MUNIA PUNCTULATA. 
659 
of trouble the poor owners were again the proprietors of their lawful abode. They appeared to be quite aware 
that I was taking their part in the arbitration business, and would sit patiently on a Puehsia-bush elose by 
till the case was decided. Sometimes one of their own species would approach their building j but at these 
times I considered them quite able to fight their own battles, and merely looked on. They required no 
assistance, but would sit close to their nest cracking their mandibles to show how decidedly displeased they 
M^ere. This proceeding used often to have the effect of inducing their unwelcome visitor to take his departure ; 
but if he did not think of going soon they would fly at him and use their bills to such purpose as to make 
him glad to be off. 
“ Yet notwithstanding that these little birds are so tenacious of their rights when invaded by one of their 
own species, they are easily intimidated by any strange and unexpected object. A few articles of furniture 
being placed under the trellis, Avhich contained several of their nests, so completely frightened the parents away 
at one time that they left their helpless brood without food, and would not return even when the objects of 
offence were removed. Of course the young receiving no nourishment all day became fainter and fainter in 
their cries for food, and at last died.^' 
4 p 2 
