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FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

BIRD NOTES.

r

VOLUME V.

Edited by
W. GEO. CRESWKLL, M.D., Dudi., L.R.C.P., Ediii., etc.

BRIGHTON :

W. T. MOULTON & Co., 4, Church Street.
190 6—1 907.

A ^i^^i^^H^i

UXXV-L^ J-^

k S. Hutk, imp

K.GoodcKild, del et litb

from a. livmg specimen in tlie posses

SENEGAL PARKOT

Pd-eocephaLlus sene^alus.

of "Mass CL. Collier.

All nghis reset ved.'\

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

ICbe Senegal B>arrot.

fPceocgphalus senegaliis) .
By Miss C. L. C01.1.IER and W. Geo. CresweIvI..

Some few summers ago, as I was driving through
Bibury, I took the opportunity of calling on the Hon.
and Rev. Canon Button in hope of seeing his birds.
He was unfortunately out, but a maid showed me his
aviaries, and also some parrots which were in the
house. But what pleased me most were some parrots,
who appeared to live all day in a large tree on the
lawn. Among them were two Senegals, who seemed
tame, as they allowed me to put my hand close to
them, although they would not come to me. The
maid said they would not come off the tree except
for Mr. Button, with whom they were quite fearless.
Underneath the tree two beautiful little Pomeranian
dogs were gambolling, and there were also one or two
cats. It was in fact quite a happy family, and one of
the prettiest sights imaginable.

My personal experience of Senegal Parrots, how-
ever, is entirely confined to the one whose portrait
adorns this number of Bird Notes. What I have to
say therefore is of the nature of a biography, and in
no sense written from a scientific point of view. I note,
to begin with, that my Senegal is one of the hardiest

and healthiest of birds, and that during over seven
years I have never known him to be ill. Last year,
during his moult, he lost his appetite for about a week,
but he never lost his spirits or his activity in any way,
so I was not seriously alarmed about him, but of
<:ourse changed his food. When he came into my
possession he was absolutely tame, and, I believe,
only a few months old. He will go to anyone who
will take him, and does not know what fear of any
human being means. He has a very marked prefer-
ence for what a friend of mine calls " the weaker sex,"
and the instant a man comes near him he tries to
attract his attention. To some men in particular he
manifests such intense love that I have feared his
excitement would make him ill. Quite recently he
got out of his cage, which was outside the window,
flew on to the front garden railings, and when a
passing policeman stopped to look at him, he jumped
on to his shoulder, to use the man's own words, and
sat there delighted. I should like to have seen that
very stalwart man coming in at the gate with the little
creature on his shoulder. That is the second time
that he has been restored to me by a policeman. But
the first man, although he arrested him, was afraid
to take him into custody.

My Senegal has a very individual character of his
own, and shows great determination and persistence
in trying to get his own way. He is extremely affec-
tionate, but has a very hasty temper, and if spoken
to harshly, gets at once into a rage, which is, however,
over in a minute. He understands all I say to him,
and makes me understand everything he wants either
to do or to have. And that is generally the same thing

every day at the same hour. For example, he is
accustomed to have sopped toast every morning at
breakfast, and if I do not give it to him at once, he
calls me by name until he gets it. He will learn to
say anything he hears a few times, and imitates the
cries of all other creatures, including those of street
urchins. We have had several cats since I had the
bird, and he never shows any fear of them, and more
than once he has played about on the floor with a cat
nearl}^ full-grown. On one occasion the cat upset the
table on which his cage stood, apparently without
upsetting in any way the mental equilibrium of the
parrot, who was found quite calm and told us he was all
right as well as he could. He knows those who are
not afraid of him, and they can do what they like with
him, but I never allow him to go close to those who
are afraid of him, as he is likely to bite them, Of
course he has bitten me many times, on occasions
when I crossed him, but he has never offered to bite
a man or anyone who is a stranger to him.

He loves to be out of his cage, and in the evening
after daylight is gone, will sit for hours on a little
stand, or on my shoulder. In the day he wants to be
biting my hair or dress, so I cannot have him on me
very much. He never seems to feel the cold weather,
and summer and winter his cage stands by an open
window. I was rather surprised to be told by a
keeper at the " Zoo." that three fine specimens of
the Senegal Parrot had died, not long after they
had been placed there. However, that was some
years ago, and I hope that under the improved con-
ditions those they now have will flourish. I think
that if I had never owned the "Ideal Parrot" of

whom I wrote some 5'ears ago, I should co nsider it
impossible to have a more interesting and lovable pet
than my Senegal. C L. Collier.

Of all the different Parrots of various families
and species which I have possessed, from the initial
Ring-necked Parrakeet in 1876 to the numerous, and
in many cases often changing examples in later years,
the Senegal so far appeals the most strongly to such
measure of affection as I am capable of shewing.
Indeed I am bound to say that I feel a good deal of
gratitude to Miss Collier's charming little pet, not
only for his kind reception of me when I saw him at
the Crystal Palace Show of 1903, but also for that
meeting having been the direct cause of my now
having my own little " Jobo " as a friend. For seeing
how captivated I was by the delightful manners of the
little Dum-dum (as this bird is called by Europeans on
the Coast), my friend Dr. Hopkinson, as he afterwards
told me, determined to bring me one on his next
return on leave from Gambia. And so he did ; land-
ing here on the 20th of last April, he immediately
wrote to me to my surprised delight that one would
reach me in a day or two. On the 25th it arrived, — a
vicious little rascal who fought and bit, as only a
Parrot can, whenever my hand approached it.

In a few days, however, sufficient confidence was
established between us to allow of a ground nut being
taken from my fingers between the bars of the cage,
though immediately afterwards a sledgehammer blow
and a pincer like nip would be my reward. The next
stage, that of allowing me to gently stroke the culmen
of the beak with my finger tip, was longer in being

arrived at, but was then of only short duration, for
almost directly afterwards I was permitted to caress
the head itself. All animosity was now at an end ;
before long I could put my hand into the cage, and
stroke wings and back to the answering accompani-
ment of little cat-like purrs, betokening the most
profound contentment and happiness. To-day a
humanized bantam Parrot rides about the house,
perched on my finger and talking the while in a little
endearing language that both of us well understand.
Or else he may be found in my pocket, or nestling under
my coat collar, or perhaps against my cheek, when
every now and then I feel a little wet tongue licking
me, and sometimes there comes a gentle tweak from a
beak which could indeed do much more if its owner
wished. At the present moment the little fellow is on
the table close to my hand, watching my pen, and
trying to tempt me to a game of pretended fighting with
many contortions and mock heroics. If at any time
during such little games he is somewhat frightened,
or thinks he has had enough of it, he flies on to my
head, rather to my discomfort I must confess, because
if there is one thing that can be practised better by a
professional than by an amateur, it is the art of hair-
dressing. His talking accomplishments are as yet not
very marked, for although he has the constant com-
panionship of my Rosy Cockatoo, the most extensive
linguist I have ever known in the Parrot tribe, his
acquirements from this able teacher are confined at
present to calling the cat and dog, and to giving an
exact reproduction of the whining of the latter animal
when shut outside the door.

From this joint account our readers will have

probably formed the opinion that the Senegal is one of
the most delightful avian pets in existence, and I
should say that generally speaking they would be right.
But all are not as the two which have so endeared
themselves to their respective owners. Shortly after
Dr. Hopkinson's kindness in giving " Jobo " to me, he
added to my obligation by sending me another speci-
men of a presumed opposite sex, which after seven or
eight months is still nothing less than a perfect savage.
Although full of fun and humour, as evidenced by its
numberless pranks in its cage, it gives never the ghost
of a chance of anyone being able to make even the
earliest advances towards a mutual understanding. It
is but seldom indeed that it will even take a tit bit
from the fingers, and when it does it generally bites
the hand that feeds it.

In Vol. III. oi Bit d Notes Dr. Hopkiuson gives us
a few interesting particulars as to the wild life of this
bird. In Gambia, where it is very common, it is con-
stantly to be seen flying about in flocks 20 or 30 strong,
and feeding largely on ground nuts when these are in
season. Although generally so tame and confiding
in captivity, they are exceedingly shy and wary at
liberty, and when feeding on the ground always post a
sentinel in a commanding position to warn the flock
of impending danger. Their nesting time practically
coincides with the breeding season over here, since
they breed from May to September, laying two eggs in
a hole in a tree. W. Geo. Creswei^l.

Swainson'e XoriF^eet.

(Trichoglossiis novcs-hoUandice.)
By Miss Rosa Litti,e.

Any lover of foreign birds who has kept Blue
Mountain Lories, or to be more accurate — Swainson's
Lorikeets, must have derived much amusement from
watching their quaint ways. Personally I have found
them more interesting than any other birds I know,
and have spent hours watching them at their games.

A pair I had for nearly two years (the hen, alas,
died a month or two ago) were the most devoted lovers,
but the cock bird was master, and would allow no
liberties from his wife. She was never allowed to
bathe until he had completed his morning dip ; if she
ventured near while he was in the water he would fly
up and peck her, screaming all the time, and drive her
right to the other end of the aviary. And what a bath
he would have! He just revelled in it. I have seen
him lie flat on his back in the water, kicking his legs
in the air, and then roll over and over again. Even
after he had nearly dried himself, the temptation of
just another plunge would be too much for him, and
in he would go once more. When he had quite
finished Mrs. Lorrie was allowed her turn, but she
never was so vigorous over her bath ; perhaps she did
not fancy the rather dirty water left for her use.
Another quaint habit of theirs was to lie side by side
in a box which I had put for their use as a nest. They
never roosted at night, but always retired to their box
at the bottom of the cage. The hen, poor thing, died
of some growth, which had been increasing for months,
but which did not seem to give her any pain. The
end came quite suddenly. One afternoon I found her

8

dead iu a corner of the cage, while herniate was lying
cuddled beside her. It was a most touching sight, for
he kept calling and cooing to her in a soft little voice
as though he knew something was wrong, and could
not understand her taking no notice. When we put
in a net to remove her he fought with all his might at
it, and it was with the greatest difficulty we could get
her away, and when we did he screamed for quite a
long time. For some days he would hardly touch
food, and he would get right away to the top of the
cage when anyone went near. I feared lie would
starve himself to death, and sent all over the country
to find another hen. Eventually I had the oj6fer of a
pair, cock and hen, and as I had ordered a hen from
another source I decided to have the lot, thinking the
four would live together. The pair arrived before the
hen could be sent, and were, I should think, much
younger birds than mine, for tlie}^ were smaller and
not so tame. Almost at once the cock started having
fits, and, thinking him almost dead, I took the hen
away and placed her with my old bird. Then she
started having fits, and I put her back to her own
mate, who had in the meantime recovered, but I had
countermanded the second hen, so my old bird was
again left all alone. To cheer him I put the new pair
near him, and they talked to each other in the most
friendly way till I thought I might venture to put all
three together. I did so, when alas for the fickleness
of the hen bird, she at once left her own mate for my
old bird, and together they turned on the young cock,
and would I think have killed him had we not gone to
the rescue ; so now the young bird is alone and seems
very .sad.

I have been told that these birds often die in fits,
and therefore people are afraid of keeping them, but I
have had my old bird over two years, and he is very
flourishing, never having ailed all the time. The
other two seem to have quite got over their fits and are
doing well. I showed this pair at Twickenham bird
show a week or two before Xmas, and they took first
prize in the only class for foreign birds that was not
cancelled.

Some IRcininiscences of mp lEarlv 2)ap6
of 3foreion BirD Ikcepmg.

By J. A. Swan.
{Co7itinned front Vol. IV. p. 240.)

And now I must confess my memory fails me with
regard to the order in which my next birds were pur-
chased, for I began to launch out into other and larger
cages, thereby adding as a matter of course to the
collection. So I will just mention any particulars
which occur to me as I write, and which I think likely
to be of interest.

It was about this time, I believe, that I first
directed my attention to the Weavers, a family which
held me in thrall for many years, in fact until the
more delicate Insectivorous birds in their turn began
to fascinate me.

The first member of the group was a Yellow-
Weaver, and I made my eyes ache by the anxious
longing with which I looked for the change of
plumage. The bird turned out to be a hen, so had it
not died after a few years, and had I not meanwhile
grown tired of watching for the colour which did not

lO

come, I might have been looking still. Of course
I could easily have bought some birds in colour,
but it went against the grain to pay six or eight
shillings for a bird which a few weeks earlier I could
have had for a florin. So I kept to my out-of-
colour selections, and to the best of my recollection
this first Weaver was the only one which turned out
to be a hen, out of all the many I afterwards bought.
If ever an old saying was open to criticism it is that
one which tells us that comparisons are odious, re-
garding it, of course, purely from the avicultural stand-
point. For it is only by reading, and above all by
actually comparing difi"erent birds, that one is able
to see the distinctive markings which indicate the
male sex of the Weavers when out of colour. The eye
streak, for instance, is a trifle wider and longer, and
the least bit deeper in colour ; the flight and tail
feathers have the black and buff more defined ; the
beak will sometimes have a slight shade of dullness
over it, or perhaps just the tip may be black ; the
breast and colouring generally will have a more gloss}'
and "live" appearance; and, above all, there is that
almost indefinable air of boldness and assertivenessin
the carriage of the male bird which enables one to
decide at once, where other signs perhaps incline one
to doubt.

I have kept most of the Weavers commonly
imported, and amongst them the Yellow, Orange,
Grenadier, Crimson-crowned, Napoleon, Madagascar,
Comoro, and Red-billed occur to me. " They are all
exceedingly spiteful birds and harass and attack all
others with which they are kept." Vox populi, vox del
— .so it must be right!, Personally — and as these

II

are reminiscences I must speak personally — with one
exception, I found them nothing of the sort. True
they did occasionally snap at other birds, but not
sufficiently often to cause me to brand the entire
family as being bad tempered, for other species get
irritable at times and behave in a manner worthy — or
should I say unworthy ? — of the character of Weavers
themselves. And they did not worry and harass other
birds. Neither did they break the legs of their com-
panions, nor brain them, nor disembowel them, nor
hang, draw, and quarter them. It is strange I know —
from a popular standpoint — but it is nevertheless a
fact. Why they did not I cannot say. The only
excuse I can offer on their behalf is that they were
made wrongly.

The exception I have referred to did attempt to
tyrannise over his companions at first— (I noticed they
all had a slight tendency to do the same until they had
settled down) — but even he was open to wisdom,
though only a Weaver. I did not intend that his bad
behaviour should make the other birds miserable, so
having caught him, I placed him in a small German
travelling cage, and hung it up in a top corner of the
general living cage. There he stopped for a week,
and it was a very quiet and subdued Crimson-crown
which meekly hopped out when the bars were raised
at the end of that time. He could not alter his
manner altogether though, for after a time, when the
seven days had passed into an uneasy remembrance,
I caught him at his games again. This time it meant
a month in solitary confinement, with all his erstwhile
companions hopping around and enjoying themselves,
and at times actually perching on his prison ! It was

12

a permanent cure, however, for I never had to punish
him again.

As an antithesis to this, let me instance a very
pleasant little friendship which sprung up between a
Napoleon and an Orange Bishop. They seemed only
happy and contented when in each other's immediate
company, and it was somewhat unusual to catch them
apart. At night they slept close together, and during
the day would both work on the same nest building
operations. When they were tired of this they played
follow-my-leader ! Away would go the Orange Bishop
with Master Napoleon gravely hopping after him. If
Master Bishop peered inquisitively at anything that
caught his eye, then so did the Napoleon ; and if it
was a tearaway fl\^ then there would be commotion
indeed ! Backwards and forwards the Orange Bishop
would dash, and helter skelter went Master Napoleon
after him. Oh ! it was a game — for these two. The
other birds tried to get out of their way and held on
tight, but were sometimes ignominiously bowled over.

It is hardly necessar}^ for me to say much respect-
ing the wants of Weavers generally. Plenty of seed
and water will satisfy them, and they thoroughly
enjoy grass in the ear and mealworms. Bathing they
delight in like most birds, and sometimes soak them-
selves and everything else within reach, three or four
times a day. The various changes of plumage are
well known, and make one almost incapable of be-
lieving that the bird in its gorgeous summer dress is
the same one which a few short weeks previously was
an insignificant brown-looking creature.

Not the least wonderful thing about Weavers is
their marvellous habit of building nests all over the

13

cage. Give them hay, straw, bass, string, hair, or
other similar substance, and they will set to work far
more enei-getically than the average workman. Some
Weavers — the Red-billed particularly — seem to have a
perfect passion for building, and one bird will at times
have several nests going at once. I gladly encouraged
my birds to build, for it gave them an interest in life
and something to occupy their minds. And to see a
small bird twisting and bending a piece of hay first
this way and then that, anon stopping and peering at
some particular piece that required special thought,
with the funniest I-wonder-how-I-can-do-that expres-
sion, was at times sufficient to bring a smile to the
most pessimistic of mortals.

{To be continued.)

ICbe Mintcr 1bou6ino of ICanaQcrs in
an Hviarv.

By Ci^audine Anningson-.
Up to the month of Ma\^ of 1905 I had always kept
my soft-billed birds in a large wire cage, but one day
I went into my big birdroom, where I kept my big
birds, and as I entered, the sun was shining brightly
on the cage that contained several species of Tanager
— the Scarlet, Superb, Blue and Olive. I stood gazing
for some little time, thinking how lovely they looked,
and the shimmer of all their beautiful colours induced
me to say to myself, " If onlyl dared trust them in my
big aviary, what a grand sight it would be to see
them flying with my other birds." Well, the pretty
picture I imagined made me take a bold step. I called
to my old servant — the woman who always helps me

H

with my birds— and told her that I had resolved to
flight all my Tanagers in the big aviary. My maid
tried hard to dissuade me, but all to no purpose — my
mind was made up. I forthwith gave the Tanagers
their liberty, not without misgivings, I confess ; nor
should I care to say how many times that day I went
to my aviary to see what kind of a welcome the un-
invited strangers were receiving. Much to my satis-
faction, the intrusion did not seem to be resented by
the regular denizens of my feathered city, save perhaps
by a red Virginian Cardinal, who looked askance at
the male Tanager, the vivid colours of which possibly
raised a feeling of envy in his breast, and caused him
to look with doubting eyes at the graceful little form
of his own mate, whose loyalty to himself, I fear he
thought, might be alienated by the brighter plumage
of his rival. But the Tanager was true to his old love
— perforce true, methinks, for his wife took good care
to allow no movement of his to escape her vigilant
eye : wherever her husband flew, she flew too, much
to the satisfaction and peace of mind of the somewhat
disconsolate Cardinal. And so peace and harmony
prevailed, a wee bit to my surprise, but certainly much
to my gratification.

About the second week in September, the evening
air of autumn donned its chilly garb, and I thought
that the sooner I caught my Tanagers and housed
them in a warmer, but more confined house, the
better : so, armed with a carrier-cage and a net, I one
morning entered the aviary, there to find all the birds
so happy together, so joyous in their liberty and com-
panionship, that I paused upon the eve of my purpose ;
whereupon, seeming to divine the reluctance of their

15

would-be jailer, they all burst into song, such glad and
glorious song, that I resolved to abandon my intention
and accordingly retreated, my exit being hailed witli
such a chorus of delight that I in no way regretted
my determination to let them continue in liberty.

Now, since I had decided to no more make my
Tanagers captives, I had to devise some means of
ensuring them warmth and shelter ; this I did by
placing small bundles of hay in the pea-sticks, and by
nailing the flat side of some old straw-hats, with small
holes cut in the crowns, to the aviary walls, thus
enabling the birds to get inside the hats at night for
warmth, whilst the hay in the pea-sticks effectually
sheltered them from cold and draught in the day-
time. This plan has succeeded admirably, and even
at this late period of the year — December — my birds
are still in the aviary, and I have never seen them in
better health or brighter plumage. Here let me state,
in passing, that I have found Dr. Creswell's assertion
(made in the pages of Bird Notes some time ago) that
any birds could be trusted in an aviary, if they were
protected from cold at night, to be quite justified by
my experiment in this direction, so perhaps some of
my bird keeping friends will now take courage, and
embark on what I have proved to be a successful and
pleasing venture.

I will conclude this brief article b}^ saying that I
give the Tanagers, twice daily, mealworms, in addition
to soft food and fruit, which alone I hardly thought
suflScient to impart the warmth requisite to their
proper nourishment and well-being during these cold
and cheerless davs of winter.

i6

Zbc :Blue-bcai&eJ) Jav^*

{Cyanocorax cyanopogon).
By Wii,i,iAM Bamford.

Some eight or nine years ago, as one day I was
visiting the bird shops of Manchester, looking for
anything new in the birdy line, I came across a cage
with three strange birds in it. Their general appear-
ance as to colour and shape was like our Knglish
Magpie, though they were considerably smaller in
size. Their bright and alert ways made me quite lose
my heart to them, but as it was time to catch my train
I reluctantly had to leave them. For two days I broke
the tenth commandment, but being again in Man-
chester on the third day, I could not resist going to
see if the birds were still unsold, and on finding them
still there I became the possessor of one of them with-
out a moment's delay. The price I paid was ten or
twelve shillings. On getting my treasure home I at
once turned him out into a large cage, and took stock
of him with that feeling of pride and pleasure, which
all aviculturists feel when they turn out a fresh bird,
especially if it is one they have never kept before, into
its new cage. The bird was very tame, and seemed
quite at home.

His plumage was as follows : head and chest
black ; back, fawn brown, nearly deepening into black
on the flight and tail feathers ; underparts, nape and
tips of tail feathers white. A bright blue spot over
the yellow eye and a dark blue streak from the gape of
the mouth gave the bird quite a gay appearance. The
beak and legs were black.

What however was to me the most striking point

17

about the bird was its black crest which he was con-
tinually raising up and down as he hopped about.
This, instead of being erected from the base of the
bill, like that of cockatoos and most other birds which
raise and depress their crests, was raised at a perfect
right angle directly over the eye, giving the bird an
especially sharp and quaint appearance. I searched
my library through, and at last found, in the Royal
Natural History, a bird whose description tallied very
nearly with my bird, under the name of Urraca Jay
{Cya7iocorax chrysops). The woodcut which accom-
panied the description was similar, with the exception
of the crest, which seemed too rounded and big, but
this I thought might be due to the figure being drawn
from a stuffed and not a living bird.

Till two 3'ears ago I thought my bird belonged to
this species, but on opening my Aviculhcral Magazine
in May 1903, I was pleased to find a facsimile coloured
portrait of my then, sad to say, late lamented Jay,
under the name of the Blue-bearded Jay (^Cyajiocorax
cyanopog07i). These two birds must be very closely
allied, as the distribution of the markings seems exactly
similar, and the only difference in colouring seems to
be that the Urraca Jay has a purple black back, whilst
that of the Blue Bearded Jay is brown. Whether the
Urraca Jay has the purple streak from the base of bill
and the peculiar crest I am unable to say, but perhaps
some fellow member can enlighten us on this point, or
any other differences between the two birds.

I fed him on an ordinary Thrush's mixture varied
with boiled potatoes, and, as a treat, a few scraps of
meat. I also handed over to his tender mercies all the
mice I caught, and with which I was overrun at the

i8

time. These he would seize in his beak, and after
flying up to the highest perch, would then proceed to
tear to pieces and swallow them, holding them firmly
on the perch by his powerful legs. "Everything
vanished except the skull and skin, the latter however
being picked quite clean.

The onl}'' sound I ever heard him make was a
squa-ak, which he used to utter when trying to attract
my attention to give him some dainty. He lived for
about twelve months, and never seemed to ail a
moment. I kept him in a room without any artificial
heat, and the cold never seemed to affect him in the
slightest. One morning he was found dead, though
the day before he was as lively as usual.

My present stock of birds is confined to a Grey
Parrot, who is an excellent talker, but I live in hopes
of being some day the possessor of numerous aviaries,
which are stocked in my dreams with all manner of
rare birds.

lEMtoriaL

YELK OF EGG AND LEPROSY :— What would
seem to be one of the most inscrutable problems assail-
ing the pathologist is the complete elucidation of the
natural history of leprosy. The fundamental reason for
this difficulty lies in the fact that it has always been
found impossible to cultivate the bacillus on any
of the known media. In the case indeed of an
apparently identical disease found in rats (a similar
one to which I have also found in birds), " special
^' media have also been tried, such as a medium made

19

''from rat's flesh, and a medium with the addition of a
" rat*s blood serum, but these have also failed to give
" a growth of the bacillus. Many pieces of tissues
*' swarming with bacilli which have been left for over
*' a year on appropriate media still show the bacilli
"staining well, but no growth has taken place." (Dr.
Geo. Dean in Joiirn. Hygieiie, Jan. 1905).

By using, however, one part of yelk of egg mixed
with four parts of agar medium, Dr. Kmile-Weil tells
us {A?i7i. de I' hist. Pasteur, Dec. 1905) that he has
succeeded in propagating the leprosy bacillus for at
least a short time. Growth begins on or about the
fifth day and continues for about a fortnight or three
weeks more, and then stops, not being renewable on
subculture.

If then &g% has such an invigorating influence as
to make a bacillus live and reproduce itself for even
three weeks, which by no other means can be made to
do so for a da}', we can gain from this some idea of its
power in intensifying the vigour of the easily grown
septic bacillus, and we can understand why Klein
found his cultures grown under these conditions so
much increased in virulence when using them for his
experimental inoculations. We can see how it is that
while more immune than seed eaters in the aggregate,
as I have pointed out, a large number of our wrongly
fed insectivorous captives die of septicaemia ; and we
can see how a colony of Canaries can be induced to
exhibit a rapidly fatal epidemic in the late stimmerand
autumn.

While on this subject, I note that in Caiiaty and
Cage Bird Life of February 9th Dr. Butler says : —
" The sample of yolk is certainly not satisfactory ; it

20

** has, as you say, an unpleasant cheesy smell which it

*' ought not to have. It might not hurt coarse feeding

'* birds, some of which will eat addled eggs with

*' pleasure, and be none the worse for doing so ; but I

*' would certainly not give it to delicate insectivorous

" birds, and I believe it would be extremely dangerous

" to feed Finches upon it, they being far more suscep-

*' tible to septic poisoning than soft food eaters."

As far as it goes this is a step in the right direction,

and I congratulate Dr. Butler upon it. It indicates

that he realises at last the existence of septic disease

in both iiisectivorozis and seed eating birds, that egg

does have some special influence on the disease, and

that he has set the seal of his approval upon my

application to the various classes of birds of the

biological laws affecting the question of comparative

immunities. I have before me at the moment a letter

of his which appeared in the first number of the

paper above mentioned, in which he states that none

of his insectivorous birds had ever died of septic

enteritis, implying, though not actually stating, a

medical man as his authorit3% and also the " expert

opinion " at the Natural History Museum ** at the hands

of men who knew what they were about." I am not

going to criticise any claims of the distinguished

morphologists at the first Museum in the world to be

considered pathologists, because they have none, and

I am sure would be the very last to advance any : I

merely wish to point out Dr. Butler's change of

opinion and to compliment him on it. As the old

Roman said. Nihil esi.qiwd lo7igi?iq7dtas temporis efficcrc

no7i possit.

W. Geo. Creswell.

21

Some 1Rote6 on tbe Crvstal ipalace
Sbow) of 1906.

For some years foreign bird exhibiting has been
more or less on the down-grade, and we were there-
fore agreeably surprised to find no less than one
hundred and forty-four entries in the nine foreign
classes. (We exclude the foreign Goldfinches and
Bullfinches from the calculation.) This would seem to
indicate a decided revival of interest in showing — but
it may be partly due to the fact that there is now once
again only o?ie Palace Show in the year. The weather
was cold, and the Show draughty and uncomfortable.
The birds were staged in one of the transepts and
screened by curtains, but there was no tent — con-
sequently the light was better than usual, but we fear
the draughts were trying to such of the exhibits as
had come out of heated bird-rooms.

Passing over the three Parrot and Parrakeet
classes (which contained many beautiful specimens,
but little or nothing of special rarity or interest)
and also the class for common finches, we come to
the class for " Waxbills, Grassfinches, Weavers and
Mannikins," which contained no less than thirty-seven
entries, and must have given the judge a good deal of
trouble. Mr. ly. W. Hawkins secured the first prize
with his lovely pair of Violet-eared Waxbills. The
same exhibitor's Blue-breasted Waxbills were interest-
ing. Yellow-rumped Finches, which last season were
thought to be extremely rare, are now comparatively
common, and there were three entries of them in this
class.

We were pleased to see an example of that quaint

22

little South African species the Dufresne's Waxbill
{Coccopygia dtifresiiii) which but seldom makes its
appearance on the Show Bench.

The class for Grosbeaks, True Finches, and Bunt-
ings made a good muster of eighteen. The first prize
winner was a nice Black-headed Siskin. There were
several pairs of Cuba Finches, some of the commoner
and more attractive species and some of the Olive
species — but none of them were in first rate order — in
fact the Pho7iipara are not easy to keep in show con-
dition, and in this respect they resemble Parrot
Finches. (There is, however, a special reason for the
difiiculty in the case of the Parrot Finches, for they
moult twice in the year.) Mr. Townsend had a good
Yellow-billed Cardinal, and another exhibitor a rather
poor pair of the same species. Mr. Frostick's Swain-
son's Sparrow is an uncommon show-bird, but is
scarcely an ornament of the Show Bench. Mr. Howe's
Alario Finch might, we think, have received more
than the H.C. awarded to it — it belonged to the species,
sub-species, or variety which exhibits a much greater
proportion of white in its plumage than the ordinary
kind does.

The class tor Tanagers, Sugar-birds, &c., is
always one of the most attractive, and it was rendered
more than usually interesting this year by the pre-
sence of Mr. Hawkins' Malachite Sun-bird. It is open
to question whether this apparently newly-imported
bird deserved the first prize awarded to it. It was
weak and sickly, and in no sense in show condition.
We can understand and sympathise with the judge's
reluctance to pass such a bird, but surely a prize
should not be awarded for rarity only. We think that

23

no exhibit which fails to attain a certain standard of
condition shonld be considered eligible as a prize-
winner. The second, third, and fourth prizes were
awarded to Mr. Townsend for his Black-backed Tana-
ger, Green Tanager, and pair of Blue Sugar Birds re-
spectively. Mr. C. P. Arthur was V.H.C. for a "pair"
of Green Tanagers which we took to be two hens.
Two exhibitors had perversely entered Pekin Robins
in this class.

The class for " All species not comprised in the
above " was a good one, with fourteen entries. Mr.
Hawkins again secured the premier position with his
pair of Silver-eared Mesias, and also the second prize
with his White-throated Ground Thrush. Mr. Dew-
hurst's Rufous-bellied Niltava was breathing badly,
and had, we fear, caught a chill : though since the
cage bottom was covered with cocoa nut fibre it is
possible that it was suffering in the same way as the
Wr5aieck whose case is detailed in Bird Notes, Nq\.
III. page i8. The rare species of Glossy Starling
{^Calornis metallica), exhibited by Mr. Townsend, de-
served at least a card. There was a good Indian Blue
Pie shown by Mr. Arthur. The class contained some
Indian Mynahs (scarcely show birds, these), a Shama,
a Purple-headed Starling, and a few other birds of no
special interest.

The class for Foreign Hybrids, which seems to
have now become a regular feature of the Show, is
always one which attracts a good deal of attention.
The title adopted, " Any species Foreign Mule or
Hybrid," is certainly a quaint one — but Show Com-
mittees always had their little ways, and, we expect,
always will have them so long as Shows endure. It

24

used always to be " Varietj^" now it is invariably
"Species," but the compilers of the Schedule are
obviously ignorant of the content of either term. After
all, what does it matter ! Here were a Redrump-
Rosella Parrakeet, a Barnard-Yellow-naped Parrakeet,
a Bicheno- Zebra Finch, a (so-called) St. Helena
Seedeater- Grey Singing Finch and a Silverbill-
Bengalese. We saw no reason to seriously question
the correctness of the alleged parentage in any case
except that of the St. Helena Seedeater - Grey Singing
Finch, but this ugly little bird, with its dark chestnut
back, must almost certainly have Alario Finch blood
in it. It is a pity that this interesting class contained
only five entries.

IReview.

Our School Out-of-Doors, a 7iaiure book for young people. By
the Hon. M. Cordelia Leigh. Cr. ^vo., cloth, 2/-. T. Fisher
Unwin, 1906.

This is a book of some 150 pages cram full of facts,
more or less disconnected and ranging over the very
extensive field of natural objects which may present
themselves to a person taking a fortnightly ramble
from January to December by field and dale, hedgerow
and covert, pond and rippling stream, not forgetting
an occasional glance heavenwards.

From the preface it appears to have been written
for the assistance of teachers in nature study, and at
the end of each chapter is appended a set of questions
designed to test the knowledge acquired by their
young students.

' 25

The chief value of the book appears to lie in the
use that may be made — by the teacher — of the multi-
plicity of facts presented, treating them purely as
suggestions. If he follows the text itself only, he will
run a very considerable risk of turning out a few
prigs, but if he will take the trouble to take each fact
and thoroughl}^ explain the underlying reason, which
is not by any means always done in the text, and then
group them together, he may very well ground in his
pupils, first a habit of observation, and secondly the
habit of correctly reasoning thereon.

In this sense the book may be recommended. A
good example of the bare isolated fact loosely given may
be seen in the statement that " a carp may be frozen
in a block of ice and survive the trial." No attempt
is made to show that the fish to survive the trial
must be only impriso?ied in the ice. If the natural heat
of the fish is insufficient to secure space for the gills to
act, the fish will not survive, nor will it survive when
it has exhausted the suppl}^ of free oxygen available
in the water set free from the ice. A child cannot
evolve this for itself.

We are pleased to note that the authoress points
out that many kind-hearted people put food out in
their gardens for the birds, but altogether neglect to
put out water as well. The book contains a fair
number of illustrations.

26

poet fIDortem IReport.

{^jde Rules).

NlGHTiNGAi^E, cock. (The Hon. Mary C. Hawke). This bird
had been ill a long time, and from having been very fat
gradually got so thin that at the time of its death it was
extremely emaciated. For some time previous to its death
it had been holding up its right leg, and a slight swelling
on the hock was seen to get larger.

External examination shewed the vent feathers to be
matted together with dried liquid excreta. On opening the
body the liver and intestines were found to be much con-
gested, and in the substance of the liver were multitudes
of minute caseous spots. The spleen was greatly enlarged,
so much so that in order to be accommodated in the
abdominal cavity it was towards the upper end doubled
upon itself at slightly less than a right angle. {Vide the
report on a Rock Thrush, page 20 of Vol. IV., and again
on page 37, ibid). This enlargement was due to the
coalescence of the cheesy nodules so characteristic of the
advanced stage of Septicaemia. The hock swelling also
proved to be a septicsemic deposit.

A lay member of the Council, who happened to be visit-
ing me at the time, was much interested in the different
stages of the examination, and made some comments on
the ver}' decided implications met with some time ago in
certain papers to the effect that this disease does not attack
insectivorous birds.

I may say that this Nightingale had been fed on yelk of
egg-
[The owners of other birds sent to me have been communicated

with by post.]

W. Gko. Crkswri,!..

27

(Eorresponbcnce.

AVIARY EXPERIENCEvS.

Sir, — I am extremely sorry to find by Mr. Acutt's letter in
the February number oC Bitd Azotes that he has lost "two-thirds"
of his birds during the past year. My experience has been
somewhat different, at any rate during the past nine months.
I,ast Winter, that of 1904 — 5. my small collection of foreign
birds was kept indoors, the temperature of the room never
falling below 45°. In spite of the utmost care, three died of
pneumonia, viz., a St. Helena Seedeater, Nonpareil Bunting,
and a Budgerigar, all of which had been from eighteen months
to two years under my care.

Last Spring I carefully read the "Hygiene of Bird Keep-
ing," with the result that I have tried the outdoor plan.
Twenty-five birds were turned into an aviary facing South on
the loth of June last, and a few more subsequently. Up to
this date, the 27th of February, all are in perfect health, with
the exception of a hen Combassou which died, egg-bound, in
October. A Cordon Bleu who seemed overcome with the cold
one frost}' morning, is now as well as ever. Birds reputed
tender, like the Australian Grassfinches, are as sleek and lively
as the Weavers and Java Sparrows.

I need hardly say that egg food is never used, only Indian,
white, and spray millet, canary seed, with scalded ants' eggs
about every other day and a few meal worms daily, inostlj'
consumed by the Weavers and Indigo. Green food but very
sparingly given during the cold weather.

Al^FRED WhPCEI.ER.

BIRDS IN A DRAWING ROOM.

Sir, — Having read a pleasant article in a recent number,
called " A Bird's Day," I should like to say a little about some
birds I keep, which may possibly interest some of your readers.

I have two cages placed in different windows in a good-
sized sitting room ; one cage containing two hand-reared
cock Bullfinches, and the other two Canaries and a mule bird.
At certain times during the day they are allowed their liberty

28

in the room ; and their great delight, as soon as ever their cage
doors are opened, is to go straight to their friends' cage, for
they seem to think that the food, which is really just the
same, is much nicer in another cage than in their own.
Another pleasure is to sit on the fender and warm themselves,
also to pick coal from the box. Towards evening they all go to
their own cages and to their own special perches. If the
usual time for their liberation is allowed to pass by, and they
hear my voice in the house, the Bullfinches set up their call-note
until their doors are opened, when they dash out, fly round the
room and then straight into the other birds' cage. I can always
get them back with a little hemp seed. One of the Bullfinches
escaped through the window one day, but was very pleased to
come back for some privet berries, which the\' love. What
they dislike most is to see their mistress in a new liat or fresh
gloves; if she goes near their cage with anything on to which
they are unaccustomed they dash about till she changes it,
when they at once become quiet again. It is hopeless to put
any flowers in the room where they are, as they pick them to
pieces at once, and there are very few flowers they will leave
alone ; almost any sort of flowers seem nice to pull to bits.
It is very pretty to see them hopping about on the floor and
furniture, singing their various songs tlie while. One Bullfinch
has learnt the mule bird's song. After they have spent a happy
afternoon, picking at everything about the room, splashing in
a soap dish of water put for them, singing their different songs,
and doing a good deal of quarrelling, they retire to their own
cages and so settle down for the night.

It is wonderful what a lot of cleverness there is in even a
Canary's small head. " RoSEr^l^A."

GANNKTvS ON THE BASS ROCK.
Sir, — On reading Mr. Goodchild's interesting paper in
your December number I was carried back to my young girl-
hood, one of the pleasantest days of which was spent on that
wild and desolate place, the Bass Rock. I do not know
whether the Solan Goose, as we used to call the Gannet, is as
plentiful there now as it used to be— Mr. Goodchild only mak-

29

ing a passing mention of tlieni— but at the time I speak of they
existed in dense flocks of thousands, and we were firmly
convinced by local tradition that the Rock was the only place
in Britain where they lived and bred. Of course I know now
that they exist on Lundy Island, Ailsa Craig, and some few
other places.

We drove from Dirleton to Canty Bay to gather up the
lovely wax-like little pink cowrie shells, which I believe are
found just there alone of all the stretches of Scottish coast.
After filling our baskets, we went off in a boat to the Rock.
As we approached, the air was literally darkened by the
immense flocks of " geese " disturbed by our nearing the
island, and their discordant yells and screams were deafening.
Before we came away we were induced to purchase for six
shillings a goose, dead, trussed, and ready for cooking, the
man assuring us they were " fine eating if hung a day or two
till they were a bit tender." So in a day or two it was duly
roasted, but during that process alone all in the house had
pretty well enough of the bird without tasting it. Never shall
I forget the smell of this savour}' bird ; it was fish, turpentine,
train oil, and indeed everything else delightful that can be
imagined. Windows, doors, and every possible loop-hole had
to be opened to let the perfume escape. What was done with
the dainty dish I forget. We were told that a large Club
actually existed for no other purpose than to dine annually off
this epicurean bird at the little inn, and that the members
came from all parts to enjoy it !

A word on another matter, suggested by the remembrances
of ni}' early home before my travelling days began : — I wonder
if the fisher-boys still bring round in the Spring or early
vSummer the beautiful " Kitty wee-ick's " eggs (pale blue with
large black spots), and those of the Guillemots and Gulls.
They were boiled hard and offered to the visitors at i|d. each,
and very good they both were to the palate.

I also remember the Peregrines when there was a pair on
the "Bass;" there were also some near Braemar in Aberdeen-
shire, and other parts of Scotland in those days. One was

30

given me once which a boy had shot, and well I rated him for
killing it I remember. I have it stuffed somewhere still.

G. McAdam.

SEPTICEMIA AND TUBERCULOSIS IN BIRDS.

Sir, — I should like to say a few words of comment on
"The Story of Bird-Death," and first I may say, that having
been for the past five years engaged in the study of medicine,
I speak from the point of view of one acquainted with the
latest developments of medical science, as well as in the
capacity of a bird keeper. Your pathological description of
septicaemia is so plainly written as to be perfectly intelligible
to any decently educated layman of average intelligence; no
medical man or veterinary surgeon of anything like recent
training ought to be excused if, after reading your articles, he
still confounds septicaemia with tuberculosis. And you have
also made it perfectly clear that in different stages of the
disease care should be taken not to confound it with various
other diseases, as I am afraid is too often done.

I am very glad to see that other medical men have pre-
ceded me in the appreciation of 3'our work, and when besides
this, Professor Hewlett, one of our most able bacteriologists,
is in agreement with you, surely those who have little or no
bacteriological knowledge should regard this as a true recog-
nition that your work is of the greatest importance in avicul-
ture. I congratulate you. Sir, that you have had the courage
to persist in your work all through the attacks which have
been made so continuously upon 5'ou on all sides, and which to
me are unexplainable, except that they are dictated by bigotry.

Your arguments against egg food appear to be sound, and
I suggest that you publish your articles on "Septicccmia " in
book form. That j-ou deserve our thanks for what you have
done for aviculture in more ways than one should be plain
enough, even to those who persistently minimise your work.

J. E. R. MCDONAGH,
M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

' 31

AN EPIDEMIC AMONG WOOD PIGEONS.
Sir,— I was much interested to see your Editorial Note in
the Feb. number on Mr. E. Kay Robinson's clever exposure of
the popular fallacy that birds are able to reason out the treat-
ment of a broken bone. But my chief reason for writing to
you is to ask your opinion on a matter which I see noticed in
one or two numbers of Mr. Robinson's paper, I allude to
the fact that there has been an epidemic of fatal disease
among Wood-Pigeons characterized by a waxy growth in the
throat, and that a gamekeeper writing in The Country Side
says it is caused by the birds eating beech mast. Is this
correct.? Having read your "Story of Bird - Death " I am
inclined to doubt it. " Enouirens."

[You are right in your doubts ; I am afraid I cannot
acquiesce in the gamekeeper's etiology, but I will deal with
the matter more fully in our next issue. — Ed.]

SOME NOTES ON THE CONURES.

Sir, — Your article on the Golden - crowned Conure
prompts me to make a few remarks on different members
of this group which I have kept, and several of which I have
found to be very desirable birds for an aviary. Generally
speaking they are very bright and active, and soon become
tame. Many of them will even take food from the hand
without being in the least frightened.

I have kept the following species, and have found them
to agree well together: — The Black - headed, the Golden-
crowned, the Jendaya or Yellow-headed, the Golden-breasted,
the White-eared, and the Cactus. They were all strong and
hardy birds, and stood the winter cold very well in an outdoor
aviary.

The Golden - crowned and the White -eared were ex-
tremely interesting in their habits. The first-mentioned pair
were very fond of a Silky Cowbird named Jack. The}' used to
get on a bough, with Jack sitting in the middle, while they
took it in turn to scratch his head, a proceeding which he
seemed very much to enjoy.

The White-eared are the smallest and I think the prettiest

32

of all the Conures. My two were very funny little creatures.
They were fond of getting on a perch in the sun, running
up and down as fast as possible, and chattering and singing in
their own particular way. Then they would suddenly turn a
somersault, and appear in a different part of the aviary.

They all liked lettuce very much indeed, also fruit. I was
in the habit of taking it to them about the same time every
afternoon, and they were always looking out for me. Rasp-
berries and strawberries were their favourite fruit. It was
most laughable to see them each holding some up in one foot,
while they were singing and making a great noise, with their
faces covered with red juice.

The correct food for them is white and spray millet,
canary, and a little hempseed, and some oats now and then.
They do not care for wheat or dari. They should have plenty
of water, as some of them bathe a good deal in the sunny
weather.

Some people give the Conures a bad name, and say they
are noisy and destructive, but I did not find them very bad in
this respect. Of course they scream a bit sometimes, it is only
natural for them to do so, but on the whole they are very
pleasant and attractive birds, and well worth keeping.

In an evil moment I formed a wish to breed some Cardinals
and Budgerigars, so I parted with my favourites as I had not
room for all, but I have regretted it since, and often wonder if
they are as happy now as when they were with me.

M. E. BakKR.

All rights reserved. '\ [APRIL 1906.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAI, OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

n:be aviaries at ©at Iball.

By C. CASTr.E-Sr.OANE, F.Z.S.
The range of aviaries shown in the accompanying
ilhistration is 48ft. long and 32ft. wide. The houses
are built of brick ; and the roof is formed in two parts,
the back part being higher than the front, so as to
allow sufficient light for the caged birds which are
kept on the slielf at the back. The roof is a raftered
one, match-boarded with felt and zinc above, which is
painted green ; it makes it warm in winter and not
too hot in summer. The flights are constructed with
iron standards, the wirework being light straight-wired
bird lattice, (not the ordinary wire netting), attached
to the iron standards, which are fixed in brickwork.
This is some little height, making a shelter for the
birds when they are on the ground, the latter being
paved with large flags, which are quite as good as
cement, if not superior, as the latter, if not properly
laid, is apt to crack and break up, and should you have
fountains, (whichi have), it is far easier to pull up the
flags to see to the pipes, if necessar3% than to break up
cement. Planted in the flight are weeping willows,
laurels, briars, etc., and I have four fountains, one in
each compartment. To see the fountains in full play
in the summer, with the birds flying through the
spray and others bathing in the basins, is a pretty

34

sight. The rain-water from the roof is collected into
a tank which is placed inside the aviary, and this
supplies the fountains. Half of the top of the flight
is covered with Duroline, the same material as was
used on the roof of the Royal Aquarium. Each flight
is 15ft. by 12ft. Dividing the flights from the houses
is a wall about four feet high with six feet of glass
above it, making the total height loft. There are two
windows, which can be opened or closed as desired, in
each compartment. Strawson's patent glazing is used,
no putty being needed, and any of the panes can be
replaced in a very short time; in fact, if necessary,
€.g. in the summer time, the whole of the glass can be
removed, thus leaving the aviary open in front. The
doors are half glass and half wood ; all the glass is
protected with wire netting on one side. Firs and
other branches are hung up, the doves and other birds
taking full advantage of them. The seed is supplied
in trays. Each house is 12ft. by lift., divided by
wirework, (light straight- wired bird lattice), whilst at
the back, the whole way along, dividing the houses
from the passage, the same wirework is used. All the
doors are opposite one another, and no wooden or
brick partitions are used. The birds can therefore see
anyone who enters the aviary, and are not frightened
as they would be if opaque partitions had been used.
A small green-house is first entered before the six-
feet passage can be reached, this being divided from
the aviary by a door which prevents any stray bird
escaping. A 2ft. 6in. shelf runs along the length of
the brick wall at the back for the caged birds, and
underneath are kept the various bins for storing the
seed, etc. At the far end of the aviary is the rain

' 35

water tank above referred to, which supplies the
fountains, and from a lap one can obtain water for the
other birds. The tank is placed inside to keep the
water from freezing and to take the chill off. The
aviar\^ is heated by a Carbotron fuel stove, what fumes
arise from it being carried up an india rubber pipe to
the open. The stove requires to be attended to only
once a da3% and the heat can be regulated by an
arrangement of valves, and there is a basin with water
in it to cause a moist atmosphere. I have to thank
Dr. Butler and Mr. Wiener for their valuable sug-
gestions as to the design of the aviary, which I have
taken full advantage of.

Among the Doves in the aviary the' following have
bred : — White-fronted Dove, fjamaicensis leptopti) ;
Rufous Dove, ( Leptoptila reichenbachi) ; Cinnamon
Dove, {Chamaepelia talpacoti) ; White-winged Zenaida
Dove, (Melopelia leiccoptera) ; Australian Crested
Pigeon, (Ocyphaps cophotes) ; and the Senegal Dove,
(Tiirtur se?iegalisj. In the other compartments are
various pigeons, the Choughs, Hartz Canaries, and
British birds. On the shelf are my special favourites,
a Green Amazon and a talking Grey Parrot, a splendid
pair of New Guinea Eclectus, a Touracou, a Toucan,
and an African Black Hornbill. Of the latter I hope
to write a short account on a future occasion.

Another aviary I have is 28ft. long by 26ft. wide ;
it is divided into three compartments, the two outer
ones being 15ft. by 8ft., and, loft. high, and the centre
one 2ift. by 12ft., and 14ft. high. It is made of iron
standards with ^in. mesh wire affixed and let into
brickwork all round ; the floor is a cemented one and
half the runs are covered with glass, swinging perches

36

and branches are hung up, and the seed and water are
placed in trays, the water being collected from the
roof into a tank which is placed by the side of the
aviary. The houses are niatchboarded and are
partitioned off, allowing separate places for the seed *
each house has a separate door for entering the runs,
and a separate door for entering the houses ; the floors
are cemented and the houses stand on brickwork, the
two outer ones being 5ft. by 6ft., and the centre one
being 8ft. b}- 5ft. I have in one compartment Peach-
faced Lovebirds, a pair of Sepoy Finches, a King
Parrot, and some Budgerigars. In the centre compart-
ment are Rosellas, Mealy Rosellas, Blue Bonnets,
Petzi Conures, Alexandrine Parrakeets, Black-headed
Conures, etc., and in the other compartment are
various small birds such as Waxbills, Masked, Long-
tailed, Yellow-vented, Parson and Saffron Finches, etc.

3l3ir^ Xifc oil the ©use.

By CORVUS.
There has been a frost during the night, and the
ground under the bushes and hedgerows where shel-
tered is still white, but the sun is gradually imparting
a certain degree of warmth to the air, as it shines in a
cloudless sk3% giving an illusion of summer, and we
feel the exhilarating effect of the day as we start on a
walk along the bank of the Great Ouse, with eyes and
ears on the alert to note what may present itself in the
way of bird life on this part of the river which divides
Huntingdonshire from Cam])ridgesliire. Although it
is the dead season of the year tlie stream is not with-
out a certain beauty, as it flows through the flat fen
land, in the contrast between the bright blue water

and the bordering fringe of straw coloured dead reed
stalks which look like huge stubble, and which are
now all that remains of the brilliant green flags and
rushes, which in summer clothe so much of the river
banks. The first bird we notice is a Black-headed
Reed Bunting (i5';;^^^;7>^ schcEuicliis) in the reed stalks,
and then some Linnets among the rank herbage on the
bank, while a Pied Wagtail flies across the river. A
Moorhen now disappears among the cover on the
opposite side, while still further down two more swim
leisurely to shelter.

Nothing more appears for some time save a flock
of Fieldfares uttering their shrill cries as they pass
overhead, and a few Redwings hopping about here and
there, but now two birds on the water catch our eye
and the glass reveals them to be Little Grebes or Dab-
chicks, very common here in the winter. From a
dense reed bed a Coot emerges, but catching sight of
us instantly retreats into the forest of stems, and now
we became aware of a Kestrel hovering not far off", and
almost immediately afterwards of a Crow flying straight
towards him. With the greatest ease the Wind-
hover evades the clumsy charge of his corvine enemy,
and resumes his hunting further away, when again the
blundering Crow makes for him, and again in vain,
for the falcon flies still further off" and resumes his
hovering, only to be followed by the gentleman in
black, until apparently wearying of the incessant
persecution he sails away, and soon outdistances his
tormentor. As we go on we approach a flock of Star-
lings busily engaged in feeding near a herd of cattle,
and numbers of Larks rise from the short pasture and
settle again some way ahead.

38

It now becomes evident that the character of the
day has changed. A cold wind has sprung up and
the sun only shines fitfully through the driving masses
of cloud, while to windward the sky has turned into a
uniform dirty grey hue. Snow seems probable, and it
seems the best policy to retrace our steps, so we
accordingly turn back. High overhead the wailing
cry of a Curlew accentuates the general effect of
dreariness which the landscape now assumes. A Red-
shank appears from the other side of the long osier
bed, and crosses the now leaden -hued river a good
way ahead. For a long distance now we see no bird
of interest, and hear no noise, save the shivering and
rustling of the dead reeds under the chilly wind, but
just before we reach the ferry a flock of Peewits flap
along over head uttering their plaintive notes.

