154 Miniveis. 
in the branch. Thus, unless one actual!}^ sees the Minivet sitting, 
or climbs the tree, it is practically impossible to locate their nest. 
It is not difficult to discover the tree in which it is situated 
because the parent birds make a great commotion at the approach 
of human beings. 
I have not .seen the eggs of this species, but Oates states 
tliat they are pale sea-green marked with pale yellowish brown. 
* * * 
In response to my request Mr. Millsum sends the follow- 
ing:— 
" Our worthy Editor requests me to send him a few notes 
on one of my latest acquisitions — the Indian Flycatcher. I can 
only say the notes will be few, I have not had the bird a sufficient 
length of time to watch its mannerisms or study its habits. 
At present I cannot definitely give its species*; at first it was 
supposed to be P. flammeus, but in Gould's Century of Birds 
another bird, agreeing very closely with P. flammeus, is shown 
P. hevirostris, which it undoubtedlj^ is if its tail grows long. At 
present its tail is broken and so I await results. It is in any 
case a very rare specimen and one of which I am proud. When 
I received it the wing flights were rough, also the tail, and it was 
not at all bright or active in its manner. Great care has met 
with its due reward, for it is to-day cheery and bright, a beautiful 
bloom is already showing on its plumage, and it is one of the 
most charming of my pets. He is the first to call nie with his 
sweet call note when he hears my footsteps outside the birdroom ; 
and when I am about the house, if I imitate his call sufficiently 
loud for him to hear he never fails to reply. Altogetlier he is a 
most charming little chap in his suit of orange-red and blue- 
black. 
His sole diet is my own soft food mixture and a few 
insects. 
* Just on going to press we are informed tliat it is P. breviioslris. 
