The Amefhj/st Runhird in its oivn Country. 233 
To the fow odd pairs I have in cages in the house 
I will not at present refer, and the foregoing has only been 
supplied by request, as I feel that while of groat interest 
to me, the interest may not be general as my birds are 
not rare. 
The Amethyst Sunbird in its own Country, 
By Rev. J. M. Paterson. 
Our Editor has asked mo to write something about my 
birdy experiences in Indiiv, and as I am an obedient man I am 
trying to comply,— l;ut whether I shall be able to finish the 
task I cannot say, as I am a very much occupied man, and 
have a large and needy parish to look after and three places of 
worship to serve. However, I mean to have a try, and if 
my efforts help to make our charming and interesting journal 
more successful, I shall be more than repaid. [We sincerely 
hope this is but the first of many similar articles. — Ed.] 
My garden in India was originally a large grove of 
mango and other fruit trees, some of which grew to a great 
height, and were laden w'ith fruit, each in their season. Many 
of these trees had to be cleared away in order to leave space 
to build the bungalow and lay out the garden, but quite suf- 
ficient were left to make a well shaded garden. The fruit 
on these trees was a great attraction to many birds, and un- 
fortunately to some animals also which would not hesitate to 
make a meal of the eggs, lor even the young birds if they 
found them. Many birds, which were not fruit -eaters as a 
class, delighted in taking a nibble at the ripe fruit, and many 
of the Flycatcher class found the shady trees a Paradise of 
game for their own particular kind of " bag " 
My garden was, for this reason, a Very good place 
to stu'dy bird life in, but as the birds of my own garden did 
not confine themselves to it, but wandered freely into other 
gardens, groves, and orchards, so I too will venture to take 
my readers, not only into my own garrfen but into some of 
the gardens and thorn jungle which tie around it. 
Early one morning in February, almost as soon as 1 
got into my bungalow, I was awakened by the quick shrill 
song of a small bird, sitting on a tree just outside the o_pen 
