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notice of her, and, though his cage-door was open, he did not

seem to care to come out, but the moment I thoughtlessly gave

her a mealworm all his jealous instincts were aroused. He

dashed out, and with many angry “ clucks ” flew straight at her

cage with outstretched wings and uplifted tail, and tried to kill

her through the wires. As the hen did not seem very frightened

I kept her in the room for some time, but “ Phil ” refused to be

pacified, and repeated his assaults again and again. After I had

taken his rival away, it was most amusing to see how he put on all

his most winning ways to make us notice him and beg forgive¬

ness; but we felt it our duty" for a time to treat him with severity r

as a punishment for his unkind conduct. He tolerates his wife

better now, but I dare not put them into one cage, for if I take

any 7 notice of her, or give her anything, he gets excited at once.


I think “ Phil ” could easily 7 be taught to whistle tunes :

he can sing the first few bars from the drawing-room music out

of “Utopia” very 7 correctly 7 . Besides his ordinary 7 song he has

two other notes — a loud “ cluck, cluck ! ” when vexed or

frightened, and a plaintive noise like a kitten mewing, when he

is getting discontented and wants someone to notice him.


In conclusion, I must not forget to add that he delights

in a daily bath of cold water (the chill taken off in winter) the

first thing every morning, and on hot day 7 s his cage is carried

into the garden where lie revels in a sun-bath, lying flat on his

cage-floor with outstretched wings.



CORRESPONDENCE.



ANOTHER INVITATION.


Sir, — I have read with great pleasure the most kind and cordial

welcome given by Mrs. Hartley to any member who would care to visit her

collection of birds. I consider this a splendid idea, and it may be the

means of bringing many members together. I sincerely hope the

suggestion may be carried out by all those who are interested and true

bird lovers.


I my’self shall be delighted, at any time, for any’ member to see my

birds, which are in an outdoor aviary both summer and winter, unprotected.


I might add that I have among my collection a Zosterops which is

singing just like a Canary.


(Mrs.) A. Jackson.



Mr. W. Oakev, of Leicester, would also be pleased to show his collection].



