Miscr!laiicfl::s nxfTriniccs of Outdoor AvicuUitrc. 91 
g'o, flitting here ami tliere, chirping arid trilling from morn till 
night. The Zebra l-'inc-h is. I know, noted for its hardiness, bnt 
one little fellow this year began to moult early in March last, 
and he has come trimn]ihantly through it, and is now (April 3rd) 
as saucy and im])udent as it is possible for a Zebra h'inch to be. 
This might have passed my notice, for these cold wet days I 
have done little but just g;ive them their necessary food and away 
again, but one of my sisters told me one of my Zebras was look- 
ing queer, so I went and had a look at him: he came at once to 
one of the front branches, and though looking out of sorts, blew 
his ridiculous little trumpet with all the assurance and cheek in 
the world. I saw at once what was the matter, gave him some 
strong insectile mixture and a few mealworms, and he was soon 
A I again. 
In looking through my notes, I find that on many occa- 
sions my birds have eaten the grass, etc. growing in the aviary, 
before the sun had removed the frost from it — our native birds 
do the same, for most of their food must be covered with frost 
during many of winter's days. I have also seen my birds partak- 
ing of seed that had stood all night in the aviary, and was thickly 
coated over with frost. T also give my birds g'arden green-stuff, 
just as taken, (Hn"ing wet weather, and it is freely eaten with no 
harmful result. At the same time such must not be offered to 
birds in cage or indoor bird-rooms. 
Moulting and change of plumage. At this period I 
always increase insect food. All finches, aye and Waxbills too, 
seem glad of it at this time, and I am convinced the lustre ot 
their plumage is added to by its use. 
As regards Avadavats I have nothing further to add to 
what I have already stated; their time of moult and assumption 
of court dress has been as hitherto. 1 may say, in passing, that 
niv first pair have now spent six winters out of doors, and are 
still in perfect health and trim. 
My Indigo Bunting 1 have had with me but two winters; 
its time of moult and coming into colour is about the same as 
that of our native Chafifinch. It is now (April 3rd) just come 
into full colour, and is a perfect picture. When out of colour 
