6 
An Interesting Collection oj Rare Bityls. 
which they could have access during the summer months, could 
be given up to their exclusive use, it would not be difficult to 
induce the above species to reproduce their kind. The Black- 
headed have nested and laid eggs in a cage in Mr. Townsend's 
birdroom. Diet : Sugar Birds and Tanagers — Soft food, milk sop, 
unlimited ripe fruit and live insects are supplied, leaving individ- 
ual birds to show their preference for one or the other. 
The LORIID^ were represented by the Violet-necked Eos 
riciniata. Purple-capped Lorius domicella, and Ceram L, 
garrulus, all in the very finest condition. Diet : Staple, mild sop, 
prepared with l)oiling milk and " B.C." Crystals, and such ripe 
fruit as they fancy. 
The CONURIN^ was represented by a very fine specimen 
of the Patagonian Conure Cyanolyseus patagonus, not gorgeous, 
but very beautiful, was very tame and steady and permitted me 
(on a fii'st acquaintance) to fondle and pet it and handle it as I 
pleased through the wires of its cage. This species, once fre- 
quently imported, is now seldom seen, in fact quite uncommon. 
The Platycbrcin^ were well represented by six species, 
viz. : Brown's (Platycercus brownii), Adeliade {P. adelaidce). 
Mealy {P.pallidiceps), Barnard's {Barnardius harnardii). Twenty- 
eight (B. semitorquatus), and Golden-shouldered (Psephotus 
chrysifpterygius) ; the latter are very rare and a grand acquisition 
(vide Vol. VIII., Series I., p.p. 272), but did not impress me as 
being very robust. All were very fit and in tight, and silken 
plumage. 
There are many other species that call for more than pass- 
ng notice, but I must reserve these for next issue, the space at my 
disposal being fully occupied. 
{T(i he continued). 
The Grey Parrot. 
( Psittacus erithacus). 
By W. Bamford. 
My Grey Parrot, which I have now had for the last seven 
years, was given me by my brother, who bought it at Las Palmas 
on his way back from South Africa. On arrival he was very 
wild and nervous, the least unexpected noise or strange object 