Continuing our way by a path the other side of
the Ouse, the laughing cry or yelp of the Green Wood-
pecker rings out among some elm trees, and the bird
itself flies across the road to some old willows, whose
decaying trunks will no doubt afford him a profitable
field of research. We now turn up a lane bordered on
one side by a high hedge, the resort of numerous
Blackbirds and Thrushes, and at this season also of
Fieldfares and Redwings, who take heavy toll of its
berries. On glancing over the dyke on the other side
to where the meadows stretch away toward the river
we notice two Herons get under way with heavy flaps
of their great wings. Proceeding, we now draw near a
favourite haunt of Goldfinches, but are disappointed
by seeing none. However there is some compensation
to be had in the sight of a splendid cock Bullfinch
who flits along the hedge in front. Against the brown

' 39

hedge some crab apples show up in strong relief, and
on the leafless tree a beautiful little Goldcrest is flut-
tering among the boughs. This lane is rich in Yellow-
hammers and Chaffinches, to say nothing of Tits and
Hedge Sparrows. From a field on one side comes the
quarrelsome squealing of Starlings feeding, and then
two Crows fly over at a good height. Our walk is nearly
over now, and we have almost reached the end of the
lane when a multitude of little mouse-like squeaks
proclaim the presence of a flock of Long-tailed Tits,
and the hedge seems full of the little acrobats. As
we enter the village the inevitable Sparrows, Green-
finches, and Chaffinches fly up from a garden, and the
last bird we see is a fearless homely Robin perched on
the garden wall.

SoinetbiuQ about the IRicibtinQale.

By W. T. Greene, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.

The time of the singing of birds has come, and
the voice of the Nightingale is heard in the land. But
in what particular part ot it, wild hor.ses will not make
me divulge, for the silent foot of the crafty trapper is
also about. He has prepared cunning baits to delude
and capture th^ minstrel, and in ninety-nine cases out
of a hundred will but betray him to an ignominious
death.

Very few Nightingales, probably not more than
two or three in a hundred, that are taken prisoners on
their arrival in the Spring, will survive many days,
sometimes not many hours in captivity. Caught at
the very moment when his expectations of future
happiness are at their highest, and he is pouring forth

40

liis strains of delicious melody to guide his partner to
their Agapemone that is to be, it can easily be under-
stood that it is impossible for him to survive the
sudden shattering of all his hopes, not to speak of his
being immured in a filthy dungeon and deprived of
his natural food.

It is to be hoped therefore that the readers of this
Magazine and their friends will not take part in any
such lamentable tragedy as the trapping of a Night-
ingale in the Spring, for the proverb tells us that it
is the opportunity that makes the thief, and if the
trappers were to find that there was no market for
their wares, they would not give themselves the trouble
to take the birds of which they could not dispose.

The Nightingale is purely insectivorous in its
habits, feeding largely on small beetles which it cap-
tures in the woods and copses it frequents, and it is
useless to try and keep one of them in confinement on
artificial food for any length of time. A diet consisting
mainly of biscuit and dried yolk of egg will give the
Nightingale indigestion, and it is vain to expect music
from a dyspeptic minstrel.

At the same time when a Nightingale is properly
dieted, which it can easily be with dried ants' eggs for
its staple food, it will sing lustily in the house for a
much longer period than it would in its wild state, and
be in perfect feather and condition, thus proving that
it is not only healthy but happy. It is usual to give
too many mealworms, three or four a day being enough
in my opinion, for although so dry and apparently
innutritions there is really a great deal of nourishment
in the dried ants' eggs of commerce, which are mostly
imported from Austria and the Tyrol. [Weight for

' 41

weight there is more tlian twice as much noiirisliment
in dried ants' eggs as in fresh. — Ed.] Of course these
so-called eggs are really the cocoon of the ant, and their
vitality is destroyed before they are imported, so that
it is no use for anyone to attempt to hatch them out
in a hot-bed, as one sagacious individual thought
might be possible, nor can the tiny red ants that
infest some houses, and these not always in the
country, be imagined to proceed from the same source,
as a correspondent of a weekly paper recently fancied,
was the case.

To resume : — a Nightingale will keep in health for
twelve or fourteen years, and sing for a great part of
the year, if dieted on these foreign ants' eggs, three
or four mealworms a day, and any small insects that
can be captured in the garden, especially if he can
have a fly round a greenhouse for an hour or two
daily, where he will pick up many pests that have
baffled the sagacity of the owner to get rid of.

He will do no perceptible damage to the plants,
and any marks he may leave behind him on the leaves
may easil}^ be washed away by the ordinary garden
syringe.

While the bird is flying round the greenhouse the
windows should of course be closed, or better still,
protected by a netting of small enough mesh to pre-
vent the bird's escape. If the door of the cage be
left open the Nightingale will return to it when he
feels hungry or requires a drink, and a little ingenuity
will effect the closing of the door by means of a piece
of black thread fastened to it, which can be gently
pulled without alarming the bird.

But someone may ask, if Nightingales are not to

42

be caught in the Spring, how are they to be obtained
for the house? The objections stated do not apply to
taking them in the Autumn just before their departure,
and if they are then freely supplied with live insects
they will soon become reconciled to their changed
surroundings, and make themselves at home. Or they
may be taken from the nest and brought up by hand,
but such birds do not as a rule sing as well as those
which are taken full grown in the Autumn.

There is no difficulty in hand-rearing a young
Nightingale if a few necessary points are observed.
Their own nest if possible, or one of some other bird
such as a Chaffinch or a Hedge Sparrow, with the
young Nightingales in it should be placed in a little
round basket with a lid, and if this is kept closed as a
rule, the young birds will open their mouths to be fed
when the lid is raised. The feeding can be done very
readily by taking up three or four ants' eggs at a time
with a pair of small forceps or tweezers and thrusting
them well down into the wide open mouths of the
youngsters, who will then swallow the food without
any hesitation. Care must however be taken that only
the eggs are used, and that no portion of the rubbish
usually included in them be given to the birds, as it
would bring on fatal stomachic troubles. In addition
to the ants' eggs any small insects that can be cap-
tured, especially small green caterpillars, may also be
administered to the youthful Nightingales, which re-
quire feeding every ten or twelve minutes from day-
light to dark, a somewhat troublesome proceeding that
no one should attempt, who is not prepared to carry it
out faithfully.

Sometimes a tame insectivorous bird, particularly

■■ 43

a Lark, will adopt young birds of similar habits and
rear them in a cage, but it is not always possible to
obtain such a foster mother, and it is better to rely
upon one's own efforts with the tweezers and the dried
ants' eggs.

Three or four times a day a mouthful of eggs may
be dipped in water for a moment before being supplied
to the nestlings, which is better than damping all the
food at once, a proceeding which is apt to deprive it
of some portion of its nourishing qualities. In a week
or ten days the young Nightingales will begin to feed
themselves, and will then require very little more than
the ants' eggs for their sustenance; water of course
should then be allowed them, and they are very fond
of bathing.

They are best kept in a long low cage wired only
in front, the top being lined with some soft material
or padding, and wnth a screen over one portion of it
that they may have a dark corner to retire to if
alarmed. Generally after they have begun to feed
themselves they are rather wild, but that soon passes
off, and they become quite familiar and even bold,,
readily taking mealworms from the fingers and flying
about the room, instantly returning to the cage when a
mealworm is thrown into it. Until after the first
moult a young Nightingale is speckled all over very
much like a young Robin ; from which however it can
be distinguished by the reddish brown colour of the
tail coverts and upper part of the tail.

As Nightingales migrate to warm countries in the
winter, and are somewhat impatient of cold, care must
be taken that the temperature is not allowed to fall too
low in the room or aviary where they are kept.

44

I see no reason why a pair of tame hand-reared
Nightingales should not breed in an aviary where
there was sufficient cover for the purpose, and a tree,
near the roots of which they could construct their
somewhat slovenly nest, which I have never found in
any other situation, except once amongst the iv}' on a
wall, though I have heard of one being discovered in
a gooseberry bush. According to Seebohm there are
two types of eggs of this bird, one bluish green, the
other olive brown.

[To the best of my recollection a gentleman living
at Kidderminster once published either an article or a
letter describing the outdoor aviaries in which he
successfully bred Nightingales, I believe for some
years in succession. Perhaps some reader can supply
the reference. — Ed.]

a Xc55on from the IPoultiP IParC).

By H. R. FiLi^MER.

At first sight there might appear to be a great risk
of being led astray if we base arguments as to man-
agement of cage and aviary birds upon observations
of poultry. There is a very wide structural difference
between gallinaceous birds and the passerine species
with which our bird-rooms and aviaries are chiefly
peopled. Nevertheless, if he be careful not to press
the analogy too far, the aviculturist may learn a good
deal from the poultry-keeper, because although any
two series of birds may present striking morpho-
logical differences, I am told their deeper physiological
characteristics are very much the same.

It used to be the universal practice to give newly

' 45

hatched chickens a mixture of hard-boiled egg and
bread crumbs, exacth^ like the old-fashioned orthodox
diet for young Canaries. Some gave this food for the
first day only, others gave it for three daN's, but it was
generally recognised, (and this point is worthy of
note), that it did more harm than good if continued
after the third day. But some years ago many large
breeders took to giving from the first nothing but
biscuit meal, made crumbly moist, and found that
chickens did just as well on this as they did on the
egg; and in course of time egg-food for chicken
became almost a thing of the past with poultry-
keepers of progressive tendencies. Biscuit meal thus
prepared is still used by many poultry-breeders from
the shell until the chickens are old enough to be fed
like the adult fowls. It is undoubtedly a valuable
food, but when using it care is necessary that the
feeding pans are kept thoroughly cleansed every day,
for when "sour" it readily becomes a cause of the
fatal disease septicaemia, to which some breeds are
much more susceptible than others. This applies,
of course, equally to all moist foods, and not merely
to biscuit meal.

But within the last two or three ^^ears the "dry-
feed " system has come into vogue, and appears likely
to supersede the practice of supplying moist food to
young chickens. This dry food consists of a mixture of
crushed wheat, canary seed, groats, small rice, or any
other small or crushed grain, with a proportion of fine
flint-dust or gravel. This last is essential, and with-
out it dry feeding cannot be successful. A small
quantity of animal food is generally added in the
.shape of fine crLssel and dried flies. The mixture

46

varies slightly with the different brands, but according
to my experience its precise composition is not a
matter of much importance. The essential point is
that this dry food is given to the chicks as their first
food, and that they are fed on it until they are at least
a montli old. They must, of course, be constantly
supplied with water, and also have green food.

It will, I think, be admitted by all who have given
this "dry feed" a fair trial, that a larger proportion of
healthy chicks can be reared upon it than upon any
other food. In my experience, when this system is
adopted, it is most unusual to lose a chick which has
once got fairly on its legs ; while the miserable
*' wasters," (always crying for the food which does
them no good, and of which there are so often one or
two in a brood fed on soft food), are conspicuous by
their absence. (These wasters are probabl}^ in most
cases the victims of a chronic form of septicaemia).
Its only drawback is that the food proves an irresist-
able attraction to flocks of Sparrows, which steal large
quantities unless measures are taken to exclude them.

Now, if what I have written above be compared
with what Dr. Creswell has said on the e^^g question,
and on the dangers of moist foods, it will be seen that
up-to-date poultry -keepers have arrived at con-
clusions upon these subjects which strongly support
those of our Editor.

• 47

ffiirt)5 in the Jnsect Ibonse at the
Zooloatcal (5art)en6.

By J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

It is my object to give a brief sketch of the
diflferent birds kept in the Zoological Gardens, and,
as far as possible, to mention any new exhibits worthy
of notice, which come in from month to month.

1 begin with the insect house because not only
does it contain the rarest and least often seen of the
birds kept in captivity, but it is the least frequented
house in the Gardens. It will always well repay any-
body interested in birds to spend some little time
there, as first and foremost are the lovely Birds of
Paradise, three in number, all in the pink of condition,
and with their gorgeous plumage shown to its full.
Occasionally one is fortunate enough to catch the
Greater Bird of Paradise" showing off," a sight
that is really worth seeing, as he displays all his
beauty to the fullest advantage, assuming different
attitudes, not unlike a Ruff making love. Beautiful
as these birds are, the noise they make is horrid ; it is
very .shrill and consists of about two or three notes.
Should anybody wish to increase his knowledge
concerning these birds and at the same time have
some most interesting reading, Wallace's " Malay
Archipelago" will fully meet his requirements.

Amongst other birds in the house are seven
Yellow and Purple Tanagers which have just lately
arrived, three of them being males. Next door to
these is a Warty-faced Honey-eater, which is in fine
condition and has been in the Gardens some years.
In the next cage, keeping company with the King

48

Bird of Paradise, are some Hoopoes, an Abyssinian
Fruit Pigeon, and some White-headed Long- tailed
Tits. Of these the first mentioned have apparentl}^
received their somewhat peculiar name from their cry,
as both their Latin and Greek names are practical!}'
the same; pleasing as their appearance is with their
large erectile crests, their habits are quite the reverse,
since they are not only filthy feeders, but also use the
foulest material for their nests.

A bird in the next aviary also has a curious name,
the Toucan, a South American word which means
" nose of bone." The huge beak is very like the claw
of a lobster, and no one has yet given what would
seem to be a satisfactory explanation of the precise
need for its great size ; inside is a long slender feather-
like tongue.

In the same house and belonging to the same
family is a Spotted-billed Toucanet, Selejiidera inacic-
lirostris, and I think I am right in saying that it is the
first of its kind which has ever been in the Gardens.

Other birds are a Hill Mynali, (which talks beauti-
fully and clearly, suddenly coming out with these
sentences, " I am surprised at you," " Who are you?"
"See Tommy riding a tricycle"), a saturnine-looking
Mocking-bird, so called because it possesses the power
of imitating the notes of other species of the class, a
Blue- cheeked Barbet, a Spotted Emerald Tanager,
and two Purple Sugar-birds. One of these last has
red legs, a sign of age ; the other, with yellow legs,
was originally thought to be a female, but is nov/
assuming male plumage.

49

l£&itorial.

AN EPIDEMIC AMONG WOODPIGEONS:— The

reference made by my correspondent " Enquirens"
in our last issue affords a good instance of what Mr.
E. Kay Robinson so rightly deprecated in his remarks
on Bird Surgery, when it will be remembered he spoke
very strongly about the habit of ''jumping to con-
clusions" being the means of imbuing thousands of
readers with wrong ideas, and so of making it " difficult
for the average reader to get a proper understandingof
nature."

A gamekeeper, writing to The Country Side,
mentions an epidemic of fatal disease among Wood-
pigeons, and advances the opinion that it was caused
by eating beech mast. Indeed, he says there is
"strong evidence " to this effect, inasmuch as he has
always noticed the health of the pigeons to be good
in those years when acorns were plentiful. But is this
evidence? or only "jumping to conclusions"?

If he had shown that he had identified the
particular disease — that it was only due to a food, —
that there were but two foods, acorns and beech mast,
which these birds ever ate, — that acorns and beech
mast were never co-existent the same year, — tliat the
disease never appeared in the acorn year, and always
did in the mast year, — then, and then only, could we
say there was any evidence in the direction indicated.
At present the best we can say in its favour is that
the conclusion arrived at on such meagre premisses
is highly improbable.

But let us review the facts of the case as detailed.
Last autumn acorns were scarce, and the bodies of the

50

birds could be picked up by hundreds. Some were
very fat and some were extremely emaciated. In the
throat, especially near the orifice of the wind pipe,
there was always to be seen a condition described as a
thick coat of lumps of matter like crystalised honey,
but of a brighter colour, and, as might be expected,
" there was a considerable unnatural fullness in their
necks and throats." This coating in the throat is also
spoken of as "waxy matter."

From even these few particulars those readers of
this Magazine who have carefully followed " The
Story of Bird Death " will have no difficulty in placing
the disease from which the Woodpigeons suffered. Its
epidemic nature, its virulence, and the presence of
the caseous deposits in the throat are sufficient indica-
tion of its having been an instance of an acute avian
septicaemia, due to infection with the microbe attach-
ing to this disease. It will be remembered that among
the special examples which I adduced, I noted one as
occurring in a Woodpigeon shot by Mr. Gladstone
and sent to me through Mr. Pycraft for examination,
while among the domesticated species of the Dove
family it is familiar enough to all pigeon fanciers under
the names of " canker," " roup," " wing disease," and
what not. And the reason why the same disease
.should be more or less sporadic and relatively much
less virulent in the latter birds, while it is violently
epidemic and violently fatal in the Woodpigeon, will
have been gathered from an attentive perusal of the
chapters devoted to the question of comparative
immunities.

In such an epidemic as the one under notice the
channels of infection are easy enough to recognise.

51

The droppings of an infected bird are teeming with
untold myriads of the pathogenic bacteria ; the beech
mast and any other foods lying on the ground become
contaminated by these droppings, as does also the
stagnant water in the ditch or furrow nearest to the
feeding grounds to which these birds resort after the
manner of all pigeons directly after filling their crops.
And so to the medical biologist it is no secret how a
crowded community of highly susceptible wild birds
becomes almost exterminated from time to time — to
their ultimate preservation as a species.

That this form of fatal disease is due— as is
surmised by an anonymous commentator of the
gamekeeper's — to chronic irritation of the gullet by
the fine hairs on the beech mast, is untenable. For a
bird to die while yet one of " the fattest I have ever
seen," as the gamekeeper says, shows that its illness
has been of very short duration, and its throat deposit
of correspondingl}^ rapid formation. Putting, how-
ever, these acute cases on one side, and considering
only those which might conceivably be due to chronic
irritation by beech mast or any other food, we shall see
that, for this to be so, the disease would not be
epidemic but endemic in its character, i.e. there
would always be a more or less steady average of cases
occurring every year. And it will be equally plain
that in this case the birds themselves would long ago
have worked out their own salvation from the danger
by the natural processes of evolution, i.e. by survival
of the fittest, (seeing that beech mast has formed a part
of their food for countless ages), just as the domestic
pigeon has nearly arrived, by at the least 5,000 years
of close contact with the septic bacillus, at the goal

52

of being able to protect himself from septicaemia —
which the Woodpigeoii has not had the opportunity
of doing by the same means.

THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE IN SURREY :—

lu the summer of 1902 a pair of these birds nested on
the Penn Pond in Richmond Park, and on two of the
days I visited them I had the satisfaction of seeing
the one I took to be the male bird feeding the young.
To the best of my recollection these were two in
number. On one occasion they were not more than
thirty yards from tlie bank, where I was quietly
crouching behind the reeds, and with glasses I got an
excellent view of them. The old bird would dive, and
after a short interval would come up with a roachling
in his beak, which was promptly swallowed by the
particular young one which managed to "get there"
first. At least once in every five or six minutes, while
I was there, this performance was repeated, and I
remember it struck me that, if what I saw was a fair
sample of what went on during the whole of the day-
light hours, the labours of the old and the appetites
of the young were at least of respectable dimensions.

This year, according to the Monii?ig Postoi March
19th, there were three of these birds already at that
date on the same pond, two males and one female.
Considering their gregarious habits and the strict
preservation carried on in Richmond Park, it is
curious that the number of these Grebes visiting the
spot for breeding purposes does not materially
increase.

TAXIDERMISTS' PATHOLOGY :— A gentleman

having recently lost a rare and valuable bird after

53

apparently only two days illness, (in which the only
prominent sign was convulsions), and being desirous
of preserving the skin, sent the body to a bird stufifer,
subsequently receiving from this person the informa-
tion that every organ in the body was healthy except
the liver, which was gangrenous. He then passed
these data on to myself, in hopes that they might
prove a sufficient guide to an opinion on my part as to
the primary cause of the trouble, and hinted at the
probability of poison. He knew quite well that from
any one of a dozen or two gentlemen who are always
ready for such emergencies, he could have readily
obtained a cathedral decision on the point, including
a confirmation of his somewhat improbable suggestion
of poison, and so it was natural enough for him to
expect at least something from a medical man in the
same direction.

My answer however was brief, and to the effect
that the taxidermist's statement was too stupid and
silly for me to found any corollary upon it. And now
comes a point worth our consideration. My corres-
pondent seems to have thought — I don't say he
actually did — that I was rather uncharitable, for he
tells me that he felt obliged to the birdstuffer for
helping him as far his knowledge went, and that for
his part he did not view with contempt his having
given the best information he could. Of course no
one can have a word to say against this attitude. It
does infinite credit to my correspondent's heart : the
pity is, that when he asked for bread, he got but a
stone : the greater pity is that he did not realise
beforehand that from such a source he would get only
a stone when he wanted bread.

54

That it was only a stone is evident. " Every organ
in the body healthy except the liver, which was gan-
grenous." A gangrenous liver indeed ! Why not a
gangrenous heart ? or even a gangrenous head? And
with this liver, dead as a door nail, all its intimately
correlated organs healthy ! ! Why it is nearly as funny
as the dear little dicky-birds we know of— that die just
when they make up their mind to, although every
organ in their bodies also is perfectly healthy. Our
taxidermist is evidently a man of humour. But though
it is possible to forgive our learned brother his little
jokes, we really must draw the line at the bird-stuffer.
Him at any rate we should like to take seriously.

W. Geo. Creswei^Iv.

IReview.

'- Birds oj the British Islands" by Charles Stoftham, C.M.G..

F.R.C.S., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Senior Surgeon to the

Westminster Hospital. With illustrations by L. M.

Medland.

This is an important work announced by Mr.

Grant Richards, and is to appear in twenty parts, the

first in April or May. The plates, which are un-

coloured, are of large size, and of very high merit, so

far as we can judge from the specimen before us.

They are executed by a new process, and look exactly

like original wash-drawings. They are certainly by

far the finest black and white illustrations of birds

which we have ever seen, but still they are black and

white, and it seems open to question whether, at the

high price of £^ 15s. net, a book with uncoloured

plates will have a large sale.

55

post fIDortem IReporte.

( Vide Rules).

Canary Nestling. (Mr. Whittakei). Acute enteritis was the
cause of death.

Canary. (Mrs. E. INI. Butler). Cougestiou of the liver and
apoplexy— not of septicaeniic origin.

BUDGKRIGAR. {Mr. Chaplin). This bird was inordinately fat,
thick layers being present even under the skin. The swell-
ing in the abdomen was due to a globular cyst attached to
the peritoneum and containing fatty matter. The liver
was also undergoing fatty degeneration, the result of long
continued congestion.

GOUI.DIAN Finch. (Miss Curtis). Congestion and fatty
degeneration of the liver was present, but pneumonia was
the actual cause of death.

Grken.wingp:d Dove. (Mr. Castle-vSloane). This bird died of
pneumonia of right lung. Nothing could have been done
in the way of treatment.

Bi^ACKCAP. (Mr. True). This bird was a mass of fat and died
of apoplexy.

Lark. (Mr. TrueV Unlike the Blackcap this bird was greatly
emaciated. The cause of death was chronic enteritis.

(rorresponbence.

vSEPTICJeMIA V. TUBERCULOSIS IN BIRDS.

Sir,— My copies of Bird Notes for December and January
have just reached me, in which I am interested to see that your
contentions and evidence, ?'^ Septicaemia v. Avian Tuberculosis
have apparently been accepted as irrefutable by your opponents.
Allow me therefore to offer you my belated congratulations
on having successfully laid out the " Consumptive Parlour
Canary " Bogey. EMII.IUS Hopkinson, M.B.

Gambia, West Africa.

[During some of Dr. Hopkinson's visits to my house when
on leave last sutnmer, I took the opportunity of showing him
my microscopical and other preparations relating to this sub-
ject.—Ed.]

56

BRKEDING BUDGERIGARS UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

Sir, — Some weeks ago I noticed in Mr. Swaysland's shop
a pair of Budgerigars in a small parrakeet cage measuring
barely one foot square. One of the birds was sitting in the
corner of the cage upon some eggs. There was a cocoanut
shell suspended in the cage, which the birds had declined to
make use of as a nest.

The other day I was in the shop again, and was surprised
and pleased to find that the Budgerigars had three healthy
young ones, fully fledged, and apparently about a fortnight
old. Mr. Swaysland told me that they had been reared entirely
on canary seed and grass. He gave the parents a fresh turf
daily, and they stripped it of every blade of grass.

I remember that, some ten years ago, Mr. Swaysland reared
some (or at any rate one) young of the common variety of
Budgerigar in a precisely similar cage.

Horatio R. Fii,i,mer.

AFFECTION IN BIRDS.

Sir, — It may interest your readers to see the following
short account of a very curious instance of affection displayed
by two hand-reared Larks. The}' alwa3'S slept on the window
curtain ledge, and never moved till the maid opened the blinds.
They would then at once fly down, and with little coaxing
sounds would come and sit on my shoulder. Then they would
fly out of the window and remain in the garden. If I went out
and called them they would come to me at once and always
had tea with me when it was served out of doors. They would
follow me anywhere like a dog. I had to go away, and
though I left word they should be called and spoken to by my
maids, after my return they came no more. Alas !

Then there were two Jackdaws belonging to my Grand-
father. They never left him, and obeyed his orders in a
wonderful way. When he died, one bird was found drowned
in a water trough the next day, and the other died a week
later. I always thought they were cases of suicide and a
broken heart. E. Warrkn Vernon.

BIRD NOTES.

#

/

'.d child. (Ip.i et litb

SEPO'f FINCH

l{o>.in8.>..o.spiza. sipaiii.

A.S.HuUi. iTOT),

All rigkis 7-ese7ved.] ' [MAY 1906.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

ttbe Sepop Jfiucb.

( Hcematospiza sipahij.
By C. CASTL15-S1.OANE, F.Z.S.

Apparently little is known of this bird by British
aviculturists. According to the Proceedings of the
Zoological Society the first specimen was added to
the Society's collection on June loth, 1902.

My pair I have only recently obtained ; one thing
which greatly induced me to buy these beautiful
birds, was that I was informed they were sure to
breed. In fine condition they certainly were, the
cock bird being a lovely geranium red with brown
markings on the wings and base of tail, the hen being
more soberly clad in a rich golden brown with a grey
speckled breast and with the lower back of a beautiful
yellow. She is much the tamer of the two and appears
to be master and mistress in one.

The way she eats is somewhat startling, — ever-
lastingly at the seed tray until one wonders where
she puts it all. For instance, being passionately fond
of lettuce she will take great beakfuls the moment you
offer it. The cock is not so greedy — no, we had better
.say has not so good an appetite, because he does occa-
sionally leave the dish, — but after all it is hard to say
whether it is voluntary or compulsory abstinence on
his part.

58

Like the Scarlet Tanager, although he has no
crest he raises the feathers on the top of the head
when startled.

The other day, when I put up some cocoanut
husks for the Budgerigars, the hen seemed to be
greatly interested in the operation, and no sooner was
I out of the aviary than she flew to the perch and
began to peer here and there, wondering what on
earth it was ; then she took courage and jumped on to
a husk, looking with great interest into the hole ;
when she was quite satisfied she began tugging at the
loose fibre, the cock meanwhile looking on with a
sour face : " I shall not help you" was his expression,
and as though to justify this he kept as far away from
her as possible.

In view of the striking appearance, as well as of
the rarity, of this bird, I feel that I cannot do full
justice to it without appending its description as given
in The Faujia of British India, Gould's Birds of Asia,
and Jerdo7is Birds of India. In the first of these
extracts will be seen an interesting note as to the
manner in which the j^oung males assume their full
plumage.

THE SCARLKT FINCH {Hcsmatospiza sipahi).
(From Fauna of British India. Birds. Vol. II., p. 209.)

Coloration. Male. The whole head and body
brilliant scarlet, the concealed bases of the feathers
ashy ; wings black, every feather margined with
scarlet; tail black with narrow crimson margins;
thighs black; under tail-coverts black, with scarlet
tips ; axilliaries and under wing-coverts ashy, with
very small scarlet tips.

59

Fe7nale. Rump bright yellow ; with this exception
the whole upper plumage, sides of neck, lesser and
median wing-coverts are dark brown, each feather
with a large and well-defined greenish-yellow margin ;
greater coverts and quills dark brown, margined with
greenish-yellow on the outer webs ; tail dark brown
with a greenish-yellow tinge on the outer webs ;
region of the eye and cheeks ochraceous yellow ; ear-
coverts greenish-yellow with pale shafts ; the whole
lower plumage pale ochraceous, each feather with a
subterminal black mark showing more or less clearly
and sometimes concealed.

The young bird resembles the adult female ; the
male moults the first autumn into the female plumage
again, but immediately after commences to assume
the adult male plumage by a change of colour in the
feathers, and probably attains the full plumage by
the first breeding-season.

Bill yellow ; legs brown ; iris hazel-brown (Jerdon).

Length about 7-5 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 4 ; tarsus '8 ;
bill from gape '8.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim from 5,000 to
10,000 feet according to season ; the Khasi hills.

Habits, etc. According to Jerdon frequents both
forest and bushy ground and has a loud whistling
note.

This species is captured in the Khasi hills and
kept in captivity.

SEPOY FINCH f HcBinatospiza sipahi).
(From Gould's Birds of Asia. Vol. V., p. 62.)

In many parts of its structure, as well as in its
general colouring, this bird offers a close alliance to
the members of the genus CorytJms, yet every

6o

ornithologist will perceive that it differs from that
form, and will agree that Mr. Hodgson has very
properly made it the type of a new genus, HcB7)iatospiza.
It is not only the most highly coloured species of the
family Loxiadcs, but its plumage is perhaps more
intensely scarlet-red than any other at present known ;
and in its native woods it must be a most attractive
and brilliant object, especially if, like its near allies,
it be gregarious, and many males may be seen on the
same tree at one time. But little information has
been recorded respecting this species. It is said to
have been received from Darjeeling and the Himalaya,
and in all probability the rich country of Nepaul is its
native habitat, as it is from thence that specimens
have been most frequently brought to this country.
Mr. Blyth states that living examples are occasionally
brought to Calcutta for sale ; and the Prince of
Canino and Dr. Schlegel inform us, in their " Mono-
graphic des Loxiens," that it sings very agreeably, and
plays a great part in the mythology of the Indians.
The sexes, as will be seen, present a strong
contrast to each other.

The male has the entire plumage intense scarlet-
red, with the exception of the inner webs of the wing-
feathers and the tail, which are black ; irides yellow-
ish brown ; bill yellowish horn-colour ; legs and feet
brown.

The female has the feathers of the head black
and wing-coverts dark brown, broadly margined with
yellowish olive; rump rich orange; primaries and
tail brownish black, the former margined externally
at the base with yellowish olive ; tail-coverts brownish
black, margined with yellowish olive ; feathers of the

6i

under surface dark brown at the base, broadly
margined with greyish olive ; bill browner than in
the male.

THE SCARLET GROSBEAK (^Hcematospiza sipahi).
(From Jet-doll's Birds of India. Ed. I. Vol. II., p. 394.)

Male, brilliant scarlet, with the wings and tail
dusky brown, more or less scarlet edged ; the tibial
feathers dark brown, and the lower tail-coverts
dashed with dusky. The female is dusky brown ;
the feathers broadly margined with dull greenish
yellow; rump bright yellow ; beneath pale olivaceous
yellow, with dusky crescentic marks, becoming more
albescent on the lower abdomen.

Bill yellow ; legs brown ; irides hazel brown.
Length 7^ inches; extent 12\\ wing 4^ ; tail 2\\ bill
at front ^ ; tarsus f .

This magnificent bird has chiefly been found in
the S. E. Himalayas, in Nepal and Sikhim ; and is
unknown in the North West. It is by no means
rare about Darjeeling, and haunts elevations from
5,000 to 10,000 feet according to the season. I have
generally seen it in pairs. It frequents both forest
and bush\^-ground, feeds on fruits and seeds of various
kinds, and has a loud whistling note.

Pr. Bonaparte and Schlegel, as quoted by Gould,
state that this bird sings very agreeably, and plays a
great part in the mythology of the Hindoos. This of
course is quite erroneous, and the common Tnii of
India, Carpodaacs erythrinus was probably intended.

Bonaparte places next this bird a remarkable
species from Japan, Chmmoprodus papa, which appears
to be coloured somewhat like Pyrrhospiza pimicea.

62

Man&ering6 in tbe %oo.

By J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

It is my intention this month to briefly notice
the remainder of the birds on the Northern side of
the Canal, taking in the Cranes' Paddocks, the Owl
Cages, which are now to the right of the Insect
House, their old habitat being now occupied by the
Civets, and the Northern Pheasantry. Before starting
I might just mention that a new Blue Sugar Bird
(^Daaiis cay and) has recently been added to the
collection in the Insect House.

The Cranes' Paddocks as such are comparatively
new, having been previously occupied by the Japanese
Deer. Recently they have been turfed, and arranged
with rockwork and little streams of water, constitut-
ing a most natural looking abode for their present
inhabitants. In it we see specimens of the Manchurian
Crane, or Eastern Sarus, a bird frequently kept in
captivity by the Japanese and forming the well known
subject of their designers. This is one of the finest
of the Cranes. Then there is the Demoiselle or
Numidian Crane, distinguished from every other by
its long white ear-tufts, and the Asiatic White Crane
perhaps the finest of the Family, with nearly the
whole plumage of a snowy white. There are also
some Common Cranes, (formerly natives of England
but now onl}^ very rare stragglers), Canadian, and
White-necked Cranes.

The Crowned Cranes for specific distinctions are
placed in a separate genus ; they are extremely
beautiful birds from Africa. The Crown con.sists of
black glossy cap-like velvet, consisting of fine feathers,

63

etc., with a tuft of hair-like phiiiies behind it. The
sonorous and peculiar trumpet-like note emitted by
Cranes is probably due to the formation of their wind-
pipe, which makes three turns in the bony wall of
the breast bone ; it is heard both during flight and
while on the ground, and is accompanied by a
characteristic stretching upwards of the neck and bill,
the latter being kept open all the time. In the
breeding season the birds perform extraordinary
dances.

The new building devoted to Owls is a great
improvement on the old one, as each aviary is pro-
vided with a shelter into wliich the birds can retire at
night. There are nineteen aviaries, containing about
forty Owls, making a very good collection. Among
the specimens represented are the Tawny Owl, the
largest of the Owls indigenous to Great Britian ; the
Barn or Screech Owl, by far the commonest, inhabiting
almost every country in the World ; and two fine
specimens of the Snowy Owl, one from the Arctic
regions, and the other captured at sea off Cape Race.
This Owl migrates southwards in the Winter. There
are also specimens of the Striped Owl, Naked-footed
Owlet, Cape Eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Great Eagle
Owl, (two bred in the Gardens), Eraser's Eagle Owl,
Spotted Virginian, and Cape and Milky Eagle Owl,
Ural Owl, Australian, Mexican, African and Galapagan
Owl, and last but not least the Winking Owl, why so
called I do not know, because the nictitating membrane
or third eyelid is equally well developed in all the
*' striges."

Next comes the Pheasantry, containing many
excellent examples of these lovely birds. In the first

64

aviary are some hybrids between the Mongolian and
the Common Pheasant, born in the Gardens. Hybrid
Pheasants are not only often fertile inter se, but cross
as freely with other hybrids, so birds are frequently
seen in which the blood of three species is mingled.
Specimens of white and pied varieties of the
Common Pheasant {P. colchiais) often occur, and there
are at present some in the Gardens, but it will be
noticed in the case of the male bird that it is perfectly
white except for the pigment remaining in the eye
and in the naked patch around the eye. Therefore it
is only a partial albino. Looking carefully one can
distinguish areas marked out where the colours should
be, showing that these colours are partly formed by
structural peculiarities in the feathers in the form of
prisms, etc. The other pheasants are the Ring-
necked, which has so interbred with P. colchicus that
now one rarely comes across what appears to be a
really pure bred bird of either species, the Gmelin's
Ring-necked, Satschen Ring-necked, Elliot's, Reeves',
Talisch, Prince of Wales' and the Japanese Pheasants,
which also freely interbreed with the Chinese Ring-
necked (/*. torqiiatus), the male hybrid being a remark-
ably fine bird, surpassing in size and beauty either of
its parents.

(Zb he cofiiinued.)

' 65

Some 1Remtni6ccnce5 of mv> lEarlv) 3)av6
of Jforcigu BirO Ikeeptna-

By J. A. Swan.
{Contiftiied from page 13.)

It is an extremely natural transition from the
Weavers to the Whydahs, and these latter completely
charmed me ver}^ early in my avicultural career.
Their quiet gentle manner and pretty little dignified
appearance seemed to me to give just that touch of
refinement necessary to soften the more vigorous be-
haviour of the Weavers. I must confess that when I
wrote the foregoing I was thinking of the Paradise
Whydahs, so perhaps it is necessary to qualify my
remarks when mentioning the Pin-tailed species. For
of all bad tempered birds, the Pin-tailed when in
colour stands first " by a long chalk," as our American
cousins have it. At least this was my experience,
gained from several specimens at different times.
When out of colour, however, their malicious temper
departed to a very large extent, though they were
never in any sense sociable birds. I often felt tempted
to pull out the wonderful tail so as to punish the bird
by putting him in "prison" for a week or so, but I
doubt very much if it would have had the desired
effect. There appeared to me to be a thoroughly
scowling, cross-grained look about the Pin-tailed
Whydah's face when in breeding plumage, and no-
thing short of a moult removed that impression.

Now the Paradise Whydah is very different and
enjoys himself in a quiet orderly fashion. Most of
mine used to delight to get to the highest step of a
long swinging perch and then make a swoop down-

66

wards to the lowest one, where they would land with
a click. A spring and a fly upwards took them aloft
again and the action took place so quickly after the
descent as to appear one effort. They would vary the
downward flight sometimes by sweeping in a semi-
circle towards an end perch, and I never remember
them missing their footing, although the swing was
often swaying from side to side at the time. The
action was an exceedingly graceful one, and I never
tired of watching it. Indeed, on reflection, I cannot
recall any bird more graceful in all its ways than the
Paradise Whydah. Their bodies are beautifully curved,
their long tails droop in a semi-circle, their delicate
legs seem to be made of steel springs and they walk
in a manner which can only be called dignified.
Their bearing indeed always appeared to me to repre-
sent the aristocracy of bird life. In a word they are
the essence of beauty in birds— all graceful curves.

Another very charming little bird — really little in
comparison to the Whydahs — is the Grey Singing
Finch. I quite forget how many I have had at one
time and another, but it must have been nearly a
dozen. I bought them because I wanted to hear their
beautiful singing — hardly inferior, from what one
hears, to the Nightingale itself. But never a sound
beyond a sweet chirp did I ever hear. And how care-
full}'' I tried to get cock birds when purchasing, gazing
long and earnestly at the little white patch in the
throat and the huffish flank feathers, both of which, by
the size in the former and the colour in the latter, are
supposed to indicate the males. I also got " experts "
to pick them out for me when I found I was unsuccess-
ful mvself: but the result was alwavs the same. I

67

tried keeping them in large and small flight cages with
other birds and by themselves. Still no song, and at
last I determined to be disappointed no longer, so a
"taboo" was placed on Grey Singing Finches.

Amongst small foreign birds there is no doubt
that the joUiest and liveliest are the Zebra Finches.
These are great favourites of mine and I have long
regarded them as the very embodiment of birdy
energy and cheerfulness. It is rarely one finds a
Zebra Finch who has not some very important business
on hand, or who at least fails to give one that im-
pression. I am referring more particularly to the
male birds, for the hens are almost staid little things
beside their vivacious lords.

There is no prettier or more suitable birdy present
one can make to a friend who has not hitherto kept
foreign birds, than a pair of Zebra Finches. They
will charm him, or her, by their bright and happy
manners, while their personal appearance is exceed-
ingly pleasing. In addition, they are easily catered
for, and generally breed with the slightest encourage-
ment— or even without. Being small birds, the Zebra
Finches are equally at home in a comparatively small
cage or a large aviary, and whilst peaceable them-
selves, they, or at least the cock, has enough pluck for
a bird six times his size.

In a previous article I have recorded an instance
of a Zebra Finch thrashing a Crimson-crowned Weaver,
and I remember reading somewhere of one of these
impertinent mites hurling itself bodily against a great
bird which ventured too near its nest; and although
the act only deprived the intruder of a feather or two,
it succeeded in driving him away. I have also men-

68

tioiied elsewhere tlie very friendly feeling entertained
by one of my Zebra Finches, who always came as close
to me as possible whenever I stood by his cage and
chattered away at a great rate, showing the most com-
plete confidence and good natnre in every action of
his tiny body.

One of the earliest of my purchases was a Chinese
Bunting — a bird which was shortly afterwards offered
to me as a Brown-headed Bunting. The latter name
is very appropriate, for the colour of the head, face,
back, and tail is a rich brown, the breast and under
parts being a pale yellow. The bird was certainly not
of striking appearance ; but being among others of
diverse plumage, his very soberness seemed to make
him conspicuous. He lived with me over two years,
and seemed satisfied with the usual food supplied to
the Seedeaters, which, by-the-wa}^ alwa3^s included a
saucer of insectile food, though I cannot say I ever
saw this bird partake of any.

A very soft reedy little song is a pleasant feature
of the Chinese Bunting, and my bird would sit on a
perch, quite apart from the others, and softly whistle
as if to itself for hours at a time. It was of very
gentle disposition, and although as large as the Non-
pareil Bunting it never attempted to molest any of its
companions — among whom were several smaller and
weaker than itself. Altogether I found it a very
desirable member of the family and one I was sorry
to lose.

I do not think the Chinese Bunting is frequently
imported, for it was only rarely that I came across
specimens in the East End shops, and it is practically
never advertised for sale in the birdy papers. The

69

only other place where I have seen them was in
Leadenhall Market, where — as I have already men-
tioned— they called it the Brown-headed Bnnting. j
remember the shopkeeper wanted twelve-and-sixpence
a pair, and I replied that I thonght it too much, and
also that I could get the birds elsewhere at a lower
figure. The latter remark was like a red rag to the
man, and he emphatically asserted that he was willing
to stake most of his worldly property, and also his
reputation, (whatever that may have been worth), that
it was impossible to get them anywhere for less than
he charged. I told him as gently as possible that I
had no desire to deprive him of his possesions, but if
he liked to risk half-a-sovereign over the question, I
should be pleased to accept it. For some unaccount-
able reason he hesitated — having swallowed the camel
he strained at a gnat — the possible actual loss of ten
shillings seeming to be of greater importance than
the visio7iary loss of all his worldly wealth — to say
nothing of the reputation. However it occurred to
me that it was as well he should not accept my offer,
which was made half jokingly, as I could not spare
time to prove it just then, so I offered to tell him the
place whereat the birds could be purchased for con-
siderably less than twelve-and-six a pair. With
studied carelessness he agreed, and on hearing it, he
rather grudgingly expressed the possibility of my
being right. And it was more than possible I was, for
I only gave four-and-sixpence for my bird!

One of the most delicately coloured of our foreign
birds is the Lavender Finch, with its bluish-grey body
and crimson flanks. They are really charming little
birds, being quiet and gentle in their behaviour : but

70

unfortunately they are not quite so robust as one
would like, and seem more than usually susceptible to
cold and draughts.

My first pair went off suddenly within a few
days of each other, having been in my possession a
little over three months, and others which I subse-
quently had never seemed to have a conie-to-stay look
about them. They had their choice of several seeds,
besides ants' eggs, dried flies, millet, and grass in the
ear, and mealworms ; but I often caught them at the
bottom of the cage turning over the sand and grit,
as if looking for something they could not find — for I
never noticed them eat any of the sand. Whether
this act was merely an amusement, however, or
whether their dietary was not sufficiently varied I
cannot sa}^ but the latter seems to be the more reason-
able hj^pothesis. I think one bird lived about ten
monlhs — which was the longest — and then died quite
as suddenly as the first pair. This dying suddenly
appears to me to strengthen the theory of lack of
suitable nourishment : their constitution carried them
through a certain period — more or less according to
the vigour of the individual bird — and then breaking
point was touched, when they collapsed like a house
of cards.

[Seed eaters of all kinds may be seen picking over
the sand and seeds at the bottom of the cage when
very ill of almost any disease, and this symptom I
think may be taken as a sign that they are beyond
recovery. An adequate post vwi'tem examination of
these Lavender Finches would have revealed the par-
ticular disease of which they died.

In common with other seed eaters these birds

. 71

normally swallow sand, as nia\^ be always seen on dis-
section ; and as regards the adequacy of the food
supplied, I may say that I have had specimens stand
even the winter in my exposed outdoor aviaries on a
diet of canary seed and millet alone. — Ed.]
{To be continued).

2)r. 1RU65 o\\ the rarer jfirefiucbes.

Translated with notes from Die fremlandischen Stubenvogel
by Dr. E. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.B.

THE MASKED FIREFINCH [Lagonosiicia larvata) (i).

Dr. Russ in the body of his work says that as he has uo
personal knowledge of this species, he can give only a short
description of it. He then goes on to mention it's habitat as
Abyssinia, West and other parts of Africa (2), and to quote
Riippell (3) and Henglin as having each met with these birds
in Abyssinia, in the months of January and April respectively,
where they found them at an altitude of from three to five
thousand feet, frequenting bamboo-clumps, shy, quiet and re-
tiring little birds, feeding chiefly on grass-seeds. By the time
however the Addenda to the volume were written he had had
the opportunity of seeing living specimens, on which he writes
as follows, giving additional details and a full description of
each sex :

Among the many rare birds which I saw in the
Prince of Coburg-Gotha's collection I found three
Masked Firefinches, (two cocks and one hen), I regret

(li The scientific names I use are those of the British Museum Cata-
logue. In the English names I have substituted the commonly-used name
"Firefinch" for th^e German "Astrild."

(2) More recent research restricts the range of this species to East and
East -Central Africa. It must be remembered that Dr. liuss' book was
written at least thirty years ago.

(.^) The only coloured plate I know of this bird is to be found in Riippell's
work on the Birds of Abyssinifi.

72

to say only stuffed specimens, though the identical
birds when alive had inhabited the Prince's aviaries
for some time. This species is so rare that the Berlin
Museum has never possessed a specimen, so that I was
particularly delighted to find examples here, the first
I had ever seen. Further, to my surprise, a few weeks
later Herr Snickt, of Brussels, advertised two pairs in
the "Gefiederte Welt," which Herr Schuster, the chief
of the Luderitz Art Publishing firm of Berlin, obtained,
and I am in the fortunate position of no: only having
a pair of these birds before me as I write, but of also
being able to give the hitherto unobtainable description
of the hen.

First, it must be noted that in disposition and
habits the Masked Firefinch resembles the Lavender
Finch rather than the Common Firefinch. It never
shuffles its wings up and down in the peculiar way so
characteristic of the latter bird, but it does so from
side to side just as the former does. According to
Herr Snickt it is one of the most delicate of all the
Waxbills. Description : The male in full colour has the
crown (4) and occiput blackish-grey; the cheeks, ear-
lores, and throat black ; nape and back reddish-grey,
(each feather being a clear ash-grey on the whole
under surface and basal half of the upper, the terminal
half above being a lovely dark wine-red) ; wings, ashy-

(4) In L. larvata the forehead and anterior third of the crown are black,
in this and it's slightly larger size diflfering from L. vinacea,\v\\\c\\ has most
of the crown grey with only a thin streak of black on the forehead. From
this description I am inclined to think that the birds Dr. Russ thought were
L. larvala were really vi'tiacea, as it applied exactly to the specimens of
the latter I had two years ago. Another point in favour of this supposition
is that West African birds were much more likely to be imported than those
from such ati inaccessible place as Abyssinia and it's neighbourhood must
have been when Dr. Kuss' book was written.

' 73

grey, the outer feathers having faintly reddish external
edges; greater wing-coverts ashy-grey, each feather
bordered with bright wine-red ; tail-feathers black
with dark wine-red outer halves, except the two central
ones which are entirely red ; breast and belly a beau-
tiful vinous red with small white spots bordered with
blackish on the sides of the breast ; lower abdomen,
vent and under tail-coverts smoky black, under sur-
face of tail blackish grey. Upper mandible blackish-
blue, lower lighter, a dull silver}^ blue ; iris bright
red-brown (5) ; a narrow blue lid round the eyes ; feet
pale bluish-grey. The hen has the crown and nape
pure ashy-grey with a faint bluish tinge ; sides of head
and chin light yellowish-grey ; lower nape and back a
delicate reddish-grey, each feather being ashy-grey
except on its terminal half above, which is red as in
the male ; wings ashy-grey bordered externally with
paler grey, the outer feathers having 3^ellowish white
inner margins ; greater wing-coverts grey ; tail-feathers
dark grey tinged with reddish and with bright red
outer edges, the two central feathers entirely red ;
breast and rest of under surface light vinous red, at
least it looks red, though each feather is really isabel-
line-grey and only a delicate red on the distal half of
the upper surface ; each side of the breast is spotted
with small white specks ; under tail-coverts tawny
reddish ; under sides of wings and tail ashy-grey ;
bill blackish blue, the lower mandible lighter at its
base. Iris, brown ; eyelid, blue ; feet, bluish grey.
Length 11.8cm., wing 4.8cm., tail 3.9 to 4.4C.m.

(5) This is about the only point in which the description does not tally
vrith that of L.vutacea; in my specimens of the latter the irides are cer-
tainly dark brown.

74

Dr. Russ then gives a few lines to the BLACK -
THROATED FIREFINCH [L. nigricollis) quoting from one of
the above-mentioned writers to the effect that
these charming little birds were found in pairs or small
parties of two to five in thick long grass and clearings
in Wau, Djur, and Bongo in Central Africa, where they
are apparently resident, although this cannot be con-
sidered as quite certain, as they have not as yet been
under continuous observation for a whole year. They
are shy and quick in flight and prefer the thickest and
most impenetrable grass-jungles. In May, when they
pair, the male becomes a very bright wine-red, and
then sings loudly and sweetly.

The next species is the VINACIOUS FIREFINCH {L.
vinacea) vehich our author hardly more than mentions by name
in the body of his work, but gives further information about
in the Addenda:

The Vinacious Firefinch is also included in the
catalogue of the Prince of Coburg-Gotha's collection
of birds, and in notes written by the Prince himself
. . . . the following details are given : *' It is quite-
"the most attractive of all Waxbills, and in habits it
**much resembles the Lavender Finch. My three
*' examples I received, under the name of E. margarita,
"from M. St. Hilaire (Director of the Jardin d'Accli-
*' matisation, Paris), the only ones he had ever had. I
"regret to say they died in December last. Wiener
"has or had one specimen in his collection, the
" identity of which with the present species has only
" recently been established." In the Prince's notes
these three examples are also described as nearly
allied to the Masked Firefinch ; in my opinion indeed
the two species are inseparable, .... the grey
or brownish-grey crown and the slight difference be.

75

tween the more or less vinous or purplish-vinous
colour of the two birds cannot be considered dis-
tinctive characters. ... It is to be hoped that
further investigation will shortly decide whether I am
right or wrong. (6)

We next come to species more nearly related to the Com-
mon Firefinch. Of tliese the first is L. rufopicta, which Dr.
Russ in the main portion of his work calls the Red-breasted
Firefinch, bnt in the latter part he amends the adjective to the
more appropriate one of *' vSpotted." On this species he writes
as follows : (I use his later name) —

The Spotted Firefinch is distinguished from the
common Firefinch by its olive brown upper surface,
and the vinous-red (7) of its forehead, sides of head

(6) I ha%'e not included Dr. Russ' description, as repetitions of long-
verbal descriptions of plumage must be tedious, and the one he gives under
the Masked Firefinch applies ahnost exactly to the male of this species, as I
mentioned above. The following description of the hen is from a living
specimen : In general colour like the cock ; no black on head or face : crown
sooty-grey, lighter on sides of head: chin and throat light fawn - grey ;
chest a brighter and more salmon-pink than the back ; belly pink washed
with ochre; a very few spots on sides of chest; wings and tail as in the
cock, but the colours not so bright and the tail feathers sepia below, not
black. Bill etc. as in the male. In size the hen is a shade smaller than the
cock' I need hardly, I think, remind our readers that Mr. Goodchild gave
us a wonderfully lifelike plate of the two sexes in last year's volume of
''Bird Notes," a picture which most happily hits ofif their attitude, colour,
and surroundings.

This species is a native of West Africa. In the Gambia, where I made it's
acquaintance, it is distinctly rare and very local. I have never seen it away
from bamboo country, and not all through that even. Tliey live in
small parties in .secluded spots, not courting publicity like the Common
Firefinch. The diagnostic points of the three species (as given in the Brit.
Museum Cat.) are :

Black of head and throat surrounded by red,

Black of crown confined to forehead, chest red viiiacea.

Front half of crown and the chest black lai-vafa.

