130 The Aviaries (ind Birds at Benham Valence. 
ites with Mr. Astley and this species is a large handsome bird, 
principally hlue, dnll in plumage in certain lights and again in 
others really brilliant. I did not hear its song, but Mr. Astley 
informs me it is very fine. Even as a single bird it was of great 
interest and I was glad to have the opportunity of seeing this 
species alive for thv first time. I probably have seen it ))efore at 
the Zoo, but not to take any note thereof. 
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks {fledi/meles ludovicianus) . 
This is another species which the T'^.S.A. bird i)rotection laws 
practically exclude from importation. It was never common in 
the early days of aviculture, like the F^lue Bird, but yet could not 
be termed rare, and most ])rominent aviculturists of the "old 
school " have kept this species, but in those days aviculturists 
were not so numerous as they are now. It is a typical Grosbeak 
and of a very fine appearance, the white underparts serving to 
bring out and enrich, as it were, the bi-ight rose-coloured breast. 
The l)irds were perfect and our esteemed member will have our 
best wishes for luck in breeding this species during the breeding 
season 
Fairy Blue Bird {Irena turcosa): The brilliancy of the 
colouration, etc., of this unicjue pair of birds simply defy descrip- 
tion. The photo which appeared in our last issue gives a general 
indication of form, size and the colour arrangement — the light 
areas being a brilliant glistening blue, and the dark portion rich 
velvety black. This pair of birds have been out of doors all the 
winter ; there is, however, a shelter shed (aviary B) with hot 
water service, attached to their flight. One is at a loss for words 
to fitly eulogise so exquisite a species ; with the above meagre 
notes I must leave it to the imagination of my readers. If any 
should come into the hands of our members (a very unlikely 
event I fear), a similar dietary to that given in the paragraphs on 
the Hermit and Wood Tlirushes would also meet the needs of this 
species. The eye of this species is very beautiful-flashing red, 
like a living ruby, is about the best expression to faintly illustrate 
its brilliance, — one can only long for more ai-rivals. 
Metallic Starlings {Cnlomi^ Dir/fd/im) This is 
another unique species from New Guinen, upon which one might 
exhaust all the supsrlatives in the English language and yet not 
do them justice, so I must beg the question with the following 
meagre notes : A tyi^ioal Starling in foi'in, the male clad in iri- 
