avadavats; but there are a lot

of youngsters knocking about.


I have already given an account of the nesting of the Pekin Robins ;

they laid again twice after that—three eggs each time, but I took the nests

for the sake of the Virginian Cardinals. I will say no more about these

latter here, as I have written a special article on their nesting.


My American Mocking-birds built a beautiful nest, but they did not

lay. I quite hope to rear some next year—the second attempt is usually,

with me, successful.


My Malabar Mynahs built twice, a regular Starling’s nest in a box ;

they laid about six eggs each time, the same colour as our English Starling

but rather smaller and rounder: all were unfertile—I blame the cock.


In Parrakeets I have done fairly well, I think.


I reared three grand young Redrumps, two cocks and a hen (all sold

long since—I say this for my own protection).


My Kings laid three eggs (at least the Queen did) and sat well, but

they did not hatch. I think the reason was that the cock was a new one and

had been in the aviary only about a week when she laid. My Queen must

be eight years old, to my knowledge. She lays regularly every year.


My Crimson-wings laid three eggs, fertile, but got disturbed. I hope

for better luck next time.


My Turquoisines laid eggs, but failed to rear any young.


The success of which I am proudest is the one recorded in last

month’s Magazine—the rearing of African Firefinches. I believe such an

event is quite unique in aviculture, (g) as most people can’t keep them

alive.


I have had eggs from Zebra Waxbills and Cordon Bleus, but no

young reared.


Total for the year —Nests of Virginian Cardinals, Pekin Robins, Red-

rumps and African Firefinches, and a lot of common stuff not reckoned.


Good attempts — Malabar Mynahs, Mocking Birds, King’s, and

Crimson-wings (h).


C. D. Farrar.



(g) Mr. Wiener states that “this bird has been bred times innumerable: ” while,

according to Dr. Russ, “ not one of all the Astrilds nests so easily as this.” It is therefore

only the fact of its breeding in Britain which is (possibly) unique.—E d.


(/z) We have been obliged to omit some parts of Mr. Farrar’s letter, which

appeared likely to give offence.—E d.