Black of head surrounded by grey ; forehead, crown,
mantle and breast grey nign'collts,

(7) "Dark pink," as in the Brit. Mus. Catalogue, more accurately des-
cribes the colour.

76

and entire under surface ; in size the two agree.
From the closely allied Dark-red Firefinch (8) it differs
in having paler under tail-coverts and a vinous fore-
head. Though I have for years .... been on
the look out for this bird I have never yet owned a
specimen. It is therefore one b}^ no means easily
obtainable, but it may be imported more abundantly
later on, or on the other hand its rarity may continue,
as Von Heuglin only met with a few examples in . .
. . Central Africa — and that too in the rainy season —
haunting the bush near water. It has also been
observed on the Gold Coast, so that its range extends
over Western and Central Africa. Of its life-history
nothing is known, — most African travellers and
authors make little or no mention of it, — but Fraser
gives a good plate and Reichenbach also has an
illustration of the species. (9)

In the Appendix the following additional information
about the Spotted Firefinch {L. rufopida) is given :

In June, 1878, Fraulein C. Hagenbeck sent me
two cocks of this species for identification, and I will
now complete from the living birds the imperfect
description given above.

The whole upper surface from hinder margin of
forehead to rump, including back and wings, is dark
ashy, almost greenish, and tinged with reddish on the

(8) Lagottosiica ■)tibricata of South Africa,

(9) The range and habits of this species are similar to those of the com-
mon Firefinch, but it does not come into the villages so much, preferring
the surrounding clearings, where it consorts with parties of the comoner
species. It is distinctly rare in the Gambia, (more so even than the Vina-
cious Firefinch), and I have never seen more than three together at a time.
Also out of the many thousands of small birds which I must have seen in the
cages of the bird-catchers during the last three years out here, there have
only been six individuals of this species.

77

shoulders (i) ; crown, paler clear grey-brown (2) ; fore-
head streak, lores, eyebrows, sides of head and neck,
breast, upper part of belly, rump and upper tail-coverts
dark vinous-red (3) ; tail feathers blackish-brown, the
outer ones bordered at the base with dull red ; lower
abdomen, sides of breasts and belly dull red, showing
(4) the bro\vnish-ash-grey basal halves of the feathers ;
vent and under tail-coverts pale yellowish-grey. The
whole breast is marked with numerous delicate white
spots, each of which has a narrow dark upper margin.
Under surface of wings is light ashy-grey, under wing-
coverts light yellowish-grey. Bill, a glossy deep-red,
with a delicate white mark from base of lower mandi-
ble to the nostril (5), ridge of each portion of bill
blackish-brown. Eyes grey, surrounded by a very
narrow yellow ring (6) ; feet brownish flesh-colour.

In the female the forehead, crown, nape and the
whole of the rest of the upper parts are greyish-brown ;
lores and cheeks pale red ; upper tail-coverts and tail-
feathers as in the cock ; throat and under surface dull
red, the lower belly being isabelline-grey, and the sides
and breast of belly ash-grey, washed with reddish,
with here and there a white spot on the breast ; under

The description iti the B. M. Cat. differs in some details from that given
by Dr. Rnss, whose description being based as he says on rather limited
observation, is not quite accurate in all it's details, but if thus corrected
vi^ill be found absolutely correct :
(i) "brown." B. M. Cat.

(2) "crown, brown like the back." B. M. Cat.

(3) "deep-pink." B. M. Cat.

(4) "the red of the abdomen becomes paler on abdomen, flanks and
" thighs, which are pale brown washed with rosy pink." B. M. Cat.

(5) This whitish mark was not present in any of my specimens, nor
is it noted in the Catalogue description.

(6) "Iris pale du.sky brown (Heuglin); narrow eye-ring, grey."

B. M. Cat.

78

tail- and tinder wing-coverts pale isabelline-yellow ,
under surface of wings ash-grey. Bill as in the male ;
eyes grey.

In size this bird practically equals the Common
Firefinch, which it also closely resembles in general
demeanour.

Herr Schmidt from his experience with the species
considers it the frailest of all the Astrilds, and writes
of it as follows : — "The love-song of the cock is ver\^
"pleasing, a shrill, loud, fairly long strain, which he
" utters, while dancing round his mate, opening his
" beak with lively movements towards her, spreading
'* out his tail and wagging it to and fro at her feet, as
'* the Zebra Waxbill does."

Here again is a beautiful bird which is not yet
obtainable at the dealers, but which is indeed worth
an3^one's while making great efforts to obtain. Herr
Fockelmann, the Hamburg dealer, tells me that in
1876 he had about twent}^ head of this species at the
Kiel Exhibition, which were nearly all cocks and all
recently imported. They have also been at times in
the collection of Fraulein Hagenbeck, who has kept
one of them for over six months, though it was par-
tially bald, and was not specially looked after, being
kept with and treated like the Common Firefinches.

I sincerely trust that any fancier, whose bird room
only possesses a single bird, will attempt to breed from
it by pairing it with its near ally, the Common Fire-
finch.

As regards the names which have been given to
this bird, the designations '' Red-breasted Astrild or
Amaranth {Rothbrusta7nara7it, Br.)" are inappropriate,
as the bird has a much less noticeably red breast than

79

the Common, Dark-red Australian Firefinch, or in-
deed all the other species which are commonly called
Firefinches. Its main characteristics being the spots,
with which not only the sides, but also the whole
breast are covered. I have named it from them, " the
Spotted Firefinch." Again the Latin name rujopicta
is by no means a happy one.

[To be continued).

}6^ltorlaL

NIGHTINGALES BREEDING IN CAPTIVITY:—

By the kindness of a correspondent I have been
favoured with the following information with reference
to my note at the foot of Dr. Greene's article in the
issue of last month. The gentleman who made a
speciality of breeding these birds was, as I thought, an
inhabitant of Kidderminster, a Mr. Jeffrey, living in
Mill Street. His aviaries appear to have been of much
the same architectural character as my own — just a
range of open sheds and enclosures, in which he
grew various shrubs and plants. In each compart-
ment was a single pair of birds, and they generally
built their nests at the foot of one of the bushes (pre-
ferably a privet), in the manner mentioned by Dr.
Greene.

A small stream of water coursed from end to end
of the aviaries, so that, what with this and the growing
plants, the Nightingales could hardly have wished for
a better imitation of their natural .surroundings.
For some years, at any rate, their owner is said to have
been successful in breeding them, and in getting the
young reared.

8o

BACTERIOLOGY v. RATS AND MICE :— Follow-
ing on my notes on this subject in Vol. IV., it may be of
interest if I detail my own experience. My house, an
old one, covering a good deal of ground, had been
greatly infested with mice for many years — at any
rate as long as I have known it. So numerous were
they, especially in the winter time, that they would
scamper about the rooms, even the bed rooms, in the
presence of human beings ; while the noise they
made at night behind the wainscotting and under the
floors was exceedingly disconcerting to anyone
engaged in either study or literary work. Such birds
as I keep in cages suffered greatly from their atten-
tions, for no sooner did one leave the room than the
seed boxes were invaded by the unwelcome marau-
ders, who indeed did not always trouble to scurry
away on one's return, but would sometimes actually
remain where they were until active attempts were
made to dislodge them.

From time to time I tried traps of all kinds,
including the American water trap which auto-
matically re-sets itself after each capture. With all of
them there was a greater or less measure of success
for a time, till the cunning little wretches became
suspicious of them, when they became useless. Then
I got a cat — to be accurate I have had two cats, the
latter of which was an excellent mouser, and always
caught seven or eight a day ; but that was no good,
because with such a large stock the birth rate always
exceeded the death rate.

On February the 8th I used the contents of one
tube of mouse virus, using salt and water to suspend
it, and then soaking dry pieces of bread with the

8i

fluid. These I laid on some of the kitchen shelves,
having taken care that no other food was within reach
of the mice. The next day the bread had all dis-
appeared, and within a few days the noises made by
the mice were appreciably diminished. By the middle
of March there was not a single mouse to be seen or
heard in any part of the premises, and apparently
not one had died in its hidden haunts, or where it
could not be got at, for at no time was there the
slightest smell. I lay .special stress on this fact,
because, immediately on the first mention of this
virus and its use in the pages of Cage Birds, a
correspondent of that excellent paper made haste to
warn us against it on the grounds of its " unwhole-
some after effects," a piece of advice, which, coming
as it did from a gentleman possessing the ear of the
public to a certain extent, might have operated to the
disadvantage of many readers, had it not been
promptly traversed.

Many of the dead bodies I found on my lawn,
plump and fat ; and although it is pretty certain that
some had been eaten by the inevitable neighbours'
cats, at present I see no diminution in the number of
these faithful friends, who, like the poor, are always
with us.

Although the cure of my veritable plague of
mice is absolute for the time being, it is quite possible
—indeed probable— that I may be again invaded by
stray visitors from neighbouring houses. It would,
therefore, seem advisable to present my next door
neighbour, who by the way extends his hospitality to
rats in his still older house than mine, with the
means of helping me to keep my own premises free

82

from the obnoxious Mas. The wider the application
of the remedy, the greater will be its success.

PATHOLOGY AT THE ZOO :— In the report of
the Zoological Society issued in 1904 there appeared a
resolution of the Council to appoint a Pathologist, on
the grounds that it would be " in the interests of the
" animals to make provision for a trained Pathologist,
'* whose dut}'' should be to study the cause of death,
" not only by ordinary post 77iortem examination, but
'* by the use of the microscope and bacteriological
*' methods, and to point out not only the cause of
*' death but also how such deaths might in future be
"avoided." This resolution was arrived at after long
deliberation on the part of a Special Committee,
which, after taking advice in various directions, saw
that their proposed course was eminenth^ more
adapted to the economics of animal culture "than the
haphazard method of mereh" treating symptoms in
sick animals on the principle largely of guess work.

There is no doubt whatever that this wise policy
on the part of the Council marked the commencement
of a new era in the history of the Gardens of the very
greatest importance — not only to the keepers of birds
and other animals alike, but also incidentally to man
himself, as will be presently seen. It involves the
principle I have always strenuously fought for — the
actual identification of diseases, and the following of
them up not only to their immediate, but also their
remote causes, and secondly to the probable discovery
and adoption of really adequate remedies.

One of the first fruits was the widening adoption
of the open-air lodging of birds in the case of many

83

species which hitherto had been incorrectly thought
to require the hot house method of treatment. In the
Report issued in 1905 we saw that even then it liad
shown a decided effect for good. " The Parrots and
" Parrakeets in the New Canal Bank Aviary have
" proved a great delight to visitors, and there has been
"a striking decrease in the rate of mortality of those
" kept, even throughout the winter, in the open aviary
" as compared with those in the heated Parrot
** House." And when the Society has extended this
system a little wider than they already have, they will
see a corresponding progression in the improved
effects.

In the report just now issued we find, in the very
few lines devoted to this subject, matter of great impor-
tance and affording considerable food for thought.
Dr. Seligmann finds that " there have been practically
"no deaths due to tuberculosis amongst those
*' monkeys that have been left out of doors, whereas
*' there has been a marked mortality due to that
"cause amongst the monkeys in the heated monkey
" house."

Then again there is a point which shows how
largely segregation for a lengthy period on the same
area affects the incidence of microbal diseases. If we
turn to page 282 of Vol. II. of Bird Notes, we shall
find the account of my post mortem examination of a
Grey Parrot which had died of mycosis, " a disease
" characterised by the presence of the aspergilljis
'\fumigatus (one of the mould fungi) in the air
" passages, air sacs, and sometimes, as in this case,
'* the lungs." Now this disease, which is fairly
frequent amongst Fowls, is so exceedingly rare

84

amongst the t3^pical " cage birds" that out of about
600 of these which I have examined I have found it
on only four or five occasions — this Parrot, a Magpie,
and a Toucan being the specimens in my memory at
the moment. Yet such is the effect of enormous
numbers of birds living in turn, generation after
generation, in the same enclosures, the same houses,
and the same cages, exposed one after another to
infection with micro-organisms originally left by an
inmate of long ago and since multiplied to an indefinite
extent, that " Dr. Seligmann has discovered that the
cause of " death of a number of birds is mycosis."

This experience of Dr. Seligmann's is highly
important, and shows how powerful a factor is
environment. On the one hand more or less old
structures reeking with lowly organisms generated
under conditions the most favourable to their vigour ;
on the other hand birds, becoming day by day less and
less resistant to the attacks of these organisms by
reason of their environment being totally dififerent to
that which obtained during the evolution of their
respective species.

And as with mycosis so we might expect to find
with avian tuberculosis, the same environmental
influences being of course at work in the case of the
latter disease as in the former one. Although in con-
siderably over a thousand cage and aviary birds
obtained from small communities, and examined bac-
teriologically by either Dr. Clarke or myself, not one
single case of avian tuberculosis has been observed,
yet according to a statement made to me about a year
ago by Dr. Hopkinson, derived from what Dr.
Seligmann had told him, tuberculosis had been

85

found by the latter amongst the birds at the Zoo.
Unfortunately no mention of this is made in the
Report, but I hope to find some details in the forth-
coming Proceedings of the Society as to the particular
species of birds involved, since it will be a very
interesting point to observe which of the avian
families outside the GalliriacecB are most susceptible
to tuberculosis when subjected to the influences above
alluded to, and which are so different to those obtain-
ing amongst them when kept as cage birds.

The case of these two avian diseases strongly
reminds one of that of Typhus Fever amongst human
beings a generation ago. While it was so rarely found,
even as a sporadic incidence, among the well-to-do
classes or even in thinly populated districts of a mixed
character, as to be practically non-existent, and while
in certain large and thickly populated centres it
actually was non-existent {e.g. in Birmingham, where
I believe no case is on record), yet in the densely
crowded parts of some cities — Dublin and Liverpool
to wit — it amounted to a veritable scourge. But with
the march of knowledge came more efiicient sanitation,
and the disease is now often but a memory where
once it was rampant.

It is to be hoped that the appointment of a Patho-
logist will have a like effect at the Zoo, and that in
time the Council and Fellows will reap the reward
which should accrue to logical far-sighted measures.

There is no mention of any septicsemic disease

in the Report.

W. Geo. Creswfxi..

86

IP05t flDorteni IRepoits.

{yide Rides).

Canary. (Dr. McMath.) This bird died of" egg-binding," or
more correctly of iuflaniniation of the ovidnct, due to
rupture of a thin-shelled egg.

Pennant Parrakert. (Mr. Row.) Imported three years ago
as a young bird. Congestion of the liver of some standing
was the cause of death. The seeds upon which it had
been fed are some of them of too oily a nature, and put too
much stress on the organs of digestion to be a good food
for constant use. My Parrots of all kinds live principally
on canary seed and have all the other foods merely as tit-
bits.

•GoivDFiNCH and Bui,i.finch. (lyord Clifton.) These birds
died of enteritis, and the history gleaned from the
accompanying letter pointed to its being of an infectious,
i.e. septic nature, but as no microscopical examination
could be made while the bodies were fresh, this opinion was
uncorroborated. In the event however of any more dying
I shall, I hope, be able to make an adequate examination.

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BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

riDemorp m a sparrow.

By R. H. CI.ARKE, M.A., M.B.
The subject of my remarks is an ordinary London
cock Sparrow (^Passer domesticus), at present residing
with Mr. G. R. Turner, F.R.C.S., Surgeon to St.
George's Hospital. Nearly nine years ago, some of
Mr. Turner's children were w^alking in Hyde Park
with their nurse, and found a little half fledged Spar-
row which had fallen out of a nest. They took it
home and succeeded in rearing it, and have kept it
ever since, and it still enjoys excellent health, though
it shows some signs of age. Its head and beak seem
to have grown longer ; in fact the bird altogether has
lost some of the plumpness and roundness of his
earlier days, and in various places his feathers are
developing a greyer tinge. The bird was made a great
pet of, constantly allowed to fly about the room, and
on one occasion at least, finding an open window he
flew right away, and his safe return in answer to the
unremitting prayers of his young friends had a very
stimulating effect upon their faith. Associating en-
tirely with human beings from the nest it is not
surprising that the bird became wonderfully tame;
strangers or people he does not care for he will peck
vigorously if their advances are unwelcome, but he
never shows the slightest fear, and exhibits unmis-

lakable signs of affection for his friends, greeting them
with a peculiar chirp, fluttering his wings, and trying
to get out of his cage if he is shut up, and as soon as
the door is open flying to them, settling on their hands,
arms, and shoulders, conversing with them after his
own fashion, refusing to leave them, and if put down
anywhere flying back to them at once. He was
especially attached to the nurse, who fed him and
looked after him a great deal in his early days. About
four years ago the nurse left and she had not had an
opportunity of revisiting her charges till quite recently.
Of course she went to see the bird and he recognised
her immediately and greeted her with great effusion.
As soon as he saw her he tried to get out of his cage,
and on the door being opened flew to her, chirping and
fluttering his wings and in every way exhibiting un-
mistakable signs of pleasure. In fact his recollection
of her did not appear a bit less vivid after nearly four
years interval than if she had only been away for a
week. I don't know whether instances of recollection
for such a long period as four years are common among
birds ; I should not have been surprised if it had
occurred in a Parrot or in one of the corvidcs, as we all
know many stories of exceptional intelligence in these
birds, but I have not heard of any very remarkable
qualities in Sparrows beyond their vigour, hardihood,
and what is often called impudence. No doubt their
survival in large numbers in cities where the conditions
appear unfavourable to them and the struggle for exist-
ence must be acute, points to their possession of special
qualities ; amongst them we may probably reckon in-
telligence to be the chief. But they do not possess
the attractions of colour and song which might have

made them favourite pets, and so perhaps their in-
telligence has not received the recognition it deserves,
or if recognised at all it is not very wideh' known.
Now I daresay many people who are familiar with the
sensational stories of intelligence in animals so often
met with, might be disposed to give a bird credit for
this amount of memory and affection as a matter of
course, and regard it altogether as of very little im-
portance ; if so they make a great mistake. This
opens up a very large question, the importance of
which it is difficult to overrate, and which would lead
me far beyond the limits of this paper, but I will very
briefly refer to one or two points and carry them
further on another occasion.

To begin at the root of the matter a very little
reflection may satisfy anyone that amongst the pecu-
liarities and defects we can observe in mankind, there
is none more remarkable than the indifference with
which he regards his instruments of intelligence. What
appears to us the vast complex of existence on this
planet is directed to its most minute detail by intelli-
gence, that is to say by the brains from which that
intelligence emanates. Every defect in those brains
in structure or function caused by the errors of he-
redity and environment, the transient aberrations by
alcohol or drugs, by slight injuries, by weak circulation
or sleep, and so on, is reflected in the output of intelli-
gence, and in the world of action which subsists on it.
Suppose we imagine the result if every individual in
the world were embarked in a motor car of the nature
of which he was entirely ignorant, knowing nothing
of the structure of its works, how to regulate it, how to
recognise its defects, or how to correct its vagaries,

90

or even to stop it without smashing it up, and if they
were started simultaneously with no further instruction
than " go as j^ou please," — what sort of pandemonium
might we anticipate? Would not the first collective
efiort amongst the survivors of chaos be to investigate
the machine to whose actions they were committed?
We are more dependent on the integrity of our brains
than the occupants of those cars would be on their
machines, yet of the functions of the most important
centres of our brains we know practically nothing ; the
number of people who are or ever have been engaged
in the investigation of the problem, which is no doubt
perfectly soluble, is probably less than is employed in
any recognised industr}^ in the world, and a popular
lecturer actually told a fashionable audience only the
other day that there is no proof that intellectual
activity is a function of the brain. Let us hope the
new labour members may see the necessity of pro-
viding some form of elementary instruction for the
upper classes in the intervals of bridge, but for those
who can think, is it not time they began to acquire
some comprehension of the instrument on whose in-
tegrity every interest they possess depends ? Most
people might reasonably reply, "It may be important
but I cannot assist ; I am no anatomist or physiolo-
gist." True — but people who keep birds or other
animals have opportunities of assisting ; the careful
comparison of intellectual function with brain structure
in their more or less elementary forms is ver}^ im-
portant, and at present the material available is both
scanty and defective. If half the exhibitions of animal
intelligence which have been observed had been
simply recorded without embellishment or invention.

' 91

without substituting inference for fact, but with a
plain statement of the evidence, we should now possess
a fund of information on the subject of animal intelli-
gence on which we could draw with great advantage,
whilst as it is the information available is so blemished
with these defects as to be almost valueless.

3)r. 1Ru55 on the rarer Jfircftncbcs.

Translated with notes from Die fremlandischen Stubenvogel
by Dr. E. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.B.

(Continued from page 79^.
THE DARK-RED FIREFINCH or SOUTH-AFRICAN
FIRE FINCH (L. rubricata) .
To their enthusiastic friends these little birds are
more a source of disappointment than of pleasure (i),
as they but seldom appear on the market, and then
only to rapidly disappear again like the illusive
Will-o'-the-wisp, dying in shoals and leaving us
nothing but sorrow at the death of such lovely birds,
and regret for the pecuniary loss their mortality has
caused us. Some time ago the dealers imported these
birds fairly frequently, and it is on such occasions
that we can point out with pleasure and pride that
Aviculture, and with it the accurate investigation of
Natural History, is not less advanced in Germany than
it is in other countries, and I am sure that the present
rareness of these birds in our shops is not due to

(i) I have never kept this species, though in South Africa I have seen
them both wild and in captivity, (as cage-birds they seemed to be by no
means common), and friends of mine, who kept birds like the St. Helena
Waxbill with ease, told me that these birds generally died when caged, so
that this seems to show that, even in their native country, they are delicate
and difficult to accustom to life in confinement, and one cannot be surprised
at the mortality among them when imported.

92

ignorance on the part of the large dealers, but simply
because there is at the present day so much keenness
to buy rarities at the large ports, London, Hamburg,
Bordeaux, .etc. that just now it happens that they are
more freely imported into other countries than into
Germany. By constant search they are indeed to be
obtained here, but only at a high price.

My first specimen of this species, a cock, I
obtained from Mr. Geupel White of Leipsic. This
bird's colour was a deep red, darker than that of the
Common Firefinch, while the crown, back, wings and
whole upper surface were a dark greyish-brown, the
vent and under tail coverts being deep black; the
loral band, rump and upper tail coverts were a clear
red. In size it rather exceeded that of the Common
Firefinch.

My bird lived a long time a bachelor in m}' bird-
room, never foregathering with his smaller relations,
and even when I let out with him a single hen
Common Firefinch he showed no wish to pair with
her, and eventually died suddenly in the best of
plumage and without any discoverable cause.

Later on, Fraulein Hagenbeck sent some more
examples of this species, which had onl\^ just been
imported and hence were in bad plumage. They
were evidently not in full colour, as the colour of their
backs was distinctly tinged with greenish, and there
were large white spots on the sides of their breasts,
whereas my old cock, (which was also in bad plumage
when I received him), never showed any marked spots
either at first or after he had moulted and assumed
his adult dress.

Viellot describes the "Senegal! rouge," as he

- 93

calls this bird, as a sprightly active little creature, and
says that the song of a number singing against each
other in a cage is pleasing and melodious ; they are^
however, so quarrelsome that as a rule they should be
kept in pairs, or if one wishes to keep several together
they must have a very large cage. The nest he des-
cribes as placed in a thick bush and built principally
of grass and moss ; it usually contains four eggs.

So sensitive are these birds to cold during the
breeding season and the moult, that the temperature
of the bird - room should never be allowed to fall
below 80-85 Fahr. at these times, though as a general
rule and under ordinary circumstances they do well at
a temperature varying between 55 and 65 Fahr.

The habitat of these Firefinches is South Africa,
especially Natal and Kaffraria (2), where they are
generally distributed, though common nowhere.
Heuglin saw them in Bogosland (3) at an elevation of
4-5000 ft. above sea level, flying about in pairs among
the bush-covered rocks and kopjes, and he also met
with them in the hot low-lying valleys of Gallaland.
No further information have travellers or explorers
given us regarding them (4).

Outside my own bird-room they have been kept
by Mr. Linden, Count York von Wartenburg, Mr.
Jaenicke in Hoyerswerda, and Mr. Wiener in London.
It seems to be a quiet, shy little bird, which inhabits

{2) Eastern Cape Colouy and Natal. (Dr. Stark).

(3) Heuglin's birds must have been L. i-ufopicta, L. riibricaia being- con-
fined to South Africa. (E. H.)

(4) In the recently published "Birds of South Africa," by Stark and
Sclater, the late Dr. Stark (vol. i, p. 95) says these birds are generally found
in pairs ; he further gives some notes on their habits and describes their
nest and eggs.

94

thick bush, and be3^oiid it's beauty to possess no note-
worthy characteristics. When courting, it's antics
resemble those of the Common Firefinch, though as
an additional attraction to it's mate, it has the habit
of spreading out it's tail like a fan. I regret I know
no further details respecting it's nesting and breeding
habits. Most of those which are imported, more
especially the hens, die very soon after their arrival,
and even the cocks, after getting through the moult
well, are liable to succumb, one after the other, with-
out any very obvious reason. Count York laments a
similar fate with his birds, but Mr. Jaenicke seems to
have been more fortunate and sends me some interes-
notes : '* My Dark - red Firefinch," he writes, "has
" lived with me for three years ; he is an active little
*' bird, always hopping about the branches and
" peeping inquisitively into every cranny ; his song
" consists of a short strophe, but is pretty loud and
*' frequently repeated. He once seemed to have a
" luke-warm friendship for a hen Cordon Bleu, but
*' has shown no signs of any attachment to any of my
" hen Common Firefinches."

As regards nomenclature, I think that a better
name than " Dark-red Firefinch " for this bird would
be the " Darker-red," or perhaps better still the
simpler "Darker Firefinch." Again, it might be
called the " Beautiful Red Senegali " or the " Carmine
Waxbill," though this last would be likely to mislead.
It is not yet included in the price-lists of the whole-
sale dealers, though from time to time it occasionally
appears in the market, neither is it yet recorded in
the lists of the larger Zoological Gardens.

A description of the bird follows here, but as a more com-

' 95

plete one, based on the author's later and more extended
experience of the species, is given in the Addenda to the
vohune, I proceed at once to this :

The male has the crown and nape grejMsh-brown
with scarcel}' any greenish gloss, bnt distinctly tinged
with red ; remainder of upper surface dark olive-
greenish-brown ; wings brownish-grey, each feather
having a broad pale otiter edge ; tail black, the
middle feathers with dark-red outer webs, the others
uniformly black ; upper tail - coverts dark crimson ;
lores, forehead, eyebrow, face, sides of neck, throat,
breast and sides deep crimson with some tiny white
spots on the sides of the breast : lower breast and
abdomen blackish - brown ; thighs and vent black ;
under tail - coverts rusty black ; under wing- coverts
brownish isabelline ; under surface of wings pale
ashy-gre^^ Bill lead-coloured with blackish tip and
cutting edges ; eye dark brown, surrounded with
yellowish lid-ring ; feet dark lead-grey. The female
(which has not hitherto been fully described) is above
pale grey-brown ; forehead and crown dull ashy-grey
washed with olive-greenish ; a broad loral band, eye-
brow and chin light crimson ; sides of head reddish-
grey ; neck, breast, sides of breast and belly reddish-
brown with white spots on the sides as in the male ;
wings brownish grey ; tail-feathers black, the middle
ones with broad dull red outer webs ; upper tail-
coverts dark crimson ; abdomen ochreous - brown ;
vent and under tail-coverts black ; under surface of
tail and wings ashy-grey : bill, feet and eyes as in the
male. Ivcngth four inches. (Brit. Mus. Catalogue).

In the Addenda Dr. Russ gives some pages on another
Firefinch, which he considers to be most probably L. rhodo-
pearia; whether he is right in his supposition, I must leave for

96

Others to decide, though I must say from the description
iveu that it seems just likely that these birds were immature
specimens of L. rubricata.

The letter, a particularly interesting one, describing so
faithfully the delights of a mixed aviary, I give in full, as well
as the Doctor's remarks on it's subject, omitting however the
latter's lengthy description of the two sexes, as what he says as
to the difference between Duhring's birds and L. riibricata is
sufficient for our purpose. Herr Duhring's letter is as follows:
*' In the autumn of 1876 I received from a friend,
'* who had just returned with his ship from the Ben-
*' guela coast, a number of ornamental finches, among
" which were some birds, specimens of which maj^
*'have been imported before, but of whicli I can find
" no mention in scientific works. So eager to breed
*' were these birds, a cock and two hens, that they at
" once began to carry nest-sttiff into a nest which had
" been commenced by a St. Helena Waxbill and then
" deserted, a nest fastened beneath a covered basket
*' hanging in the aviary. The two hens were easily
" distinguished, as one was bare on the back, and I
" observed that in the morning at 5 or 6 o'clock this
" one took the place of the other one on the nest and
" sat till about 9 o'clock, when the cock entered the
"nest, where he remained till 2 o'clock ; at this hour
" his place was taken for a short time by the first hen
" while he ate and drank, after which he returned till
" about 8 o'clock, when the second hen relieved him
" and settled herself on the nest for the night ; this
" routine was carried out regularly every day. Alas,
" my hopes were to be grievously dashed ! As I men-
" tioned, the birds had built a round nest suspended be-
" Iowa hanging nest-basket, using grass-stems, thread,
" bits of rag, feathers etc. to form it's walls, in one side

97

•' of which was a neatly-rounded entrance-hole. It was
" hardly finished however before a pair of Cordon
" Bleus seized and partially demolished it ; the hen
" which happened to be sitting at the time did not
"seem to mind a bit, but I noticed that the cock
*' immediately began to busily attempt to repair the
** damage. Herr Hald, to whom I was lamenting my
" disappointment, advised me to catch and remove
*' the other birds from the aviary, so that the Fire-
" finches might have a better chance of successfully
" rearing a brood ; I was unable to follow his advice
*' that day, so I postponed the operation until next
*' morning, but I regret to say that when the morning
" came I let the opportunity slip. The morning after
'' when I entered the aviary, I saw at once that all
" three birds were away from the nest, and when I
" looked more closely I saw that this had been coni-
" pletely destroyed, and that on the ground in the
" sand lay five partly incubated eggs. These were
*' not all the same size, and no doubt both hens had
" contributed to the clutch. In shape they were
*' rather elongated, and in colour white delicately
" tinged with pink. I was delighted however to see
"the cock had at once commenced to rebuild the
" same nest and was already hard at work there,
" while the two hens seemed not at all distressed at
" the calamity."

Dr. Russ then goes on to say that Herr Duhring kindly
sent him the birds he writes abont, together with a specimen
(for comparison) of the Dark -red Firefinch, the differences
between the two being, according to our author, as follows :
The red in the new birds is by no means dark
crimson, but distinctly a bright scarlet with a de-
cidedly yellowish tinge. Then the colour of their

98

upper surface is not washed with olive-greenish, but
with yellowish ; the occiput has no tinge of red, but
is a clear ashy grey. Another marked point of differ-
ence is that in the Dark-red Firefinch the under tail-
coverts are plain rusty black, while in the others they
are edged with red ; the bill in the new birds is also
lighter and bluer. The females too can easily be dis-
tinguished, Duhring's bird having an almost orange
wash over the plumage.

In reference to the general colour of the two birds, Dr.
Russ gives a foot-note for which he is indebted to an artist
friend, Herr Meyerbeer, who describes the colour of the Dark-
red Firefinch as a crimson, that technicall}' known as true
"Vandyke red," while that of the male of the other species is
*' Caput mortuum red," the hen being ochreous brown. This
ma}' interest some of our artistic readers. Dr. Russ then
continues thus :

After searching the whole literature of the sub-
ject, I have come to the conclusion that this bird is
that named by Heuglin Aigi7itha (^Lago?iosticta) rho-
dopareia, although in this bird the vent and under tail-
coverts are stated to be black, which is certainly not
the case in the birds we are dealing with. I cannot
at present be quite sure that this difference is suffi-
ciently marked to neccessitate the separation of
Duhring's bird as a valid species. It is to be hoped
their possessor will succeed in breeding them, or in
the event of their death will be able to get their
identity definitely settled. Should they turn out to
belong to a new and hitherto undescribed species,
I name them Duhring's Firefinch (^^ghitha djcJwmgi,
Rss.), and conclude with a hope that we shall hear
more of them in the future.

' 99

Birt)5 ill the Great Jfire wtMcb
3ev>a6tateD San fraiictsco, aprtl 1906.

By Dr. F. W. D'Evei^yn, F.G.S. Cal.

In the midst of every tragedy there is a dash of
comedy, and the above calamity was no exception.
The earthquake struck the city just at dawn, 5.13
a.m. The immediate results were many and serious.
Scarcely had the rumble of the temblor and the
crash of falling masonry passed away ere a general
fire alarm made known to the citizens that a new, and
as it ultimately proved to be, a more disastrous agent
had intruded its unwelcome presence. From a dozen
centres at once flames burst forth, and present!}- the
van-guard of what was soon to become a general
exodus appeared, the fleeing householders retreating
in sullen reluctance before the advancing flames,
which were destined to lay waste one tenth of the
city's area and almost seven-eights of the residences.

This cavalcade was a sad sight — smoke-begrimed,
fire-scorched, nerve- wrecked ; the sad procession,
almost at times shut in by the flames, made for the
wider streets and parks. My hotel faced one of these
latter, and the late occupants and refugees soon
crowded it to its utmost capacity.

Canaries in cages, parrots on broom-handles,
cockatoos in gilded aviaries from the wealthy homes
already claimed space among the palms and semi-
tropical foliage plants. But when the stream of
humbler folk joined the current one saw demonstra-
tions of nature study and "out door life" in the pets
of all varieties lugged along — precious but serious
impedimenta in the struggle to save the bits o' things
that went to make up worldly effects.

lOO

One dear old lad}^ whose white hair hung unkempt
upon her pallid face, carried a coal-scuttle in one hand
and in the other a breeding cage, with nests, seed
boxes, and two terror-stricken Canaries. The hygienic
condition of the cage would have struck dumb the
editor of Bird Notes, and it proved beyond argument
that the honeymoon of the fair songsters was not an
ideal one. Next came a little Italian boy with a stump-
tailed Parrakeet hanging by beak and claws to his
coat-collar, while he tugged along a demi-john of
** foot wine." Later one met with a business - like
mechanic with a paper-protected, red-stained cage.
In one corner crouched a '* Grey Linnet" who at that
time, no doubt, yearned for the quiet, gorse-covered
moors of dear old Albion.

By noon the flames had devastated an area one
mile long by one and a half miles in width ; the water
mains were broken, the fire absolutely beyond control,
the big mercantile houses, banks, churches, and
public buildings one sea of seething, blast-furnace
conflagration.

On the opposite side of the main street stood the
famous " Call'' building, a magnificent stone structure
capped by a restaurant, the loftiest in the world and
the resort of all tourists, who enjoy from its windows
an unequalled panoramic view of the city, bay, and
foot-hills. Alongside this structure were a number of
smaller ones, one of which was the famous " Old Crow
Whiskey Saloon." The window of this saloon was
entirely at the disposal of two crows, who always had
a numerous audience outside as they disported them-
selves on a ten-foot tree stump, ate raw beef, and
drank whiskey. One was especially a celebrity ;

' lOI

could talk, whistle, and when drunk outrivalled a
vaudeville comedian. This specimen had a crippled
wing.

The fire was very intense, and the heat was
magnified b}^ the dense smoke-clouds and great showers
of sparks. At this time I was in my office, almost
directly opposite, and was surprised in the midst of
the trouble by the appearance of a large bird, which
at first I took for a pigeon, flying out of the fire-zone
and lighting upon the window sill. On closer inspec-
tion I recognized the sound specimen of the two
crows. The poor thing was terror stricken and hung
to the heated window for only a moment, and then flew
over the corner of the building to an adjacent house
top, simply to experience, I am afraid, but a temporary
respite from the fiery fate which befell his loquacious
companion. The bird had escaped when the heat
broke the plate glass window of thie saloon.

One of the most extraordinary bird escapes was
the case of a Canary. Its cage had been crushed
by the falling-in of a building. It was absolutely flat
except at one corner, about life-size, in which was
imprisoned the bird. This still lives and sings, a
bright speck amidst the debris of the stricken city.

My office building lasted, like an oasis in the
desert of flame, until after midnight. I was on special
duty. I retreated then by the one avenue of escape,
already deserted, and ultimately reached the park I
spoke of above, and found everything abandoned,
birds, chattels, and baggage alike. The military had
driven the populace just ahead of the fire as it
advanced. Here I had to drop my personal eff"ects —
you could have walked a mile or so on the tops of
abandoned trunks.

I02

I am pained to relate that half an hour later the
poor birds were burned amidst the baggage which had
taken fire from the heat of the burning buildings (the
famous St. Francis Hotel being among them). I
escaped with a partial suit of clothes which I was
wearing, and in which I had stowed the April, 1905,
cop\^ of Bird Notes and the March number of Cage
Birds, which had been lying upon my desk, and which
I snatched up as I said good-bye to my office.

And this is all that remains of my nature Library.
But, patient editor and still more patient reader, the
story is already too long and I can only conclude in
the sentiment of the following: —

A few days before the calamity I visited an old
cobbler, a character and a "natural" bird fancier.
His store, a large, big windowed room, and window
rich in a tapestry of cob-webs, dust, and grime; a
dozen or more cages, piled high with seed husks and
droppings, occupied by Canaries, native Linnets,
" Gold Finches," and some unclassified specimens
hung upon the wall— this was the picture presented.
His mother wit and instinct took the place (not being
a member of the F.B.C.) of fact and science.

In a little wretched cage, rendered even more
forbidding by the bright beams of Californian sunshine,
hung a solitary specimen of the Sociable Finch, or, as
the cobbler said, "soger" Finch. He said "Watch
him," and presently the little bird burst into one of
those silent rhapsodies of song, accompanied \>y the
expanded tail and odd body movements, so familiar to
our members. The old cobbler with a gleam in his
eye and a broad, but ungraceful grin upon his rugged
face, exclaimed: "Look at him! Look! He is doing

lO-

his damnedest to be happy." That, Mr. Editor, (with
apologies to the Rev. C. D. Farrar) is what we are
trying to do in far distant San Francisco.

ManDeiincie in the %oo-

By J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.vS., F.Z.S.
[Coiitmued from page 64.)

In this and the next paper it is my intention to
notice the occupants of the Parrot House, but since
the Gardens have lately been the recipient of a fine
collection of other species, I think I might, for the
sake of those who may not have seen the announce-
ments in the press, just say a word or two about
some of the birds from the Earl of Crawford's yacht
** Valhalla."

Among these birds, of which many are quite new
to us, are a Black Hangnest from South America,
three thrush-like Bulbuls, known as the Thick - billed
Bulbul {Ixoci?icia crassirosU'is), and only found in the
Seychelles, three Cholmley's Rock Partridges, six
Bocage's Red-eyed Doves, four Hemprich's Gulls, and
two Sacred Ibises from the Aldabra Islands, rented by
Lord Rothschild. These last birds are always to be
seen in the large Aviary, and they breed nearly every
year in the Gardens. Their name of " Sacred " is
derived from their having been objects of worship
among the ancient Egyptians, and mummified .speci-
mens are commonly met with. The Hemprich's Gull
is a fine species, hitherto unknown here ; it has dark
brown upper parts, white front, black feet, and a
yellow bill tipped with bright red; and, unlike mo.st

I04

gulls, prefers a hot climate, being found on the shores
of the Arabian Sea.

:^4 * ^ ^t -is. ^1

The first Parrot House was built in 1833, just five
or six years after the foundation of the Society. Then
in 1851 a house was built for Mr. Gould's collection of
Humming Birds — which adorns the gallery of the
Natural History Museum— and this house was subse-
quently converted into a Parrot House. In 1880 it
was reconstructed, and last year new cages to the
number of seven were built on to it, part of them
being out in the open and part shut in for sleeping
purposes etc. These seven cages are inhabited by
about 23 birds, including the Grand and the Cardinal
Eclectus, and specimens of the Red-sided and Wester-
mann's Eclectus are to be seen inside. The Eclecti
are a branch of the family Psittacidcs and aroused a
good deal of attention some years ago because of
the great difference in colouring between the males
and females. The adult males are green, the adult
females bright red, and the young of both sexes are
reddish, without any indication of green even in the
young male.

In one of the cages are three Black - headed
Caiques ; then we come to two Pale-headed Parra-
keets, two Red-winged Parrakeets and three Yellow-
vented Parrakeets. With seven Varied Lorikeets and
four Red-collared Lorikeets, the occupants of the out-
side cages come to an end.

Inside there are no less than 150 representatives
of the large order Psittacijormes ; and besides these
there are about two dozen cages full of foreign finches.

Being so crowded, the inmates of the Parrot

105

House, (some of them being the most lovely birds in
creation as regards colouring,) do not appear to receive
that amount of attention of which they are worthy ;
perhaps the noise drives people away as soon as they
have entered, or perhaps people are not so fond of
parrots as of other birds ; nevertheless no one can
fail to notice the lovely Macaws— a row of twelve of
all colours of the rainbow chained to perches instead
of being kept in cages, and which are arrayed outside
when the weather is suitable. The meaning or origin
of the word Macaw, formerly spelt *' Maccaw," is
obscure. It is probably an aboriginal name. The
Blue and. Yellow species is the one most often seen in
captivity and a Crystal Palace show is now seldom
without one ; then comes the Red and Blue ; others are
rarely kept in private houses. There are three Macaws
in cages, the Noble, the Severe, and Spix, as they are
called. The two former are green and very much
smaller than those previously mentioned.

The Cockatoos number fourteen, including the
Roseate, Sulphur, and Citron-crested, and the Greater
White Crested, Leadbeater's, Slender-billed, Triton,
Ducorp's, Blood - stained, and Goffin's Cockatoo.
" Cockatoo " is a very old-established word, having
been in use with some slight modification of spelling
for over 200 years, and was undoubtedly taken from
the cry. The Malay word is Kakatua. The Triton
has the naked skin round the eye blue instead of
white, otherwise it resembles the Sulphur-crested.
{To be continued).

io6

lE&itorial

SCIENCE AND AVICULTURE :— A correspond-
ence has been going on lately in our contemporary, 7"/^^
Avicidhtral Magazine, in which my name appeared,
but in which it did not seem advisable for me to take
part, seeing that I met with as much less than justice
on the one side as more than justice on the other.
Now however that it is probably at an end I shall send
a short and uncontroversial letter to set both parties
right on certain points of fact, and that these points
of fact may be made as widely known as possible, I
propose briefly to allude to them here.

A certain good friend of mine wrote with the
desire of calling attention to various matters connected
with what might be called avicultural "Reform," and
which during the last eight or ten years have been
more or less before the avicultural world. As a con-
sequence probably of my earnest and constant efforts
for the last three years in our own small circle of bird
lovers as a propagandist of doctrines I know to be
true, there is a general tendency to associate me
rather too intimately with the doctrines themselves,
and my friend therefore spoke of the various con-
clusions as though they were definitely mine and mine
only.

I was not the discoverer of Septicaemia in birds,
nor of the fact that it is by most people mistaken for
Tuberculosis, nor of the fact that there is often an
intimate connection between it and ^%% food. Those
of our members who have Vols. II., III. and IV.
of Bird Notes can easily satisfy themselves of this.
Although, as has been repeatedly stated by Dr.

' I07

Clarke, different animal Septicaemias in general had
been noticed and described by others, it was he who
first studied and worked out the pathology of the
disease in birds. This he did in its entirety ; its
histological characters, the similarity or identity of
its bacillus with that found in putrefying egg, the
manner of its production, the infection and inoculation
with it of previously healthy birds, both domestic and
wild, its characters when transmitted to rodents, the
effects of drugs both on cultures and on living birds,
all these points and others, constituting a long and
laborious original research, were established by him
years before I had the pleasure and advantage of his
friendship, as will be seen by my numerous quotations
and references thereto in the "Story of Bird-Death."
When, having my attention drawn by an allusion in
the press to his work, I made his acquaintance, he
was good enough to place at my disposal the stores of
material and evidence he had accumulated, and both
then and since has given me every help in his power,
with the result that during my search for tuberculosis,
I have found nothing but a verification of his con-
clusions. That, and the missionary work among
aviculturists which has aroused such mixed expres-
sions of feeling, is my connection with the subject,
and so far I hold myself identified with it.

As regards the value of fresh air and aseptic con-
ditions :— there again I lay no claim to originality.
That " fresh air is of more importance to birds than
" warmth has long been known to most aviculturists "
is perfectly true, — as the Editor of T/ie Avicidhiral
Mao-a2i7ie tells us. It was— I am sure— known to
most intelligent aviculturists long before I began

io8

to write. But that few of these aviculturists have
insisted on the point is equally true, and that there is
need even now of this insistence on the part of some-
body or other is shown by the following passage, taken
from an article which appeared in the same magazine
last month from the pen of a prominent keeper of
birds, — "The one great danger to be guarded against
'*is — Fkesh Air! ! ! Say what you like, with delicate
'' birds, Fresh ah' kills, while a stuffy atmosphere,
"objectionable though it be, need not do so, nor need
"it sow the seeds of disease or impair the health."

As regards the necessity of microscopical exami-
nation in correctly determining the cause of a bird's
death : — that is merely a corollary to Dr. Clarke's work,
and as such would be apparent to any medical man
with any knowledge of modern medical requirements.
So there again I can lay no claim to originality.

These last two points belong therefore to anybody
and everybody who has ever read any modern medi-
cine or paid any attention to modern hygiene : the
first belongs in its entirety to Dr. Clarke. My part
has lain in recognizing truths when I saw them, and
in passing them on to others. With that lam content.

COLOUR CHANGE IN THE SEPOY FINCH:

— Mr. Castle-Sloane tells me that since he wrote the
paper which appeared in our last issue, the male bird
of his pair has lost its brilliant scarlet colour, and is
now of an orange yellow with more or less red
blotches. This change began to take place at the
beginning of the year, and did not seem to be accom-
panied by any change of feather. One is reminded
by this of some other birds in which red tends to be

109

replaced by yellow when in captivity, such as the
Redpoll and the Crossbill. A few years ago one of
the latter birds came into my possession while in its
first feather, and although a male bird and kept in an
outdoor aviary, it never even assumed its proper
colour, but put on the greenish yellow of the female
at its first moult. It soon afterwards unfortunately
escaped.

COLOUR VARIATION IN THE FIREFINCH :—

Dr. Hopkinson writes to me on May 4 as follows : —
" I have got a few rather interesting birds. . . .
'* about two dozen of the rarer Firefinches, including
'' a colour variety of the Common Firefinch, real
"orange colour instead of red. Caught half coloured
" in this state, so the tendency to get pale cannot be
•' the result of captivity as I always thought. Russ
" describes a similar bird he had one specimen of from
" Benguela as a distinct species, but I suppose it was
''really only an abnormally feathered individual."

For certain " reds " in avian colouration to be re-
placed by their subsidiary yellows is no uncommon
occurrence. In those varieties of fancy pigeons in
which yellows and creams are found, and are recog-
nized as standard colours, it is a matter of frequent
procedure to breed yellows and reds together, for the
purpose of keeping up the depth of the yellow. And
all through these varieties the yellow subvarieties
appear to have been the last established, and to be the
easiest to lose.

GREY AND GREEN SINGING FINCH HY-
BRIDS :— In Mr. Dart's aviary are to be seen three
specimens of this hybrid flying about in their first

no

feather. The cross itself is not perhaps so difficult to
get, and it has been recorded on more than one
occasion, but in this particular case there is a point of
some interest. In the same compartment as in which
the grey male and green female parents of these
hybrids are living, there are also three other Green
Singing Finches, a cock and two hens. It is usually
thought that it is impossible to hybridize with any hen
so long as a male of her own species is in the same
enclosure, but here at any rate that rule has been set
on one side, for not only are the two households pal-
pably quite distinct, but the young birds also show
their parentage beyond any dispute.

PERSONAL :— The readers of Bird Notes will join
with me in congratulating Dr. D'Kvelyn on his having
escaped the dangers and terrors of the awful fire at
San Francisco, so graphically described in the paper
he has been kind enough to contribute to our pages.
At the same time our sympathies go out to him for his
loss of home and all worldly effects, and also our hopes
that he may soon find an enhanced prosperity spring-
ing up out of the ashes of misfortune.

W. Geo. Ckeswkll.

IReview.

A Pocket-Book of British Birds. By E. F. M. Elms. Small
8vo., cloth, 2/6. West, Newman & Co. 1906.
In seeking the suffrages of the ornithological
public by the presentation of this little book to its
notice, the author deserves every success. Strongly
enough bound to stand pocket wear, printed on good,

Ill

easily handled paper, and withal only three-eighths of
an inch in thickness, it yet contains 143 pages teeming
with just the information that a field rambler requires.
And not only the field rambler will find it useful ;—
as a book of ready reference in the study it can be
highly commended by reason of the particularly
systematic manner in which the information is
arranged.

The following extract, taken at random, will serve
as a good illustration of the vudtum in parvo character
of Mr. Elms' judicious compilation.

WOOD WARBLBR or WOOD WRKN.
{Phylloscopjcs sibilatrix).

Migrant; April to September. Generally distributed;
local in Scotland, rare in Ireland.

Haunts.— As last, but essentially a bird of the woods.

Observation. — Distinguished from its congeners by its larger
size, brighter appearance, and rather longer wings.

P/wwao-^.—Superciliary streak over eyes bright yellow.
Chin, throat, and breast white, suffused with yellow ; upper
parts yellowish green ; wings greyish brown, edged with
yellowish and tipped with white. Belly white. Rump and
thighs yellow. Bill and legs brown. Length 5jin. Female
similar. Young, yellower than adults.

La7i(riLage. — Song, clear and sweet, beginning slowly, then
becoming faster, and ending in a tremulous, sibilous note,
thus — "twit-twit-twit-tit-tit-tit-ti-ti-ti-i-i-i." Call note, " tee-er."
Alarm note, " pi-o."

Habits. — Very similar to last two. Very restless and active
in its movements. Specially fond of beech and oak trees.

Food. — Insects and their larvae. Small soft fruits.

Nest. — May. Probably one brood only.

Site.— On or very near the ground, well concealed by grow-
ing herbage, and nearly always in a wood, copse, or the like.

Materials.— Bead leaves, grass, and moss, lined with finer
grass and horse hair. Note.— Feathers never used as a lining
like the last two. Nest cave-shaped.

112

Eggs. — Five to seven. White, well spotted and speckled
with dark brown and purplish grey. Often zoned.

Such is the excellent method with which the
author treats those birds which are regular inhabi-
tants or more or less regular visitors. As an example
of his tersely informative manner when speaking of
our rarer birds we append the following : —

RED-NECKED GREBE
{Podicgps griseigena).
A rare winter visitor to our coasts, sometimes appearing in
considerable numbers. It has a small, almost black crest, lost
in winter; the cheeks and throat are greyish white, and the
upper parts dark brown, with conspicuous white patch on the
secondaries. Front of neck chestnut red; under parts silky
white. Length i8in. In general habits, language, and food it
resembles the last. It breeds in sub-Arctic regions.

Mr. Elms rightly prefers the field glass to the
gun as his weapon of aggression, and makes a very
pertinent remark to the effect that he wotild like to
see " fewer obituary notices of birds in the papers
" devoted to Ornithology."

poet fIDortem 1Repoit6-

{Vide Rules).

Bl,ACKBiRD. (Mr. Howe).) There was nothing infectious in
this case. The liver had been congested a long time and
was affected in parts with a fatty degeneration.

Bui,r.FlNCH. (Mrs. Miller.) This bird, like many of its species
when captive, died from the remote effects of over eating,
the immediate cause being apoplexy.

Cordon Bi^ku and Orange - cheeked Waxbif,!,. (Mrs.
Vernon). These birds, both recently purchased, died of
enteritis.

LADY DUNLEATH FEEDING
THE PENGUINS.

[To face page 113.

113

Greenfinch. (Mrs. McAdam). Very emaciated, this bird
had old established disease of the liver, congestion of this
organ having resulted in fatty degeneration.

W. Geo. Creswri,!,.

Correspon&euce.

PENGUINS, ETC., AT BAIyLYWALTER PARK.

Sir, — My birds have come through the winter very well
on the whole. This year I took the Cordon Bleus into the
conservatory aviary as I found if left out during the winter
they did not breed well in the summer. The only new birds in
my aviary are a Yellow-backed Whydah which I bought in
Paris from M. Traverser, 24, Quai du Louvre — I mention the
name and address as I was particularly impressed by the way
he kept his birds— very clean and not overcrowded and very
few sickly ones among them. I am sure that if other dealers
took as much care of the health of their birds there would be
far less disease and death. I have always found his birds
strong and healthy. My other new bird is a lovely Waxwing
given me by a man in Belfast to whom it was sent by a man in
Russia, and who had no means of keeping it. At the moment
of writing I have had it ten days, and it looks the picture of
health and beauty. I turned it out in the aviary at once. It
feeds on currants (dried) and fruit.

