First Notes of the Season. 
165 
In another aviary a pair each of Diamond ( Geopcli i cun 
eota ) and Masked Doves spoiled their first two nests by conten- 
tion and ahnost continuous sparring, though these two pairs 
dwelt together in harmony and bred in the same aviarv last 
season. They have, however, settled their differences, and both 
pairs are now feeding yoimg in the nest. The Masked (Oena 
cape lists) built their nest right on the top of a clipped holly, 
absolutely unprotected, yet though we have had very cold, 
windy, wet weather, the nest was nearly blown out of the tree 
one night, they are still alive and almost ready to fly. This 
particular pair of Masked are very light in colour and much 
stronger than the smaller and darker pair in another aviary. 
Violet Doves ( Lcptoptila jamaicensis) have behaved 
badly so far. and neglected and lost their callow young in the 
first two nests. I found one just dead yesterday; it had been 
fed and was a few days old, but had slipped down, out of sight, 
between the sticks of a loosely made nest. 
Brush Bronze-winged Doves (Phaps clegans), also 
allowed their first two nests of young to die. It is wonderful 
how quickly doves recover. T found the hen of this pair hang- 
ing by her leg, which was badly broken and bleeding. I put 
it in splints and kept her quiet; in a fortnight she could walk; in 
a month she was practically all right, and to-day there is no 
trace of any injury. 
Red-Mountain Doves ( Geofrygon montana ) have on-^ 
youngster reared; the other pair laid, but broke their eggs, and 
have not laid since. Their nests have been built entirely of 
laurel leaves. I have never seen any doves that grow so quickly 
as does this species. 
SMALL BIRDS: — 
Sydney Waxbills (Aegintha temporalis) are a charming 
and prettily coloured species. Three pairs have nested, laid, 
and are sitting closely. I feel sure one or more of the pairs 
have young in the nest. Since writing the above, four young 
birds have left the nest. 
BiCHENo's Finches (Stktoptera hichenovi) are incubat- 
ing, and, I think, one pair have young. 
