Bl iiish Birds : 
with dark reddish- and purplish-brown. Incubation lasts from 
14 to 15 days. In captivity it has varied with nie according to 
tlie weather, some clutches being hatched in 13 days, others have 
taken the full 15. The female alone performs the duties of in- 
cubation, but the male is indefatigable in feeding and looking 
after his offspring. 
Variations: These are fairly numerous, pied specimens 
being not uncommon ; albinos less so, but our esteemed member, 
Mr. H. Wormald has a fine specimen, pure white, excepted the 
breast which is pale salmon-red. Entirely black specimens are 
not uncommon in captivity, often this is brought about it is said 
by the bird's diet, too much hemp seed having a tendency to 
produce this abnormality. The late Howard vSaunders records 
an instance in his Manual as follows:- — An entirely black nest- 
ling, found with three other young birds of the ordinary colour, 
attained after moulting the plumage of the female." 
In conclusion I may say that, in captivity, the Bullfinch 
has been crossed with the Goldfinch, Linnet, Greenfinch, Canary, 
and possibly, with other finches. I do not feel that any apology 
is needed for occupying space with these notes of such a well 
known and popular a species. 
* * * 
^tbc (Breat (Brcv> Sbiike in Captivitv). 
{Ld?tiiis exciibilor). 
By F. Howe. 
Until the last few years this species was rarely kept in 
captivity, but during the last two or three seasons it has been 
frequently seen on the show bench and has met with varying 
success, also attracting much notice from visitors. From my 
experience with the Great Grey Shrike it is more hardy than its 
Red-backed relative, and, being larger and of a more striking 
appearance, it is better suited for and more sought after by the 
exhibitor. 
The bird herein described was caught in November, 
1905, and was a most beautiful specimen ; the distribution and 
harmony of the delicate greys, blacks and white, being a rare 
feast for the artistic eye. Its beauty is more striking still when 
the tail is spread. It is of a bold and powerful appearance, with 