I still have my two Flamingoes, one white and one pink, —
quite tame, and three pairs of Canadian Geese. The two
young ones that were reared last year flew away in November,
and three weeks ago a magnificient gander appeared among
the others, and we suppose it was one of those that flew away
returning to its home, but we could not catch it and the others
have driven it away. I have also two Penguins— they are
most charming birds and very amusing — I first brought one
over at Easter from Hamlyn, and we had great difficulty in
feeding it. It was absolutely fearless and would bite very hard
if caught. We had to catch it every day and open its beak to
put a piece of fish and raw meat down ; after a week I sent

114

for a coinpaiiiou for it. It arrived, a smaller and very spritely
bird, ill two days it began to take fish out of my hand and in a
week they both dived into the water for pieces thrown in for
them. They swim and dive magnificiently and when dry they
go back into their shed of their own accord. They follow us
about, and the other day one was found sitting bolt upright in
the smoking room, having come into the house through the
conservator}'.

I have also three Sheldrakes and some imported Canadian
Turkeys, a good many Wild Ducks and East Indian Green
Ducks and one pair of White Callducks. Water hens come up
from the stream and feed with all my birds and are quite tame ;
the ducks make their nests in the woods and pampas grass,
and we put them and their young ones in a rat-proof enclosure
as soon as they bring them out.

I also have some Silver Pheasants.

All these birds are loose in the Park, and I feed them every
morning. I have not mentioned the pigeons which also join
the happy family — Tumblers, Runts, White Fantails and
Pouters.

I am sorry to say I have never succeeded in rearing any
Gouldians. So many have died with me when in magnificent
plumage and seemingly good health, both out of doors and
indoors, that I have given them up. Once a Red-headed pair
built in the outdoor aviary, but a Parrakeet got in by accident
and killed the hen and all her young ones, and I have never
succeeded in inducing them to build again. I hope to have
more news for 5'ou at the end of the season.

N. L. F. DuNr^EATH.

[The readers of Bird Notes cannot fail to be charmed with
Lady Dunleath's delightful photographs of the very uncommon
pets which she has succeeded in taming. From a private
letter I gather that these specimens are examples of the Black-
footed or Cape Penguin fSpheniscus demersus) , a species found
at the Cape of Good Hope, and the only one, I believe, that is
encountered so far north. Very interesting descriptions of the
breeding "rookeries" of Penguins are given in Captain Scott's
account of his Antarctic explorations. — Ed.]

,"5

Re MACAWS.

Sir,— I am desirous of keeping a Macaw. Would any or
your readers be kind enough to inform me which species is to
be most recommended as a talker and generally speaking as a
pet ? Should these birds be kept on stands or in cages }

Any further information of any kind with regard to them
and their management would be much appreciated, for instance
probable price, and how they are to be obtained.

Grasshopper.

[The above letter has been referred to Mr. Camps, who
kindh' replies as follows. — Ed.]

Sir, — There are four or five species of the Macaw imported
into this country, all of which I have kept except the " All
Blue."

If, as your correspondent says, he wants a talker I should
recommend the Blue and Yellow, since these I have found
usually make the best linguists. They are capable of repeating
short sentences, but their capacity is not very great. They
shriek terribly at times, and are generally of a spiteful dis-
position. If it is decided to purchase one, care should be taken
that it is quite tame and can be handled ; otherwise its owner
may have trouble, as old birds are very spiteful.

It is not advisable to keep a ]Macaw in a cage because his
gorgeous tail will certainly be spoiled, and the soiled condition
of the cage would become a nuisance. The bird should be on
a stand, fastened with a ring on foot and chained. I have kept
them in this manner in perfect condition.

With reference to feeding, this should be the same as for an
Amazon Parrot, — hemp, maize and canary seed, monkey nuts
and fruit of any kind in season. Water of course ad lib. I
shall be pleased to give any further particulars required.

H. T. T. Camps.

BIRDS IN EAST AFRICA.

vSiR, — Reading " The East African Protectorate," the
valuable book published last year by Sir Charles Eliot, the
late Commissioner for the Protectorate, I found the following

ii6

interesting passage in the chapter devoted to the animals ot

that part of the Continent.

"With some striking exceptions, the birds of East Africa

**are remarkable for their large size rather than for their

" numbers or their brilliant plumage. Besides Ostriches, there

'* may generally be seen from the Uganda Railway, between

" Makindu and Nairobi and in the Rift Valley, large Storks and

" Bustards, as well as an occasional Secretary bird. On the

" borders of lakes and rivers, waterbirds — Cranes, Pelicans, or

" Flamingoes, according to the locality — are generally present

"in enormous crowds. Particularly beautiful are the Crowned

" Cranes and the snow-white Egrets. A very conspicuous bird

" in the uplands at some times of the year is Jackson's

"Weaver. The male, which has immensely long tail feathers

" that give him somewhat the appearance of a flying tadpole, is

"generally accompanied by a whole harem of females, before

" whom he is said to display his charms by dancing in a specially

" constructed bower or playground. A characteristic inhabitant

"of the lower forests is the Hornbill, a large bird with a huge

"beak. It is of very friendly disposition, and will follow a

"caravan for many miles, chattering all the time. Among

"game birds, whose flesh affords excellent eating, may be

" mentioned the Kanga or Guinea-fowl, the Lesser Bustard,

"wild Pigeons, and various kinds of Spur-fowl, belonging, I

"believe, to diff'erent genera from those found in other parts

"of the world."

"Forest of Dean."

All rights reseived.'] ■ _ [JULY, 1906

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

^be Great Crownet) pigeon.

(^Goicra coronatd)
By W. Geo. Creswei^Iv.

The imposing looking bird which is here figured
by the kind permission of our Vice-President, Dr.
Chalmers Mitchell, may be regarded as the type of a
group of seven species, which according to some
ornithologists constitute one of the four subfamilies
into which they divide the Columbidae. The other
six species are G. sclateri, G. albertisii, G. scheepmakeri,
G. victoria, G. becca7'ii, and G. cinerea. They are all
inhabitants of New Guinea, and appear each of them
to favour some special quarter of that great island
and its surrounding smaller islands in the matter of
habitat.

The particular species under notice is of very
large size, being from 29 to 31 inches in length; its
habits are terrestrial rather than arboreal ; and in
common with its closely related congeners it lays only
one ^'g^ to a nest. The delicately laced crest is not
the least striking of its attractive characters, but it is
not always that it can be seen to such advantage as
might be inferred from Mr. Dando's charming photo-
graph, for this gentleman tells me that he waited — I
think he said some hours— at any rate a considerable

ii8

time before he was fortuuate enough to secure the
negative.

In a curious book written and published in 1858
by John M. Eaton may be found a description of this
bird, " extracted from the learned and excellent work,
"the Naturalist's Library (Ornitholog}^, Vol. 5 ; Galli-
" naceous Birds, Part 3 — Pigeons. — By Pridkaux
" Selby, Esq." From this we learn that the voice of
the male is " a hoarse murmuring or cooing, accom-
"panied by a noise seemingly produced by the com-
"pression or forcible ejection of the air contained
*' within the thorax, something similar to that so
" frequently heard from the turkey."

Eaton also gives a coloured plate of the bird by
Dean Wolstenholme of by no means indifferent merit,
considering the date of its appearance, and in his
inimitably quaint diction furnishes us with items of
some interest as to its value in this country so far back
as 1851. " At the sale of the late Earl of Derby, at
" Knowsley, 185 1, lot 461 was five of these Crowned
" Pigeons. I have seen them ; they are very hand-
" some ; they do not appear to have bred at Knowsley,
"or any place I am aware of in this country

" Since writing the last paragraph .... I was in
" company with my brother fancier, M. CORKER ; we
"had to pass through Leadenhall Market, made up
" our minds to call on Mr. Castang, ' for Auld Lang
"Syne' as a matter of course, over which Fanciers
"have no control, the Fancy was uppermost, talking
" of the greatest weight of Runts, the idea came into
" my head of the great Crown Pigeon (I saw, I believe,
" at the Baker Street Bazaar, Poultry and Pigeon
" Show), I asked Mr. Corker and Mr. Castang if

, 119

** they could give me the weight of the great Crowned
"Pigeon, I mentioned five were sold at the sale of
'' the late spirited Fancier the Earl of Derb3^ Mr.
" Gastang went into his counting-house and brought
" out the catalogue, I referred him to lot 461, he was
"at the sale, I could not §0, it was arranged at the
" sale to divide the birds, one lot a pair sold for twenty-
" pounds, the lot of three sold for thirty-pounds, to
"return to the weight of a pair of these birds, Mr.
" Castang said ; to the best of his recollection, they
" were the size of middling turkeys, he thought they
" would weigh about sixteen pounds per pair, . . ."

In contrast with the above prices it is interesting
to note that last year a pair was bought, to the best of
my recollection, by one of our members for eight
pounds from a Florentine dealer.

According to Professor Newton the name Goura
is presumably of Eastern origin and was given to this
bird by Sonnerat in 1776. This authority' states that
it has been bred in captivity but " has as yet evinced
*'no readiness to domestication, which is to be re-
" gretted when we consider its large size and the
"becoming appearance it makes with its erect crest,
" its colouring of lavender-grey with a chestnut mantle
" and white wing-patch, to say nothing of its stately
" gait."

I20

3ntelli^cnce in Bir&6 auD otber Hntmals.

By R. H. CI.ARKE, M.A., M.B.

There are a few more observations I may perhaps
be allowed to make on the subject I referred to last
month, and I will anticipate a probable objection, that
I am going beyond the generally recognised limits of
ornithology, by saying that if such matters are foreign
to ornithology I don't think the}^ ought to be, and I
will give my reasons, premising however that my
explanation is addressed to those who breed or keep
birds not as "fanciers" for the market and the show
room, but as genuine amateurs, whose pleasure it is to
study their pets without considering their value in
cash or prizes. To such people the exhibition of
character and intelligence in their animals is always
interesting, and I do not suppose that their interest is
diminished by realising that many traits which appear
simple, and even commonplace, may be of scientific
value.

In the first place, experience shows that progress
in biology depends upon the simultaneous stud}^ of
structure and function ; it is no use pursuing one with-
out the other; and at the present time there is a
tendency for the investigation of the structures of the
nervous centres to outstrip the study of their functions.
Then there is a peculiarity about intelligent acts, that
they require to be performed naturally and sponta-
neously; they cannot be reproduced at will like many
physiological functions under the conditions of an
artificial experiment, and the opportunities of ob-
serving them may only occur to those who can spend
long hours in watching their animals in fairly natural
conditions. Partly from such difficulties, and also from

- 121

want of care in making and recording observations,
much valuable information has been wasted, and it may
be useful to point out to those who have opportunities
of observation, errors which have caused the waste of
material I have mentioned, and to suggest precautions
which careful observers should never neglect, in the
hope that some readers may be induced to turn their
opportunities to account.

At the outset it is well to recommend caution in
dealing with anything exceptional or sensational lest
it should prove to be a mare's nest, but anyone may
encounter something extraordinary, and if that should
be our fortune we should be content to record the fact
in the simplest way, avoiding embellishment and
exaggeration, and what is still more dangerous, the
substitution of inference for fact, and having sub-
mitted the evidence as impartially as possible, let us
leave the reader to judge for himself and draw his own
conclusions. It is well to remember that evidence
which tends to establish the existence of some well
defined quality is especially valuable ; as examples, I
may mention instinct, where there is no conscious
intention, and reason, where there is evidence of an in-
ductive faculty and calculated purpose. Then again
memory, affection, (and this may be sexual or indepen-
dent of such attraction), jealousy, hatred, and so on.
It is a definite step to know whether a bird or animal
possesses any of these qualities or not.

When any fresh fact is observed it is desirable to
repeat the circumstances if possible, and if this can be
done several times all the better, as opportunities are
afforded for correcting error if by any chance it has
crept in. It is difficult, and perhaps impossible in

122

some cases, to distinguish between automatic and
intelligent acts, for instance the faculty of talking
possessed b)' Parrots and other birds ; which is it ?
It is generall}^ considered automatic, but many people
who have kept these birds are very positive that they
understand at least some of the things they sa}^ and
they give instances which are difficult to explain
otherwise. The complete solution of this question
may be regarded as one of the problems of the future,
and its settlement will be facilitated by a careful record
of facts.

It is possible that the intelligence of birds maj^
differ somewhat in type as well as in degree from that
of the higher mammals. Structurally a bird's brain is
of a lower type than the intelligence some of them
exhibit might lead us to expect. If we compare draw-
ings of the same size of the brain of a reptile, a bird,
and a sheep, it will be seen at once that there is more
general resemblance between the brains of the bird
and the reptile than of the bird and the sheep, yet few
people would admit that a sheep was more intelligent
than a parrot. Of course in the first place it is wrong
to compare a creature which has been bred for cen-
turies for wool and mutton with a domestic pet.
We should compare a wild bird with a wild sheep.
Secondly as regards the relation of brain to body
weight, the bird has an advantage over the mammal.
So there are many factors in the problem, but it is an
interesting and important one, and we want every fact
that can be collected bearing on the nature and extent
of the intelligence of birds.

If records are to possess any value they must be
free from faults which disfigure much of the material

123

we possess, aud the errors may nearly all be traced to
one of three sources, viz. : (i) I^ove of the marvellous ;
(2) Confounding inferences or explanations of facts
with the facts themselves ; and (3) Failure to recognise
the proportion which must exist between the proba-
bility of an occurrence and the kind of evidence which
is required to establish it. These defects are not only
the cause of the errors to which I have alluded, but lie
at the root of most of the superstitions and quackeries
in the world ; I will give one or two instances in illus-
tration and support of this statement. A good many
years ago I picked up a book on animal intelligence
by a distinguished scientific author, I will not mention
names as I am only mentioning the matter as an
illustration, and have not got the book to refer to. In
the preface the author deprecated the fact that we
depended for our accounts of animal intelligence on
unscientific people who were not accustomed to weigh
evidence, and led one to anticipate very diff'erent results
now that the subject had fallen into competent hands
and that all the information would be carefully investi-
gated and might be implicitly relied on. Turning over
the leaves I found the story of a cat which used to
scatter bread crumbs in a garden, and then lie in wait
and pounce on the birds which had been attracted by
its ingenious artifice. This interesting occurrence had
not been actually observed by the author himself,
which was a great pity, but he gave it as authenticated
by a thoroughly reliable witness. I went on and pre-
sently came to an account of a horse which belonged
to the author (as well as the story). This animal used
to draw the slide of a corn shoot when it wanted a feed
of corn and open a window by pulling a cord 07i hot

124

7iiohts, When I got to hot nights I shut the book and
have never looked at it since. Horses are mischievous,
they are fond of nibbling things, and often lift latches
and draw bolts, and nothing is more likely than that a
horse should draw the slide of a corn shoot if he could
reach it, or pull a cord which opened a window, and
he would be as likely to do it on a hot night as a cold
one ; but the deliberate suggestion of the chain of
reasoning which would induce him to do it because the
night was hot is outrageous, and under the circum-
stances quite unpardonable. Here we have first the
love of the marvellous, and secondly the introduction
of inference, and most unwarrantable inference at that,
instead of adhering to a plain statement of fact. In
contrast with this pretentious error it is refreshing to
note the real science conveyed in a remark by one who
made no claim to it. Whyte Melville put a sentence
into the mouth of a horse dealer "To avoid a falling
leaf a horse will jump over a precipice," which shows
how shrewd an observer the Major was, and exactly
conveys the kind of intellectual defect to which highly
bred horses are especially liable. An American horse
tamer, who was very clever at teaching horses tricks,
used to say " A horse has got two sides to his brain
and you must teach both sides or he will only be able
to do the trick on one." Which was a wrong ex-
planation, but a true statement of the fact, that a horse
has so little imagination that if he is taught a trick on
one side, he is unable to make the obvious correction
to apply it to the other, and the whole thing must be
gone through again.

Error No. 3, viz. disregard of the proportion
which evidence should bear to probability is a very

common vice. Natural laws are the expression of
universal experience, as, all men die, lead sinks in
water, etc., for examples, and the truth of such,
generalisations can only be impugned by an experience
as large as that which established them, 3'et, have we
not all seen the hesitation to believe a ghost story,
which set such natural laws at defiance, provoke
indignant remonstrance from the narrator?

As regards the connexion which should exist
between evidence and probability, Huxley gives an
admirable illustration ; here is the gist of it. If a
respectable man informed you that he had seen a pie-
bald horse in Piccadilly, you would accept his state-
ment without demur. If he told you he had seen
someone driving a zebra in the same place, you might
reasonably look for some corroboration, for zebras in
harness are very rare, they are difficult to break — it
might have been a horse very like a zebra which only
an expert could distinguish. Was your informant an
expert? and so on. It might be true, but on the other
hand it might not, and you want more evidence before
finally accepting it as a fact. But if your informant
said he had seen someone driving a centaur you would
know that the statement was false, and Huxley said
that if Johannes Muller, whom he regarded as the
greatest anatomist of his time, had told him he had
seen a centaur, he would not have believed him with-
out convincing corroboration, and we must agree that
is a fair statement of the case.

The origin of many superstitions might be traced
to the time honoured combination of the ignorance
of many and the impudence of one. Let us if possible
avoid identifying ourselves with either class as students

126

of science, confining ourselves to facts, and such ex-
planations and conclusions based on them as sound
logic can justify, and leave fiction and romance to
those whom they concern.

^be IBii'Os at Marorave.

By J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

Wargrave is one of the prettiest spots on the
river Thames, lying between Shiplake Lock and Marsh
Lock, about two miles above Henley. Although only
33 miles from London the bird life to be seen there
is extraordinary, and it would repay anyone interested
in ornithology to visit it in order to watch and take
records of the birds he would come across in a two or
three days holiday. This past Whitsuntide the weather
was lovely and the country could not have looked
better, — all the trees well out and fresh, showing off
their shades of green, all harmonizing most beauti-
fully with one another, and here and there interspersed
with some magnificent copper beeches and silver
birches, not to mention the flowering trees, such as
the may and chesnut in full blossom both red and
white, and the guelder rose, with the lovely green
grass beneath, all new and decked with numerous
different kinds of wild flowers, adding a change of
colour to the scene, and the meadows all yellow and
white with buttercups and daisies.

Our first day we came across some Swans with
five sweet little cygnets not long hatched, of a
chinchilla colour and with not at all a " swanny "
look about them ; the parents seemed tremendously
proud of them ; and the father was especially pleased

,127

with himself, following our punt and trying to get
what food he could out of us. The cygnets of all
Swans are at first grey, except those of the Polish
Swan, which are white and do not assume the adult
plumage until they have reached their second winter.

The particular species found on the Thames and
other waters in a semi-domesticated state is the Mute
Swan {Cy7i7is olor), and it is not certain whether the
Polish Swan is a distinct species or onl}^ a kind of
quasi -albino.

Flying overhead all the time were the different
species of Hirundines, the Sand-Martins building in
holes along the banks, distinguished by their brown
colour with white fronts and by being the smallest ;
the Swallows, brownish-white in front with lovely
shotty blue upper part showing off most beautifully
in the sun ; and finally the Swifts (which by the way
are not really Swallows at all) with their forked tails,
and of a brownish black all over, except the young
ones which show a little white on each feather edge.
The power of flight of these birds is extraordinary,
and, unlike the Swallow, by reason of the shortness
of their legs they are never seen to settle voluntarily
on the ground or perch on telegraph wires, &c. It was
most interesting to watch the Swallows catching
flies, some of them suddenly darting forth and almost
touching the water, others quite touching it and then
coming up into the air again to fly about in circles as
it appeared, often when flying coming so near that
one distinctly heard a whirr and turned aside to avoid
being hit.

Continuing along the banks we passed the homes
of many water fowl among the reeds and sedges,

128

such as the little Dabchick or Lesser Grebe, shy little
birds which sometimes ventured out into the middle of
the river to give an exhibition of their diving pro-
pensities, remaining under the water some time and
reappearing in quite unexpected places.

We then disturbed some Moorhens and Coots
which immediately got up and flew across the water,
making a hideous noise in doing so, while others,
braver than the rest, remained playing about quite
indifferent to our presence, and apparently knowing
full well that no harm would come to them, and
what safety the Thames Conservancy has placed them
in by adopting their protective bylaws. In many
cases birds almost came into the boat or stood quite
still along the bank while we passed close by them.
Especially did we notice this with regard to the
Wagtails, which darted from the bank over the water
to catch flies, hovering about all the while first up
in the air, then down to the water, and then from side
to side. It is really marvellous to see the ease with
which tliese birds catch insects, changing from one
position to another with extraordinary alacrity. The
Wagtails most commonly seen are the Pied or Water
Wagtails and the Yellow Wagtails.

Passing along by the bank under cover of the
willows we saw many Tree Creepers running zigzag
up the trunks, against which they press their pointed
tail feathers to aid them in their climb. They are
easily recognised by their small size, fine curved
bill, silvery breast and the white spots on the back.
They do not descend the trees, but fly from the top of
one to the base of another. We found one of their
nests in a hole in an old willow, a most perfectly made

129

home, lined with feathers and containing five eggs,
white with reddish spots at the larger end. This was
a rather late find since they build as a rule early in
May, but some say two broods are often reared.

Close by this tree another very interesting
spectacle was to be seen — a pair of Starlings rearing
their young in a hole in a silver birch. The young
family consisted of two, almost full grown, now and
then taking a peep at the world they were soon to flv
about in, but not yet having the pluck to venture out
on their own, big as they looked. But perhaps thev
were lazy and did not want the bother of finding food
for themselves, as the parents were indefatigable in
their flying to and fro with choice tit-bits from sun-
rise to sunset. And what a "to do" there was when
the father arrived with a big fat worm ! As a rule
birds are very shy when feeding their 5'oung, but
these were quite an exception, for people were
continually passing the tree and we sat watching their
domestic affairs for some hours, taking photographs
of them as well. It was interesting to watch the way
the droppings were always deposited outside the hole,
so as not to dirty the home inside.

Along this bank we also saw innumerable
Thrushes, as tame as could be. Blackbirds, Robins
as pretty as usual, and occasionally brave enough to
come on to the punt. Flycatchers capturing insects on
the wing to devour on their perches— an easy means
of recognizing these birds — Garden Warblers, Titmice,
(the Long-tailed Tit having the smallest body and
proportionately longest tail of the group). The
Great Tit, Cole Tit, Marsh Tit and the Blue Tit, all
of these were to be seen.

I30

Next to mention the Finches — the Greenfinch,
whose song is certainly prettier than most people
imagine, but here and there interspersed with some
harsh notes, the ubiquitous Sparrow, the beautiful
Chafiinch or Bachelor-finch, so called from the fact
that the males separate from the females about the
time of the Autumn migration, I,innets, Bullfinches
and Yellow Ammers.

Other birds we saw were Kingfishers, several
members of the Crow tribe. Plovers, making their
luelancholy noise incessautl}^ as we strolled home late
in the evening, and the Cuckoo, more often heard than
seen. We were very amused with one of these birds
which used to visit the trees in front of the house
every morning, calling its mate, getting hoarse
after every fifth call or so and then resting awhile to
begin a":ain.

Swans on tbe ^bames.

(Reprinted by pcrDiissioji from The S^irrey Comet).

Not one of the least interesting features of
Thames life is the presence in its waters of the
numerous colony of swans, members of which, almost
from source to sea, add life and beauty to many
picturesque scenes on its banks ; 3'et comparatively few
are aware how these graceful birds ever came there or
what means are taken to preserve and care for them.

Histor}^ hath it that the first pair was placed on
the river in the dim age when Richard I. ruled the
land, that valiant monarch having received them as a
present from a great lady in Cyprus — to which island
they were then almost solely indigenous — after one of

the then periodical crusades in defence of the national
religion. During the nine centuries that have elapsed
since then there have always been swans on the
Thames, and to-day they number between five and six
hundred. At one time there were as many as nine
hundred swan-owners on the Thames, so that giving
each of these the very moderate allowance of one
apiece, it is obvious the present number, large though
it seems, has been surpassed. Parenthetically, one is
led to wonder, how on earth did they know which was
whose ? There should have been a good opening for
a Chaffers, to catalogue the varied marks which
owners would have to employ to distinguish between
their own property and their neighbours'.

Nowadays the whole of the swans belong to the
King, the Vintners' Company and the Dyers' Company,
who own, roughh^ a third of the total each. It is a
little puzzling at first to know how apparently prosaic
people like vintners and dyers came to be connected
with such a distinctly esthetic addition to the river.
It is explained by the fact that in older da3^s an3'body
who was anybody — fortunately or unfortunately not
being able to indulge in a motor-boat — had a state
barge in which he periodically disported himself, and
someone with a nice discrimination for art, hit upon
this way of imparting a new feature to the water
scenes he was thus able to enjoy.

The King, and the two Companies named, ap-
pointed not only a Barge-master, but a Swan-marker
— oflSces which have now both merged into one, the
holder of which is called the Swan-Master. The
owners have each a separate mark for their birds, and
every swan on the Thames bears a distinctive badge

132

by which the expert ej^e knows to which of the three
it belongs. This is painlessly scratched with a knife
on the upper lip of the beak. In the case of the Royal
birds it takes the form of a diamond; the Companies'
marks being respectively a downward curve on the
edge of both sides of the lip and one such curve with
four perpendicular lines alongside. The process of
swan-marking, or swan-upping as it is technically
termed, takes place towards the end of July, after the
breeding season is well over. The three Swan-
masters and their assistants proceed up or down the
river together, the former in special uniforms some-
what of a naval cut in blue with gold bands, and the
latter in sweaters of red (King's), blue and white
(Vintners'), and blue (Dyers') ; the C3^gnets are caught,
and after being tallied with the Masters' records,
marked in the way described.

The breeding season in May lasts some three or
four weeks, during which time the male birds evince
a certain amount of pugnacity towards intruding
boating-parties, though it is rare for them to be the
aggressors when due regard is paid by users of the
river to the importance (from the swan's point of
view) of the occasion. The season is an anxious one,
and great care is taken of the mother birds on the
various nests by specially-appointed boatmen, who
receive a money grant for each cygnet successfully
hatched. The average number of young birds to a nest
is six — of which about three survive the vicissitudes
of early life — though occasionally they number as
many as eight, and this year there is an exceptional
nest of nine in the neighbourhood of Henley. Similar
care is taken of the birds throughout the year. The

. 133

numerous injuries they receive are regularl}^ doctored,
or if they are too severe for that, the bird is
destroyed. In winter it is not always easy to keep
them alive, although they are taken in and housed in
pigstyes and other edifices where they can be
sheltered from the cold. The punishment for killing
a Thames swan is a severe one, though it is rather
difficult to trace the offenders. The maximum
penalty is a fine of £5, and in past times, no doubt, it
was much heavier than that. It is interesting to note
that the swan is the only domesticated bird which can
legally inhabit the Thames except by special per-
mission, though the law against the putting of other
kinds, such as the harmless, necessary duck is, of
course, practically a dead letter. Altogether it will be
seen that the expense of swan-keeping is no light one.

The longevity of the Swan is remarkable, its
average life being fifty years, which period is occa-
sionally extended to as much as eighty or even
ninety years. In spite of this the numbers do not
increase appreciably, partly owing to the venturesome-
ness of the bird, which, as already alluded to, results
in a considerable thinning-out. Another cause is
found in the fact that thirty of the King's Cygnets
each Christmas come to an untimely end not wholly
unconnected with epicurean feasts in the halls of some
of the highest in the land — which latter fact is, no
doubt, some consolation. Others, richly prepared by
the art of the chef, go to grace the banquetting boards
of the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies every year —
their funeral rites being witnessed by their quondam
guardian angels, the Swan-Masters, who, in their

134

capacity as Barge - Masters, attend these feasts in
quaint and resplendent uniforms.

There are many species of swans, but those
placed in the Thames and elsewhere for ornamental
purposes, belong (with the exception of the Black
Swan) exclusively to one, which is denominated the
"Mute Swan." The birds of this species are un-
questionably the most handsome and, so to speak,
" swanlike" of all. They derive their name from the
fact that in the domesticated state they do not vent
their emotions noisily, except so far as occasional
low sibilant guttural sounds go. In the wild state,
however, it is said, they make a curious trumpeting
sound similar to that of another species known as the
" whooper " or whistling swan. Possibly Tennyson
had this in mind when he wrote that weird poem
"The Dying Swan," whose

" . , awful jubilant voice,
With a music strange and manifold.
Floated forth on a carol free and bold
As wlien a mighty people rejoices."

Another much -admired member of the swan-
tribe is the Australian Black Swan with its glossy
feathers and bright red beak. The Vintners' Compau}^
own the only specimens on the Thames, at Goring,
where a colony, the numbers of which are kept
strictly to thirty, is placed. These birds, though good-
looking, are both vain and vicious, and will have
nothing whatever to do with their white neighbours.
The much-maligned English climate would seem to
have affected their temper, for the\' feel the cold in-
tensely. The first pair brought over in comparatively
recent times quickly perished, and great care has to be

. 135

taken of the existing birds to keep them alive durinoj
the winter. The number of the Vintners' Black
Swans is limited as stated, by the giving away of the
surplus birds to such municipal and private owners of
ornamental waters as may apply for them.

EDitoriaL

''THE SWAN WITH TWO NECKS," AND
OTHER SWANS :— In the next issue of The Surrey
Comet after that containing the interesting paper re-
produced in this number, there appeared the following
apropos paragraph : —

Recalling the facts given in last week's " Comet " in refer-
ence to the marking of the Thames swans, one is reminded
of that seemingly curious anomaly, "The Swan With Two
Necks," still perpetuated by tavern signs up and down the
country. This curious creation seems to have been regarded
as an object of mystery for a long time, and Timbs, in his cor-
rection of curious errors, relates how " weak persons " were led
by the sign to accredit such anomaly. The mystery is explain-
ed in the substitution of a single letter, the sign being nothing
but a corruption of " The Swan With Two Nicks " or niches on
the bill, by which means they were marked and distinguished
by the owners just as they are to-day.

By the way, an interesting addition has been made to the
swans on the local reaches of the river during the past few
days in the arrival of a couple of full grown birds and five
cygnets. Their migration has been accomplished under some-
what unusual circumstances. The birds had brought their
little family into the world on a stream which serves a wharf
for workshops and warehouses Commercial-road way, and in
view of the fear that harm might come to the young througli
baulks of floating timber, the Vintners' Company were asked
to have them removed. Consequently one day towards the

136

close of last week the Swan-Master to the Vintners went from
Kingston, and after jndicious reconnoitring — for swans are
awkward customers to capture, particularly when the cares of
a family are upon them — the old birds were secureh^ sewn into
a couple of open flag baskets such as are used by carpenters.
In these, possiblj^ to them undignified vehicles, they accom-
plished the railway journey to Kingston.

In view of the approaching holida}' they were for a time
quartered at the rear of a well - known Kingston boathouse.
Having been released to the freedom of the Thames on Tuesday
morning the parent birds have practically lost that greyness of
tint naturally associated with a Pimlico stream, and as I saw
them last night defending their young against the intrusion of
a puppy from the Canbury Gardens, they are assuming airs
commensurate with their new aristocratic environment.

There appears hovirever to have been some
difificiilty attending the satisfactory final adjustment
of their new environment to these swans. " From in-
formation received " the older swanny inhabitants of
the particular reach proved rather more formidable
opponents to the new arrivals than the aforesaid
puppy dog. I hear that dire strife and trouble was
the order of the day for some time, but the ultimate
result I have not been able to gather. Probably the
cygnets suffered.

THE SHORTAGE OF NIGHTINGALES:— The

same newspaper, which by the way is far in advance
of most lay journals in the accuracy of its natural
history, as may readily be surmised from the fact that
W. J. Lucas of Dragon Fly fame is a regular contribu-
tor, gives on June 9th the following explanation of the
alleged decrease in the number of nightingales.

The "shortage" of nightingales, over which one of the
London daily papers was inclined to shed a tear of lamentation
on Wednesday last, is really not a new fact to those who have

137

been close students of bird life. A week or two ago we were
being informed of innumerable places — manj'in Surrey — where
this sweetest of songsters may be heard, but at the same time
I found it authoritatively stated that the number of nightin-
gales that annually visit our shores to bring up their young has
been a steadily decreasing quantity for several years. But
more disquieting still is one of the reasons advanced. The
parts of England specially frequented by these summer visitors
are those where fruit growing is one of the staple industries,
and it is in these districts that sparrow clubs have become
vigorous in the last few years. In many cases the heads only
of birds are kept for counting purposes, and, unhappily for the
musical brightness of the country side, the brown heads of
various warblers easily pass muster among dozens of the com-
luon sparrow. Thus it happens that the whoUj' insectivorous
singing birds are yearly sacrificed in great numbers.

One cannot of course vouch for the complete
accuracy of this particular item, but it seems on the
face of it to be worth some attention.

IS EGG FOOD NEEDED?— Mrs. E. M. Butler
writes to me as follows : — ". ... I gave the hen, while
" rearing them, Hyde's seed, ants' eggs, oatmeal, and
** stale sponge cake, mixed together and given dry,
" and the young birds (Canaries) were out on the
** perches and flying at three weeks old, and are now
" stronger and finer birds than any I have before fed
•'on egg:'

As an antithesis to this plain statement of fact
I will now quote from a letter which has recently
appeared in a contemporary, over the signature
of a gentleman who is already known to fame as
the exponent of the doctrine that birds can die by a
mere effort of will, whether they are diseased or not : —
** I cannot agree with Baron du Theil in his objection
*' to the use of egg for young birds, because it is an

I-.8

" undoubted fact, attested by all that use it, that the
" parents of young birds of all kinds select Qgg in
" preference to all the other ingredients in the soft food
*' for feeding their young, and if it were injurious they
" should instinctively be aware of the fact."

I am not in a position to comment on the reasons
of the Baron's objection to egg, liis communication on
the subject not being at present within my reach, but
surely his critic is speaking more than rashly when he so
confidently states what he does about the invariability
of selection of egg by the parents of young birds " of
all kinds." What about the Gouldian Finch, the
Desert Trumpeter- Bullfinch, the Budgerigar, and
other Parrakeets, the various Doves, etc., etc. ?

As to the power of instinctive selection on the
part of birds of any particular seed as a curative in
disease, or as being least adapted to harm them when
diseased, or even as to their instinctive knowledge of
what natural foods are likely to harm them, I here
say nothing. Birds may have this instinctive know-
ledge for all I know% and at one time I certainly
shared the popular opinion on this subject ; but one
cannot help seeing that considerable modification of
this view may be necessary. Human beings — whose
quality of instinct is at least on a par vi^ith that of the
lower animals, and whose order of intelligence is
immeasurably higher — cannot always be trusted to
select those substances which are best adapted to
their needs. The mother, left to her own devices,
" instinctively " selects for her infant just those foods
which lead up to the familiar verdict of " Death from
improper Feeding." And I do not see that we have
much to be thankful for that men as a class

, 139

*' instinctively " select the various forms of alcoholic
drinks in preference to those of less seductive attrac-
tiveness. But be all this as it may, it is very certain
thatunderno circumstances whatever can birds be "in-
stinctively aware of the fact" that egg is injurious to
them, as it is sought to make us believe they would
be if it were so, in the vain hope of persuading us
that its opponents are wrong. Instinct — avoiding
terminological technicalities — may be described as
that elementary amount of quasi-intelligence with
regard to certain actions which is hereditarily handed
down, and which is independent of education and its
resulting conscious intention. Lamarck sums it up as
"race habit." Where then does the instinct come in
which would prompt a captive wild bird to select that to
which none of his ancestors ever had access — hard
boiled egg ? The idea is preposterous. The bird
simply likes egg as certain people like pd^e de foie
gras, — but, while the latter are generally advised not
to rear their infants on a diet of diseased goose livers,
the former are being encouraged in tlie foolishness of
rearing their chicks on a food, which physiologically
is equally harmful as daily diet, if indeed not more so.

■ IN MEMORIAM :— My readers will regret to hear
of the loss we have sustained by the death on the 5th
inst. of our old friend Mr. WiENER. Born sixty-
eight years ago, the deceased gentleman has been
identified during the greater part of his life with
Aviculture, and in many ways has been no incon-
siderable powder in the advancement of the science to
its present position. Twenty-five years ago he was
one of the joint-authors of the " Book of Canaries and

1.-^8

" undoubted fact, attested by all that use it, that the
" parents of young birds of all kinds select egg in
" preference to all the other ingredients in the soft food
" for feeding their young, and if it were injurious they
" should instinctively be aware of the fact."

I am not in a position to comment on the reasons
of the Baron's objection to egg, his communication on
the subject not being at present within my reach, but
surely his critic is speaking more than rashly when he so
confidently states what he does about the invariability
of selection of egg by the parents of young birds " of
all kinds." What about the Gouldian Finch, the
Desert Trumpeter- Bullfinch, the Budgerigar, and
other Parrakeets, the various Doves, etc., etc. ?

As to the power of instinctive selection on the
part of birds of any particular seed as a curative in
disease, or as being least adapted to harm them when
diseased, or even as to their instinctive knowledge of
what natural foods are likely to harm them, I here
say nothing. Birds may have this instinctive know-
ledge for all I know, and at one time I certainly
shared the popular opinion on this subject ; but one
cannot help seeing that considerable modification of
this view may be necessary. Human beings — whose
quality of instinct is at least on a par with that of the
lower animals, and whose order of intelligence is
immeasurably higher — cannot always be trusted to
select those substances which are best adapted to
their needs. The mother, left to her own devices,
" instinctively " selects for her infant just those foods
which lead up to the familiar verdict of " Death from
improper Feeding." And I do not see that we have
much to be thankful for that men as a class

. 139

*' instinctively " select the various forms of alcoholic
drinks in preference to those of less seductive attrac-
tiveness. But be all this as it may, it is very certain
that under no circumstances whatever can birds be "in-
stinctively aware of the fact" that ^<g% is injurious to
them, as it is sought to make us believe they would
be if it were so, in the vain hope of persuading us
that its opponents are wrong. Instinct — avoiding
terminological technicalities — may be described as
that elementary amount of quasi-intelligence wath
regard to certain actions which is hereditarily handed
down, and which is independent of education and its
resulting conscious intention. Lamarck sums it up as
"race habit." Where then does the instinct come in
which would prompt a captive wild bird to select that to
which none of his ancestors ever had access — hard
boiled ^%% ? The idea is preposterous. The bird
simply likes ^g% as certain people like pate de foie
gras, — but, while the latter are generally advised not
to rear their infants on a diet of diseased goose livers,
the former are being encouraged in the foolishness of
rearing their chicks on a food, which physiologically
is equally harmful as daily diet, if indeed not more so.

■ IN MEMORIAM :— My readers will regret to hear
of the loss we have sustained by the death on the 5th
inst. of our old friend Mr. WiENER. Born sixty-
eight years ago, the deceased gentleman has been
identified during the greater part of his life with
Aviculture, and in many ways has been no incon-
siderable power in the advancement of the science to
its present position. Twenty-five years ago he was
one of the joint-authors of the " Book of Canaries and

140

Cage Birds," contributing thereto the section on
Foreign Birds, recently republished in separate form.
Becoming associated with the Foreign Bird Ciub and
the Avicultural Society at early dates in their
respective histories, his claims to the respect of their
members were in both cases recognized by his speedy
advancement to the Vice-Presidency, positions which
he filled with an unassuming dignity and honesty of
purpose that endeared him even to those who were
not always in agreement with his opinions.

W. Gko. Creswell.

IReview).

The Birds of the British Islands. By Cha rles Stonham, C.M.G.
F.R.C.S., F.Z.S., with illnstratiotis by L. M. 3Iedland,
Fart I. Roy. Quarto, Jjd. Grant Richards.

The first part of this important work, which has
just been published, fully bears out the promise
implied in the specimen sheet and plate recently
noticed in these pages. Indeed it is difficult to speak
of it in sufficiently pronounced terms of praise.
Author, Artist, and Publisher are between them giving
us a veritable editio7i de luxe. The text consists of a
pleasantly and concisely written, yet sufficiently
detailed account of the range and habits of each
bird, followed by an accurate description of its eggs,
plumage, and measurements ; the plates are an
astonishing revelation of what a black and white plate
can be in the way of fidelity of portraiture combined
with softness of treatment and general artistic merit ;
while the paper, printing, and general get up of the
book are of a quality which is not often met with even

.. HI

in the most expensive publications devoted to either
this or any other subject.

The present instalment deals with the Mistle-
Thrush, Song-Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Black-
bird, Ring-Ouzel, Wheatear, Whinchat, Stonechat,
Redstart, Black Redstart, Robin, and Nightingale.
The plates are sixteen in number, three of them
showing sexual differences as regards the Wheatear,
Whinchat, Stonechat, Redstart, and Black Redstart.
The immature plumage of the Robin is also the
subject of one of the plates.

The work will be complete in 20 parts, and there
will probably be a supplement dealing with our rare
stragglers.

lP06t flDortein IReports.

{Vide Rules).

Diamond Sparrow. (Mrs. Mortimer). Bought a fortnight
before death, and never seemed well. Gasped a good
deal ; beyond this no special symptom. The syrinx and
thoracic air sacs showed the velvety appearance due to
mycosis, and the right lung itself was invaded by the
micro-organism. The bird was a hen.

Bauer's Parrakeet, cock. (Mr. Hume.) Had been noticed
to be ill for about three weeks. Very thin. Typical
Septicaemia was the cause of death, the liver and spleen
being full of nodules.

Green vSinging Finch, hen. (Mrs. MacAdam). Beyond a
pinker condition of the lungs than is normal there was
nothing in this bird to suggest the cause of death. We
may assume bronchitis therefore, and that would probably
be accounted for by the history of having been kept in a
warm room and being suddenly exposed to a draught from
the open window on a cold day.

CroSSBII^l, cock. (Dr. Master). Chronic congestion of the
liver and apoplexy. The death appears to have been

142

heralded by symptoms of cerebral congestion. This bird
was interesting from the fact that though cage-moulted he
had maiiv red feathers. W. GEO. CRESWEr.i,.

(Eorrespon&encc.

AN OBLIGING CHAFFINCH.

Sir, — I took a nest of Chaffinches about eight days ago.
The}' are thriving and getting strong. Yesterday I put them
out in their cage on the lawn in the sun, and presently a cock
Chaffinch flew on to the cage, looked at them, cheeped, and
flew oflf. I was sitting with otliers close by. In a few minutes
he came back, this time his mouth was full of green cater-
pillars. He tried to get up enough courage to go into the
cage, but evidently could not manage it. After trying to get to
them every way except by the door, he finally called them
up to the bars of the cage and fed them. I left them to him all
the afternoon. His wife is sitting somewhere, and I fancy he
thought he would tr}' his hand and feed the strangers till his

own were ready for his attentions.

E. Warren Vernon.

BENGALESE HYBRIDS.

Sir, — In my aviary amongst other birds I have a fawn and
white Bengalese hen. A cock Spice bird and cock Bronze
Mannikin both paid her great attention and assisted in making
a nest in a small box hung on the wall. Four eggs were laid,
both cocks sitting on the eggs in turns when the hen went off
to feed and bathe.

I never expected the eggs to hatch, and thinking the)'
must be unfertile, I looked in the nest to-day (May 23) and to
my great surprise, found two young birds, one much larger
than the other (a week old I should say) very fat, crop well-
filled with egg, no signs of any feathers. I shall be unable to
tell with which bird the hen mated until the young ones are
out of the nest.

I should also mention that the same three birds built a
huge nest of grass and roots in some branches in the flight,

■ 143

the hen Beiigalese sitting inside and assisting to twist the grass,
etc., brought by the other two birds; then they left this and
made the one inside the aviary. Helen G. Bromet.

[I once had a Canary hen in an aviary with two male
companions, a Siskin and a Redpoll. She went to nest and
brought up two young ones which were unmistakably the
the progeny of the two respective males. — Ed.]

A NEvST OF BLUE TITS.

Sir, — Having after a good deal of trouble and patient
watching at last discovered where a pair of Tits were building
under the thatch in a summer house on the tennis lawn, I
determined when the young were hatched to let the parents
bring them up for me. I therefore put them into a box cage
and hung it on a pergola close by. After a vast deal of bad
language at me and much fright the mother went in — she is
always far braver than the male is. It took me a day to get
the cage up into a window, but from that time they fed them
all day, and I moved the cage constantly to one room and
another, followed by the angry birds. They came right into
the rooms and sat on the looking glasses, apparently sleeping
there at nights. The young Tits are now able to feed them-
selves and are, as I write, flying about ni}- room with three
Chaffinches, hand-reared this year, and a Canary and Gold-
finch, all having their baths. It saves a great deal of trouble
if one can get parent birds to feed under such conditions, but
there are not many who will. E. W. Vernon.

AN ESCAPED CHAFFINCH IN AMERICA.

Sir, — The following extract from a Western Magazine of
Ornithology is not uninteresting : — " On Sunday, March the
4th, a Reverend gentleman, somewhat acquainted with local
birds, veas strolling around his parish, the historical Presidio of
Monterey, California. Suddenly there sounded overhead the
familar— to British ears— challenge call, ' Pink, Pink ; ' the
Reverend gentleman at once decided this was no ordinary
bird, and hastened to secure a weapon ; " (think of a Chaplain

144

shootiug birds on Sunday), " the bird was re-located in a pine
tree and shot."

The skin was forwarded to an expert, but he " was
completely non-plussed, as nothing like it had ever come into
liis collecting experience, and further he was unable to place it
from the ke3's in any of the books on American birds." The
bird was forwarded to the Curator of the National Museum at
Washington. In America " The West " always calls upon " The
East " on any point of " intelligence," probably out of respect to
the legendary acceptance " that wise men came from the East."
The mj^tery of the foreigner was promptly cleared up by the
information — "it is a Chaffinch — sometimes called the Bachelor
Finch — Fringilla coelehs.'" The writer follows on : — " This bird
had no business to be at large in this country, particularly on the
Pacific coast — the addition of foreign birds is never desirable,
and is often dangerous." Fearing that some Society was
importing and liberating foreign birds, the U. S. Department of
Agriculture was consulted, and the chief of that Department
imparted the information " that the matter was of such
importance that it had been taken up as a subject of special
legislation ; further, in South Australia the Chaffinch, which
was introduced some years ago with other European birds, has
become so undesirable that under the Game I^aw of 1900 it is
included in the list of injurious birds denied protection."
Section 2 of the Lacey Act, requires permits for all foreign
birds imported into the United States. " It would be a calamity
for any imported species to gain a foot hold amongst our
native avifauna." To support this conclusion the direful
effects of the Mynah in the Pacific Islands, the Starling and
Chaffinch in Australia, and the English Sparrow in the United
States are strongly commented upon.

If there was a corresponding Exclusion Act controlling
other "biped" foreigners, who are rapidly "acclimatized"
into citizens— within forty-eight hours— indifferently to the
possibility of " encroaching upon the food-supply of a native
species," much of the " undesirable importation " would be,
with marked advantage, curtailed, or included in the list of
" injurious etc." Poephii^a cincta.

BIRD NOTES

J. G- Ke-ulemans del. et. litL .

West, Newman imp.

Ampelis gapp-alus.

All rights reserved?^ [SEPTEMBER, 1906

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAI. OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

^be Maywing.

{Ampelis garrulus).
By W. T. Greene, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.

Ornithologists of old, as well as at least one
dramatist, must have had somewhat hazy notions
about geography, or they would not, in the one case,
have made Bohemia an island, or, in the other, have
coupled its name with that of a bird which is an in-
habitant of the circum-polar regions of our hemi-
sphere. However that may be, the Waxwing, as we
call it to-day, was formerly known by the name of
Bohemian Chatterer, A chatterer — (^Ampelis garrulus)
— most undoubtedly it is, but it has no more con-
nection with the province of the Austrian Empire of
which it was given the name, than with our own
country, or, indeed, less, for some of these birds visit
England almost every winter, arriving sometimes in
considerable numbers, which, alas ! are sadly reduced
by gunners and trappers, before the remnant that
escapes takes its departure from our inhospitable
shores in the Spring.

Ampelis garrulus, however, if incorrectly named
in one case, has another appropriate and descriptive
designation, namely, Waxwing, by which it is now
generally known, for several of the secondary and
tertiary feathers in the wing, as well as, in some in-
stances, the central quills of the tail, are tipped with an

146

appendage about the eighth of an inch in length, of a
bright red colour and a waxlike consistency, the use
of which is unknown, though, in all probability it has
none, and is simply ornamental. Both sexes carry
these waxy appendages, so it is not a sexual dis-
tinction, though they are certainly fewer in the females
than in the males.

The Waxwing bears a good deal of resemblance
to the Jay, but is smaller, measuring only eight inches
or eight inches and a half in length. The plumage,
however, is of the same soft silk}^ texture as that of
the Jay, and like the latter bird the Waxwing has a
handsome crest, which it can raise and depress at
pleasure.

Its general colour is a brownish grey of several
shades, darker above than on the lower surface of the
body. The quills of the wings and tail are black, and
there are white tips to some of the wing coverts, and
a yellow edging to the tail. The Waxwing is not a
conspicuously handsome bird, nor do its chattering
notes commend it much to the notice of amateurs.
It is decidedly dull and listless in confinement, but is
readily tamed.

Unless the cage in which it is kept is of large size,
the soft plumage, which is the bird's chief charm, is
quickly spoiled. It may be added that the Waxwing
is extremely impatient of heat, as might be expected
from its habitat, and suffers much during a warm
summer, or if kept in a hot room.

The food of the Waxwing consists of the insects
and berries that abound in the bird's native country.
On the former it and its young subsist during the
short Arctic summer, and on the fruit and berries

.. H7

during the rest of the year, and it is only when the
supply of the latter has been exhausted, or been
buried too deeply beneath the snow, that the bird for-
sakes the Arctic for more temperate regions.

The late Mr. Meinertzhagen, whose untimely
death at the age of twenty-three years was a distinct
loss to the world of science, as well as a deplorable
calamity to his friends, found the nest of the Waxwing
in Lapland, and obtained some young birds, which,
however, did not live to reach England.

The eggs have an olivaceous grey ground, and are
speckled and marked with brown of several shades.

In confinement ants' eggs, soaked currants, and
minced raisins, will form as good a substitute for the
natural food as can be obtained, and if the temperature
is regulated to suit its requirements the Waxwing will
live for a year or two in this country.

[Mr. Keulemans has been good enough to furnish
me with the following notes on this bird.

" I have had many adult specimens with red tips
"to the tail, probably very old birds.

"In 1867 Waxwings were very common in Hol-
" land during the months of November and December.
" Many remained till February 1868, and one pair
" built a nest, (which was however taken down by a
"gardener), early in that month on a gentleman's
" estate near Ley den.

"I had two fine specimens, both males, in a cage
" for several months. I found them attractive owing to
" their beautiful plumage, but a bit lazy in their habits.
" I never heard their song, (if they have any), only
" their soft call note. I fed them on Thrushes' food,
"boiled currants, and plenty of mealworms." — Kd].

148

Hbout 6ome of inv> Bii&e.

By Mrs. E. Warren Vernon.

At present I am not the happy possessor of an
out-door aviary but I hope to build one later.

I have some very large cages, made to my designs ;
one is i^yds. long, 3ft. 6in. wide, and 2ft. 6in. high.
In it I keep Combassous, Avadavats, a Diamond
Sparrow, and Waxbills. They live always in an open
bow window, and seem to thrive. They are all very
tame, and come out in the morning for a fly, returning
to their cage themselves. The way they bathe is very
amusing. The Diamond Sparrow always starts, while
three Waxbills sit on the edge of the bath and enjoy
the spray. The moment he has finished they all three
tumble in and have their turn. It is quite " mixed
bathing," and when over, the drenched little objects
sit about on the sand very like human beings to get
dry enough before " doing themselves up."

The Diamond Sparrow has fallen in love with the
Avadavat and follows him about, letting him take his
mealworms away, and singing his ridiculous song
to him.

The Combassous are most unhappily married.
He pecks her and drives her from him whenever they
meet. She sits as far from him as possible. Very
likely when he comes into colour, he may be more
amiable, but at present he is simply horrid to her.
She spends a great deal of time asleep trying to forget,
poor little thing.

In another cage, nearly as big, I have four pairs as
follows : — Siskins, Zebra Finches, Tri-colored Nuns
and Saffrons. I have a wire frame put into the window
and let them out for a fly. Then I let out a very

' 149

tame hand reared Goldfinch, and to see him making
love to all the ladies, especially the Saffrons, is
ridiculous. He follows first one, then another, calling
to them and swishing his tail, and trying to look
fascinating, until his wife, a Canary, appears on the
scene. Then he tries to look innocent, and, if the
cock Zebra is anywhere near, goes for him at once.
He has a great hatred for the Siskin and fights him
through the cage bars for hours if left to do as he
likes, but the Siskin takes no notice of him.

