175



Correspondence , Notes , etc.



on the ground. After sitting for three days she deserted the nest, but they

have now made another one and have two eggs. The eggs are pure white,

about the size of those of Gouldians. The Pectoral Finches also have a

nest, the hen sits for hours and is then off for hours, so the egg—they broke

all but one—will come to nothing. Two of my hen Gouldians have died

within a week, they would go on laying. Do you think that Gouldians bred

in Europe would be more likely to breed in the summer ? The cock

Gouldians are in splendid condition, and so are the young birds bred last

autumn.


Portugal. R. S. Vivian.



The following reply has been sent to tl/rs. Vivian:


I doubt whether the fact of Gouldian Finches being born in Europe-

would prevent their trying to breed in the winter.


Australian Grass-finches seem to be ready to breed at all seasons,,

whether they have been newly imported or have been born here.


As Gouldian Finches seem to be exceptionally liable to egg-binding,

it would be better to keep them caged and without nesting material during

the winter.


a. G. Butler.



WHITE-EARED CONURES NESTING.


Sir,—I was obliged, some months ago, to locate my pair of White¬

eared Conures in a small garden aviary by themselves owing to their

pngnacious habits, and they have now started nesting ; the hen sitting

most attentively on four eggs in half a cocoauut husk placed in a small

box. The birds are being fed on canary seed, millet, hemp, and sunflower

seed, with a little ripe apple or other fruit daily, and I am anxious to know

if, in the event of young being hatched, you could suggest any addition to

this bill of fare.


Also would you kindly say if there is any instance on record of these

birds having been successfnllv bred in captivity.


D. Morse.



The following reply was sent to Mr. Morse:


It is a great pity the birds did not wait until warmer weather, as I am

afraid there will be little chance of rearing the young, if they should hatch,

unless it should be exceptionally mild. The only addition that I can

su gg es t to the food you are giving is soaked stale bread, which, most

Parrakeets take to readily and appreciate much when they have young to

feed. It should be soaked in cold water for about a minute and then

squeezed nearly dr}-.



