246 
A Beautiful Aviary Bird. 
All the above species live together in amity, and all are 
desirable, beautiful and interesting;- inmates of a roomy, 
naturally-planted garden aviary. 

A Beautiful Aviary Bird. 
By Weslky T. Pack, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 
jNIy theme in this short note is the Green Cardinal 
( G nbcniatrix cristaia). I do not propose to write any article, 
Init merely to make connnendatory remarks upon its many 
qualifications to be classed as an admirable aviary bird. 
It has great beauty and is amiable in a mixed collection. 
It has many interesting characteristics and a quaint, 
plaintive, yet cheery call-note. 
It is a free breeder and perfectly hardy. 
In these three short sentences are tabulated six excellent 
qualities which speak for themselves, and I might add one more 
equally important, viz : The male and female are dissimilar in 
plumage, so there is no difficulty in procuring a true pair. 
The beauty of the male is undeniable in whatever pose 
he is reviewed. In repose or hopping about on the branches 
he is an object of beauty — the rich green, yellow and black areas 
of his plumage at once attract attention ; but it is when displaying 
to his mate that the full glory of the rich yellow of his wings and 
tail are displayed, then he is brilliant indeed. The hen also is a 
beautiful bird, but the colour tones are quieter, but whatever 
her mood she is always an attractive object. 
They are vivacious, scarcely ever lethargic, and during" 
the breeding" season the male's intervals of silence are short 
indeed. They are nearly always " in the picture." 
They are free breeders, but I must make one qualification, 
the over-ardour of the male prevents the success of some nests, 
however, this is a fault common to many species, and adds zest 
to the pursuit of aviculture ; and the aviarist can mostly count 
on one nest per season. They are adaptable, and will accom- 
modate themselves to any particular aviary, being quite ready 
to nest in a box, or to build a natural nest in any convenient 
bush. They are ready to rear their young when only a 