I have a pair of Ribbon Finches in a breeding
cage, which are also very tame. All my birds are
healthy, and though there is an occasional death, it is
more often the result of an accident than of sickness,
though I sometimes lose some when fresh bought
from the dealers.

I am having a large flight cage made to fit into
the window so that the birds can fly out of their cage
into the air when they like, and I hope soon to keep
iraany other species.

©rnitboIoQV) an^ lPolitiC6.

By Edinburgensis.
It would seem almost a travesty upon our vaunted
civilization to find in any large section of a community
that special efforts had to be employed to obtain a
surcease of customs which are actually savage and in
every sense brutal. But such instances are not un-
known. Just at present ornithologists in I^os Angeles
County, California, and several of the adjacent town-
lands, are much troubled over the opposition actively
urged against a proposed modification of the Game-
Laws which seeks to make it "an offence to shoot

I50

nesting doves." " To shoot nesting doves " sounds
gruesome enough in all truth, and would ipso facto
seem to be its own condemnation.

The Mourning Dove {Zejiaidura ^nacroura), an
interesting and fairl}^ numerous species, is the bird
most concerned. This Dove, especially in Southeru
California, is not migratory at all, and hence main-
tains a somewhat irregular breeding season — extend-
ing oftentimes as late into the year as October —
August and July probably having the maximum
number of nests. The Game Laws in the above-
mentioned region permit dove shooting from July ist.
The result is that thousands of parent birds are shot,
leaving the unfortunate nestlings to die of starvation.
Week-end "sportsmen" must needs have some
recreation during their vacation, and furthermore
several "trusts" of gun and ammunition dealers must
have customers, so the inhumane practice is con-
tinued. The matter has now become a political issue,
so that office holders or office seekers actually hesitate
to vote for a protection for these beautiful and valuable
birds, if in so doing they will in any wise hazard
losing the "vote" which is so "essential" to
perpetuate the holding of office.

The Dove ordinance of Lower California is at
present a hot campaign-issue, and it is a novel
phase of ornithology to find the welfare of a species
depending entirely upon political favours. So keen is
the trade of politics with all its debasing concomi-
tants in this sun-lit land of fruit and flowers, that
every instinct of humanity is placed its unwilling
sla;ve. Twenty-eight States in America protect the
Dove. Ninety-eight per cent, of the citizens of

■ 151

Southern California condemn the crnelty of this
debasing sport of shooting nesting Doves. But it
can be made "law," and maintained "law" by the
professional politician just as long as "there is
something in it." "What is there in it?" is the
full and only horizon — for brute or human — which
is scanned by the degenerate one of the primates.
Trespass upon or about his presumed perquisites,
and he immediately blocks the measure, be it ever so
humane or even necessary. Surely it is said truth-
fully that unless above himself a man cannot raise
himself. How poor a thing is man ! That he is a
poor thing is proclaimed from the very house-tops,
when the claims of parenthood — a period of admitted
sacredness even amidst the lesser forms of the field
— find in his heart no generous response.

The Dove has ever associated with itself special
claims for human recognition, and it is to be hoped
that it may ere long be granted that consideration,
and become protected and preserved amidst regions to
which it adds grace and attractiveness.

IRotc on the (Breat (rresteD (Brebe.

By J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.
Seeing the editorial reference in a recent issue to
the Great Crested Grebe occurring in Surrey, I am
taking the opportunity of giving a short account of
some of these birds seen and studied for some years
past in Wales by a friend of mine, Mr. Raikes, upon
whose ground they are, and who has been good enough
to send me the following details. It all goes to show
what great things the Wild Bird Protection Act has

152

achieved, aided as it is in many instances by private
endeavours.

"April 3, 1904. Eight Great Crested Grebes seen
here (Breconshire), date of arrival uncertain : have
never seen them in the winter. Nest towards the end
of May or beginning of June.

April 19, 1905. Could only find three pairs this
year.

April 13, 1906. Eight pairs of Grebe — a large
increase.

Apparently on first arrival they all keep very
much together, and are very difficult to get at : in
about a week or ten days they divide up into pairs and
seem to become less shy. Have very rarely seen them
fly, and then only when surprised at close quarters.

They rise quickly, fly straight, but never more
than a foot or so from the water. Usually when about
100 yards or more away they begin to settle down in
the water so that not much more than their necks are
showing. Then they dive away very rapidly coming
up every 20 to 30 yards.

The nest is merely a very loosely matted lump of
rushes floating on the water and always saturated with
water. Generally but not always have found the eggs
covered up.

Have never seen the birds on the water in August.
I understand that 30 or 40 years ago they were to be
seen on this bit of water in dozens."

3ntelliaence m a Jfuefincb.

By E. HOPKINSON, D.S.O., M.B.
The following little incident, showing how
strongly the sense of locality is developed in small
birds, will probably be of interest.

One day when travelling up country I found,
when I arrived at a certain village, that the house
prepared for me had a roof more useful for ventilation
than for anything else. As rain appeared to be im-
minent, an old and rainproof one was sent for from
the chief's yard. In due course this arrived and was
put in place of the defective one. An hour or two
later a hen Firefinch hopped out of a hole in the
thatch and flew round the hut, and eventually back to
her nest, only to come out again and make a thorough
inspection of her new surroundings, which evidently
puzzled her a good bit. After thoroughly examining
the interior she flew out of the door, but was soon
back again, evidently not liking to leave her eggs,
(which I found she was sitting on), for long. Gradually
however the absences grew longer, and during the
early afternoon she disappeared, (as I thought for
good), but about four or five o'clock, just as I was
changing to go out shooting, I heard the familiar
"chirp," and there she was, back again at the mouth
of the nest. She had no sooner disappeared into this,
when in flew a cock which, after a fly round the
house, heard his mate's voice and followed her into
the nest. Next morning they were both in and out
all day, and quite settled down in their new surround-
ings. I can only hope their move back to town, when
I left, was as successful.

The distance the roof was carried was about 300

154

j^ards. I suppose that the hen, when she found her
mate did not come to her, flew back to the town,
found him searching for his lost one, and managed to
convey to him what had happened.

2)r. 1RU66 on tbc rarer Jfirefincbee.

Translated with notes from Die fremdlandischen Stnbenvogel
by Dr. E. Hopkinson, D.S.O., M.B.
{Co7itm2ied front page 98.)
The last Firefinch which Dr. Russ describes (also in the
Addenda) is particularly interesting to nie, as among a lot of
birds which I got this year in the upper part of the Gambia,
was one of the same kind, that is a Firefinch exactly like the
common bird, except that its plumage is a bright bronzy-
orange instead of red. This was his colour the day he was
caught, so that this abnormality cannot be due to the effects of
captivity, as I tliought might be the case when reading Dr.
Russ' account of his specimens. Now after two months cage-
life the orange has spread over nearly the whole plumage. Our
author, (as will be seen in his account which I give below),
considered his birds a distinct species, but personally I expect
that, like mine, they were merely abnormally coloured speci-
mens of Z. se?iegala.

The BRONZE FIREFINCH (Russ, Die Fremdl. Stub. p. 668).
In the late autumn of 1873 among a large con-
signment of birds which I obtained from Charles
Jamrach of London, I found a little Astrild, which I
was unable to identify. It was so dirty and .so poorly
feathered that only the head and upper back were
available for diagnostic purposes, but in size, shape
and general behaviour it closel}^ resembled the Com-
mon Firefinch, while it also had a similar call-note
and the same habit of wagging its tail ; its colour
however was not crimson, but a reddish-orange or a
golden bronzy-brown. I kept it most carefully in a

. 155

cage with other rare birds, but one day it got out into
the bird-room, where some of the larger Starlings
lived, and here it was either killed by one of these or
managed to escape for good. Again in September,
1875, the large dealer, Mieth of Berlin, received from
Antwerp a big lot of small Africans in which a similar
bronzed-coloured Firefinch chanced to be included,
and in full plumage too, but so ill that it died in a few
days. Mr. Mietli gave me the body and Herr Reichenow
and I, though we went through the collection in the
Berlin Museum and thoroughly searched the literature,
could find nothing about such a bird, and so came to
the conclusion that we had lighted on an undescribed
species, to which Herr Reichenow has given my name
{^Aegmtha riissi), while I have christened it with the
vernacular name which heads this section. Perhaps
this pretty Firefinch (the only known specimen of
which is now in the Berlin Museum), will later on be
imported in larger numbers, but hitherto only the two
specimens I mention appear to have been found among
the many thousands of small Waxbills, etc., which
come into the market every year during the latter part
of the summer.

Herr Reichenow thus describes these birds : —
Forehead, sides of head and whole under surface
orange (yellowish-red) ; above dark brown tinged
with orange ; rump, orange ; tail feathers black
with broad outer margins to their basal portions ;
under tail - coverts and vent brown with a faint
orange wash ; bill orange-red with black culmen
and a pale horn -coloured cutting-edge ; iris dark-
brown ; feet pale horn-brown. Length 9.50m. The
bird closely resembles the Spotted Firefinch (/..

156

rufopictd) in size and markings, but is clearly dis-
tinguished from this species by the orange colour
which replaces the crimson of riifopicta.

The above description fits the bird I now have very exactly,
except that portion regarding the similarity to L. rufopicta.
My bird certainly is very unlike the latter, several of which are
now in the same cage, so that comparison is easy ; as I said
above he is a Common Firefinch in everything but his colour.
There are two details omitted in Reichenow's description, the
colour of the eyelid-ring and the presence of white spots on
the sides. In my bird there are a few of the latter, very
minute, on the sides of the chest, and the lid-ring is pale
3'ellow, like that of L. senegala, and quite different from the
narrower and pale-grey lid of rufopicta ; in the latter too the
side-spots are large, distinct and almost linear. — (K. H.).

^be Jacauini Jfincb.

( Volatinia jacari7ii)
By W. T. Page, F.Z.vS., etc.

This handsome bird, after being off the market
for some years, has recently come to hand in fair
numbers, but males only. It is very similar in colour
to the Combasou, but is a much more graceful bird, of
fine contour and a longish tail, which is widest at
the end.

The adult male is glossy blue black, with purplish
reflections on the neck in some lights ; the shoulders
and wing-coverts are silky snow-white. The female
is brown, Mr. R. A. Todd describing it as resembling
the female Indigo Finch.*

•The male when out of colour, (if oue may use that term, for it has no
seasonal change of plumage in the same sense that the Combasou has), is
always glossy black, and always retains the white shoulder with a very
variable quantity of greenish -huffish brown markings, principally on the
breast, imparting to it quite a speckled appearance on the underparts.

157

Habitat, Central America and South America to
Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia,; specimens from the different
localities are said to vary considerably in colour.

This bird appears to have been first imported in
1894, (I am open to correction); Mr. Fillmer who had
one about that time found it at first peaceable, then
later it took to chasing its fellow captives about ;
Mr. R. A. Todd who possessed a pair in 1895. found
them eager for insects ; the late Mr. Erskine Allon,
who also had a pair or pairs, described the female as very
similar to the hen Combasou, and his birds were eager
for insects. Mr. Fillmer's bird on the contrary would
eat nothing but seed.

In demeanour and also in shape my bird strongly
resembles a Waxbill, in fact as to size and shape it
comes very near to the Aurora Finch, a pair of which
are occupants of the same aviary. It has a very sweet
and fairly strong Waxbill - like trill, and like the
Waxbills is scarcely ever still, the tail, except when
the owner is asleep, being a very fair example of
perpetual motion. When feeding, my bird does not
permit any other to approach the seed dish, but other-
wise it is quite peaceable, and when it has satisfied its
appetite, the other birds are allowed to do the same
without interference. I have much regretted being
unable to get a female as the male is very fond of
carrying a straw about, and I should say would readily
breed in a suitable aviary. My bird is very eager
after insects, viz. mealworms, earwigs, and spiders*
His diet consists of canary, white, and spray millet,
green food, and a little insectile mixture.* He helps

•This mixture consists of " Game " meal, atits' cocoons, dried flies, and
crushed biscuits, with sometimes a little boiled potato in equal parts, and
made crumbly moist.

158

liimself freely to all the above and appears to thrive
on the same ; though rather sickly when he came
into my possession he soon picked up, and has never
ailed since, and is at the moment of writing in exhibi-
tion condition.

He has recently had a day's liberty in the garden,
owing to a small flap being inadvertently left open,
but he allowed himself to be recaptured, and if one
may judge by his demeanour, he evidenth^ prefers the
plenty and safety of the aviary, (or perhaps captivity
as the sentimentalists are apt to term it), to catering
for himself at large. When he was once more in
" durance vile " he had a good feed, trilled his little
lay, and then had a sleep. I was not so fortunate with
some of the other birds however, and among others
had to mourn the loss of some well-seasoned Aurora
Finches and Yellow Sparrows. Mr. R. A. Todd
found his birds of a retiring disposition, keeping
mostly among cover. This may be so when they are
building or incubating, but I cannot think it can be
general ; my bird is of a very bold and confiding
disposition and he will feed with anyone, (even a
stranger), in close proximity. This fearless behaviour,
coupled with his vivacit}^ and sweet little song,
constitutes his greatest charm.

He is a handsome and engaging little fellow and
should be in all collections of small birds.

159

JEDitorial.

MEDIAEVAL ORNITHOLOGY :— In all times the
physician — to use the term in its broad sense — has
rightly regarded his art as a specially considered
1) ranch of Natural History, and we therefore feel no
surprise on finding that such men as Aristotle, John
Hunter, and Ambroise Pare, bestowed more or less
attention on the science in its all round aspect. But
every man has his own personality to contend with,
and so while Aristotle was in the main only a great
collector of specimens, and Hunter an indefatigable
searcher after the physiological truths which underly
ordinary visible phenomena. Pare was but a credulous
purveyor of the then current inanities pertaining to
fishes, beasts, and birds. And this is the more ex-
traordinary, seeing that as a surgeon he was of more
than ordinary celebrity and abilit}^ and is very pro-
perly regarded as the father of French surgery.

In his voluminous folio, (originally published on
Feb. 8tli, 1579 as the result of fifty years professional
work in his capacity of hospital surgeon, army doctor,
and medical adviser to more than one King of France
and their courts), we find accounts of various animals
of the weirdest description, accompanied by plates,
some of which make one's hair literally stand on end.
The edition I am about to quote from is Johnson's
1649 translation " out of Latine," and this is what we
read anent the Bird of Paradise.

''Jerome Cardane in his Books De Snbiililate,
"writes that in the Island of the Moluccas yow may
"sometimes find lying upon the ground, or take up in
" the waters, a dead Bird called a Maiiucodiaia, that is

i6o

*'in Hebrew, the Bird of God, it is never seen alive.
" It lives aloft in the air, it is like a Swallow in body
"and beak, yet distinguished with diverse coloured
** feathers : for those on the top of the head are of a
•' golden colour, those of the neck like to a Mallard,
"but the tail and wings like Peacocks ; it wants feet:
" wherefore if it become weary with flying, or desire
" sleep, it hangs up the body by twining the Feathers
" about some bough of a tree. It passeth through the
"air, wherein it must remain as long as it lives, with
" great celerity, and lives b}^ the air and dew onely.
*' The Cock hath a cavity deprest in the back, wherein
" the Hen lays and sits upon her egs. I saw one at
''Paris which was presented to King Charles the
" Nineth."

We are naively told in a side note that " Whoso-
"ever desires to know more of the truth of this bird,
" let him read Chisius &c."

But let us not laugh at the worthy ancient who
so minutely describes the habits of a bird which " is
never seen alive." Are there not moderns who tell us
that the reason why sitting gamebirds are not scented
by dogs is because the odoriferous glands of the skin
discharo^e their contents at that time iiito the intestines!

IS EGG-FOOD NEEDED ?— Mr. Carr, the joint
Hon. Sec. of the N. B. B. and M. Club writes to me, " I
" may state I quite agree with 3^ou re yolk of ^Z%. I
" have kept small insectivorous British Birds for the
" past seventeen years, and for the last five years I
" have not used any ^z^, and I can safely say my birds
" have done far better and moulted out just as well
" without it, and I have not lost one through being too
" fat."

i6i

Here we have real experience — the experience
which is derived from a lengthy trial of bath S3^stem.s,
and with which the " experience" of onh^ one method
cannot well be compared, — although it has been said
to be " good enough for most men."

THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE :-^/';^/>^5 of
Dr. McDonagh's interesting note on this bird I may
mention that when halting on my way northwards
during my recent motor tour at a roadside inn on the
Chester Road as it passes through Staffordshire, I saw
in a wall case two splendid specimens of this bird
which had been shot at Middleton Hall in that county
about half a dozen years ago.

I also remember some of these birds breeding
about forty odd years ago on a small lake on the
immediate outskirts of Clun, a small market town
on the Welsh border of Shropshire, where they went
by the name of lyoons. This latter fact would seem
to indicate that they were fairly well known to the
rustics of the neighbourhood, but I cannot now re-
member how many seasons I noticed them, nor \'et
how many there were, and since of late years I have
lost touch with the neighbourhood I am not able to
state whether they frequent that water still.

Cowitry Life for June 2 of this year contained an
article illustrated with some charming photographs of
these birds and their nests, which had been taken by
the exercise of marvellous patience and ingenuity by,
I think, a lad}^ but not having the paper b\^ me I am
not quite sure as to particulars.

AVIAN PATHOLOGY :— Mr. Gray's letter on
another page calls for some notice. First of all I can

l62

recommend him and others three excellent publica-
tions treating of special subjects, which, although I
think all of them may be out of print, can be occasion-
alh^ obtained by one's bookseller through the Trade
journal. They are Klein's Grouse Disease (Macmillan),
Clarke's BtJ-d Plagiie (Fur and Feather Office), and
Theobald's Parasitic Diseases of Poulhy (Gurney and
Jackson).

With regard to the probability of any early appear-
ance of a more or less all round and reliable Text
book on bird medicine — that I am afraid will have to
be waited for till pathologists generally have made up
their minds to study avian diseases, 7iot merely as a
branch of mavimalian pathology^ hit rather only by the
light of the latter. For instance if we wait till we find
pus in a bird before we diagnose Septicaemia, just
because Septicaemia in man is normally associated
with pus, we shall have to wait a long time. Pus is
rarel5% very rarely present in birds, while Septicaemia
is very common. Again, who in his wildest dreams
would expect to find in a man, that, as the result of an
old pneumonia, fully three fourths of his lung was of
of a stony hardness, cutting just like a piece of gristle
or a "hard" cancer? Yet I have found such extensive
fibroses of lung and liver (microscopically verified) in
Parrots and even in such birds as Bullfinches. More
than this, these birds had appeared to be in perfect
health and spirits right up to within a very few hours
before their death from another immediate cause
altogether. Mr. Gray hits the nail squarely on the
head when he speaks of the necessity for special work
on the part of those who would fain be regarded as
authorities on avian disease. And not onlv does this

i63

apply broadly to the mere pretenders to medical
knowledge, but even in a narrower sense to those who
actually belong to the two medical professions. Birds
have in a large measure their own pathology. This
must be studied as such, and alongside the life history
not only of the diseases involved, but also of the
captive bird itself. There is a lifetime work for many
men.

OUR COLOURED PLATE :— My readers will
have noticed that in its uncoloured form our plate of
this month has already appeared in Cage Birds of Sept.
ist under the title of " An Extra Special Waxwing,"
this having reference to the tail tips, (depicted at my
desire as occasionally appearing in old birds).

The Editor has assured me personally of his great
regret, and has in his issue of Sept. 7th reiterated the
same in the following terms. " It appears that the
" drawing of a Waxwing published by us last week,
" was executed by Mr. Keulemans to the order of Dr.
" Creswell, as Editor of Bird Notes, the organ of the
" Foreign Bird Club. By some mistake it was in-
" eluded with a series of drawings of British birds
" purchased by us from Mr. Keulemans, and we must
" express regret under the circumstances for having
" unwittingly reproduced the picture without proper
** authority from the rightful owner."

He has also been generous enough to offer a
donation of two guineas to our Illustration fund,
which I have accepted on behalf of the Club.

From a letter received from Mr. Keulemans I
learn that he sent the Editor of Cage Birds a copy of
the proof of the Waxwing for purposes of comparison

1 64

with a plate of the same bird which had just appeared
in that paper. He goes on to say : — " What I believe
" to be the case is that the Publisher or Editor had
" mixed up some of my plates he had bought of me
" some months ago, and that the Waxwing proof was
" supposed to belong to the same lot."

Anyhow — " All's well that ends well," and not to
be outdone in courtesy I hasten to thank Mr. Carl for
his generosity. W. Geo. Creswei.1..

IReview

Our School OiU-of- Doors. By the Hon. 3T. Cordelia Leigh, author
of " The Witness of Creation,'' etc. Cr. Svo., cloth 2/-.
2nd. Impression. T. Fisher Univin.

•The fact that this little work, originally published
in January, demanded a second impression in June,
conclusively shews that its claims to be regarded as a
means of popularising natural history science have
been recognised by a considerable section of elemen-
tary teachers and by others of the general public.

At the same time we feel that from a scientific
point of view a second edition would have been better
than merely a second impression. There is much that
could with advantage have been amplified and
explained, and the more so because the class of readers
appealed to is one that is presumably not too well-
grounded in the laws which underly natural
phenomena. Still we are bound to say that the
authoress shews considerable personal knowledge of
field Natural History and in addition has apparently
been an extensive reader of the literature of the
subject.

, i65

It is needless to say that she constantly inculcates
upon her youthful readers those lessons as to their
behaviour to the lower animals, which are dictated
alike by common sense and humanity.

IPost flDorteni IRepoits.

{Vide Rules).

Bi,ACK-HEADED Mannikin. (Mrs. Vernon). This httle bird

owed its death to injuries inflicted by the Budgerigars.

It is never safe to keep these birds with small ones.
Zkbra Finch. (The Hon. Mrs. Somerset Ward). Enteritis,

i.e., intestinal catarrh, was the cause of death,
Crkst-brkd Canary. (Mrs. McAdani). Fatty degeneration

of the hver, the result of chronic congestion due to a

previous too liberal feeding. The bird was intensely

emaciated.
Budgerigar. (Mr, Chaphn), There can be no doubt that

death was remotely due to over eating, since the bird was

inordijiately fat, and the immediate cause was apoplexy.
Budgerigar, (Miss Brooksbank). The condition was exactly

the same as in Mr, Chaplin's bird.
Ribbon Flinch. (Mr. Howe). Unfortunately I could not

determine the cause of death in this case : the bird had

possibly received some shock.

W. Geo. Creswei.i..

(Torrespon&ence.

WANTED— A BOOK ON BIRD DISEASES.

Sir, — Could you or any of your readers reconnnend me a
practical work giving accurate information on the general
management of birds, and the prevention and cure of their
diseases }

Beyond a stray paper or article on the investigation of
some microbal disease and its means of prevention or cure
from the pen of some eminent Russian, German, French,

i66

Italian, or other Kuropeaii scientist I know of no reliable work
dealing specially with the above subject. And although I have
a great number of works on birds in my library I have failed to
derive much trustworthy information from any of them that
is likely to be of real utility to the practical aviculturist or
scientist. It seems that nearly every author who has dabbled
in the question has written from his imagination rather than
from a comprehensive study of the actual facts and has, in
consequence, drawn iuexact or incorrect conclusions. And at
this there is no wonder when one just calls to mind that very
few of the writers have received any training at all in ana-
tomical and physiological science, let alone the elements even
of pathology, bacteriology, or therapeutics. In reality, a student
of avian pathology and hygiene requires as much preparation
for the study of the diseases of birds and their prevention as
the practitioner of human or veterinary medicine. But what
do we actually find ? Most, if not all, of the amateur bird
physicians, who are no doubt honest in their endeavours, are
absolutely ignorant of the laws that govern health or disease
and the means of their respective preservation and prevention.

Many of these so-called authorities are to be pitied,
because they are ignorant of their own ignorance, even if they
feel highly flattered at the admiration of their still more
ignorant admirers. Furthermore, it would appear as if bird
fanciers were led to mistake the euphonious symbolic Greek
and Ivatin terms, practically the sole stock in trade of many
writers on avian matters, for " science," whereas this term
really means exact knowledge or truth, and not by any means
guess-work or imagination.

I feel constrained to write as I have above, since being a
professional man myself, who has given a life time to the study
of the diseases of animals and a great deal of attention to the
management of birds, and the prevention and cure of their
diseases, it is only my duty to assist in furthering truth by
correcting errors, exploding mysteries, and exposing humbug.

I ought not to forget to mention that I have read your
little work on " The Hygiene of Bird-Keeping " and consider
it to be the most truthful expose of the subject extant. The

167

only fault I have to find with it is that it does not go far
enough. I feel certain a more copious work on this matter
from your logical pen would be welcomed not only by the
laity but also by those professional men who have a taste for
aviculture as well as for comparative patliology and hygiene.
There is room for a good work on a subject by no means
neglected by those eminent leaders of science such as Pasteur,
Koch, Metchnikoff, etc. I believe so far as the birds of utility
go, Sir John McFadyeau, Royal Veterinary College, goes deeply
into the question of their diseases with a view to their pre-
vention.

Henry Gray, M.R.C.V.S.
117, EarVs Court Road, S.W.
Aug. ist, 1906.

THE DIFFERENCE IN BIRDS' CHARACTERS.

Sir, — I do not know if an}' of our members have kept
many of the same species of bird at the same time and noticed
the very marked characteristics in them. Irately I have had
six young Bullfinches, four of them being cocks, and in taming
them I found them to be very like human beings. Each one
has a temperament of its own, and each has to be treated
differently. Three of the cock birds got tame and fed from
my hand in a few days, but one would not, and now after
two or three weeks patience on my part he is just as far off
being nice and amiable as he was the first day. It is the same
in taking their baths ; they have them in a large wire cage
put by the front of the door, and come out and bathe directly
they see it. One, like a timid bather, tries first one foot and
then the other, stands in the water and hops out again twenty
times before finally having a dip ; another falls in at once and
splashes wildly ; a third makes a very long and careful dress-
ing of his feathers, oils them, and preens them, and then steps
in and has a systematic good old vSaturday wash, all thus being
different. I think it is all this that makes bird-keeping so
interesting.

Goldfinches also are full of curious ways — as to their
tempers especially. I have one, who, if given even a sun-
flower seed he loves so well, rather than lose the opportunity

i68

of pecking iiiy hand, will drop the seed twenty times. He is
as spiteful as a monkey and will pursue all other birds he
happens to dislike round and round the room, though, curious
to relate, he loves foreign birds and sings to them, and flirts
before the bars for all he is worth. I have put another Gold-
finch with him, and after a battle or two he seemed to find out
that two can play the same game, and now he is very peaceful,
but the least little thing that upsets him makes him at once
turn on the other inmate and vent his anger on his unoffend-
ing head. E. Warren Vernon.

A SMALL PARRAKEET AVIARY.

Sir, — I have in my old fashioned kitchen garden a small
aviary. It was originally intended for an apiary, l)ut I substi-
tuted a V for the P and birds for bees, puttitig in one pair of
Cockateels, one pair of Blue-winged Parrakeets, and two or
three pairs of Budgerigars. The flight is backed by a South
wall and is only 12 feet by 3 feet ; beyond this, boxed off,
there is a small nesting room of the same width and 4 feet long.
There is no artificial heat whatever, but through this com-
partment the birds can go if they wish to a more sheltered
place. Being however rather dark they do not go unless they
are made to do so in very cold weather.

The Budgerigars and Love-birds have bred, the former

frequently, but the Cockateels have never succeeded till this year,

though they have had as many as fifteen eggs. I attribute the

success this year to my having given them a small barrel instead

of a flat box to lay in, as this enabled them to keep the eggs

together. I have now three fine young birds (a fourth having

unfortunately fallen out of the nest when young), and these are

advertised in the " Bird Market." While they were breeding I

continued to feed the parent birds just the same as before,

namely, on canary and millet, oats, and fresh green food, and

they seemed to require nothing further. It was interesting to

notice how the parents took it in turns to stay with the young

ones and keep them warm.

M. L. Hur.TON.

Ali rights 7-esetved,'] [OCTOBER, 1906.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

Some IReminiecencee of w\\} i6ai Iv 3)av6
of Jforeign BirD Ikeepma.

By J, A. Swan.
{Continued from page 71).
Another very daintily coloured little bird is the
Silverbill, with its tints ranging from pearl, through
bufif, to brown. I have only had two or three of the
species, as I found them somewhat uninteresting after
a time; but nevertheless their quiet gentle manner
and confiding disposition make them by no means the
least desirable specimens in a mixed collection. My
birds were all of the African species, and one of them
sang rather prettily in an undemonstrative sort of way.
They were easy to cater for, seeming to desire nothing
beyond the usual seeds, though at times grass in the
ear would be eaten with great relish. Bathing they
were naturally fond of — by-the-way I do not know
whether any of our members have noticed it, but from
my observations it appears to me that birds hailing
from a tropical climate bathe more frequently than
those whose original habitat was in more temperate
zones. Whether this is the continuance of their
natural or wild life, or mere fancy on my part, I am
not prepared to assert dogmatically ; perhaps, how-
ever, some of our readers would let us know whether
their observations bear out this theory or otherwise.

170

The Spice Bird or Nutmeg Finch is yet another
quietly dispositioned bird, and therefore as equally
desirable as the Silverbill. Its appearance will at once
attract the attention of strangers on account of the
quaint black and white bars which run horizontally
across the chest, reminding one somewhat of a Plymouth
Rock in miniature — at least this was the impression I
received on first seeing one of the species. There is
very little in the habits of the bird in captivity to lead
one to enthuse over : but on the other hand I can cor-
dially affirm that I know nothing whatever against it,
which is a good deal more than can be said of some
species. It is moreover a simple liver, and will be
quite content with the fare provided for the Silver-
bills, which is another ''feather in its cap" from an
avicultural point of view, and reflects everlasting credit
on its progenitors.

It will have doubtless been noticed that all the
species mentioned in this series of articles are com-
paratively common and nearly always freely imported.
They are, ipso facto, all birds of moderate price, and
yet the range they provide the budding aviculturist
with is sufficient to ground him in the knowledge most
useful to him when he essays the task of keeping the
rarer and, generally considered, more delicate species,
to which nearly all amateurs drift sooner or later.

Another strong point in favour of the birds I have
enumerated lies in the fact that they present the least
possible amount of trouble and anxiety to the young
foreign bird-keeper in the matter of suitable food and
attention. Given plenty of varied seeds and clean water
for drinking and bathing, with occasional dainties in
the way of green food, they will do very well and will

lyi

soon repay their owner for his care by their
sleek and contented appearance. It is one of my pet
theories that all birds are at least semi-insectivorous,
therefore all my so-called ''seed-eaters" used to re-
ceive insectile food in addition to the ordinary seeds ;
and while it is not absolutely necessary or even essen-
tial that the insectile food should be given, I always
strongly recommend it. To the young bird-keeper
however the mention of such food often seems an in-
surmountable obstacle in the pursuit of his hobby, and
conjures up visions of mixing all sorts of extra-
ordinary ingredients, of any knowledge of which he is
absolutely devoid. So if it is decided to give insectile
food it is easier in one's initiatory stages to purchase
a good one from among the many advertised, for
though it is somewhat more costly than making one's
own, it saves so much time and worry that it is more
than worth the additional expense. After a time when
confidence has taken the place of timidity and know-
ledge of ignorance, the bought food can be dispensed
with and a home made one substituted.

I have not mentioned the care necessary to ensure
as cleanly a condition of the cage or aviary as possible,
because I think most young aviculturists give this
important matter a due meed of attention. In fact they
are often apt to somewhat overdo this part of the
business — the poor birds no sooner settle down from
one terrific " spring clean " and attack on red mite
(the bogey of all bird-keepers) than they are scared
out of the few remaining wits left them by another
energetic onslaught on the part of their too anxious
owner. Very few birds, given opportunities for bathing
regularly, fail to keep themselves clean and free from

172

troublesome pests, so the remedy is a very simple one.
Do not let it be thought, however, that I am advocating
the bath to the exclusion of other necessary measures.
If the birds are kept in a large flight cage indoors,
cover the floor with sand for nearly an inch, rake it
over thoroughly every day and change it twice a week.
If in an outdoor aviary less trouble isnecessar3% inas-
much as changing the sand once a week is sufficient,
raking it well over on the third or fourth day. Do not
throw the old sand away ; it is not only expensive to
keep buying new sand but also unnecessary. Get a
very fine mesh wire sifter and thoroughly pass all the
sand through it, going over it a second time if desir-
able, and throw the refuse away. Then spread the
sand out as thinly as possible — on large sheets of paper
will do — and let it dry in the sun and wind for at
least a day before putting it back into the aviary. And
when one has sprinkled over the whole a few hand-
fuls of prepared grit that one buys in bags, heigh
presto! our sand is as good as ever, minus a slight
waste each time.

Cuttle fish shells, which are advantageous for the
birds to pick at, can be purchased at any bird shop,
though I very rarely bought any. There are generally
plenty to be found on our seashores wasliedup by the
tide, and it adds a zest to an early morning's walk to
hunt for a few when on one's holidays at the seaside.
I used to come back with fifty or sixty large pieces,
which were more than sufficient to last me until my
next visit.

Keep the perches as clean as possible and use
dead boughs with the bark on in preference to straight
sticks. The former are, of course, more natural for

.. 173

the birds' feet, and if you are fortunate euough to live
in the country you need not bother about cleaning
them when dirty ; throw them away and go and get
some fresh ones. The thoughtful person though would
probably reverse the order of these two operations.

It is quite unnecessary, and indeed undesirable,
for the beginner in foreign bird keeping to pay more
than a very moderate price for his birds, however deep
his pocket may be. (What constitutes a moderate
price at any given time can only be ascertained by
glancing through the dealers' lists, or their advertise-
ments which appear in all the birdy papers and
magazines). The more common the bird, the better
for the purpose of our amateur. It is obvious that in
spite of all one's good intentions there is a greater
possibility of losses occurring through lack of ex-
perience at that time than at a later stage ; and the
financial loss will be small if low-priced birds are
bought.

But this is only a superficial reason. I will go
deeper and say that the cheaper the bird the better
chance it has, provisionally, of coming successful!}''
through the initiatory stages of its owner. And the
reason is not far to seek.

Like the majority of people the importers of
foreign birds give far more care and attention to the
merchandise which will realise the highest price, and
consequently expensive birds are looked after much
better than those whose market value is only a few
pence. So it becomes a question of the survival of
the fittest. The highly priced bird has to endure very
few of fortune's hard knocks, whereas his lowly brother
is bundled over with hundreds of others in the same

174

cage and only the strongest survive. If, therefore, the
young bird-buyer will pick out the birds which are in
the best health and spirits from amongst the motley
selection offered him — generally termed small stuff by
the bird-selling fraternity — he will find that his pur-
chases, having been hardy enough to survive their
many vicissitudes will possess suflQcient hardiness to
enable them to make a strong and often successful
fight against any errors he may inadvertently make
from time to time. The expensive specimen having
received a good deal of attention during his import-
ation is not used to " roughing it," and in a parallel
case would probably show his disinclination to be
experimented on by quietly lying on his back on the
floor of the cage or aviary, a mute reproach to its
whilom owner.

Never mind if a bird is minus a tail, and possibly
some breast and crown feathers ; if the carriage is
alert and jaunty and the eyes are bright and open,
you are generally safe in selecting it. A bird can
hardly travel some thousands of miles and remain
cooped up as he has been and retain an irreproachable
appearance, though some manage to do so. The
feathers will grow again very quickly, and, a word in
your ear, the dealer will probably accept a somewhat
lower price for "that bald one" !

-Ai * * ^' i:-

I was often impressed during my term of the
Secretaryship of the F.B.C. by the frequent applica-
cations I received from members asking for advice on
the very A.B.C. of foreign bird keeping. And it has
grown on me that the writers of articles in our maga-
zine often presume a full knowledge of rudiments on

175

the part of their readers. I may have erred myself —
whereas I am afraid that through the omission of
references to these a good deal has been just so much
Greek to many. It has been this consideration there-
fore which has induc-^d me to mention many matters
well known to the experienced aviculturist, but which,
I hope and believe, may prove of use and interest to
the bird-keeper in embryo.

TKHan^ciiii96 in the Zoo-

By J. E. R. McDONAGH, M.R.C.vS., F.Z.S.

I ought reall}' this month to have continued, or
rather finished my notes on the birds in the Parrot
house, but seeing that I have some })hotographs
which the Editor has asked me for, I think it woula
be more fitting to say a few words about the Penguins
and the inmates of the Gull aviary.

I would first mention that a notable event has
occurred in the Seal pond, in that a pair of Penguins
(Sp/ie?izscus de77iersus) from Africa has succeeded in
breeding this year. Two eggs were laid on a ledge of
the rocks and fortunately both hatched out on July
3rd, and at the time of writing (Aug. 22nd) both the
young are flourishing.

I believe I am right in saying that this is the first
instance recorded of these birds breeding in Great
Britain.

The young were at first hidden very carefully
from sight, and the parents were extremely savage at
the time, even to the keeper. The young are now
fully seven weeks old and have not yet taken to the

176

water, never doing so until they are fully fledged, and
these still have a good deal of down on them, though
the back, the region round the eyes, and the breast,
are quite free of it. I believe it is round the eyes
where the feathers first commence to shew.

The eggs were coloured like those of an ordinary
domestic fowl.

The mother seems in a very bad way at present :
she looks ill, is extremely thin, and has quite forsaken
her young ones, which are now being looked after
only by the father, who feeds them after he has had
his own meal, which generally consists of three to five
herrings swallowed whole in rapid succession.

The two young birds wandered from their nest
some days ago and had to be brought back ; they are
not only very strong but extremely vicious, so that
the keeper can never go very near them.

[The hen appears to have recovered, for she has
completely severed her connection with her family,
and has become attached to another male member of
the group in the pond. — Ed.].

Another interesting breeding event has taken
place lately in the Gull aviary, a cross between two
species of the Porphyrio or Purple Moorhen, the
Indian P. {P. poliocephalus) and the Madagascar P. (/*.
madagascariensis). The keeper had to rear the young
one, as the parents would have nothing to do with it.
The Porphyrio forms a most interesting genus. The
name is derived from a Greek word, Tropcpvpa = purple.
It is mentioned by classical writers, and it is the P.
caeruleus, one of the larger species, which is referred
to by the ancients.

The most interesting form is of course the

177

Notornis from Xew Zealand, first described from an
imperfect fossil skull by Sir Richard Owen. After he
had described it a specimen was taken alive, the skin
of which can now be seen in the Natural History
Museum.

The Gulls have also bred extremeh' well this
3^ear, including the Greater Black-backed Gull, the
young of which do not adopt the full adult plumage
until they are about four or five 3-ears old. The Great
Black-backed is the largest of the Gulls which breed
in the British Isles. It is a very rapacious bird and a
terrible enemy to any wounded animal it comes
across. It is distinguished from the Lesser Black-
backed Gull by not only its size, but by its legs being
pink whilst those of the latter are yellow.

A bigger gull sometimes to be seen in this aviary
is the Glaucous Gull, or, as he is often called, the
'* Burgomaster." This is still more rapacious than the
former, and is very fond of robbing other gulls of
their prey. He is only a visitor, coming to us in the
winter.

Another arctic gull which also visits us is the
Ivory Gull, sometimes seen in the Gardens. This
bird is white, while its legs and feet are jet black.

Other gulls in this aviary are the following.
Jameson's Gulls, which breed very freely every year,
and this year young are now to be seen just behind
an awning which has been put up for the gulls'
privacy during the nesting time, although the\' never
seem to mind publicity in the least ; Brown- headed
or Laughing Gulls, the gull which all Londoners
must be familiar with by now, as they have come up
the river ever\' winter since 1S95 ; but since his winter

178

plumage is very different from his summer one many-
people do not appear to recognise tliat what seems to
be two birds is really only one. In summer the head
is brown, the back blue-gre3% wings white and black,
tail white, bills, legs and feet a brilliant red. In
winter the hood is gone or reduced to a dark eye-spot,
and the legs and bill are less bright. Then again
there is the Common Gull, — somewhat badly named
by the way, as all gulls are common somewhere or
other. These breed readily in the British Isles, and
are often seen far inland picking up worms etc.
Their plumage in summer is pure white, except for
the wings, which are tipped with black, and the back
is blue-grey. The Herring Gull, — another gull which
also breeds readily in the Gardens, is easily recognised
by the yellow and red bill. Other gulls to be seen are
the Indian Brown - headed Gull, the Yellow- legged
Herring Gull, Scoresby's Gull, and Hemprich's Gull,
to the latter of which a reference has already been
made on page 103.

In this aviary there is a Gannet, some Kgyptian
Kites which nested in the trees, when they were very
fierce, necessitating two keepers always going in at a
time, one to keep off the birds, while the other was
cleaning the aviary out and feeding the other birds.
On one or two occasions a keeper was attacked.
Other birds to be seen here are Night Herons, of
which there are several species, (one, the Nyciicorax
gf'iseiis demanding special notice as it not unfrequently
visits England, and would undoubtedly breed if left
undisturbed), the Common Heron, and the Great
American Heron. With them are also two species of
Choughs, the larger one with red legs, feet, and bill

179

being the Cornish Chough, and the smaller with
yellow legs, feet, and bill being the Alpine Chough.

Other birds I ought to mention are Cormorants,
Indian Crows, and Skuas.

{"lo be CO ft tinned.)

Pytelia phoenicopteia.
By WESr.EV T. Pack, F.Z.S.

This beautiful and somewhat uncommon though
well known bird is more generally spoken of as the
Aurora Finch. It is a native of Africa, and has quite
an extensive range over Senegambia, the Upper Nile
region, and Equatorial Africa.

Plumage : The general body - colour is bluish-
grey, paler and whiter on the under parts, and
washed with vinous brown on the upper parts ;
lower back and upper tail coverts, rich crimson ;
lesser wing coverts, red ; median and greater cov-
erts, brownish-grey edged with red: flights, brown,
partially edged with dull red : central tail feathers,
rich crimson, with the outer ones blackish edged with
crimson.*' The whole of the under surface is regu-
larly barred or scaled with greyish-white, (in some
specimens the white is almost pure on the abdomen
and vent). These barrings vary a good deal in indi-
vidual specimens, as also does the amount of white on
the lower surface ; some bodies that have been sent
to me for identification at various times, have been
scaled almost as regularly and distinctly as a Spice

• Most of the feathers of the upper surface have their tips edged
with either dull red, or ruddy brown.

i8o

Finch, while in others the barrings are only to be
discerned when the bird is still and fairly close to the
observer, and the white of the abdomen and under
tail coverts is replaced by a bnffish-grey, scarcely
lighter than the other portion of the lower surface ;
these variations have also been present in specimens
that have inhabited my aviaries at various times.
Beak, black ; legs and feet, light brown ; iris, red.
Total length, 4^ to 4f inches.

Adult female: Slightly smaller in size, more
ashen in colour, the red portions of the plumage are
duller, and the barrings less distinctly defined ; also
her beak is narrower at the base than that of the male,
but unless the birds are tame enough to permit of
comparison in the hand, this is very difficult to de-
termine; at the same time the difference is readily
noted when comparing sexed skins. P. phoeyiicoptera
is the type of the genus, which the late Dr. A. C. Stark
gives as follows : " Bill slender, cone shaped and
" lengthened ; culmen swollen and slightly arched.
" Nostrils hidden by nasal plumes. Wings rounded,
" the distance between the tips of the primaries and
*' the tips of the secondaries less than the length of
" the tarsus ; the first quill very small. Tail short,
" graduated. Tarsi scutellated anteriorly. Feet very
" small. The genus Pytelia includes twelve species of
** Weaver-finches. They frequent bushes and rarely
"perch much on the ground,* have a somewhat
" monotonous song, and are gentle and confiding in
" their habits, f Those species whose nesting habits

• They are strictly arboreal as inhabitants of the aviary, ouly stop-
ping on the ground for feeding purposes.— W. T. P.

t This is also their demeanour in the aviary.— W. T. P.

i8i

" have been observed build domed nests of dry grass
** in bushes, and lay three or four white eggs." I pro-
cured a pair of these birds early this summer, (having
only previously possessed two odd males) ; on arrival
I found them in rather poor plumage, but apparently
healthy. They were put into one of my indoor flights,
and in about a month were in fine condition. They at
once settled down to nesting and built in a Hartz-cage
at the top of the flight, which was well screened with
twiggy branches, and were sitting hard, when by an
unfortunate oversight on my part through my being
called away suddenly, I left a small flap open, and these
birds and their companions, (six pairs of uncommon
birds), at once found their liberty in the garden ; one
pair and two odd birds were recaptured, but unfortu-
nately the Auroras were not.

To my mind Dr. Russ did not exaggerate when he
described the Aurora-Astrild as one of the most ex-
quisite of the Ornamental Finches. To see it in the
aviary, flitting about in the sunlight and making play
to its mate, is certainly a sight to be remembered, and
I do not wonder at his speaking of it as ravishing ; it
certainly cannot be fitly described in a few tame words.
As the male bird makes his play, the glancing light
bedecks his chaste and lovely garment as with jewels.
The love dance itself is both entertaining and interest-
ing, as with excited curtseys he hops round the female
with his tail spread, and erected almost perpendicu-
larly. This continues for some little time, when the
female begins to mince on her toes, the male's move-
ments become similar, and they thus gradually come
together as though drawn magnetically. While the
love sport goes on, both birds utter a monotonous but

I82

not unpleasant " tsit, tsit." The male's short song is
merel}' one or two single, and rather mellow flute like
sounds.

Dr. Russ succeeded in breeding these charming
birds ; four eggs were laid and incubation lasted
twelve days. Nestling plumage dull blackish blue-
grey, barred on the under surface ; shoulders, margins
of wings, and tail, dull red ; beak, horn grey ; legs
blackish. The change to adult plumage is a slow and
gradual one. While Dr. C. S. Simpson considers this
bird harmless but uninteresting, the late Erskine AUon
{Avic. Mag., Ser, i, Vol. III., p. 125), eulogises it as
follows : " This is my favourite bird and I always keep
" four or five pairs at least. Confiding, good-natured,
*' and never ill when once acclimatised, I know no
*' species that nests so readily, so successfully, and
** with such regularity. The pairs generally use cocoa-
" nuts or nesting-boxes, placed side by side, and they
*' are absolutely fearless. I have known a hen con-
" tinue sitting while the top of the nesting box was
'' h^mg s craped. '' I cannot trace that Mr. Allon ever
published any account of j^oung birds actually reared,
though the above implies this; most aviculturists get
no farther than eggs. While perhaps not going quite
so far as Mr. Allon they are certainly most handsome
and entertaining birds, and should be in every col-
lection of Waxbills and Finches. As regards diet, my
birds had access to ripe fruit, my usual soft food mix-
ture, sponge cake, canary, white and spray millet,
and they took a little of each ; were very eager for an
occasional mealworm, and nearly went wild with delight
over a blighty spray of rose foliage. They took a
very thorough daily bath. They settle down fairly

MRS. VERNON'S WINDOW AVIARY.

To face poge 1

i83

quickly and soon recognise the one who supplies
their needs, and if the\' do not often actuall}^ come and
take an insect from the hand, they will soon take a
mealworm six inches from your feet when cast on the
ground. I may be a faddist, but finding they seldom
or never picked at the cuttlefish, I always kept a
supply of the same coarsely crushed ; this sprinkled
on the sand appeared to help them considerably in
getting through the moult. They were about halfway
through this when they came into my possession.
They are sun loving creatures, and only seek shelter
for a brief space about midday.

I may say in conclusion that they were kept in my
greenhouse bird room, in an enclosure 5 feet by 2^ feet
by 7^ feet high. I find these enclosures answer well,
but I should say they have wooden ceilings six inches
below the glass.

a Mm&ow Hviarp aiiO otber fIDatters.

By INIrs. E. Warren Vernon.

In my last paper I mentioned that I had no out-
door aviary, and that I was about to institute a wire
enclosure outside a window for my birds to use as
a flight. I now have the first, and the second is an
accomplished fact.

There are many people who live in towns and
have no gardens, and consequently are debarred from
the chance of a proper aviar}^ out of doors. The
accompanying photograph of the window aviary will
show that the birds of those so circumstanced need not
be absolutely deprived of fresh air. The aviary is of
the simplest construction, and any carpenter or haudy
man can make one.

1 84

I find lu}^ birds simply revel in it. The eaves of
the house shelter it from rain, and though I leave the
door open for the inmates to return indoors to their
cage, they now all sleep outside. Furnished with
pots coutaining small box trees, geraniums, and
heather, it is not unsightly from the outside, while
viewed from within the room it is positively pretty.

The birds in it at present are Diamond Sparrows,
Ribbon Finches, Combasous, Orange-cheek Waxbills,
Avadavats, Cordon Bleus, and a solitary specimen
each of the Green Singing Finch and the Firefinch.
They are all in lovel}^ phimage, which I attribute to
their having had a few drops of Parrish's chemical
food in their drinking water during the moult.

Now as to the out door aviary. This is also of
simple construction. The sleeping compartment is
made of framing covered with matchboards. The roof
is similar, and is covered with asphaltic roofing felt,
tarred, and then sanded. This material is exceedingly
durable and at the same time economical as to cost :
at the same time I cannot lay too great stress on the
importance of a thick coating of tar and sand. This
compartment measures 6ft. by 4ft., by 4ft. 6in. at the
eaves, and 7ft. at the ridge. The entrance door is
of match-boarding, fitted with a wire guard outside.
The door from the sleeping house into the flight is of
light framing covered with "Eureka" water proof
paper, and in the outside wall there is a small window
which can be either open or shut according to circum-
stances.

The flight portion measures 12ft. by 8ft., and is
made of 3in. by lin. framing covered with fine wire
netting. Round the sides there is a narrow pavement

i85

of tiles, leaving a square of earth in the centre in
which are planted some shrubs. The indoors floor is
entirely tiled and thickly covered with sand.

In this aviary there are Gouldians, various Nuns,
Ribbon and Zebra Finches, Diamond Sparrows,
Canaries, Combasous, and Wh3^dahs.

In the near future I hope to erect a range of
aviaries to contain three pairs only in each (of
different species), for I feel sure that overcrowding is
the principal cause of non-success in breeding. In
the window aviary the Cordon Bleus built and laid
three eggs, but did not sit. The Ribbon Finches also
had two nests, but nothing came of them either.

Among other birds which I have brought up by
hand this year are two Woodpigeons. While they
were quite babies I let them out one da}^ on the lawn,
where I have several ordinary Ring Doves flying
loose and breeding in a dove cot. A male young one
of this year came down and perched near to the baby
Woodpigeons, when the latter ran up to him crying to
be fed. After a few moments this he actually did,
feeding them from the crop like an old bird. They
are now grown up and are quite tame, though having
complete liberty along with the Doves, coming down
with the latter every morning and evening to be fed.
The young Dove still however feeds them between
whiles, in spite of their being quite able to do without
his attentions.

1 86

ZTbe Ipainteb Bunting, or IRonpareil.

By W. T. Grkkne, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.

This handsome and well known bird is often
spoken of as a finch, but this is a mistake, for it
possesses all the characteristics that distinguish the
Bunting sub-family of the order Passeres, and not one
of those peculiar to the finches, but I need not enter
into these particulars here.

Herr August Wiener has well remarked that the
Painted Bunting is a glorified presentment of the
European Chaffinch, the disposition of colours and
markings being much the same in both species, only
infinitely more brilliant in the Nonpareil.

Some time ago I was presented with a pair of
Painted Buntings which had, I was told, nested in
confinement, but with no success, for the eggs were all
barren.

When I received the birds I was not greatly
surprised at their failure to perpetuate their species,
for they had a faded washed-out appearance, that did
not say mucli for their vigour, while their dull, list-
less manner confirmed the impression as to their
want of condition.

The former owner of the Nonpareils had l)een
accustomed to feed them on white millet, canary seed,
and a little dried yolk of e^g. I do not advocate
making sudden and absolute changes in a bird's
dietar)^ even when the latter is not quite correct, so I
continued the food to which the Buntings were used,
but in addition, I put into the cage a drawerful of
ants' eggs, just to see if the birds would take some of
them.

i87

In a few days I noticed that the Nonpareils quite
neglected the seed and dried yolk of egg to feed
exclusively on the cocoons of the ants, and that they
seemed improved both in manner and colour by the
change. This was very encouraging, and I began to
build castles in the air, and cotmt my chickens before
they were hatched.

