202 
Correspondence 
SL'XUAL DISTINCTION Ol' MOCKINC. IIIRDS. 
Sir, — Last year I bought a Mocking Bird (Miiinis polyi^lottus), said to 
be a voung cock; it never sang a note, and as it still remained silent in 
the early part of this spring I concluded it was a hen. During April it 
surprised me by bursting into song, while in a large cage hung out in the 
grounds, and it has sung practically daily since. He has heavy white wing- 
bars, and I am informed that these are much less so in the hen. 
Harrogate. 30; 4: 21. H. CARR-WALKER. 
[Much regret the above got mislaid among other papers, hence its belated 
appearance. — Ed.] 
❖ 
THE DELICACY Ol' I'.LACK-Cl lEEKEl) WAXBILLS. 
Sir, — I should be interested to hear other member's experience willi 
this species {Estrililii cr\lliroiu)hi) ; they seem to be very delicate and can 
never have enough heal : even in this weather they huddle together as if cold, 
and snatch every streak of sun. 
Leadenham : July 18th, 19.M. 
J. S. REEVE, Capt. 
