120 
Tlie Tmnsfci' of <i (JJtoice Collection. 
tion, Mr. Millsiim arranged a lit-lit to illuiniiuitt' the Nuthatch's 
entire c•d^^\ and I was able to make the studies for the plate with 
satisfaction and ease to myself, and without unchily dist ui'hinf,' 
the hii-d. 
One of the rarest, and certainly one of the (h-ollest species 
in the collection was the Purple-cappetl Loi-ikeet, a Southern 
Australian species only recently imported. The writer had an 
opportunity (thanks to Mr. R()l)l)ins) of studying these birds 
when tliey first came over, but at Swindon lie had a better oppor- 
tunity, as the birds were nearer a yood liylit ami wei'e now fast re- 
covering from the effects of importation. We saw the two birds 
rolling over on the floor of the cage, playing with each other like 
puppies. In feeding they seemed (juite indifl'erent to the attitudes 
they were in and fed as readily when hanging head downwards, 
as wlien in a normal position. 
Their opposite neighbour in the l)irdroom was a specimen of 
the Bengal Pitta(/'tff'i b)-nehyura),;\ud not yet in the condition which 
we usually term exhibition condition, but in good health, for all 
that. As l)eing an ont of the way bird, and one moreovei- not al- 
ways to l)e got when it was wanted (as an " Artist's model " I know 
to my cost), I took the opportunity to place its portrait in a set 
which was to be fairly representative of the various types in a 
choice collection. 
The last of the four birds chosen to be depicted was an un- 
usually fine specimen of Bauer's Parrakeet. Had circumstances 
permitted, this particular individual undoubtedly would have 
cultivated my acquaintance in a very direct manner by biting me, 
for it made decided efforts to get at me and I should have been 
sorry for myself had I been within range of its beak. The first 
individual of this species I drew was very friendly, and once it 
had got to know one, was always ready to greet me with cheerful 
whistle and chirrup. The Swindon bird however, though excep- 
tionally good in colour and in perfect health, did nf)t seem a good 
tempered bird. 
Two other rare and choice Parrakeets were specimens of 
the Blue-banded Grass Parrakeet, olive green birds with a blue 
ban 1 througli the lores. These were shy and I had to be quiet 
when drawing them, as I felt sympathetic for such gentle looking 
and seemingly timid little creatures. 
*Many Lorikeets, the Red-naped especially, indulge in the same frolics. — Ed. 