The cock Bunting commenced to chase his mate
rather more than seemed to be agreeable to her at
times, for she used to retaliate and peck him savagely,
which is their rough and ready way of conducting
their courtship, and I naturally looked forward to a
nest at no distant date, and supplied them with a nest-
basket and a variety of material that I thought they
might pick something from that would suit them, but,
apparently they were not in a hurry, and during a
period of several weeks no progress was made towards
serious nidification.

We are told that hope deferred niaketh the heart
sick, and I began to get tired of my Nonpareils, their
boisterous love-making, and their pretence at nest-
building, and, as the season for my annual holiday
had arrived, I made them over to a friend with whom
they did not do any better, and I cannot now remember
their subsequent history, except that the cock proved
himself to be a very tyrant in the large general
aviary in which he and his mate had been placed, and
that he grew to be the most brilliantly coloured
example of his species that my friend had ever seen.

i88

le&itoriaL

THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF FOOD-
STUFFS : — A correspondent asks me for an article on
this question. In order to be of any real value such
an article would have to be of considerable length,
and would have to embrace the consideration of
various matters over and above the foods themselves.
It would necessarily include a detailed account (i) of
the alimentar}^ anatomy as met with in the different
sections of birds, (2) of the physiological functions of
the different portions of the alimentary tract in these
various birds, and (3) of the chemical processes occur-
ing in each of these portions. Then would follow (4)
the analyses of the various food stuffs, and (5) the
comparative effects, not onl}^ of the various organs
and their secretions upon these stuffs, but also (6) of
the reciprocal effects upon the tissues of the body
brought about by the products of these chemical
changes.

Then again we should have to consider the
conditions attaching to any one particular case out of
the many which might present themselves. Is the
bird in a cage? and if so is it alone in a small cage, or
with companions in a large one ? Or is it in an out-
door aviary, where it can take abundant exercise ? Is
it a young bird intended for exhibition, and therefore
requiring to be fed up to a certain size or to a
particular richness of colour without any regard to the
permanent preservation of health, so long as it can
win prizes for a year or two before dying of some
pathological degeneration at a comparatively early
age ? or an old bird to be " kept up to concert pitch "

1 89

as long as possible for the same purpose, and with the
same inevitable result ? Or on the other hand does
its owner feel some personal rather than a merely-
selfish regard for it, and wish his little friend to live
as long as possible and as free as possible from the
aches and pains inseparable from progressive ill-
health ? And these are not all — other conditions
under which a bird may be placed will present them-
selves to the reader, but enough has been said to give
an idea of the scope embraced by the apparently
simple request of my correspondent.

Formidable as it would be I have often con-
templated such an article, but have as often abandoned
the idea. Kven if they read it, the great majority of
laymen would get up from its perusal with a strange
mixture of knowledge and misapprehension, due not
to lack of intelligence but simply to the want of
previous training in natural science. Then again,
those members of the two medical professions who
have kept themselves up to date in matters of com-
parative anatomy and physiology require nothing
further on the subject beyond what they can find on
special points in such classical works as those of
Professors Smith of Philadelphia and von Wolff of
Wiirtemburg and others.

However, for the benefit of my lay friends, who
wish to give their seed-eaters the best chance of a
reasonably long life under the altered conditions of
captivity, I propose shortly giving a few hints as to
their feeding, briefly touching upon the main
principles which should underly their procedure.

I go

TAMING A PARROT:— It will be remembered
that one of my Senegals remained extremely vicious
after many months of captivity. I then resolved to
make a strenuous ejEfort to tame him, and am glad to
say that, up to the point of his shewing some affection
to myself, I have succeeded. First of all I put him
into solitary confinement in my waiting room and for
several days kept him very hungry, so that he was
glad to feed from my hand. At first I got many
savage bites, but by degrees he seemed to recognize
that I meant well by him, and at last allowed me to
stroke his head and play with him while in the cage.
I can now put my hand right in, and so long as he
gets no fright from sudden movements, he actually
responds to caresses. But he allows no liberties from
others. Had I sufficient time to devote to him I feel
sure that he would become as tame as the other. Dr.
Hopkinson tells me that he has known some indi-
viduals that were quite untameable.

W. Geo. Crkswki.1..

poet flDortem IReporte.

{l/ide Rules).

Gour,DiAN Finch hen. (Mr. Castle-Sloaiie). In breeding
condition. Death was caused by rupture of an ovarian
blood vessel, resulting in a large clot in that neighbour-
hood.

PiNTAir, NoNPARKii<. (Mr. F. Howe). Pneumonia was the
cause of death in this freshly imported bird.

GouivDiAN Finch hen. (Mrs. Mortimer). This bird died of
pneumonia. There was also present a curious condition
occasionally met with in cage birds, both alive and dead,
consisting of a large area of the skin of the body being

191

separated from tlie underlying tissues by a tense layer ot
air, looking like a blown out bladder. This is due to
distension of one or more of the subcutaneous air sacks.
H0RNBII.T.. (Mr. Castle-Sloane). Apparently well a few
liours before death ; fed on bananas, potatoes, biscuit, and
rice : On dissection nothing was found except a catarrhal
condition of the intestines (enteritis). It had been treated
with a dose of castor oil and brandy, which under the
circumstances was correct.

Correspon&ence,

A vSOCIABLE vSWAN.

Sir,— Perhaps the following facts taken from personal
observation and experience may be interesting to some of
the readers of Bird Notes, and lead to further instances of the
intelligence and social instincts of these birds.

In the summer of last year two cygnets were given to us
for the double purpose of adorning a small fresh-water lake in
the grounds not far from the house, and in hopes of their
keeping down a weed which had grown very thickly and
threatened soon to cover the whole pond. Tlie cygnets
appeared happy and contented with their surroundings for
some weeks, came regularh' to be fed once a day, and were
always together on the water, when one fine day one of them
suddenly rose up and flew over the tops of the trees bordering
the lake towards the sea about two miles off. It was reported
to have been seen in the neighbourhood in different places for
some weeks, but we never succeeded in re-capturing it, and the
probability is that it joined the wild swans which are numerous
in these parts. The remaining bird, deserted by its companion,
was very sad and lonely, refused to remain on the water, and
attached itself to the master of the house, following him
about everywhere, coming up to the stable yard, and mounting
the stone steps to the hall door and into the hall itself in
search of him. Every morning it used to station itself under
the study window, uttering a curious hoarse cry till the master

192

appeared and either called to or went out to him. It was a
strange and amusing sight to watch the big, ungainly creature
struggling along the gravel walks, very rough and uncomfort-
able to the webbed feet one would think, in his endeavours to
keep pace with human footsteps, following like a dog, happy
and satisfied. When left to himself the bird seemed quite lost,
and would wander about in a disconsolate manner as if missing
his friend and companion, and was found at least once in the
village, quite half a mile from the house.

This went on for some months until an accident kept his
owner within doors for weeks, and the cygnet finding himself
neglected, wisely gave up his nomad habits and returned to
the lake, where he and a new companion now live peaceably
together and have quite succeeded in keeping down the
objectionable w^eed. They are both beautiful birds with snow
white plumage now, very tame and feed out of our hands,
coming right from the farther end of the lake when called.
We have had them pinioned, so now have no fear of losing
them by flight. N. M. E. Ward.

THE DANYSZ MOUSE VIRUS.
Sir, — In one of your previous Editorials I noticed you
spoke very favourably of the Danysz rat and mouse virus in
freeing your aviaries of mice. Shortly afterwards, owing to
the fact that my stables, house, and aviaries were infested with
mice, I determined to try the virus. After using it twice
within a month I quickly cleared the place of these pests, so
that I liave not seen one for weeks. It is quite harmless, as
I have fed my carnivorous birds on the carcases of the dead
mice picked up, without in the least discomforting the birds.
It is much better than " poison," as there is no risk of poisonitig
your neighbours' animals or your own. Again, it makes a

much quicker job than poison.

Hhnry Gray, M.R.C.V.S.

BIRD NOTES

Keul emails del . et< litli .

GOUiDIAN PINCH
Poepliila mipal)ilis.

Wesfc,Ne-wma,ii imp.

All righis reserved,} [NOVEMBER, 1906.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

Itbe (BoulDian Jfincb.

{Pcephila mirabilis.)
By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S.
I have only used one specific name for this bird,
since the Red, Black, and Yellow Headed variations
are certainly not species but merely varieties of the
same species ; however as specific distinction has been
given, and as there is strong probability of the Yellow-
headed variety being perpetuated as a race, the present
specific names (as under) may be regarded as a con-
venience.

Red-head. P. viirabilis.
Black-head. P. gouldicB.
Yellow-head. P. armitiana.
It will only be necessary to describe the plumage
of mtrad77zs, as go7i/dz^ only differs in the black-head,
and ajinitiaiia in its yellow head.

Adult male. — Head to middle of crown, face and
cheeks, rich velvety carmine^; chin, throat, and
narrow border to the carmine of head and cheeks,
level shining back; the black throat and head border
is followed b\^ a narrow edging of cobalt blue, which
is beautifully merged into the green of the upper parts

* In the plate the carmine of the head is represented by deep scarlet in
consequence of the evanescent nature of carmine paints, Mr. Keulemaus
telling nie that these more or less rapidly lose their brightness.— Ed.

.: - - 194

and ultramarine blue of the lower ; remainder of head,
neck, back and upper wing coverts, shining green,
washed more or less golden on the neck and down-
wards ; flight feathers, greyish-black, with their outer
webs light green, washed slightly dusky; upper tail
coverts, cobalt blue ; tail, black with ashy tips, the
two central feathers being much elongated, and deep
black ; breast and forechest, intense purplish blue ;
hind chest and abdomen rich saffron-yellow ; under
tail coverts, white ; under side of tail feathers, ashen,
blackish in the central portion. Beak, purplish-flesh
colour, tipped and lined rosy-carmine; legs and feet,
pinkish-flesh colour; iris, rich brow^n. Average length
by comparison of two dozen skins ; c? 4-5" ; ? 4-3"

Adult female. — Much duller than the male, alto-
gether lacking the refulgence so characteristic of
his plumage, the carmine head and facial patches
more restricted, upper tail coverts pale emerald green ;
the central tail feathers but little longer than the outer
ones ; breast, rosy lilac ; abdomen, pale j^ellow.

Young. — The nestling plumage is light dusky-
green, without any of the lustre or lovely markings of
the adult birds. While a change soon begins to take
place, it is a fairly protracted one. The back becomes
'bright green, (but not yet the green of the adult), blue
appears at the back of the neck, and a small black
patch on the chin ; the head becomes spotted and
streaked with red, the breast with purplish in the male
and pale lilac in the female, and the belly j^ellowish.
These changes, which are brought about by a growth
of colour in the plumage and not by an intermediate
moult, continue to increase in intensity till the Spring
moult; when the young assume the brilliance of the

195

adult birds. At the same time their phimage does not
attain its full refulgence, or the colour areas their full
size, till after the second moult.

The colour changes in the young are direct both
in the Black and Yellow-headed varieties, and not
gradually through black to red, but direct to the
plumage of the respective varieties.

The different varieties readily interbreed, and their
progeny appears to come true, i.e. either Red-heads
or Black-heads ; and both varieties frequentl}^ occur
in the same brood. It must be noted that Black-heads
mostly produce their own kind, and the Red-heads the
same; but at the same time this is not absolute, for
we have a fully authenticated record that Dr. Ramsay
bred all three varieties (Blacks, Reds and Yellows)
from a pair of Black-heads in his Australian aviary.
This experience is not an isolated one, but the Yellow-
headed variety is extremely uncommon. There is
nothing remarkable in imported birds of the same
colour producing mixed broods, for a Black-headed
female in captivity will invariably choose a Red-headed,
mate, even though there be several vigorous well
coloured specimens of her own kind present ; from
the freedom with which this choice is made, I am of
opinion that the two colours freely interbreed in a wild
state. The aforesaid Dr. Ramsay's collector shot from
the same nest a Red-headed <? and Black-headed ? .

The Yellow-headed variety I have never possessed,
and have only seen one ; neither has my friend, Mr.
J. B. Housden (who has privately imported hundreds
of these birds) ever had one pass through his hands.
On the other hand the Rev. H. D. Astley has possessed
one and I believe still possesses it, whose head was of a

196

rich gamboge colour. Mr. Keulemans has also seen
oue, which had yellow feathers on the back and scapu-
lars, as well as the yellow head.

Occasionally a specimen maybe seen intermediate
between black and red. For instance Mr. Towiisend
has a female Black-head which has many of the
feathers of the head tipped with dull red, these in-
creasing in number with each successive moult.
[The extensive experiments now being carried on in
the Oxford University physiological laboratory with
regard to the relationships — biological and chemical —
between different colours in animals will in time throw
some light on these mutations. — Ed.]

Gouldian Finches, with their versi-coloured plu-
mage, vie in beauty with any of Australia's many hued
and gorgeously apparelled birds. They are only lack-
ing in one respect, and that is song, for as song birds
they have no song ; of course they are not dumb, and
to their own kind would appear to be undoubtedly
fluent and fine performers, from the evident satisfaction
expressed by the demeanour of the musician and his
companions. Even in the aviary their soft, sibilant
and grasshopper like twittering is quite audible, never-
theless they are not song birds as we regard the term.
According to Messrs. Gould, North, and Campbell,
their known habits in a state of nature are briefly as
follows : — The nest is dome shaped, and built either in
a small tree or bush, usually from about five to eight
feet from the ground. They are largely ground feeders
and when disturbed fly at once to the tops of the
loftiest trees. * The breeding season appears to be

* This is also the case in captivity ; in my aviary if suddenly disturbed
they fly at ouce to the highest perch, or cling to the top wire netting.

197

September and October, (possibly it is extended by a
few weeks either way) ; they usually rear two broods ;
five white eggs are laid and incubation lasts 12 to 13
days. They gather in large numbers at the water
holes, morning and evening. At these places the
trappers set their nets and snares, capturing them in
large numbers ; it is mostly young birds that are
taken.

Their wants in captivity are of the simplest ;
canary, white and spray millet, form their staple bill of
fare, while oats and paddy rice are also eaten. Rock
salt, cuttlefish, and a cube of loaf sugar, with plenty
of grass in flower and other green food, should be
regularly supplied. [They are better without the
sugar. — Ed.] In the winter and early spring I always
use French lettuce as greenfood. Green oats {i.e. oats
in the ear), are very wholesome, and are greedily eaten
when in season. My birds also pick over the soft food
mixture supplied to the other birds.

It must be admitted that these lovely birds are a
great disappointment and trial to many, new purchases
dying off very quickly ; losses with new deliveries of
all kinds of birds I fear there always will be, as most
aviculturists know to their cost ; but once acclimatised
and kept hygienically, Gouldians are neither delicate
nor difficult to keep. They need space and must have
a roomy cage"^ with plenty of perches (natural branches
by preference). If confined in a small cage, they lack
exercise, get over fat, and soon "shuffle off." At the
same time they neither need hot-house treatment, nor

* What few cages I use for such purposes are 3ft. by isin. by 3oiu. high,
well furnished with twiggy branches, having a retiring corner, which also
contains the nesting receptacle.

1 98

will they shrivel up at the first frost ; this I have proved
experimentally. In a garden aviary, with space for
flight and a night shelter, they are as "hard as nails"
and care no more for the worst vagaries of an English
winter than do our native Sparrows — in fact not so
much. If care is taken to procure healthy specimens,
few birds are less trouble to keep in health ; their
delicacy is only fancied and not real, the critical
period of their life being the first few weeks in this
country. They should only be turned out of doors
during what appears to be a settled spell of warm
sunny weather. Few of the inhabitants of my aviary
are more cheerful during bad weather than the so-
called delicate Gouldian Finch.

Unless the aviary be a large one the best breeding
results will be attained by including only one pair in
it, as Gouldians are by no means kindly disposed to
their own species during the breeding season ; at the
same time they are harmless to other birds, no matter
how small. In a cage two pairs would spend their
time quarrelling instead of reproducing their kind.
For nesting they seem to prefer a Hartz travelling
cage, or else a box of the cigar type.

Zbc ^alpacoti H)o\>e.

{Chaincepelia ialpacoti).
By Miss M. E. Baker.
The Talpacoti Doves are exceedingly pretty little
birds. They are just a little larger than the Diamond
Dove, being rather stouter built and not having such
a long tail. The cock in colour is a pretty shade of
chocolate, the back and wings being marked with

199

black. The breast and under parts are a shade lighter,.
the head a lovel}^ delicate blue-grey, the feet piuk, and
the beak lead colour. The hen is much lighter, and
without the blue head.

The cooing of the cock Talpacoti sounds rather
plaintive and sad, something like that of a Wood-
Pigeon, only many times softer.

My little pair began to build last autumn, but
were very unfortunate with the first nest. Having
placed it too near the wire in the open part of the
aviar\% it was destro3^ed by a cat, the eggs broken and
the doves very much frightened. They did not start
again until the spring ; since then they have done
well, and reared a lot of young ones. Several times
they nested in a bunch of bracken which was firmly
fastened to the wall, once or twice in a little basket,
and once in a small box. The cock always sat on the
eggs in tlie day-time, and tlie hen at night.

After the young ones were hatched both parents
sat on them for about two days, then they took it in
turn as usual to mind them.

Young Talpacoti Doves grow very quickly, and
when they leave the nest are both light-coloured like
their mother.

My birds were very gentle while nesting, and
would let me do anything with them without flying
ofi" the nest.

They live outdoors all the year round, and do not
seem to mind the cold.

I make the inner part of the aviary very snug,
putting great bunches of dried bracken about the
walls for them and other birds to sleep in, so that it is
very warm and cosy for them, and they seem to like it

20O

very much. Sometimes when I look in the aviary at
night there is not a bird to be seen, all being safely
asleep in the bunches of fern.

fIDr. 2)art'5 Hviaries.

By Dr. Hopkinson, D.S.O.

When at Kingston in September last I had the
opportunity of visiting Mr. Dart, and seeing his
aviaries there. As he refuses to write an account of
them, I will do my best to fill the gap, since I am sure
our readers will be interested to hear about the birds
they contain.

The chief attraction to me was the fine collection
of weavers, all, except one, (a Red-faced Weaver), in
full colour and perfect condition at the time of my visit.
Here were all the common and several rare species in
an aviary together with four species of Cardinals,
some Saffron-finches, and Pekin Robins. The weavers
included Crimson - crowned, Napoleon, Taka and
Orange Bishops, Madagascar, Red - headed {QueUa
erythrops) and Waxbill Weavers, with half-a-dozen
Yellow Weavers (^Hyphajitojmis) of three (perhaps
four) species, including the large Rufous - necked
(^H. C7iadlat7cs) and the smaller Black-headed and Half-
masked Weavers {H. mclanocephahis and viiellmus).
All these were living apparently peaceably together,
— the peace due to the fact that there was not a single
female to cause dissension among them — and were
certainly the finest lot of weavers I have ever seen,
forming a distinctly better and more varied collection
than that usually to be found in the Weaver compart-
ment of the Zoo's Western aviar3\ Living with these

^^ t

z ^

o

-J

u

X

20I

weavers were two of the rarer Whydabs, the Red-
collared (^P eiithetria ardens) and the large Cape Why-
dah {Chei'a procne), both in full colour, though the
latter, his owner said, has grown no long tail-feathers
either this year or last ; the remaining birds were
Red, Green, Red-headed, and Yellow-billed Cardinals,
Saflfron-finches, and Pekin Robins, all of which added
their share of colour to this brightly-coloured living
picture.

The two other large aviaries contained, one a
number of smaller foreign seedeaters, the other half-a-
dozen Rosella Parrakeets, Yellow and Green Budgeri-
gars, and a few odd weavers which had been expelled
from the Weavers' Aviary, either on account of their
sex or for various misdemeanours and assaults.

The Rosellas breed regularly every year, and the
present party consists of the old pair and this year's
famil3^ This is not the only success in breeding
which Mr. Dart has had this season. He had flying
a nest of Black - headed Gouldians, but the hen has
unfortunately just died after laying another clutch,
a nest of three hybrids between Grey and Green
Singing-finches, (the father of which by the way is
an extraordinary singer), as well as another lot of
eggs almost due to hatch on which the hen was
sitting well, and two six-weeks old Saffron-finches
hatched and reared amid the crowd and turmoil of the
Weavers' Aviary. The Singing-finch hybrids resemble
their Grey Singing-finch father more than their mother,
but are rather smaller than he is, and have a dis-
tinct white eyebrow and other head-markings of the
Icterus, and a pale yellow rump, which however is
only visible when the birds fly, —in fact they are very

202

like the 3'ellow-rumped grey Angola Singiug-finch,
except about the head and chin. It is rather extra-
ordinary that these two different species have mated,
as in the same aviary there is certainly one cock
Green Singing-finch, as well as one or two other
individuals, both Green and Grey, whose sex is rather
doubtful. Budgerigars of course breed in swarms,
yellow as well as green, and the same may almost be
said of the Zebra-finches, a small flock of which is a
noticeable feature of the small birds' aviary. I also
saw eggs of St. Helena Waxbills and Nutmeg-finches,
the latter of which successfully reared young last
year, and looked like doing so again before the end
of this season. Mr. Dart also succeeded in breeding.
Avadavats in the aviary, either this 3'ear or the 3^ear
before, and so has reason to be proud of his results in
this direction.

I am sure he deserves success as he takes an
immense amount of trouble with his birds, giving
them constant attention and taking care to supply
their every need. In the food line in particular he
does them right royally, not to say extravagantly : —
Each aviaiy seems to have one wall lined with food-
hoppers in addition to the liberal supply in a pan on
the ground, so that the humblest canary has the choice
of a dozen or more dining-places, where a most varied
menu is provided. I suggested that this must be a
perfect paradise to mice, but Mr. Dart told me that
he rarely saw even one, — entrance is fairl}^ easy but
exit difficult, and although one may occasionally get
in, he rarely escapes to spread the news of this land
of plenty, when once the boss has discovered the
trespass and started on the trail with his chopper or

203

other suitable weapon. The same lavish hand has
arranged the nesting sites. Cocoanut husks, etc.,
must be purchased by the gross to supply the number
with which the whole roofs of the inner aviaries are
lined, providing homes of ever\^ variety, size and
shape to suit the tastes of their feathered tenants, all
of which look so well and happy, and bear such ample
testimony to their owner's care.

^be 1Rut)()v)::^5bouIDereD Cowbirt), or
^roupial.

{Agelcsus hnmeralis).
By W. T. Page, F.Z.S.

This desirable bird is very uncommon as an in-
habitant of our aviaries, though it has been known to
ornithologists for a long period, and even at the
present time, including those imported by a well-
known dealer this spring, I much question if there
are more than a dozen specimens in this country.

Plumage. Adult male: Glossy black; wing coverts
(I have not examined the wing in the hand) yellowish-
brown, forming a broadish band when the wing is
slightly stretched, the band is palest on its lower
portion, and quite ruddy on the upper portion ; bill
and feet, black ; iris, very dark brown. Total length
yin., wing 4iin., tail 3Jin.

Female : The Museum Catalogue states that she
is similar to the male, but rather smaller, and her
wing coverts mixed with black. If this is so, then
my female is either cya7iop7is, flavins, or frontalis ;
anyhow she and the male came together in the same

204

consignment, and the dealer informed me that it was the
onh^ female in the lot. She is of a dark-brown plumage
without any coloured wing coverts ; bill and feet dark
black-brown ; iris, blackish-brown. Of course this
proves nothing, and the presumption is that the Brit.
Museum Cat. is correct; she is a little smaller than
the male, they agree well together, and the male bird
looks very handsome when displaying his wings to her.

These birds have been in ni}^ possession since the
early spring, and have been in my large outdoor
aviary (which contains about 60 birds, a mixed lot
of Parrakeets, large and small Finches, Buntings and
Grosbeaks) ; they have been amiable and well behaved
and have not harmed their smallest fellow captive ;
their one fault perhaps is an inordinate interest in the
interiors of nesting receptacles. From this cause I
have undoubtedly lost one or two interesting clutches
this season, but as I am not prepared to exclude my
old favourite the Yellow-bellied Liothrix (which is
quite as bad as any Cowbird in this respect) I saw no
reason why I should forego the pleasure of keeping
this interesting bird, and, strange to say, the Diamond
Doves, whose nests are indeed frail and small struc-
tures, have reared several broods and in most exposed
situations.

In appearance the male is certainly a fine bird,
and so is his mate, for they are both upstanding and
reachy in carriage. Power of song he has none; the
only note I have heard him utter is a caw, somewhat
similar to that of the Rook, but pitched in a different
key, and a little more mellow. I have not found it
either unpleasant or monotonous. But when he
appears at his best is during the time he is showing

205

off to his mate. He usually chooses a small stone,
or other elevation (seeming to prefer something more
solid than a branch), then proceeds to poise himself
well on his feet, tilts the chest towards the ground,
half opens his wings, spreads out his tail, the wings
all the while being kept in a sort of tremulous dither,
and keeps running, or rather mincing to and fro, on
his toes, uttering all the while his caw, working into
it several inflections that are absent on other occasions.
All this time the female takes but little notice of his
exertions, till he follows her up with a few pecks of
remonstrance ; then they sit and feed one another,
and preen or pick over each other's feathers. The
bands of the lesser wing coverts stand out very
prominently during the courting movements, light-
ing up the sombre but lustrous plumage with quite a
dash of colour ; in fact the whole bird seems quite trans-
formed during this period into a bundle of " nerves."

These birds when they first came to hand were
placed in an indoor aviary about 5ft. by 4ft. by y^ft.
high, but here they were very wild, though they had
for companions a very quiet pair of Varied Lorikeets ;
as they did not quieten down I caught them up and
turned them out of doors, where they settled down at
once, and they certainly now claim my attention quite
as much as many of their more gorgeously apparelled
companions.

In a state of nature I gather that this species is
gregarious, feeding together in flocks on the ground ;
they frequent marshy tracts, the nest being usually
built on rushes growing in the water ; the eggs are
white, with just a suspicion of a greenish-blue wash
spotted with brown and black at the larger end, the

206

smaller end is very pointed, and the clutch is usually
four in number.

Their movements and demeanour both on the
ground and in the branches are exactly those of the
English Starling ; the bill is pushed into the ground
and then opened out, very effectively turning up the
soil ; in a similar manner the seed is scattered from
the pans, and simply sent flying around ; and the soft
food would share the same fate but for its more
adhesive character, but this by the same means is
most effectively sorted over, and only that which is to
their liking is taken.

Food : I should certainly give them seed, fruit,
soft food and some live insects. In my aviary they
have access to Dove mixture and Parrakeet mixture,
Canary, millet, fruit, soft food, mealworms, beetles,
etc., and they certainly sample the lot, and are in the
best and tightest condition imaginable. I may say, so
as to anticipate a possible query, that my soft food
mixture consists of Spratt's Partridge meal, fine crissel,
crushed Osborne biscuits, dried silkworm pupae, dried
flies, scalded grocer's currants, and boiled potato, or
grated raw carrot. If I require any for very delicate
insectivorous or semi-frugivorous birds, then I add a
liberal portion of sponge cake and also ripe fruit
where it is required.

Habitat : Cuba.

207

lEDitorial.

AN EPIDEMIC AMONG BUDGERIGARS :— I
have lately examined a dead bird of this species, sent
to me by Miss Little, which had died of enteritis.
The history of the case is so instructive that it seems
advisable to make a special note of it.

After doing remarkably well for the first part of
the season, the birds began to die off, starting with the
young ones, at the rate of sometimes three or four a
day. Before death "their breast bones became very
" sharp as though they had been starved," and up to the
time of this one's death (Oct. 5th) over three-fifths of
the entire stock had died, leaving only twenty alive.

The owner stated that they were fed on " white
^' millet, canary seed, and a few oats, all from a good
-"place, and the rest of my foreign birds have the
"same seed and are all right." Chickweed, &c. was
also given and their lodgement was in an outdoor
aviary.

So far everything seems to have been correct as to
their treatment, and the one thing that requires ex-
planation is why these birds should have become thin,
{betokening more or less chronic ilhiess), and died in
such alarming numbers while the rest of the birds
remained well. The clue is obtained when we learn
further on that when feeding the young they also had
" soaked bread and water, the bread squeezed out
"almost dry" and the reason for the epidemic of
" summer diarrhoea," (for that is the popular name for
septic enteritis), becomes apparent. I have repeatedly
investigated epidemics of this nature among Budgeri-

2o8

gars and other Parrakeets, and in each case they have
attacked communities fed in this manner. In Vol. II.
of Bird Notes, pp. 238 and 239, will be found a concise
reference to the septic tendencies of this food, and in
the same volume and the next will also be found some
instructive correspondence on the subject.

I may perhaps venture to point out another lesson
to be learnt from this case. Had the fair owner of
these birds sought competent advice at the onset of
the epidemic, instead of leaving it till the end of the
season, she would have saved the great majority of her
stock and would not be compelled to say that "such
heavy losses are most disheartening." And what are
we to think of the perversity of those, who not being
medical men, and knowing absolutely nothing either of
diseases or their causes, still persist in advising avicul-
turists to their detriment? Was Legros a physician
simply because he kept many slaves?

EGG FOOD, A PRO AND A CON. :— In the

Aviadhiral Magazine for October there appeared the
following letter : —

Sir, — On the 26tli August my hen Chinese Quail laid a
thin-shelled blue &<g% upon the sand of my smaller outdoor
aviary, and iu the most sunny part of it. My Gouldian-finches,
which have a second nest of young ones in the aviary (I fear the
young of the previous nests have all died), broke a hole in the top
of the Quail's egg, and I watched them for some minutes eating
the shell and sucking up the raw albumen, heedless of the
spectre of septicseniia with which our cage birds have of late
3'ears been confronted.

It seems a strange thing, when one considers that the
Gouldian-finch never touches soft food, to find that even it can-
not resist the delight in that pabulum which we are expected to
believe is so serious a menace to bird life, that none but an

209

unreasoning ignoramus would dream of using it. Alas ! I fear
the wise are very few in number. * * * *

Out of consideration for the writer's feelings when
he comes to the analysis of his "argument" by the
cold light of reason, as opposed to the glamour of the
midnight oil, I withhold the signature attached to
this curious letter. I will even refrain from enlarg-
ing upon the self-evident fallacies contained in the
" argument." They will be suflSciently apparent to
the intelligent subscribers to this journal, as well as
to the numberless readers in those Free Libraries on
the tables of which it finds a monthly home before
being bound up to take its place in the Reference
Room. But for the enlightenment of the writer him-
self, (who, although not a member of the Club, I know
reads this magazine), I will append a parallel to the
intelligent Oouldians, who, although they knew not
the taste of soft food (containing egg), no sooner saw
a soft shelled egg on the ground than they immediately
reasoned out (by hereditary instinct ?) that at last they
had found the philosopher's stone ! A year or two
ago I bought a dozen Goldfinches in the autumn,
adults and grey pates. In the bottom of the flight
cage which served as their temporary home I put a
handful or two of " mixed seed." The next morning
oddly enough I found that the only empty seed husks
in the cage were those of the — inga seed ! It is evi-
dent that these birds, bred in these climes, had never
before seen this seed, and if they (whose brains are
the largest in proportion to their bodies of all known
species, being tV of their entire weight), jumped at
once at the chance of the inga seed, then by the light
of the Gouldians' behaviour that seed must be the
best in all creation. In this place I myself express no

2IO

Opinion about it, but Dr. Butler says it is "poison."
Indeed he loves to say it.

So much for the " pro " : the " con " is infinitely
more simple. Mr. F. Howe writes to me as follows: —
" I do not give egg in any form and my birds appear
"to do well without it." The plaintive wail — " Alas!
" I fear the wise are very few in number" — with which
the exponent of Gouldian wisdom concludes his
letter, may be true. We have heard it before in
somewhat different words from an even greater man
than its present propounder, but the abjurers of the
egg foolishness seem somehow to be gradually in-
creasing: in number. W. Gko. CkeSWKI.Iv.

1Rotc5 on the Iforcign Bii&s at tbe
X. d. 16. a.

The growing custom of housing foreign birds in
large outdoor aviaries is undoubtedly the cause of
keeping many rare and beautiful specimens away
from Shows ; this and possibly the early stage of the
season, (many foreigners not yet being through the
moult), were responsible for keeping the entries down
to fifty-four, and consequently for the cancelling of
many classes. However among the birds shewn there
were some rare and exquisite exhibits, fully worth a
long journey to see.

First and foremost must be placed Mr. S. M.
Townsend's beautiful Racket-tailed Whydah, seen in
public, we believe, for the first time on this occasion.
With its rich plumage of velvety black and tawny
brown, finished off by an eight-inch tail of the curious

2II

shape which gives rise to its name, it made us eager
to think of future consignments arriving over here.

The Blue- crowned Hanging Parrakeet, another
beautiful rarity belonging to the same owner, deserved
equal notice. It was very tight in feather but still
shewed a few pen feathers lingering on the head. Its
plumage is roughly as follow^s : Crown, bright blue;
general bod}^ colour irridescent green, lighter on the
underparts, yellowish at the flanks and vent ; upper
tail - coverts, centre of throat and chest, glowing
crimson.

Another very rare and showy but very noisy bird
was Mr. Dewhurst's Red-banded Lorikeet. Its con-
spicuous beauty however would go far to make up
for its shortcomings. We also noted Mrs. Cooper's
fine young Senegal Parrot, a beautiful bird in finest
condition, but not yet in adult plumage.

Mr. S. M. Townsend's now well known Black-
backed Tanager took first honours in the Tanager
class, and rightly so ; this gentleman shewed here
another Tanager, unnamed in the catalogue, which
after careful comparison with the figure in Sclater's
*' Monograph of the Genus Calliste " would appear to
be the female Black-backed Tanager; it is to be hoped
its owner will make some attempt to breed them.
There were also shewn some grand specimens of
male and female Green Tanagers (different owners)
and the Blue-wing Sugar-bird.

The class for Budgerigars etc. also contained (2)
Blue - winged Lovebirds (Passerine Parrakeets), (3)
Rosy-faced Lovebirds, (h. c.) ditto and a pair of good
Green Budgerigars. In that for All Parrakeets etc.
were also shewn (2) a good Varied Lorikeet ; (3)

212

Swainson's Lorikeets, grand colour and very tight ; (4)
a good White-eared Conure ; (v. h. c.) Crimson Lory
and Ring - necked Parrakeet, very fine condition ;
(h. c.) a very fine pair of Redrumps, which in our
opinion might have been 4th.

The class for Parrots also contained four good
Grey Parrots, one 2nd and another h. c, the second
prize winner being an especially fine and well-marked
bird. The third prize was taken by a well-conditioned
Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. All these birds
were good linguists.

Avadavats, Waxbills, Mannikins etc. This was a
good and interesting class, (i) Orange-breasted or
Zebra Waxbills, well shewn with a cocoa-nut shell as
shelter in the cage. The birds making good use of
this constituted a pretty picture and attracted much
attention. (2) White Java Sparrows, a good exhibit.
(3) Zebra Waxbills, very rich in colour, (v. H. C. &
H. c.) White Java Sparrow and Parson Finch. There
were also some good Nutmeg Finches and St. Helena
Waxbills.

A. O. S. of Waxbills, Weavers etc. A large and
varied class of beautiful and well shewn birds, second
honours going to a grandly coloured and tightly
feathered pair of Violet -eared Waxbills. (3) ditto.
(Extra 3) Ruficauda Finches, (v. h. c.) Red- and
Black -headed Gouldians, Pintail Nonpareils (good
pair, outdoor viotdied^ Paradise Whydah. (h. C.) Parrot
Finch, very fine pair Pin-tailed Whydahs, and Ruddy
Waxbill (so catalogued), said by some to be a Fire-
tailed Waxbill, but appearing to us to be Jameson's
Ruddy Waxbill {L. Jameso7ii). It was however very
difficult to get a full viev/ of its entire plumage. Othe

213

exhibits were a fine Madagascar Weaver, Pectoral and
Long - tailed Grassfinches, and a Rufous - necked
Weaver.

The management was excellent, and the hall one
of the finest and most suitable for its purpose, being
well lighted, warmed, and free from draught. The
Show was opened by the Lord Mayor - elect, Sir
William Treloar, and was a complete success, the
profits going to the Cripples' Christmas Hamper
Fund. The exhibitors of foreign birds are to be con-
gratulated on the excellence of their exhibits, not an
ill-conditioned bird being found in this section.

IRevicw.

The Crystal Age. By IV. H. Hudson, author of The Naturalist
of La Plata,'' etc. 6j-, 27id edition. T. Fisher Unzvin.
A charming romance, first published as long ago

as 1887. A book most certainly for the few, rather

than the many, for it is impossible to merely *' pick

up " this fascinating dream of a future.

The brief extract from "The Faerie Queene " on
the title page suffices to whet one's appetite
immediately, and we rise from the perusal of " A
Crystal Age " as from a feast of Spenser, refreshed —
in every sense of the word — and thankful such books
are to be found. Here and there are exquisite touches
of fancy and fine flights of imagination ; the simple
life, the freedom and fearlessness of all bird and other
animal life, written in the pure and interesting style
we expect from Mr. Hudson, makes the possession of
such a book a very desirable one.

The splendid isolation of its womankind and the

214

beauty of its home life in this dream world are in
utter contrast to the wants and demands of the Lady
Suffragists of to-day !

There is an old saying that one always returns to
one's first love; perhaps for that reason "A Crystal
Age" will never be so popular as "The Naturalist of
La Plata." The one charms an idle hour away — the
other holds us for all time.

post flDortein IReporte.

i^zde Rules).

Lavknder Finch. (Mrs. Mellor). After a very short illness
this bird died of what proved to be pneumonia.

Gour.DiAN Finch. (Mrs. Mortimer.) There was a fracture. of
the skull, accompanied by extensive extravasation of l)lood
in and upon the brain. W. Gro. CrESWEI^i,.

CorrespoiiDence.

THE FEEDING OF TANAGERvS, &c.

Sir, — I am expecting in a few days a pair of Scarlet-
crowned Hanging Parrots, also a Blue Sugar Bird and a pair of
Tanagers. I should like to know how to feed, whether they
require any heat, also if they are fairly robust or delicate, and
whether they are short-lived or otherwise. W. H. P.

[The following answer has been sent to this correspondent. Ed.]

In answer to your letter, my Hanging Parrot eats canary
seed and a small piece of sponge cake soaked in water; if yours
will eat fruit they will be better for it. The Tanagers and
Sugar Bird want a good insectivorous food (without any yelk
of egg), and plenty of ripe fruit. The Sugar Bird may require
a very little soppy bread and milk, but you will be able to see
how it gets on with its food. I think that all these birds, with

215

the exception of some of the hardier Taiiagers, are rather
delicate and reqnire some warmth.

One cannot say very mnch about the life of these birds;
some of mine I have had for nine years, and one has been
fourteen years in a cage. Tanagers and Sugar Birds should
be kept in as large a cage as possible. S. M. TownsEnd.

AVICULTURAL RECOLLECTIONS.

sSiR, — Some experiences of early bird keeping may be of
interest to your readers.

I think I obtained my love of birds from my grandmother,
for as far back as 1872 I can remember her always having a pet
Bully which was exceedingly well trained and tame, had his
own bath rug, and took the bath every day at 8 a.m. regularly,

I used to essay to bring up Thrushes and any other unfor-
tunate bird I could get, always on hard boiled egg, and always
with the same dire results, as I do not remember any living to
grow up. Then I started foreign birds. In those days heat
and no air " for fear tliej^ should catch cold," was what we
were told was absolutely a necessity for the unfortunate birds
if they were to survive this climate; so having bought a big
cage with glass all round I then got a pair of Blue Robins.
They were lovely birds, and lived quite three months under the
trying circumstances of their life — no draughts, 110 air.

I can remember IVIr. J. Abrahams shewing me his first
" yellow " Budgerigar, and when the Scarlet Tanagers began
to come in to England he told me that rotten pear was the
best food for them ! At that time they were very d«ar and I
only looked and longed. Then I had every sort of small
foreigner, with ver}- bad success, as in those dark days of
ignorance there was no Bird Notes to enlighten us, and all
foreign birds were supposed to die, unless stuffed up in hot air-
less rooms.

Then I bought an Amazon Parrot from Mr. Abrahams.
It was a wonderful talker and went round the world with me.
The following anecdote of her capabilities in the talking line
may amuse our members. As one is not allowed to have
parrots in a cabin on board ship she was sent to the cook, (to

2l6

be kept warm). On arrival at vSau Francisco my maid, an old
Scotch woman, took her to her bedroom. Next day the
manager of the hotel came to me and complained of the
appalling langnage tny maid was using in her room, and
" would I please stop it, as the gentlemen next door would
not stay unless she did." It turned out to be Polly— she had
caught up the most dreadful curses from the Lascars and fire-
men during her three weeks' journey from Sydney, and my
poor maid had the benefit. However, Polly soon forgot her
bad habits, I am happy to say.

While in Norway, fishing, I got a Starling. She was the
tamest bird I ever had, and used to follow me all over the
house and grounds, but it nearly drove us all mad with its
everlasting call. It got on everyone's nerves. I think a
Starling and a Hedge-Sparrow both have the most irritating
call when young.

Now I have about seventy birds, and am soon going to
build aviaries on quite a new plan, so as to have no more than
three species (one pair of each) in each aviary, and by this
means I think breeding operations will be more likely to prove
a success.

A pair of Cordon Bleus have laid in all seven eggs this year,
none of them fertile, and this in my window aviary. I find all
the Estriklse love pampas grass. They carry it about in their
mouths dancing their most ridiculous love song, and fill the
nest with it. At this moment the cock Cordon Bleu has an
enormous piece of hay and moss hanging from his tiny beak
and is hopping up and down singing hard.

I have not any soft bills, but when the new aviaries are up
I shall start them too. E). W. Vernon.

NEST OF THE DIAMOND DOVE.

[To face page 21

All rtshis reset ved,] [DECEMBER, 1906.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

ICbe 2)iamont) Bove.

[Geopelia cnneaia).
By WKSr.KY T. Page, F.Z.S.
Trivial names : — Speckled Ground, Graceful Ground
and Red-e3^ed Dove, and also that of Diamond Dove,
which is now almost exclusivel}'' used.

Most Doves are rather dull, some even stupid, but
this cannot be said of G. acneata ; however, apart
from their dulness, doves make an agreeable variety in
an aviary, feed largely on the seeds other birds scatter
about, and never interfere with their smallest fellow
captives, reserving their very pronounced animosity
for their near relatives. As regards beauty, both as to
contour and plumage they are unsurpassed by any
other order of birds. The exquisite harmony, the
chaste and soft colouring, so beautifully blended as to
be simply beyond description, must be seen to be
appreciated ; and of the many species that have been
imported, the present diminutive one is certainly one
of the most beautiful.

Habitat : This is pretty generally distributed over
the whole of Australia, and the bird is very common
on the Murray and Darling.

Plumage : This can only be indicated ; it certainly
cannot be adequately described. Adult male : — Head,
neck and breast, French grey, or perhaps transparent

2l8

lavender would be the better term ; back and shoulders,
cinnamon-brown ; wings, darkish lilac-grey with an
olivaceous wash, thickly spotted with small white
spots (Mr. O. B. Cress well in Avic. Mag. for 1896, aptly
describes them as studded with little diamonds) ; the
under parts and under tail coverts are a delicate pearl-
grey ; the larger wing feathers are brown, witli their
inner webs rufous ; the central tail feathers are grey,
with black shafts and tips, the outer ones being pure
white, blackish at their base ; there is a circlet of red
naked skin round the eyes ; bill, olive ; legs and feet,
ruddy flesh colour ; iris, red.

Adult female : Similar to the male, yet is readily
distinguished by the browner colouring of the head,
neck, and entire upper surface, also the white wing
spots are larger and not so numerous as those of the
male.

Young: The young are almost naked when first
hatched, and their skin is blackish and light grey, in
patches ; the darker parts being principally on the
upper surface, the head and wings standing out much
darker than the rest. At three days old they are
covered with long blackish hairs, some being lighter
and of a pinkish tinge. At six days they are simply a
mass of spines ; at ten they are fully fledged, except
that the tail and flight feathers are short. They leave
the nest on the eleventh or twelfth day, and at four-
teen days are fairly strong on the wing. The plumage
is similar to that of the adult female, but is duller and
washed with tawny, the neck, breast, and under parts
generally are pale tawny-grey, as is also the top of the
head, slightly ruddy on the front of the crown ; tail
and flights, darker, outer tail feathers white, as in the

I -!*» J

?

DIAMOND DOVE ON THE NEST.

[To face page 219.

219

adult; the white wing spots are entirely lacking, but
practically each individual wing feather has a huffish
bar across the end, the extreme tip being blackish.
At two months the adult plumage commences to show
itself, and at three and half months there is little
difference between them and their parents.

Wild Life : I will only here quote two short ex-
tracts from the writings of Sturt and Gould.

" All that we read or imagine of the innocence of
*' the Dove is realised in this beautiful and delicate
" little bird. It is very small, and has a general purple
** plumage approaching to lilac. It has a bright red'
*' skin round the eyes, the iris being also red, and
" its wings are speckled over with delicate white spots.
'* This sweet bird is common on the Murray and
" Darling, and was met with in various parts of the
•' interior, but I do not think it migrates to the North-
** West. Two remained with us at the Depot, in lat.
"39° 40', long. 140°, during a greater part of the
" winter, and on one occasion roosted on my tent ropes
" near a fire. The note of this Dove is exceedingly
" plaintive, and is softer, but much resembles the coo
•*of the Turtle Dove." (Sturt).

" Its natural food being the seeds of grasses and
'' leguminous plants, it is observed more frequently on
"the ground than among trees. I sometimes met
" with it in small flocks, but more often in pairs or
" singly. It runs over the ground with a short bob-
" bing motion of the tail, and while feeding is so
" remarkably tame as almost to admit of its being
" taken up by the hand ; and if forced to take wing, it
"merely flies to the nearest trees, and there remains
' motionless among the branches until it again de-

220

** scends to the ground. I not unfrequently observed it
*' close to the open doors of the huts of the stock-keepers
** of the interior, who, from its continually being before
" them, regard it with but little interest. The nest is
*' a frail but beautiful structure formed of the stalks of
*' a few flowering grasses, crossed and interwoven after
" the manner of the other Pigeons. It utters a rather
"singular note which at times very much resembles
"the crowing of a cock. The eggs are white and two
"in number, eleven-sixteenths of an inch long, by
"seven-sixteenths broad. The sexes, although bear-
" ing a general resemblance to each other, may be
" readily distinguished by the smaller size ^' of the
" female, by the browner hue of her wing feathers, and
"by the spotting of their upper surface not being so
" numerous or so regular as in the male." (Gould).
Their demeanour in the aviary is very similar to
the above description ; they are essentially ground
birds, scarcely ever using the branches save as a foun-
dation for their cleverly woven nest ; when not on the
ground the}^ almost invariably use a shelf, ledge, or
top of some nesting receptacle as a resting place.
Their tameness too is remarkable after they have been
in the aviary a few months. I have never had one of
this species injure itself by flying against the top of
the aviary, and when sitting you have actually to touch
the female before she will leave the nest. At the same
time it must not be gathered that they are sluggish on
the wing, far from it, their flight being extremely

* In many individuals the difiference in size is infinitesimal and, were
it not for the browner hue of the plumage, would be an unreliable guide ;
i.e. one which only a trained eye would detect. In nestlings however the
sexes can be picked out by their larger or smaller size. W. T. P.

"I

■ 1

%

YOUNG DIAMOND DOVES IN NEST.

[T(^ face page 221 .

221

rapid and of an undulating and darting character ;
yet in my aviary I have never seen them really scared ;
even when their arch enemy grimalkin has been about,
they have simpl}'' flown to the other end of the en-
closure. I have never heard the crowing call of the
male which Gould describes ; but when showing off to
his mate his coo may be said to be sonorous and of a
slightl}^ booming character. The courting attitudes of
the male are very effective and interesting, and cer-
tainly none of his beauty or attractiveness is hidden or
kept in the background during these movements. He
follows the female up and frequently goes through his
displa}^ this consisting of, — pausing abruptly, the
breast almost touching the ground, the back elevated,
the tail erected nearly perpendicularly and spread out
fanwise to such an extent that each feather is separated
from the other; the wings also are elevated, partially
outspread, and the flights separated similarly to the
tail. In fact this performance shews a good deal of
likeness to that of the Peacock, except that he remains
stationary while the tail and wings are in this position.
Though I have made the effort many times, I have so
far been unable to secure a photograph of the bird in
this attitude.

Breeding : So far I have had no difflculty in get-
ting these birds to breed. They are excellent sitters
and feeders, the only losses among them occurring
through their young being killed by other birds when
in a mixed collection, for though fully feathered they
appear rather helpless during their first day out of the
nest, and helpless birds do not meet with much com-
passion from the more vigorous occupants of the
aviary. To give an idea of the breeding capacity of

222

these birds I will give the doings of a single pair in
my aviary this season. The female was there all last
year, with a male which was slightly deformed in one
wing ; he died owing to an accident ; a fresh male was
procured in April of this year, the result of this pair-
ing being as follows: —

The first nest (illustrated in the accompanying
photographs) was built against the back of the shed
having taken two days in building; though one side
touched the back of the aviary, it was really built in
the fork of the branches and was not attached to the
woodwork at all ; the greatest diameter was but four
inches. (This is the average size of all of these nests
constructed in my aviary). First egg was laid June
nth; two days after the completion of the nest, the
second on the following day ; they were hatched by 6
a.m. June 24th, and the young left the nest, one on July
5th, the other two days later, both flying about the
aviary on July 8th. They were in partially adult
plumage at 7^ weeks, when they left my possession
for tlie public aviary at St. Helens,

2nd nest : The above nest was repaired and two
eggs were deposited by July loth, but both were
broken three days later, owing to the interference of a
Virginian Grosbeak.

3rd nest : This, the only one built on a solid base
in my aviary, was placed on the quartering (2in. wide)
at back of shed, partially screened with branches ; two
eggs were laid and the birds were sitting on July 31st,
hatched August 12th, the young left the nest August
23rd fully reared.

4th nest : Built entirely in the branches with
withered rape leaves, which they gathered in the

223

aviary from growing plants, grass stems and bents,
the whole very ingeniously and compactly woven
together. Sitting on two eggs August 30tli ; hatched
Sept. i2th, left nest Sept. 23rd; one of this pair was
killed on Sept. 24th by some occupant of the aviary,
the other was fully reared and is now (Oct. 31st) in
partial adult plumage.

5th nest : The above nest repaired ; the parents
began to sit on October 3rd on two eggs, which were
hatched on October 15th. The young left the nest
October 28th, and the next day both were killed by
some other occupant of the aviary. They were a very
strong and well developed pair of birds.

It will be seen from the above that incubation
lasts from 12 to 13 days, (the times given are strictly
accurate and were taken by myself), and that the
young invariably leave the nest when eleven days old,
and gather strength for flight on the second or third
day afterwards. The first day they do little more than
flutter along the ground, though quite strong on their
feet; and it is at this time they fall a prey to any
maliciously disposed inhabitant of the aviary.

With regard to the hardiness of this species, of
this there can be no question, for they have ailed
nothing either Winter or Summer, neither do they
give any trouble during the moult. Unless the aviary
be very large it should only contain one pair, and the
young as soon as they become adult should be re-
moved, since these birds are very intolerant of their
own species.

As regards diet, they had access to canary, white
millet, and a mixture of oats, wheat, dari, rice in the
husk, hemp and sunflower ; and they took freely of all

224

but the oats and sunflower. I never saw them touch
soft food, but they ate a good deal of green food
(French lettuce and grass in flower) while feeding the
young.

A pair of these birds should be in every mixed
collection ; they are certainly one of the smallest.,
prettiest as to colour, and most elegant of their tribe ;
and as stated at the commencement practically live on
the food the other birds scatter about.

35irD^Xife on an Hfricau TRiven

By Dr. E. Hopkinson, D.S.O.

{Reprinted hy permission from The Rmpirec Review).

A west coast river. Miles and miles of dull-
green mangroves stretch up and down on either side
as far as the eye can reach, the thick mud-stained
water slides past without a sound, and the midday
sun flaming overhead blisters the paint and scorches the
woodwork of the old white schooner lying at anchor in
mid-stream, turning her littered deck into a frizzling:
inferno. But in spite of this about her deck lie black
forms, those of her crew, sleeping in various attitudes
and the scantiest of clothing — some in the full glare,
which to them is apparently only grateful and comfor-
ting, others in the narrow belt of shade thrown by
the motionless foresail. Aft on the roof of the miser-
able box, dignified by the name of *' cabin," lie two
more sleepers, the captain and his mate, black like
their crew, but perhaps a trifle more dressy in their
attire, or rather less undressed. Inside that cabin (a
Hobson's choice for him between the stewy heat there

225

and the shadeless furnace outside) a single white man
sits or lies in pyjamas, trying at one time to pass the
time with some month-old papers or a much-worn
pack of patience cards, at another to imagine that he
is getting some sort of a siesta.

