BED-BUMPED PABBAKEET. 
25 
the nest, but their colours are duller and fainter in shade than those 
of the old ones, from whom, in about six or eight months, it is im- 
possible to distinguish them. 
We have read of hybrids between the Redrump and the Rosella, 
as well as several other kinds of Parrakeets, and we are quite prepared 
to believe in the possibility of such a cross, or crosses, for a female 
of this species that was in our possession for a considerable time actually 
paired with a Madagascar Love-bird ( Agwpornis ccma), and, had she 
not fallen ill, would doubtless have bred mules with him. 
Although, as we have said, these birds are hardy, the females are 
often troubled with egg-binding, and as this complication is of decidedly 
more frequent occurrence in aviary-bred than in imported specimens, 
we incline to the belief that debility is the cause of the misfortune, 
and that none but thoroughly strong and healthy birds should ever 
be put up for breeding; inattention to this simple rule entailing much 
loss and disappointment on the amateur, as well as being the cause 
of much suffering, and of death to the hapless bird herself. 
We once had a fine healthy-looking hen Redrump that never laid 
an egg larger than that of a Budgerigar; and strange to say, these 
miniature productions were devoid of yolk, and consequently sterile; 
she was aviary-bred, and there had, probably, been a good deal of in- 
breeding in her family. 
In-breeding, as bird-fanciers know, is soon productive, in most cases, 
of disastrous consequences, and should always be avoided, unless it be 
desired to perpetuate some accidental peculiarity, or “sport;” in which 
case the offspring will, after a few generations, cease to breed among 
themselves, and the new variety die out, unless the strain be re-invig- 
orated by the careful introduction of new blood. 
“There aro no song birds in Australia” is a complaint, more or less 
founded on fact, one often hears; but the Redrump sings, actually sings 
a very passable song, a fact which has procured for him in Germany 
the name of Singsittish. 
We have not met with a talking Redrump, but as they can be 
rendered very tame and confiding, it is quite as likely that a young 
male, brought up from the nest, would learn to speak, as many other 
varieties of Parrakeets, including the Budgerigar, have done. It is, 
however, astonishing how greatly these birds differ among themselves 
in disposition and character, which accounts for the fact of their being 
described by one writer as gentle, tame, and confiding, and by another 
as irreclaimable and wild. 
