Editorial. 
45 
1 tiiul that in a small aviary the following are very 
pugnacious in the hreeding season : Weavers. Pin-tail Wliydahs, 
Saffron iMuclies and Budgerigars; althougli in a large aviary 
lil tie mischief is done. 
T now have a large aviary with a stone shelter, i6ft. x 
lOft. X i6ft.. and flight, 35ft. x i6ft. x i6ft.; containing all the 
ahove named species, and did not lose a young hird last season 
through injury. There are about 150 small birds in thi . 
aviary, and it is worth while keeping the number comparatively 
small in order to maintain the variety of species. 
Blue-breasted VVaxbills, Indigo Buntings, Black-breasted 
Quail*''. Java Sparrows, and Cuban Finches all nested last 
season, but without result; the continuous rain and damp was 
too much for them. 
A closing hint to the effect- that \'oles and iMeld Alice are 
not averse to devouring eggs and even newly hatched young 
birds, may be useful. 
0 
Editorial. 
Australian Birds: We are informed that, owing to 
the strict enforcement of prohibition of export regulations, 
there is very little probability of further consignments coming 
to hand. This brings us face to face with a rather unpleasant 
fact, viz : that there is a prospect in the near future of the 
georgeously arrayed and int,eresting Australian avifauna being 
entirely absent from our aviaries. This the ornithological 
student of the living bird will greatly deplore. 
What, then, can we do to prevent so undesirable a couirc- 
tcmps} The utmost we can do will only partially me?t the 
case, and, if there be any hesitation or allowing the matter 1 o 
slide, the day is not far distant when Austrahan birds will only 
be seen at certain Zoos. 
The position ought to be faced at once, and the utmost 
use made of present stock, so that as many species as possible 
may be perpetuated in our aviaries. 
* Rain Quail {Coturnix coroiiiaiuicliti). 
