Mrs. Johnstone,



360



birds in rearing their young, that it proved inadequate. I also

believe that the nest lining was of a character so unlike that of

the nests natural to the foster-chicks, that it prejudiced their

development and growth.


In the light of the knowledge I have gained I shall

endeavour, in the coming breeding season, to conduct further

experiments of a similar character, and hope for better results.

It seems worthy of note that I have been able to rear not only all

the kinds of birds mentioned by hand, but in addition some

twenty other species of song birds. These birds have been taken

from their parents’ care at ages varying from three to six or seven

days, and over ninety per cent, have been successfully reared,

being fed by hand. Such birds in most cases have not only

reached maturity, but many of them have lived from three to

seven years.


Department of Ornithology,


Princeton University.



ON THE HEALTH OF SMALL FINCHES.


By Mrs. Johnstone.


I suppose nearly every Member of the Avicultural Society

commenced with the A. B. C. of Aviculture, viz. Budgerigars,

Canaries or the more commonly imported finches—and it is as

well it is so for the sake of experience! No one can teach us,

and we learn some lessons, at any rate, when keeping these

pretty, but fortunately inexpensive, birds.


But as time goes on and we are ?iot content with the

A. B. C., we want to try our hands on more interesting and

consequently more delicate birds. Perhaps as a bird keeper of

some years experience, a few words on the health of the more

delicate finches may be acceptable. At the present time I have

some twenty-five Parrot Finches, nearly all aviary bred ; three

Gouldians, the remains of a flock; some Rufous-tails and a

number of Diamond Sparrows, all flying in a small outdoor

aviary.


In the Summer, all goes well ; they have never suffered



