i66 An Attciiif't to Breed Blnc-front cd Amazons. 
reverse is the case and blue is tlie predominating colour, and 
otliers are variants between these two. 
I also noticed that my hen had a broader band of scarkc 
on the bend of the wing than had the male, but, only yesterday, 
I saw a certain male, whose band of scarlet was as extensive as 
that of my hen; so it is obvious that, as a factor for determining 
the sexes, we must rule plumage " out of court." 
Another distinction I noted was that the cutting edges 
of the mandible were set at different angles in the male and 
female, but I wish to examine and compare more pairs before 
1 could say that this distinction was constant. 
This brings me to my last point, and one which 1 think 
will be a safe guide in determining the sexes of adult Blue- 
fronted Amazons, and possibly of other members of Ckrysotis 
as well. In the male the iris of the eye is red on the oute.- 
edge, merging into orange as it passes to the inner margin, 
but both the red and orange are bright hues. In the female 
the iris is dull brownish guinea-gold (cjuite dull in comparison 
with that of the male), with only a very fine margin of reddish- 
orange on the outer edge. 
Here, apparently, we have advanced a stage in the effort 
to breed C . aestiva in our aviaries for, if the above distinction 
in the colouration of the iris of male and female be constant, 
we shall, at least, be able to procure with reasonable certainty, 
true pairs, which will lead to ultimate success for some 
fortunate aviculturist. 
<^4-^ 
The Green-bached Trumpeter. 
By W. Shore Baily. 
Among recent additions to my collection is a pair of 
Green-backed Trumpeters. I don't know their scientific name, 
but their description is as follows : Cock, about the size of ou/ 
Coot, but stands two or three inches higher on the legs ; genera' 
body colour sooty-black, under part of neck and throat viole*", 
the feathers covering the lower part of back and tail, which arc 
very long, white; bill flesh colour with the base primrose; leg.i 
bluish-slate. Hen, general body colour black; under part of 
