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Dr. A. G. Butler,



say that in the hen bird the bill is less massive than in the cock and

narrower at the base. It is only fair to add that my wife, who is

almost as keenly interested in my birds as I am, believes the gorget

is larger and broader in the cock than in the hen. In some cocks I

am sure it is, and when very broad it is almost indicative, but I am

positive that it is not a constant distinction, and that some cocks

have as small a gorget as many hens.


I must not write more or our Editor will be sharpening his

blue pencil.* As it is I must apologise for using up so much valuable

space, and crave indulgence once again.



THIRTY-TWO YEARS OF AVICULTURE.


By Dr. A. G. Butler.


(Continued from page 229.)


The Waxbills (Estrildince) are fascinating little finches, but

unfortunately some of the most attractive of them are extremely

delicate, especially when first imported; according to my experience,

four to five years in captivity usually sees the end of the majority of

them, even of the more hardy species. I have had examples of the

following :—Common Lavender finch, an active but decidedly delicate

bird when first imported ; I have had many examples, a few of which

lived for more than a month, and none for more than four years :

its delicate beauty tempts one to purchase it in spite of its fragility.

Common African Eire finch, a very attractive midget of which I have

at various times bought many examples, none of which survived for

much over a week ; that vigorous examples do sometimes come to

hand, however, is evident from the fact that it has not infrequently

been exhibited, and that Mr. Farrar even succeeded in breeding it.


Of the common Amaduvade, one of the hardiest of the group,

I have had dozens, in fact it was the first Waxbill and one of the

three first foreign birds I ever possessed, and I paid a preposterous

price for my first pair, having no idea of its actual value. I found

this Waxbill quite indifferent to cold: it is an interesting birl from

its frequent changes of plumage, the males at one time of the year

closely resembling the females, thus invalidating the sole character



* On the contrary, my pen is saved much labour!—E d.



