NATURE NOTES 
I go 
the glass — for all the birds were provided with small mirrors, 
which proved an endless source of amusement to them. 
Two unsuccessful attempts were made to provide “Jim” 
with a mate. The first failed through incompatibility of 
temper, and “ Mrs. Jim ” No. i was exchanged for a piece 
of imitation coral for the aquarium; which bore the name of 
“Lot’s wife” in consequence. “Mrs. Jim’’ No. 2- was weak 
and sickly, and soon succumbed. “ Mrs. Jim ” No. 3, being of 
a submissive nature, has proved a thoroughly congenial mate. 
The next addition to the collection was a pair of African 
“ IMannikins,” bought in the streets of Paris from a man who 
carried them on a stick. No doubt they were drugged for the 
occasion, for they have never been as tame since. They are, 
in fact, exceedingly disappointing birds, and utterly refuse to 
respond to any coaxing or blandishments. Bought in the first 
instance for Japanese birds, they were called “ Yum-yum ” and 
“Nanki-po” respectively. When their real nationality was 
discovered their names were changed to “ Prempeh ” and 
“ Khama.” The latter, how^ever, showing a marked predilec- 
tion for whisky and water after a chill, and displaying an evil 
nature generally, had his name changed again to the more 
appropriate one of “ Lobenguela.” Two others of the mannikin 
tribe were purchased — a piebald variety, black, chestnut and 
w'hite, called “Triple Alliance” or “Trip” for short, and a 
pretty cinnamon-coloured one with a grey head. 
“Trip” immediately struck up a close friendship with the 
original Africans, and the three \vould sit for hours huddled 
up together, perfectly content with each other’s society. The 
grey-headed bird, through no fault of his own, was regarded 
as a pariah by this exclusive trio, and unmercifully pecked if 
he dared to approach them. He soon consoled himself by 
falling deeply in love with “Jim,” dogging his footsteps, and 
earning the name of “the shadow” in consequence. Unfor- 
tunately his untiring devotion bored “Jim” extremely, but 
scolding and pecks had no effect on the phlegmatic mannikin, 
and he persisted in his attentions till provided with a mate of 
his own order. 
By this time, it should be said, the separate cages had 
been done away with, and the birds rejoiced in a small aviary 
consisting of three divisions with a central dome and a 
revolving tree. 
One of the most important, if the least assuming of its inmates 
has still to be mentioned — “ Baloo ” the handsome German 
bullfinch, named after the good-natured bear in the “ Jungle 
Book.” Lacking in all “ Jim’s” brilliant qualities, he more than 
made up for it by his high pitch of moral excellence. His good 
nature at times amounted almost to weakness. He would allow 
“Jim ” to devour his last seed, and was even known to let the 
African Mannikins — a third of his size — turn him out of his cage, 
in order that they might gaze undisturbed at themselves in his 
