My JJ'Iiydahs— Pdsf and Present. 
39 
from Mitcliain, I was sorry tt) iiart with them; I was still more 
sorrv to hear less than a month later that rats had killed them. 
DurinL;- the time I had my W'hydahs none were .sji'iven 
artificial heat, and, although sometimes twelve dej^rees or more 
(if frost were registered, they seemed to enjoy perfect health 
I laving windows in the shelter of my aviary, if they preferred to 
-•top indoors during cold weather they could do so. Nailed on 
to the wall and against the roof were bundles of dried 
Michaelmas daisy stems, in which they could keep warm and 
roost. 
Their food during the sunmier was canary, white and 
Indian millet, and spray millet; greenfood they could help 
themselves to in the flight. Mealworms and spiders they were 
\ery fond of, and many would take them from my hand. W ith 
the advent of autumn and through winter I give a good mixed 
^eed in addition to the usual bill of fare. This was made tip of 
canary, flax, rai)e, niger, and a liber.al jjortion of cracked hemp 
■ ill of which they partook freely. 1 think if more stimulating 
food is given during winter it keeps all birds more inuiume from 
c Id and damp. The main thing is a cosy shelter in which to 
roost, and then, if your birds are in ;i healthy condition you will 
gel \ery few deaths from cold. 
I had intended to renew my acquaintance with these 
charming birds now the war is over, but have since decided to 
have soft-bills, for a time at least, ;is up to the present mv 
experience with them as aviary birds has been limited to .Scarlet 
Tanagers, I'ekin Robins, and one Rosy Pastor. I must, 
however, keep away from the bird sliops when there is a consign 
ment of African birds coming over, or else I shall find myself 
returning home with Weavers and W'hydahs, which have always 
been my favourites, and probably will remain so. As aviarv 
birds I strongly reconunend the Whydahs. In cages they are 
too cramped, and also are unable to show to the advantage they 
do in even a small aviary. To see them on the wing with their 
long, long tails streaming behind them when taking exercise 
is truly a pretty sight. 
