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Dr. L. Lovell-Keays,



their loud croaking notes as a welcome. Furthermore they will

nest in an aviary, but have a tiresome habit of not succeeding in

rearing their young. Cf. Vol. VII. p. 350, 1908-1909. About the

size of a Cuckoo, they are distinctly related to him I believe, and

have the same formation of the feet, two toes in front and two at

the back. H. D. A.



THE BREEDING OF THE AFRICAN

WHITE-EYE.


Zoster ops viridis.


|By Dr. L. Lovell-Keays.


May 1915 sees me a very happy man wanting to shake hands

with myself. Come with me, I say, and I will show you why.

Our path leads to a space enclosed with fine wire mesh and planted

in it a large variety of shrubs—evergreen and flowering—a refreshing

green sward, well-trodden gravel pathways and a most inviting bath

for the birds. The growth is so dense in parts that one does not

realise the space enclosed is nearly 30 feet by 20 feet, but that is

the size in round numbers, and the size is an important factor in

view of the highly interesting event that has taken place there

lately. The scene on a sunny morning is enchanting. Vividly

coloured Parrot Finches chasing one another for a time. Then one

of them feels lonely, perches on the top of Rambler rose and filling

his tiny lungs very full sends forth a defiant chirruping call. As

we watch, loving little Grassfinches (P. cicuticauda) flit about and

with courtly bow and coaxing song, sing aloud the praises of

their lady love. Their little gorgettes sw T ell out with unmistakeable

pride at the possession of so charming a bride. Leaving our Grass-

finches we notice the dapper little Hooded Siskin chanting his song

to Helios for his kindly warmth, reminding him of his sunny home

in the far west. The brilliant orange red stands out against the

tender May greens, but alack ! his modestly attired spouse seems

little interested in either him or his song. For certainly the song is

lost in the more resonant notes of the gay Indigo Bunting sitting

proudly on a pear tree and pouring forth his morning melody. But



