Hunstein's Magnificent Bird oj Paradine. 309 
Currants or Sultanas— ugaiu well mix and it is ready for the 
birds. This is the morning meal. Nothing further is given 
until the evening, unless may be some green food. 1 iind 
Paradise Birds very fond of lettuce. The evening meal con- 
sists of fruits and mealworms. The fruit I vary as much as 
possible, but usually it consists of one or more of the following 
— Currants, Sultanas, iiaisins. Grapes, Bananas, Apples or 
Pears,. The three former are scalded and cleansed before being 
supplied to the birds— this is absolutely necessary, as however 
good the quality of Dried Fruit one may procure, there is always 
a certahi amount of dirt and dressing adhering which must be 
removed, or the result of such particles of accumulated matter, 
entering the intestines of such frail creatures may cause serious 
illness and possibly many deaths, besides the act of scalding 
and cleansing brings the fruit to a more enjoyable and nutri- 
tious condition. You may think this a great trouble. All 1 can 
say is " trouble " vanishes if you have a real love for your 
birds. 1 find myself rarely free from them — they need all the 
attention one can give. 
Birds of Paradise stand climatic changes wonderfully 
well. The Hunstein's have not had the slightest artiticial heat 
since being under my care. However, as the large birdroom 
here is htted with hot water pipes, and most of the other 
Paradise Birds are caged there, with varied specimens of 
other birds, they get a little warmth, and it suits them equally 
well. I must admit this is more comfortable for all concerned. 
Most of our members know my lust for exhibiting, a 
desire arising from thinking that unique and beautiful biids 
should be seen on the show bench for the benefit of the public 
generally, and no doubt stimulating many others to an interest 
in tropical bird life and to associate themselves with avicul- 
ture; further, all fanciers are keenly interested in Nature's 
productions from other climates. This desire of mine, is, 
to some extent, shared by Mr. Pauvvels, and no doubt, occa- 
sionally a few specimens from the Everberg aviaries or 
Darwin's Dovecote which 1 have, personally, christened our 
homestead, will be seen on the English bench. 
No description of mine is necessary to describe the Hun- 
stein's, for the accompanying plate gives all necessary details. 
Before 1 left Swindon, Mr. Uoodchild spent a few days with 
