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Reviews.



nest this season, so we need say no more about them, but return

to the two pairs of young birds in the larger aviary.


One of these pairs wasted the season in fruitless struggles

with a pair of Gouldiaus for a particular nest box, but the other

pair built an untidy, loosely constructed spherical nest of hay

lined with feathers in the top of an apple tree, which no one

seemed to covet, so they were left in undisturbed possession and,

probably for this reason, their efforts met with success. I left

home again on September 14th, and, before my departure,

thought it well to remove a very large apple which hung

directly above the nest. While doing so, I could plainly hear the

young within and, apparently, about ready to fly, but I could not

look into the nest without great difficulty.


On my return, on October 6th, I found three young flying

and feeding themselves. To-day (October 15th) one has begun to

change colour and has two white and one dark stripes, which, I

think, is singular, because the seven immature birds which I

obtained must have been at least four months old before they

donned striped waistcoats.


Our excellent Editor and Hon. Correspondence Secretary

tell me that the Green Avadavat has not been previously bred

to their knowledge, but, personally, I should think so commonly

imported a species would probably have been bred ; no doubt our

members can settle the question.



REVIEWS.


“THE BIRDS AND THEIR STORY.”*


At this season of the year those who have young friends

interested in Natural History are generally anxious to present

them with some reliable book which will give them enjoyment

while helping them with their nature studies, and it is with much

satisfaction that we are able to bring to their notice a book which

is not only extremely interesting to grown up and young folk

alike, but is also calculated to teach them much of the wonders

of bird life.



* The Birds and their Story, a book for Young Folk ; by R. B. Lodge, Medallist Royal

Photographic Society of Great Britain, etc. Loudon : Chas. H. Kelley, 2, Castle Street,

City Road, and 26, Paternoster Row, E-C. Price, 5/- net.



