298



Mr. R. Phillipps,



the new comer, sometimes regularly sometimes intermittently ; if

they do not chase one another, it is probably because they are

equally matched. But they are only biding their time; when

opportunity offers there is murder swift and sure, the murderer

boring his sharp pointed beak into the brain of his victim. A

snap of cold weather seems to cool their tempers more effectually

than anything else.


A pair of Violet-eared Waxbills, in a large cage by them¬

selves, will become exceptionally confiding for seed-eaters, and,

when the sun is shining upon the male, he is certainly a beautiful

bird. In the blaze of the sun the colours come out in resplen¬

dent glory—the bright lilac of the side-face, the rich blue of the

forehead and tail-coverts, the deep black chin and upper throat,

the varying shades of the chestnut body, the brilliant bronze

(not mentioned in the Museum Catalogue nor in any work to

which I have access—does it pass away with life?) of the outer

aspects of the closed flights, the red eye, the coral beak, all so

remarkably set off and shewn to the best advantage by the long

trim tight slender symmetrical figure —a good male in the sun is

simply exquisite. The female, also, is not without her charms,

and both keep their feathers well. Moreover, for a foreign

species, although greatly the better for warmth, and unable to

stand much cold, the male at least cannot be called especially

delicate although the female may be less robust; I regard the

species as unquestionably hardier than the Crimson Finch. But

I cannot agree with the common statement that it is hardy.

Because a bird does not die right away does not prove in the

smallest degree that it is hardy. It is tenacious of life, but the

germs of disease may be none the less eradicably sown. The

Violet Ear, too, is deceptive, for a dying bird when approached

will brace itself up and look brisk and tight; leave it alone and

watch from a distance, and the poor creature will turn into a

sleeping ball in a trice.


Another strong point in favour of the Violet Ear is that it

has a real song and a very sweet one too. During the winter, I

mean the English winter, the song is repeatedly uttered ; and

being soft and low, even soothing, it could not irritate the most

excitable nerves. And the females will often sing, though their



