Winter Food Supplies.

The tui is taking trustfully to the town gardens in many parts, and the plantations of gums and other food-trees are a certain source of food supply in the winter when the bush rations fall short. Wellington, Wanganui and many other urban centres are visited every year by little flocks of tui, and the bellbird too, is losing its shyness of the populous places. It is an enchanting sight, those confiding birds seeking their food among the gardens, perfectly fearless. They are quick to discover any food set out for them. Many people place saucers or shallow bowls of honey and water, or water sweetened with sugar where they can enjoy it without fear of prowling cats. Porridge and milk, too, is a welcome breakfast.

The custodians of the bird sanctuaries, Kapiti Island and the Little Barrier Island, have a host of callers for a touch of milky porridge every morning in the hungry time when most bush flowers and berries are off.