BED-BUMPED PABBAKEET. 25 



the nest, but their colours are duller and fainter in shade than those 

 of the old ones, from whom, in about six or eight months, it is im- 

 possible to distinguish them. 



We have read of hybrids between the Redrump and the Rosella, 

 as well as several other kinds of Parrakeets, and we are quite prepared 

 to believe in the possibility of such a cross, or crosses, for a female 

 of this species that was in our possession for a considerable time actually 

 paired with a Madagascar Love-bird (Agapornis cana), and, had she 

 not fallen ill, would doubtless have bred mules with him. 



Although, as we have said, these birds are hardy, the females are 

 often troubled with egg-binding, and as this complication is of decidedly 

 more frequent occurrence in aviary-bred than in imported specimens, 

 we incline to the belief that debility is the cause of the misfortune, 

 and that none but thoroughly strong and healthy birds should ever 

 be put up for breeding; in attention to this simple rule entailing much 

 loss and disappointment on the amateur, as well as being the cause 

 of much suffering, and often of death to the hapless bird herself. 



We once had a fine healthy-looking hen Redrump that never laid 

 an egg larger than that of a Budgerigar; and, strange to say, these 

 miniature productions were devoid of yolk, and consequently sterile; 

 she was aviary-bred, and there had, probably, been a good deal of in- 

 breeding in her family. 



In-breeding, as bird-fanciers know, is soon productive, in most cases, 

 of disastrous consequences, and should always be avoided, unless it be 

 desired to perpetuate some accidental peculiarity, or "sport''; in which 

 case the offspring will, after a few generations, cease to breed among 

 themselves, and the new variety die out, unless the strain be re-invig- 

 orated by the careful introduction of new blood. 



"There are no song birds in Australia" is a complaint, more or less 

 founded on fact, one often hears; but the Redrump sings, actually sings 

 a very passable song, a fact which has procured for him in Germany 

 the name of Singsittich. 



We have not met with a talking Redrump, but as they can be 

 rendered very tame and confiding, it is quite as likely that a young 

 male, brought up from the nest, would learn to speak, as many other 

 varieties of Parrakeets, including the Budgerigar, have done. It is, 

 however, astonishing how greatly these birds differ among themselves 

 in disposition and character, which accounts for the fact of their being 

 described by one writer as gentle, tame, and confiding, and by another 

 as irreclaimable and wild. 



