DUFRESNE'S AMAZON. 97 



variations of the same : and, in point of fact, there is more resemblance 

 between the Amazons than there is between the Golden and the 

 Amherst Pheasants, the cross-bred progeny of which has been satis- 

 factorily proved to be fruitful. Again, some of these Parrots are so 

 nearly alike, that it is difficult to believe they are not varieties of the 

 same species, and certainly at first sight at all events, there appears 

 to be much more dissimilarity between a Cochin China and a Game 

 Fowl, than between the Blue-fronted Amazon and its relation with the 

 Yellow Bridle, yet the offspring of the two fowls mentioned above is 

 undoubtedly fruitful, proving the parents to belong to one and the 

 same species, for hybrids are incapable of generation. 



It is true that instances have been recorded, at various times, of 

 mules having given birth to offspring, but there is a strong element 

 of doubt in every such case that has been brought under our notice, 

 so strong indeed, that we are of opinion that no verdict is possible, 

 save the convenient Scotch alternative to guilty, or not guilty?, viz. 

 not proven. 



The solution of the problem with regard to the unity of the Amazons, 

 is not very difficult, as solitary females not unfrequently lay eggs in 

 captivity, and would, there is no doubt, under favourable circumstances, 

 pair, and probably bring up their young. 



Few private individuals have the accommodation or the leisure, not 

 to mention the means, necessary to institute, and successfully carry 

 out the experiments necessary to a complete solution of this and 

 similar problems; but the Zoological Societies of this country and on 

 the continent are in possession of the requisite- conditions, and to them 

 we must look for the elucidation of many an ornithological puzzle; 

 most of them, however, will not move in a new direction without a 

 considerable amount of external pressure, which a concerted movement 

 on the part of amateurs is capable of being brought to bear upon 

 them, and we hope, in the matter of the Psittacidce, will very soon be 

 exerted. 



The Hon. and Rev. F. G. Duttori 's account of Dufresni s Amazon. 



This is a handsome bird. He is about the size of the Common 

 Amazon. The prevailing colour is an even green, but the upper tail 

 coverts are brilliant crimson. He has a brownish line of feathers from 

 eye to eye over the beak, which is dark horn colour. 



They are not very attractive cage-birds. I have never seen a speci- 

 men-.that talked. They are rather quiet and dull. Their food is the 

 same as that of the Common Amazon. 



ii. i 



