National SJiow — Foreign Section. 
37 
The specimen exhibited was a typical Retlstart, had the 
chai-acteristic flick of the tail, was in Kood plumage and of a rich 
colour, I)einM alto.uether an e^^^aging little fellow. A most de- 
sirable bird for either ca«e or aviary. It won third prize for 
our poi>ular exhibitional secretary. 
Black-Headed Sugar Birds (C/ilorophanes ftpisa) : 
This species does not call for much mention, beautiful as it is, for 
it has been referred to on so many occasions in our journal, save 
perhaps to remind any of oui' members having a natui'al out-door 
aviary, with good shelter, that there would be a strong probability 
of this species breeding, as in Mr. Townsend's bird-room more than 
one clutch of eggs has been laid and also, I think, partially incu- 
bated. The sijecimen exhibited was one of the finest I have ever 
seen staged, but the race for premier honours was very close indeed, 
C. itpiza only just scoring over Mr. Townsend's equally fit and 
beautiful G. cyanpu, evidently on the ground of being slightly 
more uncommon. Mr. Harrison is to be congratulated on the 
exquisite and absolutely spotless condition of his exhibit. 
Silver-eared Mesias (Mesia argentauris) -. These 
have now become too well-known to call for comment, save to point 
out their enduring character when understood. In 1901, when 
this species was unknown to English Aviculture,* my esteemed 
friend and fellow-member, Mr. E. W. Harper, brought over some 
of this species, and also some Blue- winged Sivas — a pair of each — 
the pair of Mesias soon passing into Mr. Harrison's, their present 
owner's hands, so that this particular pair of birds have certainly 
been in this country fully nine years : they were staged in 
spotless condition, without a flaw, carrying oflE 4th prize for their 
fortunate owner, who we congratulate on his success in keeping this 
species. 
This paper has already become much too lengthy, and I 
must now pass the various classes in rapid review. 
Budgerigars and A.S. op Lovebirds (4) : The smallest 
class I ever remember to have seen, and only two species repre- 
sented — the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrakeet and the Black- 
cheeked Lovebird. Mention must be made of the excellent colour- 
ation and sleek condition of Mr. Townsend's beautiful specimen, 
which was a hmg way ahead of anything else in the class. 
* Possibly one or two had been presejited to the Zoo a year or so earlier. 