Another day, another scene, but on the same
river and the same schooner, though now she is
moving slowly up-river, not however by means of
her sails. There is still not a breath of air, and all
her canvas, though hoisted in some vague hope
that it may sometime be of use, hangs motionless
and idle. It is the muscle of her crew which forms
her motive power; four of them are in the dingey
pulling at their oars for all they are worth, and just
helping the old boat to move along a little faster
than the tide. This they do for six-hour spells at a
time all through the day-time heat or the cooler
but damp and mist-laden air of the night, as long as
the tide is favourable, occasionally relieving the
monotony of their task with a monotonous sing-song
or snatch of weird whistling, whilst the sweat pours
off their shining naked bodies till one feels almost in-
clined to make sure that they have a baler on board.
Meanwhile the captain lolls at the helm, smoking or
half asleep, but giving just enough attention to keep
his vessel's head more or less up-stream and to avoid
any outlying mangrove-snag or half-stranded palm-
trunk, floated down from higher up, which may pre-
sent itself if his course happens to take him near
either shore. This will go on till the tide turns and
makes it useless to try to make headway, when the
anchor will be dropped and the crew turn to for
" chop" and another six-hour rest till the flow begins

226

again. Then to work once more ; " Haas' de anchor
air* is the order, and after the usual shouting and
noise up it slowly comes in response to the efforts of
the sailors straining at the clums}^ windlass which
fills up the forward deck. This time it may happen
that there is some breeze (although on this particular
voyage the actual sailing certainly did not amount to
two days altogether), and then with luck and a follow-
ing wind the boat may do seven or eight knots for a
bit ; but, unfortunately, even when there is a breeze,
tacking is more often than not the order of the day,
and then her speed is hardly better than that the oars-
men produce, as it means a continual zig-zag back-
wards and forwards across the river, gaining a mile
perhaps on one tack, only to lose most of it again on
the other and in the time it takes the ship to go about.
The above are no imaginary scenes nor pages
from the journal of some early trader or slave-ship
skipper on the African rivers, but a record of to-day,
of happenings to the writer, a colonial surgeon, on
his way to his headquarters on the upper part of the
Gambia river. Fate, in the shape of a breakdown of
the steamer which usually runs more or less regularly
up and down the river, had been unkind, and he has
had to return to the methods of river-travel in vogue
before steam made wind and tide of little account,
and to experience what his ancestors, had they been
African traders, went through on their voyages up and
down the coasts and in the rivers they explored for
gold, ivory or slaves, from the days of Hanno until
the era of Messrs. Elder Dempster & Co. For days
and weeks together they and their vessels must have
lain in the rivers at the mercy of the tide.s, content if,

227

as on this trip, each night they were out of sight of
the point they left in the morning. They must have
sweltered in the same heat, breathed the same heavy
air, cursed as they chewed at the same stringy chicken
and fought vainly, but everlastingly, the same sting-
ing flies all day and the same hosts of mosquitoes all
night. In those days, however, there must have been
some compensations denied to the present-day travel-
ler ; various excitements at least there would have
been to help the time along. Canoe-attacks by the
warrior Mandingoes, the natives of the country, can-
not have been infrequent ; a leopard might at any
moment spring off some overhanging tree, as the
vessel slowly skirted the shore or lay tied up for the
night, and such incidents as these, together with their
fresh-caught slaves, must have given variety to the
days and at any rate kept all on board more or less on
the qui vive, while of course they always had the
pleasureable excitement of profitable trade, and were
sure to be buoyed up with the hope of returning with
their holds full up with goods of price — ivory, gold,
palm-kernels or slaves — received in exchange for the
trumpery cargo of beads, looking-glasses or stair-
rods, which were under hatches when they entered the
river. For in those days the coast trade must have
been indeed profitable, and one does not wonder that
the cargoes brought back would always allure plenty
more venturers to fill the place of those who would
never return again, and whose bones were resting far
away beneath the rustling palms or at the bottom of
some dark and alligator-haunted creek. Half of each
crew might sicken and die from fever, sun or drink,
as must have been the case in the careless days of old.

228

long before the time of quinine and mosquito-nets,
and the remainder come back but shaky yellow
skeletons, but the lust for gold would quickly fill the
places of the missing ones.

Now, however, on such a voyage, lasting nearly a
fortnight, when head-winds, calms and strong adverse
tides are met with, time naturally hangs very heavily
on one's hands, so that watching the birds and beasts
(the latter monkeys, hippo and alligators), as the boat
crept slowly along or lay at anchor awaiting a turn of
the tide, has been my chief amusement in the airless
heat, and some distraction from the insect pests, large
and small, which swarm on a " blackman " boat.

For the first hundred miles or so bird-life is
scarce, as for this distance the river is fringed with a
continuous unbroken belt of mangroves, among
which birds or animals, even when present, are
practically invisible from a passing boat ; here, there-
fore, as soon as the Gulls, Terns and other sea-birds
are left behind, one may go for miles without seeing
anything but an occasional Eagle or Kite overhead.
Egrets and small Blue Herons, with perhaps a Pied
Kingfisher or two on the lookout for fish on the edges
of the mangrove wall. Towards evening a few more
signs of life appear, Pigeons and Doves, screaming
parties of fast-flying Parrots, Hornbills in pairs, rising
and falling in the air as their slowly-flapping wings
bear them on their course, and home-returning Star-
lings fly across, while the Egrets begin to hurry up or
down the river in long-drawn lines or scattered flocks
seeking their chosen roosting-places ; for these birds
make a habit of sleeping in large parties on the trees
at particular spots along the river, and to these they

229

return regularly about sundown every evening from
their particular and often far-distant feeding-grounds.
These sleeping-sites, which are used from j^earto year
and are therefore most prominent objects against the
otherwise uniform dull-green of the mangroves, are
probably selected by their tenants as the spots most
sheltered from the force of the tornadoes, which dur-
ing the rains drive down the river with force enough
to dasli a ship ashore or overturn a house, much less
carry away to destruction any bird which may have
been foolish enough to choose an exposed perch.

Sooner or later an end comes to all things, and
eventually the last of the mangroves, which gradually
thin out as the water gets less and less brackish, are
left behind even by a sailing-boat, and the banks
become more diversified and more interesting. They
are now low and swampy, and in most places clothed
with different species of palms, thorn-bushes and
other shrubby growth, mostly covered with a dense
tangle of creepers forming an all but impenetrable
barrier between the water and the land, above which
here and there tower larger trees — here a mighty
African mahogany, here a grotesque monkeybread,
there again a white-barked silk-cotton tree or group
of slender cocoa-nut palms. At intervals a break in
this mass of vegetation allows a view of the riverside
swamp covered with reeds and long grass, stretching
away a waving sea of green this season (November)
to the more solid higher ground at some distance from
the river-bank.

Here as the boat drifts slowly along, nearly the
whole of the Gambian avifauna — an avifauna
essentially that of a river and its immediate surround-

230

ings — may be met with as the days go by. White
Egrets, large and small, Buif-backed Cattle-Egrets,
Pelicans and Herons of several kinds, from the huge
Brown and Grey Goliath Heron to the small Blue-
Grey Bitterns standing so stolid and motionless on
some branch just above the water's edge, or stalking
with steps almost chameleon-like in their sedateness
along the narrow shelf of mud beneath the thick
shelter of the overhanging or tangle-covered bank —
all these are common, as well as others of their kind.
Storks and Ibis, as well as the usual river-haunting
waders. Plovers, among which the Black and White
Spurwings are conspicuous, Red-legged Stilts, Curlew,
and a host of others. Again and again too up gets a
Hammerhead, a foul-looking and a foul-feeding sort
of Heron, which is found wherever there is water, and
whose nests, huge masses of grass and weed fixed
high up in the fork of a tree, are seen (and smelt)
here and there along the banks of the river and its
creeks. Doves and Black Pigeon are everywhere, and
can often be shot from the deck, when the dingey is
available to retrieve them ; Fruit-Pigeons too, beautiful
birds with green, yellow, and mauve plumage, fly
overhead or are seen feeding in family parties on
some "shoto" tree, a kind of wild fig, in search of
which these birds move irregularly about the country,
stopping in a district as long as they can find any
ripe fruit and then wandering on to other places where
the trees ripen later.

Wherever one gets a view of the open swamp a
Black Crested Eagle is sure to be visible, perched on
the dead top of some low tree, and surveying with
thrown-back head and insolent stare the surrounding

231

couiitr}^ ; his general appearance and liaugbty look
suggest that nothing smaller than an antelope or
Bustard would be at all likely to interest his palate
or tempt him from his throne, but as a matter of fact
his looks belie him, as he is a coward at heart : a frog,
lizard, or perhaps a wounded or fledgling water-bird
is about all he cares to tackle alive, and I suspect that
on the whole he really prefers chance -found dead
meat to a diet more exciting perhaps, but more diffi-
cult to come by. If this bird looks like a warrior and
yet has but tlie pluck of a louse, a distant relation of
his, the Vulturine Eagle, is his exact antithesis; he
looks every inch a carrion-loving vulture, and in spite
of that he has the instincts of a pirate, and the courage
of the story-book eagle. As a haunter of the shore,
no doubt he is usually content with meals provided by
the waves, stranded fish, unwary crab, and so forth,
but he habitually augments his fare by assaults on fish-
laden gulls or kites, scaring them till they drop their
prey to provide him with an extra titbit. Nor need a
gull or other bird be necessarily carrying food to prove
a temptation to this terror of the shore, for he will
often pursue and swoop down on any passing gull or
heron, apparently in sheer delight at the scare he
gives them, not in the hope of actually catching them,
as on the wing his quarry is generally quicker than
he is himself.

In pursuit of animals on the ground he is,
however, more successful, no doubt, and must be a
constant source of anxiety to the monkey-mothers in
his neighbourhood. Even man he at times scorns to
fear, for twice I have seen one of these eagles dash
down on dogs, and in one case the terrified little beast

232

was only rescued by its master after being badly
scratched and torn by the bird's beak and talons. Again'
a friend of mine riding along the sands at low-tide was
once suddenly attacked in the same way. The bird kept
alternately wheeling round and dashing down at his
head, all the time uttering the most horrid screams and
bufFettinghim with his clashing flapping wings, till he
had his hands full to control his frightened pony, and,
at the same time, ward off with his whip the vicious
attacks of the eagle, which had, as far as he could see,
no reason but pure malice for this unusual and unex-
pected onslaught. This species is more common in
the lower reaches and along the sea-coast; higher up»
his place is taken by the handsome Fish-Eagle, a rich
brown bird with pure white head and neck. Other
accipitres to be seen along the river are Bateleur
Eagles, black with pink legs and beak, generally soar-
ing in pairs high overhead. Kites, the ubiquitous
Vultures, and many kinds of Hawk. Two of these
are extremely common, a large one and a small, both
grey in colour, which quarter the swamp like harriers,
feeding principally on frogs and the like, but occasion-
ally swooping down on some little bird.

The bushes too are alive with smaller birds. Fly-
catchers (whose table here must be always well
supplied), some like ours at home, others in a striking
garb of metallic black and rich redbrovvn with long
streaming tails, the Paradise Flycatchers, while a third
species, only a rainy season visitor, is a lovely sky-
blue bird ; besides there are two or three species of
Sunbird, Black Drongoes and all sorts of Warblers,
Waxbills, and Weaverbirds. Many of the latter
families are well-known in England, thousands being

233

imported aiiinially as cage-birds, a life to which they
take with extraordinary readiness ; the smaller ones,
Waxbills, Firefinches and Cordon - bleus, do not here
strike one as particularly noticeable, as their small
size and with most of them their rather skulking
habits, render them inconspicuous except at a very
short distance, but the larger (popularly known as
Weavers, Bishops and Whydahs) when in full breeding
plumage are among the most striking of all tropical
birds ; a flock of male full-coloured Bishops, either the
scarlet and black crimson-crowned or the yellow and
black Napoleons, is indeed a lovely sight, as they flit
among the tall grass-stems, at the bases of which their
woven nests are built, almost always in places where
the ground is under water, or at any rate so soft and
marshy that approach is impossible. Others are the
Paradise Whydah flaunting their long tails as they
fly, the rarer Yellow-backed Whydah, and finally the
Black- faced Yellow Weavers which are certainly the
commonest of all the seed-eating birds to be seen
along the river.

During the heat of the day, however, these birds
and nearly ever}^ living thing are dozing in the stag-
nant atmosphere, and it is only in the mornings and
afternoons, from about four o'clock to dusk, that the
bush is thoroughly awake. Some of its inhabitants
we may certainly disturb at all hours ; for instance,
the two common Kingfishers, one a pied black and
white bird, which hovers over the water like a Kestrel
until it sights or thinks it sights a fish, when it closes
its wings and falls like a stone into the water, throwing
up a small fountain of spray, and then if successful
emerging with a fish, which it carries off to a handy

234

perch to devour, the other blue and black with a
powerful red bill, which dives after its prey from some
branch in the orthodox kingfisher manner ; the same
applies also to the Darters, which all da}^ are constantly
flying out ahead of the boat, and then diving to come
up farther on and swim away with nothing but their
heads and necks visible above water.

Towards evening life returns, and the silence begins
to be broken by the voices of bird and beast. On
every side is heard the monotonous *' coo-coo" of the
doves, and the longer call, " too-too ; tiitta-tiitta " of
the Black Pigeons; the Bushfowl begin to summon
each other from the thick grass-clumps to their feed-
ing-grounds in the cornfields. Other notes are the
fluty whistle of the '' ndoio," one of the Shrikes,
which on occasion can also give utterance to a sweet
thrush-like song, the noisy chatter of the Babblers,
birds which seem to be always squabbling, the " chirk-
chirk" of the Vermilion-breasted Barbary Shrike
flitting from bush to bush, the screams of passing
flocks of Parrakeets, the continual chirping and low
whistles of Waxbills and Grass- Warblers, and lastly
the shrill chatter of the countless Yellow Weavers,
whose grass-woven nests fill every thorn-bush which
overhangs the water sufficiently to make it a safe
nesting-place. Occasionally a clear " cuckoo-cuckoo "
will call up thoughts of an English summer ; the owner
of the throat whence comes the familiar cry may well
be our wandering English friend, as he must at least
pass this part of the world on migration, but there is
also found here another Cuckoo whose note is identical
with that of the European species.

Harsher sounds are the loud " gnar-r-gnar-r "

235

of the Crowned Cranes and the twanging " kang-unga "
of Black Ibis as parties of them fly over from the
swamps or mud-flats where they feed. In the evening
too the Swallows hawk much more actively up and
down the river, sharing the abundant feast with red
and blue Bee-eaters, while gorgeous, but heavily built
Rollers are conspicuous here and there along the bank,
sitting on the outlying branches of the trees, whence
they at frequent intervals pounce down on to any
grasshopper, locust or other large insect which they
may espy. In places where the long grass conies
right down to the water's edge, parties of the little
green and buff" dwarf Bee-eaters are sure to be seen
clinging to the tall grass stems, or flitting backwards
and forwards along the river margin in much the same
way the Sand-Martins do at home ; among this same
long grass they will a little later on settle down for the
night, but not till they have previously spent some
little time in bickering for the perches most in
demand. Coucals, the black, brown and fawn Lark-
heeled Cuckoos, hop heavily among the branches,
singly or in pairs, an occasional brilliant splash of
cobalt and carmine against the glossy green of some
dense palm-thicket marks the passing of a jungle-
loving Touraco, while noisy flocks of Glossy Starlings
wheel about in screaming companies like ours at home
before dropping down to their sleeping places ; then
later on as the light rapidly fails out come Nightjars,
among which may be seen one or two of the extra-
ordinary Standard-winged Nightjars, which as they
fly along with their two elongated racket-ended wing
feathers fluttering behind, look for all the world like
some Owl being mobbed by a couple of Sparrows ; a

236

belated Curlew or line of Egrets ma^^ pass, and later
still a flock of Duck or Spur-wing Geese may be seen
streaming across the face of the rising moon.

Long before this, however, bird-life has given
place to the insect-host, the merciless tyrants of the
tropic night; on every side they swarm, fireflies float-
ing lightly amid the foliage like lost and wandering
starlets, thousands of flying beetles, bronze or black or
metallic green, some as small as ladybirds, others a
hundred times as big, ugl}^ as sin and as noi.sy as an
underground train, earwigs, crickets, and foul squashy
things which look like winged caterpillars, while a
ceaseless accompaniment of shrill "music" — the
prototype, one feels sure, of the feeble native zithers
or their other stringed instruments — is provided by the
restful sleep-inducing " susurrus " or the cicadas, and
by the very opposite of this, the maddening, rest-
dispelling hum of the mosquito-hosts. The night
indeed is no time for bird or au}^ other study ; it takes
one, then, all one's time to exist, and under a stufi"y
net in a still stuffier cabin to grapple with larger beasts,
which have somehow got inside, and then to tr}^ to
avoid listening to the constant buzzing of the culex
and anopheles, to take no notice of the ferocious
attacks of the pulex and perhaps even more noisome
crawlers and get some attempt at sleep.

. 237

iBMtorial.

AN INTERESTING HYBRID:— In a letter re-
ceived a month or two ago from Mrs. Button (of
Stone) there is the following passage : — " One of these
*' old pets is an elderly hen Seed-eater which surprised
" us all by laying in April four fertile eggs, (she had
" paired with a cock Siskin). They were put under a
" Canary, but unfortunately she turned sick and re-
" fused to finish feeding the young ones at 16 days.
" One only, a cock, was successfully reared, and he is
"a queer looking customer. The second clutch (of
*' four) contained two full eggs. They were left with
•' the mother, and although she proved an excellent
*' feeder she was not successful in rearing them."

Of course there is nothing very surprising in this
cross, because the Siskin-Canary hybrid is obtainable
quite easily, and the Seed-eater was presumably either
the St. Helena, the Sulphur, or even the 6". icterus, all
of which, as is well known, are near relations to the
Canary. But it is none the less interesting, because I
believe this is the first recorded instance of the occur-
rence.

IS EGG -FOOD NEEDFUL?— I have recently
come across a letter received by me some time ago
from a gentleman who has recently returned from
abroad, Mr. C. W. Woodhouse, a student at the Royal
Veterinary College, and a late member of our Council.
In it he sa3\s — " I had a pair of Liothrix hitezcs, witli-
" held all ^^% food, and they came into splendid
*' plumage and lost the diarrhcea they had when pur-
'* chased — became in fact much healthier."

238

How much more cogent are these facts than the
mere dogma that no food can be called a good food
which does not contain egg, uttered with wearisome
regularity by those whose "howlers" in anatomy,
physiology, and pathology have now become a bye
word ! and who with all the lessons and hints of the
past cannot even yet refrain from utterly ridiculous
ineptitudes !

I have on at least one occasion mentioned that the
use of egg is fraught with a danger quite unconnected
with its influence, as already detailed, on septic bacteria.
When I find leisure for the promised paper on the Com-
parative Value of Food Stuffs this will be fully gone
into, and it will be seen that Prof. Woods Hutchinson
(of Comparative Pathology fame) has thrown consider-
able light on this question of ours by means of his
recent observations on the functions of the liver.

In the meantime let me point out that during the
past few years quite a number of intelligent people —
medical and veterinary men, prominent aviculturists,
and successful exhibitors alike— have decisively demon-
strated that their birds do better without than with
egg. Their " experience," being iivo-sided, seems to be
better than that one-sided kind which we are told *' is
good enough for most men." Facts are stubborn
things, and those who try to oppose them do but kick
against the pricks. W. Geo. Creswei.1..

239

1Review5.

The Birds of the British Islands. By Chas. Stonham, C.3I.G.,
F.R.C.S., F.Z.S., 7vith ILlustrations by L. M. Bledlcmd.
Parts II. and III. Roy. Quarto, 'jjS each. Grant Richards.
When we spoke of the plates in Part I. as being
an astonishing revelation of what a black and white
prodnction coidd be in the way of fidelity of portraiture,
we were certainly unprepared to find that even they
could be surpassed in the way which is now disclosed
by those in these two further Parts. It is indeed
difficult to find words sufficiently expressive of our
admiration of these wonderful presentments without
laying ourselves open to a charge of extravagance, and
it is even more difficult to find one figure in the range
covered in these two parts — from the Whitethroat to
the Tree Creeper — which can be singled out as better
than its fellows. Still if we should venture to express
any preference, this might be accorded to those of the
Water Ousel, the Wren, the Gold-crest and the White-
throat, the latter of which is represented in the act of
singing, with life and loveliness in every line. And
special praise might also be given to the plates devoted
to such subjects as the foot of the Nuthatch and the
tail of the Creeper, characterized as they are, and as
indeed all the figures are, by a minute accuracy com-
bined with an exquisite gracefulness not always seen
in this class of work.

The text is equally accurate in detail, and the
Author shows himself to be as scientific in the domains
of Ornithology as he is known to be in others. A
true lover of birds, he not only knows their literature
but also knows themselves.

240

The Bird World Magazine : December iqob. Quarto, ^d.
F. CarL

This is the opening number of an attractive
monthly which should live long and prosper mightily.
Its aims appear to be catholic enough to embrace all
sections of bird keeping and bird keepers, not for-
getting even the large army of those who confine their
interest in birds to the observation of them in their
wild state. Lady Catherine Milnes-Gaskell and Mr.
Norman each contribute a charming article on birds
at large. Miss Hinton details her nine years' ex-
periences of Canary breeding from the standpoint of
an amateur. There is a paper on Out-door Aviaries
by the Editor of Bird Notes, illustrated with photo-
graphic reproductions of selected aviaries ; and we
find an interesting sketch of the Hornbills by Mr.
Frank Finn, with a series of six species photo-
graphed by Mr. Berridge. Our juvenile friends are
catered for by Miss Rutt ; Miss Dyddgu Hamilton
tells some amusing stories of her Cockatoo ; and Lady
Helen Forbes gives pleasajit reminiscences of birds
she has kept.

The number is profusely illustrated, the frontis-
piece being a beautiful plate in colours of a nesting
pair of Bullfinches by Mr. Norman. Miss Austen's
recently exhibited picture "Baited with the Rabble's
Curse" is reproduced in black and white, and is
accompanied by a short article on its leading figure,
the Eagle Owl. There is also a delightfully realistic
picture of the Buff Laughing Kingfisher, in connection
with which, by the way, this species is oddly enough
spoken of as a ''breed," just as though it were a
variety of Canary or sheep-dog. Mr. G. Rankin gives

241

us one of the most artistic plates of Blue Tits and
Coal Tits we have ever seen, and also another full page
illustration of the Golden Eagle, which though ex-
ceedingly good is perhaps a little too hard in treatment
to compare favourably with the other. Amongst the
rest of the illustrations is one of Mr. Howe's Thrush
by Miss ly. M. Medland, which we regret to say is a long
way from doing justice to this artist's abilities and
conception of a bird, and exhibits little of the "life
and loveliness in every line" which we have elsewhere
spoken of in connection with her work.

The Magazine is well printed on good paper, and
with the one exception of what is obviously a mis-
print of " breed " for " bird " generally gives evidence
of great care having been expended on its produc-
tion. There is however one little point. When it
has attained the dignity of being a bound volume, its
value would be greatly enhanced in a book lover's eye
if there were no advertisements mixed up with the
text. It is not so great a sinner in this respect as some
magazines, but still in our opinion all trade announce-
ments might with advantage be strictly confined to
supplementary pages.

If it were not that Mr. Carl has already given us a
taste of his quality in the phenomenal success he has
attained with Cage Birds, we should wish him every
good fortune with his new venture. To do so however
under the circumstances would be a banality.

242

p05t fIDorteiu 1Report0.

{l^ide Rules).

Linnet. {Mr. Aronstein). Acute pneumonia of one lung was
the cause of death. The few grains of inga seed he had at
the beginning of his iUness would do hitn no special harm,
but all the same he seems to have had too great a propor-
tion of rich oily seeds all along. Birds in cages cannot
stand these as well as those at liberty or even those in
large aviaries. Treatment in pneumonia is useless.

Bi^ACKCAP. (Mrs. Vernon). Apoplexy was the cause of death.

Foreign Finch. (Miss Baker). Owing to the limited leisure
that I had at the time I was unable to identify' this bird.
It died of fatty degeneration of the liver. The feeding
seems to have been correct. W. Geo. Creswei*i,.

(Eorrc6pon&ence-

THE ECLECTUS PARROT.

Sir, — I have just received from my brother, who returned
from Australia last week, some Parrots he wishes me to take
care of, and I shall feel much obliged if you will tell me how
to treat them. Two of them he tells me are cock and hen.
One is entirely green with flight feathers partly crimson, also
the under part of the wings and the sides of the body; tail
short ; upper mandible orange, the under one black. The
other bird is crimson (shot with purple on the wing) and with a
black beak. On the voyage they were fed on porridge, dry
maize, and a bit of fruit (either tinned or fresh). When I got
them I found they left all the dry maize, but they will eat it if
soaked over night in water. They also have Spratt's parrot
mixture and apple and banana. My brother was told not to
give them any water.

The third bird is a very tiny white Cockatoo about the size
of a Dove. The inner webs of its flight feathers are a very pale
sulphur, and I fancy some of the crest feathers may turn out

243

pale sulphur, but at present it is too soiled for one to be
certain about this. It is exceedingly tame and continually
cries out to be fondled and nursed — evidently a hand-reared
bird. When it first came it would eat nothing but hemp seed
and a little porridge, but lately it has eaten some of the soaked
maize. It likes grapes, apple, and banana. It tries hard to get
out when it sees water, but I have been afraid, as my brother
was told on no account to let it touch water for two months
after its arrival in this country. F. A. Good.

[The following reply was sent to Mrs. Good. — Ed.]

The pair of Parrots are a male and female Eclectus, the
green one is the male and the purple one the female.

You are feeding correcth'.

The small Cockatoo is probably from Timor Laut. You
can give it the hemp and soaked maize; perhaps in time it will
take other seeds, but do not attempt to starve it to any
particular diet.

With regard to water, it is quite a mistake to deprive these
poor birds of drink; at the same time, when they have been
without it for any length of time, great care must be taken not
to give too much.

A teaspoouful or so about twice a day would be sufficient
to begin with, and the quantity be very gradually increased until
they have quite got over their thirst and are able to look at
and bathe in water without wanting to swallow it all.

W. T. Greene.

CHAFFINCHES AT THE WINDOW.

Sir, — Under the above heading an account was given on
page 264 of Vol. IV. of Bird Notes of two cock Chaffinches
seeking shelter at a window from a gale in the previous
November (1905). Curious to relate a like incident has occurred
in the November of this year and at the same hour of the
evening, between six and seven o'clock, and at the close of a
wild blustering day, the wind being at the time still ver\^ high.
A sound of tapping on the glass together with a fluttering of
wings was heard, and on opening the window a cock Chaffinch
immediately flew into the room and was soon caught, dazzled

244

by the light and no doubt exhausted from battling against the
storm.

Shortly afterwards similar sounds attracted our attention
outside the same window, and on its being opened, we were
partly prepared, recollecting last year's incident, and so were
not altogether surprised to see a second cock Chaffinch take
refuge from the gale.

The birds v/ere in very good condition, aud after a night's
lodging flew happily away. One hopes they may again come
for admittance another year. N. M. E. Ward.

HOW TO FEED BLACKCAPS AND NONPAREILS.

Sir, — Please let me know how to feed a Blackcap and Pin-
tailed Nonpareils. Also is the Yellow-billed Cardinal {Pat'oaria
capitata) at all uncommon, and can one distinguish the sexes.
I got one for a few shillings the other day, and the man did
not even know what it was. E. Warrkn Vernon.

The Blackcap is extremely easy to keep either in cage or
outdoor aviary. The best food for it is a mixture in equal parts
of dried flies, ant cocoons, and crushed unsweetened biscuit,
given dry. In addition it should have mealworms, (some in-
dividuals, but not man}', won't eat these), live insects, and
fruit, (banana, grapes, &c.) Bacozzi, the dried pupae of silk-
worms, may also be given ; some of these birds are very fond
of it. In Italy it is largely used.

The Pin-tailed Nonpareil will eat millet, canary seed, oats,
&c., and should also be allowed free access to the same
food as the Blackcap's.

The Yellow-billed Cardinal was for some time almost un-
known to the average bird buyer, but lateh' it has been a little
more freely imported, and therefore not so very expensive. In
the Brit. Mus. Cat. there is no difference noted between the
male and female plumage. W. Geo. CrESWEI,!,.

BIRD NOTES

i|^*;U

^^m

J. G.Kealemans deleb litli. West.Newman imj

BRONZE CUCKOO.
GJnrysococcyx sirLaragdmeus.

All rights rese7ved,'\ [JANUARY, 1907.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

Ztbe Bron3e (Tuckoo.

( Chrysococcyx smaragdineus).
By J. G. KeuIvEMans.

Tliis elegant bird is a native of Western Africa
and probably also of the central part of that conti-
nent, and it has been found in the mountain regions
some 400 miles east of Libreville (Gaboon). It is
common in Prince's Island, also in San Thome and
Annobon Islands.

A curious fact is that these birds are migratory in
both Prince's Island and San Thome, their usual
habitat being on the high mountains of the Western
or oceanic side of these islands from February until
November, after which they leave for the Eastern
regions, where they visit the plantations and lower
parts near the town of each island. I have often seen
them perch on the roofs of the houses for a short
while and then fly off to some isolated tree, from the
upper twigs of which they would utter their clear and
bell-like note a dozen times in succession, after which
they would hurriedly fly off to another tree a short
distance away to repeat their musical performance
once more.

The note is entirely different from that of our
common Cuckoo, being more like the far-sounding
call of the American Bell-bird, though not so varied.

246

It sounds like " tzaafivie-tzoowie," and this oft repeated
note can be heard throughout the day fully half a
mile off.

This Cuckoo is very shy, a quick flier, and a very
restless bird. It does not mind the heavy rains which
fall almost daily in these islands. In fact it is during
a rain-fall that it can be best observed. Most of those
which I shot or captured were obtained during a heavy
shower. Strange to relate their beautiful plumage is
never affected by the rain, the water always dropping
off them as it does from a duck.

The female lays her egg in the nest of some
smaller bird that builds an open nest. The little
Zosterops ficediiliiia and the allied but larger species
Parinia leucophcsa are the usual foster parents of this
Cuckoo. A remarkable case of cuckoo rearing was
witnessed by me in July 1863 on the plantation I then
occupied. Behind my small dwelling house grew a
large Acacia tree, the branches of which nearly
touched the balcony. A pair of Pariiiias had built
their nest so near the verandah that I could hear the
young ones while they were being fed. One morning
the pleasant sound of this young family calling for
food had suddenly ceased. A week later I noticed a
young Cuckoo lifting its head above the nest. Stranger
still, two or three days later a second young Cuckoo
was to be seen in the same nest, and both these in-
truders were fed, not only by their original foster
parents but also by at least a dozen other small birds.
It was only owing to the fact that the winged-ants
were flying in swarms at that time that the numerous
volunteer foster-mothers were enabled to accomplish
their heavy task. Unfortunately the nest fell into

.. 247

pieces after some days. Probably the weight of the
two parasites had broken it down, or it may be that
the two young cuckoos had fallen overboard owing to
want of comfortable room inside the nest, or again
this may have been spoiled by my servant when try-
ing to remove it from the tree.

The native name for this bird in both islands is
*'Lobo" ; in the Gaboon it is called " BrotiotocoUe."

It feeds on berries as well as on insects, and with
insect food given to it in large quantities it will live
in confinement for a long period, but never becomes
tame. The one whose portrait, originally drawn in
1866, accompanies these notes, was caught by myself
in Prince's island and remained alive for two vears.

Strange Httacbments of Bir&5.

By the late W. T. Greene, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.

Birds form very curious attachments sometimes,
not only among themselves, but also for animals and
even for mankind.

I once saw a lycadbeater's Cockatoo and a Blue
Mountain Lory that were devotedly attached to each
other despite the difference of species and the disparity
in size. They had been caged together for some time,
and the smaller bird usually slept under the right wing
of the larger one, which was folded over it, and which
after a time stuck out as if the bone had grown stiff
from constantly overlapping the Lory.

A lady with whom I was acquainted had in her
possession for some time a couple of Lovebirds, both
hens, one of which was a Redface and the other a
Madagascar. They always sat side by side and used

248

to feed each other just as a regular pair would have
done. Someone having presented the lady with a
male Redface she thought her two hens would be
delighted to welcome him to their society and accord-
ingly put him into their cage, but to her surprise, the
hens fell upon him beak and claw, and would certainly
have killed the poor little fellow if she had not in-
tervened and taken him away. After the removal of
the male, the hens talked a good deal to each other,
went down to the seed box, and had a feed, always
side by side, exactl}^ (as their mistress observed) like
two nice old ladies having a cup of tea together, and
discussing the latest parochial news.

A friend of mine had a pair of white or Albino
Jackdaws which he was very anxious should breed, as
he was interested to know whether the young would
resemble their parents or be like the ordinary mem-
bers of their race, but unfortunately for his plans, the
female fell violently in love with himself, would call
to him and follow him about everywhere when he
went into the aviary, which was an unusually large
one. In vain he attempted to drive her away and
convince her of the folly of her conduct. She abso-
lutely rejected all the advances of her mate and laid a
lot of eggs which of course came to nothing.

Someone else I knew had an exceedingly tame
hen Californian Quail, which also became enamoured
of her master, and would hail his appearance in the
garden with every demonstration of delight, running
up and down inside the enclosure as he walked along
the path outside. When he ventured into the aviary
he had to exercise the greatest care to avoid stepping
on her, as she would continually run round and over

249

his feet, making the peculiar little call note by which
the hen quails attract the mate. That summer she
laid 72 eggs, not in a nest, but just dropping them
about anywhere ; they were all unfertile, and this
annoyed the owner so much that he parted with the
prolific little creature, whose affection it is to be
feared was as little appreciated as it was remarkable
and somewhat absurd.

The Bullfinch is a very affectionate bird as a rule,
and as might be expected many instances of its
attachment to human beings are on record. A lady
who owned a beautiful piping Bullfinch had to leave
her home for a week, during which time the bird
pined visibly, and called incessantly for his absent
mistress, upon whose shoulder he was accustomed to
sit for hours at a time while she read or sewed. He
ate but little, and the person who had charge of him
was afraid he would hardly live till the lady returned,
but he did, and when he saw her, in spite of his weak-
ness he fluttered about his cage in a state of great
excitement, and when she opened the door he instantly
darted out upon her breast, spread out his wings, and
died.

Man}^ similar instances might be related, but let
these suffice to prove the assertion that birds do form
strange attachments.

250

Zbc Hfrtcau Black Ibornbill.

{Sphagolobiis atratus).
By C. CAS'i%K-Sr.OANK, F.Z.S.

With reo^ard to the phimage of this bird : — it is all
black with a greeny sheen all over it in the sunlight,
the tips of the tail feathers are white, there is a niauvey
blue skin round the eye, and the eyelashes are very long.

My specimen had been in the Zoological Gardens
for the previous five months or so, where no doubt some
of my readers may have seen it. Whilst there it must
have been petted all day, and fed by hand, judging
from the cries with which it meets one when entering
the aviary ; it has two distinct cries, one for when it
wants something especially dainty in the sliape of
grapes or banana, and the other for merely personal
notice.

I shall not forget when I first fed my bird with an
apple, which I broke in pieces and gave in a dish. I
should think it took but a second to demolish it, and
then finished another one in like fashion, as soon as I
had got it ready. I thought to myself "how on earth
am I to provide sufficient bananas, grapes, and apples
for you," and I felt he would truly be ni}^ bird with the
big bill, so I mixed up dried files, ants' eggs, and
biscuit with a little potato, in the hope of weaning it
from its expensive tastes, and was very glad to find it
took to the little cannon balls of mixture I made for
it. When it gets weary itself of tossing great lumps
down its throat, it opens its great bill for you to con-
tinue the operation, uttering at the same time short
little croaks. This bird never wearies of being petted.
It is quite content so long as one is talking to it,
stroking it, or playing about with it, and it will throw

AFRICAN BLACK HORNBILL.

(Sphagolohus atratus-j

To face page 2^0.

251

its great head back nearly to its tail for one to stroke
its throat. It is certainly a most weird bird with its
long broad bill, and I think it must be the ugliest bird
one could wish to see. Except for its soft beautiful
eyes, which almost speak, it has not one redeeming
point.

In "Wonders of the Bird World," (Dr. Bowdler
Sharpe) is the following description of the nesling of
the Hornbills:—

" Here we find tlie female resorting to the hole of
a tree and laying her eggs, one or two in number,
while the male plasters the hole up and takes upon his
.shoulders the support of his wife and child. Anything
more fraught with disastrous consequences to the
family can scarcely be imagined, for if the poor hard-
working husband is shot or otherwise killed the im-
prisoned wife and baby run considerable risks of
starvation. There would seem, however, to be a spirit
of co-operation among Hornbills, for even if the
female cannot free herself from the hole in which she
is confined, as the natives assert she can do on occa-
sion, she may be sure of the assistance of her relations.
Thus Mr. John Whitehead relates (' Ibis,' 1890, p. 17,)
that he once found a nest of a Hornbill in Northern
Borneo, wherein the old hen bird and her youngster
were imprisoned in an old tree, the entrance to the
hole being secured by a plaster of gums and resins.
He found no less than five other Hornbills feeding her,
both males and females being engaged in the task.
These were doubtless birds which had brought up
their own young one, and were free to attend to some
one else's needs. Before he discovered the nest Mr.
Whitehead shot three of the birds, but the next day

252

he again found a pair of Hornbills bringing food to
the imprisoned female. The latter on being taken
out of the tree, was so weak that she was unable to
use her wings for a long time, and it may be a wise
provision of nature that the hen bird should be im-
prisoned in this curious manner, for it seems from
specimens of the Pied Hornbill {Lophoceros melanoleu-
cus) which we have in the British Museum from South
Africa, that the female undergoes a complete moult
wheu she is in the tree, and thus, if the nidification
were otherwise effected, the bird would be at the time
powerless for flight, and unable to defend herself. It
appears also that her imprisonment is quite voluntary,
as the female assists the male in the work of plastering
up the entrance to the cavity in the tree in which she
seeks refuge, and that the walling up of the wife at
this defenceless time of her life, is to guard her
against the attacks of the insidious foes which, in the
shape of skunks or lizards, would intrude upon her
retirement. In Borneo, as my friend Mr. Hose tells
us, a Parodoxure {Hemigale) is a dangerous enemy,
and Monitors and Tree-lizards also attack the home
of the Hornbill, but the female bird is generally equal
to the occasion, and her sharp bill is a sufficiently
formidable weapon of defence."

With regard to the conveyance of food by the male
to the female, we get the following from the " Dic-
tionar}^ of Birds," Professor Newton.

" This remarkable habit, almost simultaneously
noticed by Dr. Mason in Burma, Tickell in India, and
Livingstone in Africa, but since confirmed by other
observers, especially by Mr. Wallace in the Malay
Archipeligo, has been connected by Mr. Bartlett (Proc.

253

Zool. Soc. 1S69, p. 142) with a peculiarity as remark-
able, which he was the first to notice. This is the fact
that Honibills at intervals of time, whether periodical
or irregular is not \'et known, cast the epithelial layer
of their gizzard, that layer being formed by a secretion
derived from the glands of the proventriculus or some
other upper part of the alimentary canal. The epithe-
lium is ejected in the form of a sack or bag, the mouth
of which is closely folded, and is filled with the fruit
that the bird has been eating. The announcement of
a circumstance so extraordinary naturally caused some
hesitation in its acceptance, but the essential truth of
Bartlett's observations has been abundanth^ confirmed
by Professor Flower (tom. cit. p. 150), and especially by
Dr. Murie (op. cit. 1874, p. 420), and what seems now
to be most wanted is to know whether these castings
are really intended to form the hen bird's food during
her confinement." On referring to Mr. Bartlett's re-
marks (Proc. Zool. Soc, p. 142, 1869) : " A few weeks
after the Wrinkled Hornbill {Buceros corrtcgaiics) was
received in the Society's Gardens, the keeper called my
attention to a queer-looking fig-like substance he had
picked up in the aviary. Struck with its appearance,
I took it home and endeavoured to examine it carefully,
and opened its closely folded mouth. I found this
fig-like bag contained plums or grapes well packed
together, the wrapper or envelope looking much like
the inner lining of a gizzard, somewhat tough, elastic,
and gelatinous. Almost alarmed for the safety of the
bird that had thrown it up, and at the same time hav-
ing some doubt as to its real nature, I at once sought
the assistance of our Prosector Dr. Murie, handing
him the specimen and telling him its history."

254

Dr. Murie's report was as follows: "On exami-
nation of the specimen I fonnd, as was at first sug-
gested in joke, that the bag did absolutely consist of
nothing else than the thickened semichondrified lining
membrane of the gizzard. All the puckerings and in-
dentations were more or less exactly represented,
though less sharp in outline than is ordinarily the
case. The mucous surface of the inner wall of the
bag was slimy, otherwise perfectly identical with the
same structure in a healthy bird. The surface out-
side, on that which might be said to be the submucous
tissue, was moist, comparativeh^ uninjured, and free
from any effusion or disease. The rim of the mouth
of the bag was irregular and shreddy, and thinned
away at its free edge. The soft egg-like bodies con-
tained within this (so to speak) cast up sac proved to
be seven or eight discoloured grapes ; or they might
be, so far as appearance went, raisins. None of these
had undergone the process of digestion, but, from
their sodden aspect, I believe had been slightly acted
on by the gastric juice. Positive of the nature of this
queer rejected pellet, there follows the still more ex-
traordinary circumstance that the Hornbill should live
and feed afterwards, seemingly not much affected by
the loss of the inner coat of its stomach. Had I not
seen and examined the objects I would scarcely have
credited the facts."

Mr. Charles Hose gives the following account in
" Wonders of the Bird World " of the taking of a
mother Hornbill and her young one in Sarawak : —

" Our attention was first attracted to a quantity of
excrement at the base of a large tree, and looking to
see where it came from we discovered a hole in the

255

tree, about fift}' feet frotn the ground. One of my
Dyak hunters at once recognised it as the nest of a
Hornbill, and proceeded to climb the tree, but was
obliged to come down before reaching the nest, as the
tree had no low branches to help him. He soon, how-
ever, overcame the difficulty in a manner creditable to
his ingenuity. Having cut a number of pins or pegs
of very hard wood, he drove them into the tree at in-
tervals of about three feet, each pin being about an
inch in diameter and nine inches long. After the first
few pins had been driven in, a straight pole was cut
about thirty feet long, and one end was driven firmly
into the ground in a perpendicuiar position, at the foot
of the tree. The head of each pin was then securely
tied to this pole, which made a simple and effective
ladder. The Dyak who climbed up told us that the
nest contained the mother and one young one. These
two birds were walled in with a resinous substance^
leaving only a small hole through which the male bird
fed them, and the diameter of the hole would be about
two inches. This gum-like substance is formed, as I
afterwards found, in the body of the bird, and de-
posited by it round the entrance to the nest, where it
hardens, and becomes a protection against the many
enemies of these birds. When the young bird is old
enough to fly the parents break down this wall, and
the hen and her j^oungster leave the nest. Wishing to
observe the habits of these interesting Hornbills I
would not allow the men to take the birds, or to in-
terfere with the nest ; and on coming to the tree some
days afterwards, I watched the male bird feeding his
family. He settled on a convenient knob of the tree
just below the nest, and the hen bird put her beak

256

through the hole and received four or five pellets
about the vsize of a small hen's egg, but longer. These
pellets, I afterwards discovered, were enveloped in a
sort of elastic skin, and contained chopped-up leaves
and small shoots, mixed with fruits and various seeds.
When the young bird was ready for us to take, we
went to open the hole, and one of the men having
gone on before, shot the male bird and proceeded to
climb the ladder and break away the wall at the
entrance to the nest. The tree, however, was hollow,
and the hen bird fluttered upward out of his reach.
Finding he could not catch her, he left the young one
in the nest to prevent the mother from leaving, as he
had made the hole by this time quite large enough for
her to escape ; he then came down, and we returned
to the hut to devise a plan t''or securing the old bird.
The Dyak, who had done this work before, soon made
a kind of basket by splitting up the end of a bamboo
for about a foot in several strips, and then tying a ring
inside to keep them open in a cup-shape. We then
returned to the tree, and to our surprise found several
more Hornbills, some feeding the birds in the hole,
and others flying round, and constantl}^ settling near
the spot. The Dyak then went up the tree by his
ladder and quickly captured the hen bird in his in-
genious basket, without injuring her; and we brought
her home with her young one, which made an extra-
ordinar}^ monotonous noise, and appeared to be con-
tinually hungry, though seeming to be well fed. The
nestling afterwards became quite tame, and lived for
months, flying about my garden, sometimes taking
possession of the back of a chair whilst I was at
meals, when he would catch pieces of bread thrown to

257

him." Ill his interesting work (i. p. 213) Mr. Wallace
describes a nestling as follows: "A most curious
object, as large as a pigeon, but without a particle of
plumage on any part of it. It was exceedingly plump
and soft, and with a semi-transparent skin, so that it
looked more like a bag of jelly with head and feet
stuck on than like a real bird."

^be ©nail jfmcb.

{Orlygospiza polyzotia).
By R. vSUGGITT,

A few of these queer little finches were offered
for sale on the bird market during the summer of 1905,.
and, late in August, I became the fortunate possessor
of a very dilapidated male specimen. He was dirty,
in bad feather, and not in the best of health. The
latter however, by careful treatment, rapidly improved.

My bird is no larger, but more stoutly built than
an Avadavat. The general colour is a dull brown,
greyer on the underparts, and barred with white on
the sides of the breast and flanks. The centre of his
breast is bright chestnut; the face and throat, sooty
black ; the outer tail feathers edged with creamy
white; beak, red ; feet, flesh colour. He has a quaint
little song, resembling the whine and bark of a minia-
ture dog.

The cage in which I placed him upon arrival, was
fitted up with the usual perches, but they were alto-
gether unnecessary, for he remained at the bottom of
the cage all day, and slept there at night, preferring
to sit on a millet spray. He never went on a perch

258

voluntarily, and when he was startled and accidentally
alighted on one he seemed awkward and ill at ease.

The hot dry weather in mid-September tempted
me to let him go into the open air for a few days, and
in the aviary his behaviour was just the same as when
he was caged. He appeared to thoroughly enjoy him-
self, and delighted to run among the coarse grass all
•day long, uttering a series of little shrill barks and
whines: a song of which he seems to be very proud.
He never rose into the air except upon a sudden
alarm, when he would fly straight up for two or three
feet, and then immediately return to the grass.

When he had been out a week I discovered that
at night he did not even seek the shelter of the long
grass, but slept in the open on a slight rise in the
ground. Fearing that in his sparsely-feathered con-
dition a heavy fall of rain might, even during the hot
weather, prove injurious, I caught and re-caged him.
His capture was an easy matter, owing to his weak
flight and his strict avoidance of all bushes and trees.

A glimpse of his chestnut breast is seldom to be
obtained, as it seems to be his constant care to keep
it out of sight. Even when he runs along his body
almost touches the floor, and when he sees anything
unusual he erects his tail into an almost perpendicular
position, and presses his breast to the ground. He is
rather wild in the cage and knocks himself about
considerably.

His favourite food is millet in the spray, but he
will eat white millet and a little canary seed : the
spiders, mealworms, and insects which I have from
time to time placed at his disposal have, so far as I can
see, remained untouched. Although a bath is always

259

accessible my bird evidently despises the luxury, for
be has never willingly wet one of his feathers since he
has been in my possession.

The Quail Fincli seems to be fairly hardy, but to
winter in the open air a bird which habitually sleeps
on the ground would be very unwise, unless of course
one wished to try an experiment — which in case of
failure would be rather costlv.

(toncerniuG IRooke-botb UGlilC) anO
^anie.

By w. Geo. Crkswei^i,, M.D.

These birds do not appear to be generally regarded
as possible pets, the reason being probably to be found
in the difficulty of abstracting the fledglings from
their inaccessible nests, and in the conservatism which
leads us to think of the young Rook as only existing
to be shot — sitting, be it borne in mind— for the pie
dish. But when by happy chance a Rook does become
a member of some human family, he is found to
possess in a very high degree all those traits of Cor-
vine character, which from time immemorial have
made his congeners such amusing and intelligent
companions.

I do not remember ever having actually owned a
Rook myself, unless one may have figured in the long
forgotten kaleidoscope of half a century ago, when
birds came and birds went — in the various directions
peculiar to the ideas and ways of early youth. Yet it
has fallen to my lot in later days to be the temporary
guardian of one of these friendly Crows. It thus fell
out. One Jul}' morning (1900) the wife of a medical

26o

friend, accompanied by her two little daughters carry-
ing a mysterious looking basket, informed me that
they were just off for a month's holiday, and asked me
to relieve their anxieties by taking charge of a young
bird, which on the 5tli of the preceding month they
had found fully feathered but with an injured wing
(shot?) in their garden, which lay under the shadow
of the woodland region of Villiers Path, the scene of
the historic opening skirmish of the Civil War. He
had grown up in the bosom of this truly animal-
loving family, his wing power was restored, and at the
time I mention, he had complete liberty both in and
out of the house, flying where he listed, but ever re-
garding the dining room as his headquarters.

Naturally such a bird as this could not be left to
the tender mercies of servants — who notoriously feed
or don't feed, who shut in or shut out, who in fact
apparently do anything or do nothing where animals
are concerned without the slightest intent either one
way or another — and so hot foot on the word the little
ladies opened their basket and released their precious
possession. With great gravity he hopped on to the
edge of his temporary prison, said a corvine word or
two of which the purport was not to me revealed, and
then allowed himself to be passed to and fro between
his young mistresses to receive from one and the other
the most extravagant display of kisses and cuddlings
I have ever seen bestowed on anything beyond a
pampered tabby. And not only did he merely allow
this; in a manner which I have only seen equalled by
one of my Senegal parrots he returned their caresses.

Lest trouble might ensue on his transference to
fresh quarters I straightway clipped the primaries of

26l

one wing, and then turned him loose in my garden.
But if I thought I was going to receive any marks of
affection or even of tolerance from this good tempered
animal I was speedily undeceived, for the whole time
he was my lodger he never allowed me to get within
twenty yards of him. Neither hunger on his side nor
the wariest stalking on mine ever lessened the distance
his suspicion had fixed as the proper one between us.
The nearest approach to familiarity he ever evinced on
my premises was to take food off the ground within
perhaps a 3'ard of the good lady who at that time " did
for" me and my bachelor establishment. Not that he
had lost any of the humour which had previously
marked him in his old home. It is true that I had no
dogs and no cat for him to persecute by pecking them
when asleep, or by tweaking their tails to drive them
from the food dish, but the place of the quondam
victims was speedily taken by my unfortunate pigeons,
of which at that time I kept a considerable number.
These birds had free egress from their aviaries and
used to spend a good deal of their time in the garden.
After their morning bath they would lie on the grass,
basking in the sun, and on these occasions Master
Rook always considered them to be fair game for his
practical jokes. And right well did he exercise his
presumed right, till at last their slow moving brains
grasped the conviction that he was a person to be
avoided. When a flock of them had got comfortably
settled down to dry, it was really amusing to see him
sidle around so as not to excite their alarm and
gradually reduce the distance till he could suddenly
pounce upon some unlucky wight to give him a vicious
dig in the back. The sudden onslaught of course had

262

the effect of immediately driving them all up, when he
would give vent to a series of caws in which it was
quite easy to detect the note of banter and self satis-
faction. His next move was always an attempt to up-
set their bath. This was an enamelled dish about i8
inches long, and although by this time a good deal of
the water had been splashed overboard, the under-
taking was uaturall}^ in the way of considerabh^ over-
taxing his powers. Still, with the pertinacity which
is an attribute of most birds when once their narrow
intellect has settled on an object, he would persevere
in his efforts, sometimes for nearly an hour, and when
as often happened he was successful, his delight was
unbounded, as evidenced by his grotesque hops and
jumps and the frantic yellings of his only note.

