BUFBESNE'S AMAZON. 
97 
variations of the same : and, in point of fact, there is more resemblance 
between the Amazons than there is between the Golden and the 
Amherst Pheasants, the cross-bred progeny of which has been satis- 
factorily proved to be fruitful. Again, some of these Parrots are so 
nearly alike, that it is difficult to believe they are not varieties of the 
same species, and certainly at first sight at all events, there appears 
to be much more dissimilarity between a Cochin China and a Game 
Fowl, than between the Blue-fronted Amazon and its relation with the 
Yellow Bridle, yet the offspring of the two fowls mentioned above is 
undoubtedly fruitful, proving the parents to belong to one and the 
same species, for hybrids are incapable of generation. 
It is true that instances have been recorded, at various times, of 
mules having given birth to offspring, but there is a strong element 
of doubt in every such case that has been brought under our notice, 
so strong indeed, that we are of opinion that no verdict is possible, 
save the convenient Scotch alternative to guilty, or not guilty?, viz. 
not proven. 
The solution of the problem with regard to the unity of the Amazons, 
is not very difficult, as solitary females not unfrequently lay eggs in 
captivity, and would, there is no doubt, under favourable circumstances, 
pair, and probably bring up their young. 
Few private individuals have the accommodation or the leisure, not 
to mention the means, necessary to institute, and successfully carry 
out the experiments necessary to a complete solution of this and 
similar problems; but the Zoological Societies of this country and on 
the continent are in possession of the requisite conditions, and to them 
we must look for the elucidation of many an ornithological puzzle; 
most of them, however, will not move in a new direction without a 
considerable amount of external pressure, which a concerted movement 
on the part of amateurs is capable of being brought to bear upon 
them, and we hope, in the matter of the Psittacidce, will very soon be 
exerted. 
The Hon. and Rev. F. G. Dutton's account of Dufresni s Amazon. 
This is a handsome bird. He is about the size of the Common 
Amazon. The prevailing colour is an even green, but the upper tail 
coverts are brilliant crimson. He has a brownish line of feathers from 
eye to eye over the beak, which is dark horn colour. 
They are not very attractive cage-birds. I have never seen a speci- 
men that talked. They are rather quiet and dull. Their food is the 
same as that of the Common Amazon. 
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