226 
Editorial 
We hope to arrange the special meeting of the year 
at an earlier and iiiore convenient date another year. 
AviAKiES AT THE CuirpjjEs' Hospital: We desire to 
thank the following for kind donations as under: — 
1 Cockateel — Miss A. B. Smyth. 
1 Chaffinch, 5 Ureenihiches, 2 Weavers, 1 Twite — H. 
J. Phair. 
2 Weavers, 6 Orange-cheeked \A'a.\l)ills, 3 Orange- 
breasted Waxbills, 3 Cordon Bleus — E. Hopkin- 
son, D.S.O., M.B., etc. 
Spare young or other birds, either for the Finch or 
Parrakeet aviary, will be gratefully .acknowledged. 
Correspondence. 
GREY SINGING FINCH x LINNET HYBRIDS. 
Sir, — The history of the Singing Finch x Linnet hybrids is as 
follows: Last Spring I noticed that my Grey Singing Finch was anxious 
to mate with an English hen Linnet, which was in the same aviary with 
him. She, however, preferred a cock of her own species and the Singing 
Finch was driven off. The Linnets nested, and partly reared one young 
bird, but the Singing Finch wns always following them about, and, I believe 
was the ultimate cause of the cock Linnet's deatJi which took place about 
the middle of June. Two days later I saw the Singing Finch feeding the 
Linnet, and on July 1st I found they had built a nest among a quantity of 
heather, piled against the side of their aviary. It contained three eggs, two 
of which hatched on July 10th, the tliird being infertile. The young left 
the nest on July 2CAh, both strong, weli-tledged birds, quite able to fly and 
follow their parents. The Singing Finch took charge of one and the Linnet 
devoted herself to the other. Tliey were reared on mixed seeds, green stuff 
and cucumber, for which the olil birds were very eager. Occasionally the 
Singing Finch took a mealworm. Both birds fed from the crop, but I think 
the Linnet alone incubated the eggs, the Singing Finch contenting himself 
with driving other birds away from the vicinity of the nest. The young 
are now (July 31st) fending for themselves. They are larger than their 
father, bvit have his head and beak, also the white undcrpart* and rump. 
Their breasts are pale greyish brown, striated with darker brown, wings and 
back pale brown, tails brown, edged with Idack, like tlie linnets They have 
a pleasing call note, and were clamorous while being fed. Like the Singing 
Finch, they roost high up in the most exposed part of the aviary regardless 
of the weather, while the Linnet prefers to shelter among the heather. 
July 31st, 1912. E. F. CHAWNER. 
