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F. E. Matthews—Breeding Notes



but only one pair of each species ; the same remarks apply to the Fire-

finch, Cuba Finch, and the Singing Finch—both green and grey.

The Saffron Finch is likely to become aggressive to other breeding

pairs when he is himself in breeding condition. The Song Sparrow

is likely to scalp any other bird in or out of the breeding season.

Most of the foreign birds mentioned above will, if acquired in good

condition early in July, become acclimatized and live for many years

in an out-door aviary, and enjoy good health without artificial heat.

Wagtails are at all times aggressive and often murderous. Siskins and

Kedpolls are at all times amiable, the latter mentioned far too amiable

for comfort. Most small birds that will breed in captivity are more

prolific than are the same species in the wild state, and such birds will

come into full colour earlier than the average wild-bred birds. The only

exceptions are the Greenfinch and the Chaffinch. The Buntings are

not popular captive breeders. A pair of Goldfinches will produce up to

seventeen healthy youngsters in one season, against nine in the wild

state. I have never known a pair of Linnets rear more than three

youngsters per round in the wild state, and never less than four

youngsters per nest in captivity.



BREEDING NOTES


By Frances E. Matthews


Owing to adverse weather conditions, it was late this year before

my birds were installed in our small garden aviaries. Though they

took some time to decide about breeding, hope ran high when good

starts were made by most of them. Now at the end of the season

“ So near, and yet so far ” describes many of the results to date.


A pair of Shamas seemed very pleased with their abode, the hen

choosing a nestbox under cover, where she brooded five eggs in an

exemplary manner. Sad to relate, these were infertile. In her second

nest two eggs were fertile, but from some cause these were chilled just

when due to hatch. In the third nest I saw one bird of some days old,

and I believe another egg was fertile. Then to my dismay these were

thrown out, and the hen gave up sitting. All through the hen fed well

on insectivorous food. She flew to me every night and morning as