I was very interested, soon after he came, to see
him secrete those portions of food which, at the time,
he did not want. Many times I watched him do this
from my dining room window with the aid of a pair
of glasses. Sometimes he would merely hide a frag-
ment under the overhanginglower leavesof a geranium,
and this appeared to be his favourite dodge — possiblj^
because it was the easiest. At others he would place
the piece of meat, or whatever it was, on the ground
at the foot of a rose tree or grape vine, and then care-
fully cover it over with small stones. Once or twice I
was fortunate enough to detect him going to a hiding
place when hungry and making use of his savings, but
as he was always kept well supplied with food both
here and in his old home, I fancy that in secreting his
morsels he was rather obeying the dictates of race
habit than exercising any active and individual in-
tellectual process with a view to the future.

263

At the lime I must confess my belief was
entirely opposite to this. Accustomed to seeing these
birds feeding day by day in the fields by digging in
the soft ground, and then wending their way in the
dusk to their distant roosting place, I had, for want of
better knowledge, formed the superficial opinion that
their food consisted entirely of such worms, grubs,
and insects as would be found in and on the ground,
and that there had never been any necessity for them
to form a "race habit" of laying by for times of
scarcity. So when I saw my tamed Rook making his
little caches I was surprised as well as interested, and
rashly jumped to the conclusion that he was initiating
the custom on his own account, and entirely unin-
fluenced by race habit. I had never reflected that there
must be times when the field food would necessarily
run short, and that there was no reason', either anato-
mical or physiological, why the Rook should not be
as omnivorous as the rest of the Corvidae. As a matter
of fact I know now that under unusual stress it is not
only omnivorous but will actually kill for food. In his
l)eautifully illustrated edition of Gilbert White Mr.
R. Kearton tells us that ''during the terribly hard
" weather of January and February 1895, rooks took to
"preying upon their half starved starling satellites,"
and that since that time he had seen them trying to
repeat the practice. I also believe it is well known
that they are fond of walnuts and acorns, and Blackwell
(Researches in Zoology, 2nd Kdition, 1873) states that
" in the autumn they frequently bury acorns in the

" earth ; but sometimes forgetting where

" they have concealed them, they germinate and not
"infrequently excite surprise by the singularity of the

264

"situations in which they grow, far distant from any
"trees by which they could have been produced, and
" where it is very evident that they have not been
" planted by man."

About two and a half years after noting these
occurrences I had a fresh experience in connection
with another Rook who did the same thing. The first
one had been duly returned to his owners at the end
of their month's vacation, and had unfortunately died
after about a year, much to the grief of the whole
family, to whom he had greatly endeared himself, no
less by his affectionate disposition than by the many
mischievous and humorous tricks he was constantl}'
developing. I mention this to shew that the bird which
appeared on my lawn one February day was therefore
not my old acquaintance. At this particular time the
weather was exceedingly cold and windy,with hard frosts
every night, though it did not freeze during the day.

As is my usual custom in hard weather I had
placed on the grass close to the house a small heap of
scraps, which was a great attraction to Starlings and
other birds, leading to many squabbles and fights.
Now and then a Starling would take a large piece of
bacon rind some distance away so as to secure a more
uninterrupted chance of negociating it. While one of
them was thus engaged in violent efforts to make a
satisfactory meal from such a piece, I saw a Rook
suddenly fly down, apparently from no where in par-
ticular, and drive the lesser bird away. Then, pinning
the tough morsel down with his feet like a hawk, he
tore it up and soon fini.shed it. He next solemnly
stalked for a few yards towards where the main body
of small birds was engaged at what we may call the

265

depot, breaking at last into that funny ungainly run
that one is so familiar with in the person of the tame
Jackdaw. Having scattered the earlier guests he
made a good meal, and finally took a good fragment
away and hid it under the box edging of a flower
border. For fully an hour afterwards he walked about
the garden, and several times tried to bathe in a small
flanged feeding vessel, originally designed for rabbits,
about four inches across, which was in a sheltered
corner and contained a little unfrozen water. He
stayed on the premises exactly a week, roosting in one
or other of the trees, and at last disappeared as mys-
teriously as he came, directly after preaching a noisy
sermon to a neighbour's cat, which was at the time in
the next apple tree to the one he had for the moment
appropriated.

Now what was this Rook ? Was he a domesticated
or partially domesticated specimen ? or was he a purely
wild bird led by stress of weather and the presence
of food to take up a temporary lodging amongst the
abodes of man ? His comparative tameness and the
unconcerned way in which he investigated all the odd
corners of the garden pointed to the former, but on
the other hand he had the ugly bare patch on the front
of the skull, the perfect quill feathers in tail and wing,
and that general gloss and smart condition of plumage
which are popularly associated with a wild bird. In
this latter case it is just possible that his departure
was determined by the presence of the cat. The true
explanation may however be that, like another instance
to be presently noticed, he was originally a tame bird
with a cut wing, but had subsequently escaped after a
moult and reverted to a state of freedom.
{To be continued.)

266

Editorial,

IN MEMORIAM— DR. W. T. GREENE :-Ornitho-
logists and aviculturists all over the world have to
regret the death of one who has for more than a
generation so identified himself with their interests
as to render his name a household word. We in par-
ticular will feel his loss, for not only was he our
President, but he has also been ever ready to help
both the Magazine with articles and our members
with advice and assistance.

For some time past he had suffered from a pro-
gressive affection of the e\^es, which at times caused
him much pain, and which at last led him to give up
the active practice of his profession in London, and
to employ an amanuensis. But his death was not
anticipated in any way, for the end came quietly and
peaceful!}^ in his chair soon after coming in from a
country walk on the loth of last month.

The deceased gentleman spent much of his earh^
life across the Channel and was a student of the
University of France, coming out as Bachelor of Laws.
He afterwards migrated to the University of Dublin,
where after the prescribed periods of stud}' he became
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Medicine, finally
graduating as M.A. and M.D. in the years 1872 and
1876 respectively. After spending some time in travel,
during which he visited Australia, he engaged in
medical practice, occasionally finding time to write on
medical subjects. It is however as a writer on ornitho-
logy and aviculture that he is best known. A keeper
of birds from hisveryearliest years and the wielder ofan
exceedingly facile pen, about a score of complete books

267

stand to his credit, not to speak of iniuiiiierable articles
and other contributions in magazines and newspapers.

Among the more important works which he
published are " Parrots in Captivit}'," " Favourite
Foreign Birds," "Birds I Have Kept," two volumes
of "Notes on Cage Birds," "The Amateur's Aviary,"
"Feathered Friends," and "British Birds for Cages." He
also wrote a little book about 20 years ago on " Diseases
of Cage Birds," which as I gather from a letter he
sent me three or four years ago, was somewhat a
source of regret to him in his later life, inasmuch as
he had long since sold the copyright of it. No one
realized more than its author that the efflux of time
and the phenomenal upheaval of medical views, due
to the extension of bacteriological knowledge, had
rendered its revision, or rather its complete rewriting,
a work of absolute necessity, and in the above
mentioned letter he stated his intention of approach-
ing the present proprietor on the subject. Apparenth^
the project failed to fructify. I mention this matter
thus freely because I have often had to explain to
medical and veterinary men why this book still exists
in a form which, however it may have accorded with
the medical knowledge of a generation ago, is more
or less an anachronism to-day.

Dr. Greene's literary style was particularly pleasing
and fully revealed his personality. Singularly devoid
of vanity, deeply endowed with the love of truth and
honest}^ painstaking to a degree in the acquisition
and recording of facts, gifted with the greatest
humaneness of feeling for all animals in his care, and
ever exercising the greatest kindness and consider-
ation towards his fellow men, he was essentially what

268

used to be associated with the idea of " gentleman."
Unfortunately I never had the advantage and pleasure
of his personal acquaintance, the one or two engage-
ments to meet having fallen through by reason of
professional urgencies on one side or the other, but I
can look back with pleasure to our various correspon-
dences in past years, his first letter being dated 1885,
and his last communications being received only
shortly before his death, and printed in this issue. He
was always ready with advice and help when I desired
it, and if by chance we disagreed on any matter his
attitude was invariably one which commanded respect
and attention.

Aviculture has lost an able and amiable guide, and
its votaries can well imagine the loss to his family, to
whom I am sure I now voice the sympathy of all
our members.

Much has been said from time to time in these
pages anent the question of egg food, and the newer
recruits to our ranks may imagine that the campaign
is of recent birth. To these therefore it should be of
interest to learn that, after having used this food for his
birds in all his earlier days, Dr. Greene at last came to
the conclusion through a vast practical experience,
that not only was egg unnecessary, but that it was
actually harmful in the long run and in the aggregate.
He published a paper embodying his views in Vol. I.
of Poultry about 25 years ago, but, as he has placed
on record in the pages of this Magazine, the opposition
he met with was so " abusive and virulent" that he
allowed the resulting controversy to drop. To him,
therefore, belongs the honour of being the pioneer in
this reform, one which is steadily gaining adherents

269

from day to day amongst the more intelligent ranks
of bird keepers.

FILARIASIS IN A BLACKBIRD :— Readers will
recall the mention in these pages from time to time of
the occurrence of exceedingly minute filarise in the
blood and particularly in the lungs of foreign birds
hailing from, hot climates, both African and Australian.
Dr. Hopkinson once told me also that these animalcules
are exceedingly common in the West African birds,
and the suggestion has been hazarded that after a pro-
longed residence in this country they disappeared.

It seems however that our own birds may be
affected in this way, though to be sure the particular
specimens in which they were noted belong to
species of which many individuals are known to
migrate as far south as North Africa. The Professor
of Pathology at Queen's College, Belfast, (Royal
University of Ireland), Dr. Symmers, in July last
year saw a Blackbird suddenly drop dead from a tree
in his garden. On examination he found that to the
naked eye all the internal organs were apparently
healthy, and beyond this that the heart blood con-
tained no bacilli. But it did contain great quantities
of these worm-like parasites, and as his examination
was conducted soon after the bird's death, he was able
to observe their movements, an interesting account of
which will be found in the British Medical Journal for
Oct. 20, 1906. As to their structure they appear to
have resembled those which I have noted in newly
imported Rosellas and other birds.

Commenting on Dr. vSymmers' paper. Dr. A. C.
Coles, a Vv'ell known authority on such matters, writes
in the same Journal on Nov. 3, 1906, that he has fre-

270

qiienth' found these parasites "in the blood of the
blackbird and thrush at any and all times of the year,"
and goes on to say that he "should expect to find these
embryos in the blood of one out of every third or
fourth blackbird or thrush which he examined." He
has also frequently found them in the starling.

Colonel Wyville Thomson has also recorded in
the same Journal his having repeatedly found these
organisms in the blood of the jungle crow of India
{Corvus 7fiacrorhy?iais), and both this observer and Dr.
Coles have in addition found other well-known bodies
(Haemosporidia and Trypanosomes) along side them.

One would imagine that these pathologically im-
portant organisms would be comparatively common
among the cosmopolitan collection of birds in the
Zoological Gardens, but like the avian septicaemia
characterized by the formation of cheesy nodules, and
found so frequently in cage and aviary birds, (and
even occasionally in wild birds), by Dr. Clarke and
myself, they do not figure in the pathological Report
of the Society.

THE MARCH OF SCIENCE :— A gentleman who
within my own knowledge lays claim to being what he
calls a "science doctor," and who appears to be so
full of "science" that he has some difficulty in accepting
what passes for science among mere ordinary Doctors
of Science or Medicine, has lately been telling the
readers of a certain paper that it does not matter
whether their birds are pronounced to have died of
septic enteritis or enteric fever, so long as they have
died, and moreover that whether we speak of " lung
diseases" — there are several of these, I may say — as
consumption or not is of no moment. At first sight

271

this would appear to mean that enquirers, (who, having
taken the trouble to ask, presumably want the truth),
need not be told the truth. On the other hand it may
only be the subtle beginning of a policy of scientific
reform, having for its object the abolition of post
mortem examinations, and the consequent natural
decay of pathological laboratories as being useless
nests of misguided learning. If so the ulterior result
should certainly be the canonization of our " science
doctor" by future generations of emancipated medical
and veterinar}' students.

There is another gratifying fact that deserves a
chronicle. A remedy which has for some few years
been recommended by the same scientific authority for
certain symptoms, (notably the vomiting of sop by
Parrots through their nostrils !), under the name of
Glyco-thermoline, has lately been correctly spelled
Glyco-thymoline. As I said before, this is gratifying.
It not only materially influences the pronunciation of
the word when the healing balm is enquired for at the
druggist's, but it indicates the important fact that we
have at last some acquaintance with the outside of
the bottle.

Thus does "science" leap with seven league
boots! In the fulness of time we ma}' yet learn the
inside of the bottle, and when we come to be com-
pletely freed from the trammels of pathology we may
even know the inside of the bird.

W. Geo. Creswei.1..

272

lP06t fIDortcm IRepoits.

{yide Rules).

Bi,ACK-BACKED Tanager. (Mrs. Miller). This Tanager was
an example of the usual fate attending the majority of
newl}' imported birds, septic enteritis being the cause of
death.

GOUI.DIAN Finch. (Mrs. Rogerson). Injury to the skull, pro-
ducing extravasation of blood in and under the bone. It
had probably been caused by a blow from the beak of
another bird.

Paradise Whydah. (Mr. Howe). This bird came back from
a show very ill and suffering from profuse diarrhoea, the
result of acute enteritis, presumably due to improper food
while away from home combined with sudden exposure
to cold after travelling in a closed up receptacle, in which
there can hardly be sufficient ventilation to keep the air
pure.

Gold-crested Wren. (Mrs. Vernon). Congestion of the
liver was the cause of death, the result of a long course of
too rich and stimulating a food. The mealworms were all
right, but I expect Q:gg is present in the stock mixture.

Canary. (Miss Gibbons). Pneumonia. The feeding was
correct, though an occasiofial change to a more oily seed
would have improved it. The cod liver oil and sherry
treatment is of no use. W. Geo. Creswei^i,.

(rorre5pont)ence.

BIRDS IN A GARDEN.
Sir, — Referring to the very interesting account of Chaf-
uches seeking shelter from a gale given by the Hon. Mrs.
Somerset Ward in the December number of Bird Notes, I am
led by this and nn^ own observations to regard the Chaffinch as
an exceedingly interesting bird, bold and confiding and
altogether charming in his ways. For the last two or three
years I have daily spread food in my garden, and amongst my

273

guests liave been three pairs of Chaffinches. The spot chosen
for the food is about eight or ten yards from the house door, and
when there is no food these birds frequently come cheeping
right up to within a yard of the door. They never show the
slightest sign of fear. I have also a pair of Tomtits who will
visit a mutton bone or other tit bit hung in a trellis arch, and
feed off it quite regardless of my near presence, i.e., three yards
off.

When standing near the feeding ground the Sparrows
will come and feed without taking any notice of me, but the
Starlings, of which there are generally two or three pairs, will
not come to ground, but will perch close by on a post or large
shrub and swear heartily at seeing the Sparrows clearing the
table, every now and then making an abortive attempt to gain
confidence enough to alight, but invariably returning to their
perch after a circuit of about a foot or so, and finally quitting
it altogether to seek other fields on finding that T do not give
way. A. H. CrEvSWEI.!,.

A HOLOCAUST.

Sir, — A correspondent recently sent me seven dead birds,^
requesting me to tell her what had caused their death.

Of the seven, three were Budgerigars and four Madagascar
Lovebirds. They had all lived together to the number of
thirty or forty in a garden aviary, and were perfectly healthy
and in good condition.

The gardener had left them all right at 5 o'clock, and when
he went to look at them in the morning there was only one to be
seen in the aviary, a Canary ; all the rest had unaccountably
disappeared. He searched all round for some weak place in the
aviary where the birds might have escaped, without finding
any.

The door was securely padlocked as usual, so that they
could not have been stolen, and 011 entering the aviary he only
saw a few featliers scattered about, and no trace of any bird but
the one Canary already mentioned.

What could have become of them }

On looking about again he saw the tail of a Budgerigar

274

sticking out from some loose boards in a corner, and on lifting
these up found a hole completely filled with dead birds, but
could see no communication whatever with the outside.

When I examined the bodies they were not mutilated in
any way, but there were punctures either on the head or the
neck made by the small sharp teeth of some animal, which had
sucked out all the blood from the victims. One of the
Budgerigars, however, was without these wounds, but there
was a large patch of extravasated blood on the head evidently
caused by the bird banging itself about against the wire in its
flight. So that one at all events had not been killed by the
invading animal, whatever it might have been.

My correspondent had suggested rats, a weasel or a stoat.

Rats however would have mutilated the remains, and the
teeth marks were too small to be those of a stoat, consequently
in my opinion the death of the birds was brought about by a
weasel or weasels, which by some means had gained access to
the interior of the aviary, possibly through a hole made by
mice which had escaped the gardener's notice.

It is not usual for weasels to drag away their victims and
hide their bodies, though the}' appear to have done so in this
case, and the gardener thought, as some of the birds were
altogether missing, they must have been dragged into an
adjoining wood.

Perhaps some of the readers of Bird Notes may have had
some experience of weasels in a similar case, and will be able to
say if they have ever known them act in that manner, as I
have generall}' known them to leave the bodies after sucking
the blood. W. T. Greene.

MRS. VERNON'S BIRD ROOM.

Sir, — I venture to send you a few lines on my indoor bird-
room in hopes that they may be of some assistance to beginners
in aviculture.

First, the room is vS. West as to aspect and has the greatest
amount of sunshine possible, for it is wonderful what even a
short half hour's sun will do to cheer and brighten up the
foreign birds, especially after days of rain such as we have

275

lately been experiencing. It has two large windows, and when-
ever it is fairly warm the big cage of Waxbills goes out and
remains out until the sun no longer reaches it. On the walls
I have at present eight large cages, mostly home-made— wood
ou three sides, top and fror.t wire, painted uniformly on the
inside a pale blue in enamel paint (which can be easily
washed) and stained a deep mahogany outside. I have a
thick layer of gritty sand fresh every day with some sea
sand and '* Hydes" added. The Waxbills get grass seed, maw
seed and fresh flies, which they love, ants' eggs, and some
of any soft food going, " Bacozzi " and a big clump of grass
with seed, or chickweed and sometimes lettuce, and of course
the usual two millets and canary seed. A big bath with three
sides glass is given to them in which they bathe freeh', tumbling
in two or three at a tinie, and fighting the late comers for
possession. I never give the bath after loa.m. and not on very
foggy da3's unless I have a fire in the room for them to dry
quickly. In this cage I have the following birds, two cock
Firefinches, a pair of Cordon Bleus (the lien has laid ten eggs
and has twice been egg bound, but I have been lucky in curing
her), four Orange Cheeks, four Avadavats, two Waxbills, and
four Orange-breasted Waxbills. With one pair of these I got rst
prize at the C.B.A. Show the other da\'. They all know me
and I give them six or more small mealworms (which they love)
every day, and they call to me if they hear my voice. They
are most intelligent little mites, and their little ways are
fascinating to watch.

The next cage contains a yellow-billed Cardinal. He is
very tame and flies about the room while I write, he loves meal-
worms, and always has liis tub outside his cage. He is a very
small eater and prefers canary to millet and does not touch the
spray millet. His name is "Felix."

Next to him are " Punch and Judy," (all the birds have their
names over their cages, it looks very smart), a pair of charming
white Java vSparrows. They have a nest receptable of the cigar
box type, with the cut off" portion of the lid hinged down to
form a platform, ou which they love to sit and make and
unmake the nest all day. They are very tame and come ou to

276

my arm and will let me catch them and do not mind, though if
Punch is annoyed, any piece of loose flesh is good enough for
him to show it on, and he will not let go in a hurry either.

Next cage — "Jacob and Rebecca," a pair of grey Javas —
solemn and retiring. Their one charm is their awful neatness.
I think they must be of the Quaker persuasion in bird life, and
like the Parrots they think a bit. They like paddy rice with
their millet and canary, and a bath sometimes, but they are
not so cleanly as Punch and Judy, their smart relations, who
take a daily and sometimes twice daily bath.

I have a lovely Red-headed Gouldian. He is a mourning
widower, for his wife died lately, and though he shewed
absolutely no affection for the deceased lady during her life,
man-like he now regrets her and is moping, so I am going
to provide him with another wife, this time a red head.
The poor deceased was black, and perhaps he will like auburn
hair better than the darker shade.

Now we come to three lonely Bullies, all tame and all very
brightly clothed in scarlet waistcoats. I give them grass seed
and maw in addition to German rape and canary. When let out
they all go to the same bath and fight, and one always wins,
so his name is " Cceur de Lion."

A pair of hand-reared Chaffinches finishes the present lot.
They are jolly little birds and are called "Tariu" and
*' Tarinne," quite tame but vicious to all other birds.

I will write more later as I have many birds on order.

E. Warren Vernon.

BIRD NOTES

""^^^:

..A

J . G . Keulemans del . et lith ^

%

Wesb .TNTevTHicLii imp .

SUPERB TATxTAGER.
Calliste fsustosa,.

All righls tesetvedy [FEBRUARY, 1907.

BIRD NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CEUB.

^be Superb Ztanager.

Calliste fastosa.
By C. CASTLE-Sr.OANE, F.Z.S.

This gorgeously - feathered Tanager makes a
delightful cage bird if kept in a fairly large cage,
soon becoming very tame. He is not much of a
songster, but makes up for it in the extraordinary
beaut}^ of his plumage. The one I possessed soon
became familiar with me, and would come to the door
of the cage with a chirp and a flit of his tail, as much
as to say " What are you going to give me to-day? " :
he would take mealworms from the hand, and after
swallowing one or two would hold the next one in his
beak, uttering short chirps of delight and flitting from
perch to perch, then, swallowing it, would dart down
for another, going through the same performance.
His other food consisted of banana, orange, dried flies,
ant eggs and powdered biscuit in equal proportions,
which he appeared to thoroughly enjoy. He was
always a lively bird, and when the sunlight caught his
wings he was a thing of beauty and a jo}^ — (I use my
discretion by curtailing Keats's beautiful line). Fond
of bathing he certainly was, taking a bath ever}^ da3^
His cage was three feet long, about the same height,
and two feet broad.

The true Superb Tanager has the upper surface

278

of the head and neck of a glittering emerald green
colour ; the back is velvety black in front, and
brilliant orange or bright cadmium yellow behind,
the wings and tail are black, edged above with
purple, and blackish below ; the outer secondaries
are brilliant orange : the lesser wing-coverts emerald
green ; the under surface of the body deep purplish
blue, becoming silvery blue on the breast ; the middle
of the throat and the chin are black, divided one from
the other by a line of greenish blue ; length of bird
five inches and eight-tenths; bill black; legs dark
brown ; iris of eye brown.

The female is like the male, excepting that its
colour is less brilliant.

The Superb Tanager is a native of Pernambuco,
and, according to W. A. Forbes, is believed to be
peculiar to that province, from which place "skins are
"occasionally received by the dealers in Paris and
" elsewhere.

" It is a species often seen, too, alive in the
"Zoological Gardens of Europe, though no naturalist
" seems to have j^et met with it in the wild state. It
"does not appear to be common in Pernambuco, at
"least I only met with it twice: once near Macuca,
" where I shot a female out of some bushy capceira,
" and again at Quipapa, where I saw what I believe was
" this species in the virgin forest. The bird, however,
" was perched at a great height from the ground on
"the topmost branches of a large tree, and only the
"brilliant orange of the rump was visible. Whilst
"staying at Cabo a freshly-shot adult of this bird was
"also brought to me to skin."

The nest and eggs of the Superb Tanager and its

279

near relatives seem not to have been described ; but
they are probably not unlike those of other species of
Calliste, the nests of which are cup - shaped, with
plenty of moss outside, sometimes mixed with slender
twigs; the inside lined with jQne roots and horse-hair ;
the eggs with a greenish ground - tint speckled and
spotted with some shade of brown and lavender. An
illustration of the egg of one of the species of Calliste
seemed to me to resemble that of a Warbler rather
than of a Finch.

From " Wonders of the Bird World" (R. Bowdler
Sharpe) we get the following information under the
heading of Tanagers. " Nest in various situations,
"cup-shaped, of grass -stems or lichens, in trees or
"bushes, sometimes domed, or in grass in marshes.
"Eggs white, bluish, or greenish, with spots and
"blotches of brown. North and South America."

In their wild state this and the other allied Tan-
agers frequent the tops of tall trees, only coming
lower to feed upon oranges or other sweet fruits, and
to nest. The call note of this bird is a shrill excited
chirp, sometimes repeated several times in succession,
usually when flitting from perch to perch or running
on a ledge and shuffling its wings like an Accentor.
Its ordinary song is harsh and Weaver-like, but when
first awaking in the early morning it sometimes sings
a very pretty reedy song, recalling that of the Indigo
Bunting.

I am glad to see that one of our members has an
outdoor aviary for these beautiful birds (Vol. 5, p. 13),
and to hear that they are doing well. Mealworms are
invaluable for them, and you cannot give too many.
At one time my Tanager was looking niope}^ so I

28o

gave it as many mealworms as it would eat, which
soon put things right. I have never found mealworms
do any harm, even when I have given more than was
necessary to satisfy the birds.

[There is absolutely nothing in a mealworm to
harm a bird, not even the chitinous outer covering.
The prejudice that exists against them in many
quarters is perfectly senseless, and is due only to the
imagination of those who know nothing either of
the analysis of a mealworm or the physiology of
digestion, whether in birds or other animals. There
is but one objection to the use of what I have seen
described as the *' useful but imperfect (!) mealworm "
— that is, the price they command. Any other ob-
jection is onl}' worthy of the author of the astound-
ing dictum that since spiders live on insects, a few
of these given to a bird represent much insect food.
—Ed.].

Concerning IRoofts— botb Milb anb
(Tanie.

By W. Geo. Creswei,!,, M.D.
fContimied front page 265 J.

With regard to the bare face patch it is general!}'
believed, since 3'oung birds always exhibit the
feathers and stiff hairs that we see in all the other
members of the Corvine family, and since the Rook
is the only one which habitually digs in the ground
(the Hooded Crow only following the plough for a
limited season), that this patch is caused simply b}'
attrition. And while there is evidence in favour of

2^1

this view, there is also a certain amount against it,
with the result that the prevailing opinion amongst
modern ornithologists is that the patch is natural to
the species and not an acquired character of the
individual. Blackwell, after saying that he once saw
a Rook with its beak so deformed that it could not
possibly dig, and that it did not show the bald patch
(thus pointing towards the popular opinion), goes on
to recount that a young bird, which he moulted in a
pen, cast off the face feathers in this first moult and did
not renew them in either of the two which it lived long
enough to undergo subsequently. He therefore was of
the opinion that "the phenomenon . . . has a physio-
'* logical, not a mechanical cause, though the removal
''of the plumage may be facilitated b}^ the frequenth^
" repeated act of thrusting the bill into the ground."
Waterton also records in his Essays an experiment,
which, although abortive, yet seemed to point to
Blackwell's conclusion. The evidence afforded by the
bird which originally prompted this paper is as
follows : — Caught on June 5th, 1900, he had the run of
my garden during August, and moulted during
September and October. His owner says : " He died
" in July, 1901. He never lost the bristles at the base
" of his beak. The beak was never bare of tin}^
" feathers. I thought this was because he never had
"to dig for his living."

Dr. Bowdler Sharpe says it is certain that the
3'oung birds retain their feathered face after their
first moult and carry it through their first winter ; and
that though most of them lose it in the spring, there
have been killed several specimens which even in
May had only partially bare faces.

282

After all the evidence seems very contradictory,
that is, if it is sought thereby to establish either one or
other of the two views. For my own part I think
Blackwell was right in his compromise.

A correspondent of The, Feathered World (writing
over the initials J. B. W.), a few years ago contributed
some very interesting notes on these birds, having
been prompted thereto by a short account of the Rooks
in my garden which I had previously published in the
same paper. After stating that he has a powerful
telescope fixed on a stand in a window at the top of
his house and commanding the estuary of the Mersey,
and that opposite this window there is an old pasturage
of extensive acreage, he tells us that one day he saw
a Rook flying across this field with something large
and light-coloured in its beak. This Rook alighted at
the foot of an old thorn bush on the far side of the
field, and by the aid of the telescope his burden was
seen to be a large crust of bread. This he proceeded
to hide by digging a hole into which he dropped it,
afterwards covering it over with the torn up grass and
roots. The next day, while again amusing himself
with the telescope, the narrator saw two Rooks fly
across the field and go straight to the thorn bush.
They then immediately dug up the crust and ate it
between them.

From this it would seem very clear that wild
Rooks do hide their food when they chance to get
hold of anything out of the common, and which is too
much for a single meal. But even here the evidence
is not conclusive, because J. B. W. had once kept a
tame or semi-tame specimen in his garden, which in
all probability was stiJI in the neighbourhood. Let

me quote his own words on the subject of his interest-
ing pet : — " It came into my possession in rather a
"curious way, having flown on board a ship in the
" North Sea. Being secured by a sailor it had one
" wing cut, and was given the run of the deck. When
'* I had it given to me I had a large wire pen made for
" it in the garden. It never became really tame, but
*' distinguished me from other people. When it
"moulted and grew new feathers in its wings, I
" thought it was a pity to keep it in solitary confine-
" ment, so let it out in the earl}^ autumn to join its
"wild brethren. I was rewarded by its return to its
"cage as soon as the hard winter weather set in, and,
" for many winters after, Jack, as we called it, came
" regularly to his old cage for the food placed there.
" I never was more surprised in my life than the first
" time I saw him come to the garden in the snow and
" go into his old empty pen. He walked in in the
" most unhesitating manner, hopped on to his
" accustomed perch, and gave his feathers a shake. I
" at once got some food and went up the garden. As
" soon as he saw me coming he slipped out of the
"cage and flew away to a tree about a hundred yards
" off, but beiore I was back in the house he was on the
" top of the pen, hard at work on the plate of food.
" Another interesting point is that, before this episode,
" our gardens had never been a resort of Rooks, even
"in the winter, being too near to houses; but after
" this they used to come, perhaps half-a-dozen at a
" time, and watch Mr. Jack on or in his cage. I may
" say that after his return I never shut him in the
" cage. Now and then one of them w^ould make an
"attempt to alight on the cage, but Jack always

284

' resented this, and would charge the presuming
' stranger with much fur^^ I used to feel so sorry for
' these other rooks, and put food for them at a little
'distance from the pen, on the top of which Jack
' paraded as king of the castle. It was very amusing
* to see this bird when he arrived one year to take up
' his winter residence, and found that the pen had been
' altered to make a pigeon flight. Poor fellow ! He
' went round and round the sides of the pen with the
' peculiar Rook waddle much quickened, as if to say
''Bless me ! I'm sure I used to be able to get in
'here! ' Of course I continued to put food for him

'on the ground I cannot remember

' whether the incident I witnessed of the Rook hiding
' the crust occurred prior to the release of my captive
'or afterwards, but I think it was after. If it was
'before it would seem to throw the balance in favour
'of the theory that wild Rooks do act so, and wh}^
' should they not ? If it was afterwards then perhaps
'the bird was ni}^ old acquaintance. I wish I could
' remember ; it is very aggravating. Dr. Creswell's
' account of the Rook in his garden stealing food from

' the Starlings reminds me of a way I had of

'feeding Jack by 'sparrow-post.' When it was too
' cold and snow}^ for me to go out I used to throw from
' the window with the other food a largish crust of
' bread. This the Sparrows .... would gradually
' carry (some score of them) further and further up the
' garden. Then suddenly .... down would swoop
'Jack, and from among a scatteration of Sparrows bear

' away the crust in triumph. One day a

'Jackdaw swooped down and stole the crust from the
' Sparrows, when the outraged Rook, highly indig-

*'nant, swooped at the Jackdaw and pursued him beak
** to tail over miles of snowy fields, the Daw still
" carrying the crust till I lost sight of them."

This charming account from the pen of one who
is evidently an accomplished observer, coupled with
m}^ own experiences and those of the real owners of
my bird, makes it quite certain that our conservatism
in always shooting 3'oung Rooks, instead of taming
them, is the cause of our depriving ourselves not
only of some very delightful and intelligent pets, but
also of the opportunity of coming to some definite
conclusions as to the vexed question of the denudation
of the face feathers. A score of birds kept for three
years from the nest under different conditions, some
in aviaries with cemented floors, and some in large
wired in portions of soft ground with shelters for them
to roost in, would settle the question.

cTbc (5rcv) parrot.

By I. D. Murray.

Although by no means an expert in Parrot matters,
I have gleaned much useful information from the
various birds I have kept. My experience so far has
been entirely with the Red-tailed West African Grey,
although I fully intend to go in for other species at
an early date.

First of all let me advise all would be parrot
keepers to avoid the bird advertised as "a fluent talker
warranted to say over 100 words and many long sen-
tences," the price generally being about £1. The
talking powers as a rule consist in hideous screams.

286

and the purchaser is lucky if the bird does not bite
everyone and anyone who comes near the cage. It is
hardly likely that anyone would, for a sovereign, part
with an entertaining pet, and I do not think anyone
will deny that a parrot who really talks is about as
amusing as anything one can keep.

If you cannot get a friend to bring home a bird
from Africa, choose a young imported bird which does
not aspire to the title " linguist." Furthermore, wild-
ness should be no drawback, as parrots are from my
experience not naturally bad tempered birds, and wild-
ness will soon be overcome by kind and gentle treat-
ment. B}^ kindness I do not mean the pernicious
habit of feeding the bird at every opportunity, which
is apparently to some people the very acme of kind-
ness to birds.

We will now suppose you have bought your parrot.
In all probability, if a young bird and wild, she will
treat you to a very realistic imitation of the dying
screams of a "stuck" pig. This I think must be the
the natural curse of a parrot, as I have found all
young wild birds indulge in it. It is a most fearsome
sound and the only way to check it is to cover up the
cage. When buying a parrot, the approximate age
can be told by the eye. In a bird over twelve months
the eye is grey, but in a j-ounger one it is brown.
After you have had the bird about a week you will
probably find that the screams are not indulged in
when you feed the bird. This I think ma}^ have given
rise to the feeding practice to which I have already
alluded. If however the parrot persists in screaming,
cover her up, gently, do not flourish the cover about ;
indeed everything should be done in a quiet way so as

287

not to frighten the bird unnecessarily. When one
remembers what the "unfortunate" has most probably
undergone at the hands of a none too gentle nigger, it
is not difficult to imagine what sentiments the approach
of a human being, white or black, must inspire in the
parrot's breast. The only effectual punishment, which
at the same time does not spoil a parrot's temper, is
the covering up of the cage. This generally is a
speedy method, and indeed I have cured a chronic
screamer in this simple way. Having got the bird to
know you well enough not to scream at your approach,
you can commence her real education. Let her get
graduall}^ accustomed to your hand, at first outside the
cage. Go gently and by degrees you can try to stroke
her. At this period you are almost sure to get a pinch.
The greatest mistake is to draw your hand away sud-
denly. If you are going to be pecked you may as well
show the bird you are not afraid, and the more you
trust a parrot the more it will trust you. At the same
time, like dogs, parrots seem to recognise if one
is afraid of them, and certainly one hears more of
timid people getting bitten. The parrot really only
digs at the hands in defence, and to drive what must
appear a very strange object out of her cage. If she
finds a peck will not do this she will soon give it up.
At the same time I should not care to handle a parrot
until it showed no shrinking from my hand outside the
cage, nor should I advise anyone else to try it. When
however you feel she no longer fears you, put her cage
on the floor and, provided her wing is cut, which
operation should be performed before you start taming,
let her come out. Her invariable course is a " bee
line " for the top of the cage. Now offer your finger as

288

a perch, and it is rarely a parrot will lose the chance
of getting a step higher. After repeating this two or
three times the parrot will gladly come on j^our finger
whenever invited. This accomplished, the training is
complete, and although perhaps a more laborious
method than others, I find it the most satisfactory.
As to talking, I think by far the best plan is to have
the bird in the room with you whenever possible, and
by hearing conversation she will pick up more and
will pick it up quicker than by having one sentence
dinned into her. This repetition method often leads
to a bird returning the compliment and repeating one
sentence until 3^ou feel inclined to wring her neck. I
have tried both methods and will never go in for the
repetition business again. One is very apt to become
annoyed, and in all probability your heated remark
will be picked up at once whilst your oft repeated
phrase will be ignored. I have often noticed that a
cock parrot prefers a lady and a hen a gentleman ;
many fellow parrot lovers have noticed the same fact
and in choosing a parrot it does no harm to bear this
in mind, which, if the contention is correct, may make
a tremendous difierence in the length of time in train-
ing and taming. I alwaj^s myself choose a hen, and so
far have been most successful.

As to diet a newly imported bird does best on
maize, and if the bird is young and its beak at all soft,
the maize should be steeped. I have found nothing
to beat Hyde's parrot mixture as a staple food. This
should be gradually introduced amongst the maize.
Each feed the maize should be decreased until the bird
is right on to the mixture. If you find that any par-
ticular ingredient is entirely and systematically left by

289

the parrot, have it omitted from the mixture. Every-
one advocates a special food and I only give my fancy.
I have never lost a parrot so far, and the diet has
always been the same. A lady in all seriousness told
me the other day that the only way to get a parrot to
eat any particular food was to starve it until it did eat
it. In spite of being considered vindictive or spiteful
I should dearly like to find out some article of diet
which my good friend disliked and starve her till she
ate it. Surely a bird is entitled to its fancies as well
as a human being. [It is not always well to allow
a human being to indulge his fancies. — Ed.]

Give tlie bird plenty, but see that the allowance is
eaten, otherwise one extra choice ingredient ma}'- be
singled out and all the rest thrown away. After the tin
is empty you will generall3^find Polly will descend and
clear up the previously discarded food. All parrots
should be allowed a plentiful supply of grit and should
be kept scrupulously clean. Also avoid the wicked
habit of depriving the poor bird of water ; give a
plentiful supply and change it ever}^ day. Of course
if the bird has been deprived of water, begin with a
small quantity.

My first parrot experience was when I was twelve.
A friend brought back a parrot from the West Coast.
Believing my way of distinguishing sex to be a correct
one I will call her she. She almost at once took a
fancy to me ; I must say this fancy was most heartily
reciprocated and I never wish to meet a more charming
bird. She was very quick and learnt all manner of
curious sounds, amongst which was an exact imitation
of the whistle of a speaking-tube. This useful con-
trivance was fixed between the dining room and the

290

kitchen, and my mother did the ordering of dinner
etc. down this tube. One evening when the cook was
very busy and extremely cross, Polly began the tube
whistle from the next room. The cook left her many
and varied duties to answer the tube ; of course there
was no one there and the cook apparently thought she
was mistaken. Hardly had she resumed her duties
when again the whistle blew, and again the cook left
what she was doing. All would have been well had
not Polly again whistled. Cook had a toasting fork in
her hand and, I grieve to relate, she used it upon
the bird to no small purpose. I feel convinced this was
not Polly's first experience of the toasting fork. It
was however the last, for after that her temper was so
ruined that an approach to the cage was a signal for
hostilities, and although before this I could do practi-
cally anything with her, I was also included in the
ranks of the offenders, and I was never able to handle
her again. I relate this incident as a warning to hasty
people. Never beat a parrot. If it is necessary to
correct her cover her up, but do not beat her with
the toasting fork.

I am at present engaged in the taming of a bird
which has only been in England a fortnight. I antici-
pate however that ere the month is out she will be
perfectly tame. My other Grey, which is only a year
old, is perfect and has started talking. She has tre-
mendous battles with everything, but is most gentle
in her ways. There is one thing to be thankful for,
and that is that through common sense bird books and
papers the revolting practice of tongue cutting has
been done away with. We still have much to learn,
but with so useful a paper as Bird Notes now with us

CONCAVE CASQUED HORNBILL.

Dichoccros biconiis.

291

the Member who wishes to keep a bird must indeed
be dull if he or she cannot understand practically any
species taken up.

Itbe Concavc:*ca6quc() Ibornbtll.

Dichoceros bicornis.
By C. Castlk-Si^gane, F.Z.S.

I was so pleased with the tameness and affection-
ate nature of my Black Hornbill that I determined to
purchase others when the chance came. It was not
ver}^ long before I received a wire something to the
following effect: "Pair of monster hornbills from
India, shall I send ? " After debating as to whether
I would purchase or not, and although advised not to
buy, I wired " Send," and thus became the owner of
a pair of Concave-casqued Hornbills.

Their plumage is mostly black, relieved by a
broad yellow collar and about mid-way on their wings
by a bar of white. Both these birds were fairly tame,
and I was hoping they would become as tame as
the black one, when unfortunately one of them died.
This one was the tamer of the two, and would come
hopping from perch to perch to be fed with a banana.
It was very funny to see how, when the two were sitting
on the perch, one would look at the other and hop over
him, coming down plump on the other side. After
doing this they would then open their bills very wide
and catch each other by one of the mandibles with a
loud croak of satisfaction.

These birds are fond of mice, swallowing them
whole when thrown to them. (I offered one to the

292

Elack Hornbill one day but he merely gave it a poke
with his beak and would have none of it). I was very
much surprised to see one morning on entering their
aviary, that they had caught a rat and were playing
with it, but I suppose it would have been too much of
a good thing if one of them had swallowed such a
large mouthful.

The following I take from an article by Mr. Finn
in The Bird World for Dec. 1905. " The largest and
finest of all hornbills is the concave-casqued (^Dicho-
ceros bicoriiis). In this bird the plumage is pied, and
the casque very broad and concave at the top, while
there is a curious sex difference in the colour of the
eyes, those of the male being red, while the female's
are white. I once saw quite a nestling of this species
in Calcutta: it was about as big as a duck, and only
feathered on the head, wings, and tail, the bare skin
and body being of a purplish blue. This bird is found
in India (especially in the lower Himalayan forests),
and in the Malayan countries, the mountain specimens
being the largest birds, and reaching over four feet in
length.

Both in Toucans and in Hornbills the bill is really
far lighter than it looks, the bony interior being of a
spongy texture, while the horny casque surmounting
the bill in the latter family is quite hollow, except in
one species, the Solid-casqued Hornbill {Rhinoplax
vigil), in which the front of it is solid. The use of
this curious adornment is unknown, the best suggestion
I have heard being one made to me years ago by a
missionary in Bast Africa, that it may serve as a re-
sonator to increase the power of the voice, which is
very loud in these birds. Fledglings have not this

293

-growth on the beak; and the whole bill in them is
smaller than in adults.

The Hornbills fall into two groups, the Ground
Hornbills and the Tree Hornbills; the former, of
which there are only two species, are confined to Africa.
These are both large birds about the size of Turkeys.
These are ground-birds and animal feeders, walking
about in search of such prey as snakes and other
reptiles and insects. They roost, however, on trees,
and build their nests there, making them of sticks
in quite an ordinary way."

ZTbe (Trows of tbe fen (Tountrv.

By C. H. C. PENGEI.T.EY.

The crowfamily is well represented in the country
lying along the Great Ouse, where this river enters the
fen lands, by the following five species, viz., the
Carrion Crow, the Rook, the Hooded or Royston Crow,
the Jackdaw and the Magpie, and as regards the first
on the list, it would probably be very difficult to find
a place where it exists in greater numbers.

It may be seen everywhere either singly or in
pairs, and one of the com!uonest sounds is its hoarse
" kraa" " kraa " as it flaps along, ever on the look out
for something with which to fill its omnivorous maw.
Nothing comes amiss to this English vulture. Any
fish he finds on the bank is soon reduced to a few
scales and clean picked bones, and I have seen him
help himself to fish lying in an empty punt quite close
to houses when no one was about. Dead birds, rats,
mice, etc., are also included in his diet.

All day scanning the country for food he retires at

294

night to roost in the hightrees that here and there break
the monotony of the hedges, and is sometimes one of the
latest birds to retire, his grating cry being heard over-
head when the bird himself is hardly visible against
the darkening sky. Solitary as these birds are in their
habits by day, I yet know of a grove of common pop-
lars (localh^ called aspens) where the Crows congregate
to roost in such nnmbersas would not discredit a good
sized rookery. They generally choose high trees for
building purposes, whose height affords protection
from enemies, but will sometimes, in common with
other crafty birds, lose their habitual caution as regards
the site for the nest, and build in a low bush or hedge
within the reach of any passer-by. He is a great
persecutor of the Kestrel Hawk, and will fly at the
Heron if the latter approaches too near his nest.

The Rook is common in this district, but does-
not haunt the river so much as the Crow, paying more
attention to the fields, whence he returns at even to
the rookery near the old grey church tower, where
he is safe from the machinations of prejudiced and
ignorant agriculturists.

Like the Rook the Jackdaw flourishes under eccle-
siastical protection, and finds the church towers most
convenient nesting places. When fledged they assem-
ble in small flocks, feeding in the fields, and some-
times take wing like a flock of pigeons, making a
tremendous clamour, as if each individual Jackdaw
was trying to caw his loudest.

The Royston or Hooded Crow is a fairly common
visitor, appearing some years in greater numbers than
in others. It haunts the river like the Carrion Crow
and appears to have the same habits.

295

Last on the list is the Magpie, one of the most
beautiful of our native birds both in colour and
form, and probably second to none in intelligence.

His chatter may generally be heard from some
hedgerow, or his striking plumage be noted against
the green vegetation as he sails over the hedge-top.
He, like the Crow, is omnivorous, of which I had once
a good illustration. Seeingan old bird feedin.g its fledged
young ones on the ground in a grass}' lane with some
large object, and after watching them dining for some
time, which was a pretty sight, curiosity got the better
of admiration, and I carefully approached them with a
view of investigating their menu. The}' flew off, but
fortunately without taking the remains of their feast
with them, which I discovered to be composed of a
quite fresh corpse of our largest species of Bat.

jEMtorial.

FOREIGN BIRDS IN WINTER : During the re-
cent extreme weather, characterized not only by low-
ness of temperature but also for some time by a biting
north-east wind, the birds in my outdoor aviaries
have been particularly lively and well, even such tiny
mites as Zebra Waxbills. Although a closed in shed
made of half-inch match boarding, forms part of the
aviary in which the small foreigners live, many of
them persist in roosting out in the open under all
stress of weather. The only bird which has died out
of doors was an odd Zebra Dove in the Quail aviary,
and this had evidently received an unlucky blow on
the head from one of the Quails when feeding. A
curious fact in connection with its death was that

296

when I missed it from the perches it was some minutes
before I found its body, and it was only when I in-
vestigated an eminence in the sand at the side of the
seed box, with a few discrete feather tips emerging
above the surface, that I was able to discover the
traged3^ The bod}^ was not quite cold. The affair
presents a problem to those interested in the psych-
ology of the lower animals. Those who have kept
Quails are well aware that they scratch holes in which
to squat, but in this case there was no special appear-
ance of any hole alongside the dead bird. The sand
seemed to have been taken up from all sides.

In previous winters it has always been my custom
to remove the ice from the drinking pans and supply ■
fresh water both morning and afternoon. This winter
however, owing to the abnormal pressure of pro-
fessional work, I have only been able to do this once a
day, between one and two o'clock, and I have found
this quite sufficient. The first time it occurred it was
absolutely unavoidable, and when at last I was able
to repair the omission of the morning, in spite of
one's knowledge that thirst depends largely upon
the amount of evaporation from the body surfaces, I
expected to find an eager crowd tumbling over one
another to relieve their cravings. I was therefore
somewhat surprised to see that many of the birds did
not come down at all for some minutes, although I
retired to the other side of the garden well away from
their neighbourhood. Since then I have felt no
qualms of conscience.

Birds also appear to vary specifically in their be-
haviour with respect to water, for while the Canaries
bathe directly water is substituted for ice, many of the

297

Ploceidse seem to be more or less indifferent, (tliongh
some individuals wash daily), while the Parrakeets
and Conines I have never seeii even drink. Of course
I am here only speaking of m}^ experiences during
hard weather. Budgerigars, by the way, never bathe
even in summer, as is well known, though I have
sometimes seen one standing by the bath to receive
the splashing from other birds.

In my dining room I have a few small foreigners
and a young Diamond Dove. The former always
make use of the bath when supplied ; the latter has
never done so yet. W. Geo. Creswell.

1Revicw5.

The Birds oj the British Islands. By Charles Stonham, C.M.G.,

F.R.C.S.. F.Z.S., ivith illustrations by L. M. Medland.

Part IV. Roy. Quarto, "jih. Grant Richards.

This part, which completes the first volume of

Mr. Stonham's classical work, is fully up to the high

standard achieved by its predecessors, both in text and

illustrations. The range of birds it treats of includes

the Wagtails and Pipits, the Golden Oriole, the Shrikes,

the Waxwing, and the Flycatchers. And not only are

the regular inhabitants and visitors fully described,

but, as in previous parts, the rare and accidental

visitors get a short, though sufficiently detailed

notice.

We are apt, and rightly apt, seeing that school
and college life is too short for any one to specialize in
both Classics and Science, to congratulate ourselves
that in our "Secondary" Schools, (as the old Gram-
mar Schools are now called), the Natural and Physical

298

Sciences are made to take the place of pre-eminence
once held by the classics of the ancients. But those
amongst us who in post graduate life have grafted the
teachings of modern science on to the old stock of
classical training often feel that a member of the
3'ounger generation is likely to be somewhat at a loss
wheu handling those terms, derived from the dead
languages, which are used in all sciences as a kind of
universal exchange. What for instance does Lanius
exc2cbitor mean to such a one when he sees it attached
to the Great Grey Shrike? It means nothing: it is
but a mere formula — to him of the most empirical
character. But if he turns to Mr. Stonham's book he
finds, under the heading Laniidse,

''Lanius, a butcher. The Shrikes have a habit of kilUug
their prey and spitting it on a thorn."
Further on, under the name of the particular member
in question of the family, he finds

'■'■ Excubitor, a sentinel. This name was given to the Great
Grey Shrike by Linnseus because the Dutch falconers made
use of it to warn them of the approach of a hawk, which
they then captured by means of a decoy pigeon and bow-
net "

Again, we are told that the name given to the
genus M2iscicapa is derived from nnisca, a fly, and capio,
I catch, and on turning to the Pied Flycatcher we see
that atracapilla is from aier, black, and capillus, the
hair of the head.

All this may appear trivial to many elderly
and middle-aged survivals of the old school, but the
difficulties of the oncoming generation of naturalists
are by it at once abolished. The scientific names be-
come intelligible phrases, and not mere fragments of
jargon.

299

The descriptioiis of the birds themselves are
eqtially impressive, and betray an intimate acquaint-
ance witli their habits on the part of the Author.

With regard to the plates, these are of the same
high character as the previous delineations of the
talented Artist in this work, but special praise must
be accorded to those of the Shrikes. Among these
there is one of the female Lanms colliirio feeding a
fledgling on a bough, vi^hich it is safe to say is
absolutely perfect, both as to its technical treatment
and its beauty of sentiment as shewn in the facial
expression of parent and child alike.

The Bird World Magazine. Nos. 2 & s (Jan. & Feb. igoy).
Quarto, ^d. F. Carl.

It is to be hoped that provision will be made in
the binding cases at the end of the 3'ear for the in-
clusion of the covers of these interesting Magazines,
since each one represents a striking portrait in colours
of some different bird, shewing far too much merit
not to be preserved.

The coloured frontispieces in these two parts
represent respectively an extremely taking pair of
Canary-Bullfinch hybrids by Mr. Norman and our
native Kingfisher by Miss Medland. The former is in
no respect behind the beautiful picture of the Bull-
finches by the same gentleman in the first number,
while the latter shews the fair artist to be equally at
home in colours as in monochrome. That she has a
future before her is the least we can say.

The letterpress includes papers on Pet Birds and
Royalty by the Princess Helene Vacaresco and on
The Heron by our lamented president, the late Dr.

300

Greene, two instalments of a most instructive History
of Birds by Mr. Pycraft, and interesting sketches of
the Kingfisher, Yellow Plantain Eater, and the Fire-
finches, by Messrs. Finn and Page and Mrs. Cope
respectively. Mr. Finn also contributes some notes
on the Vultures, and Mr. Kendrick of Homing Pigeon
fame gives pleasantly written instances of the intelli-
gence and endurance of some celebrated performers.
In addition Miss Hamilton, Miss Rutt, and others take
their share in the production of the most enterprising
and popular bird journal of the day.

The text illustrations are very numerous and well
produced. Amongst them those of the Sulphur-
crested Cockatoo, the Kentish Plover, and the Dipper
are particularly pleasing.

poet fIDortem IReports,

i^zde Joules).

RUFICAUDA Finch (Mr. Row). Pneumonia of the right lung.

Bi,UE Mountain Lory (Miss Conwa}' - Gordon). This bird
died from the results of a prolonged course of over-taxa-
tion— popularly known as over-stimulation — of its digestive
organs. It was too fat, and the liver was extremely con-
gested and much enlarged. The food was much too rich
in character. Canary seed, fruit, and a little bread and
milk is quite sufficient for the Lories.

W. Geo. CreswelIv.

NOTE. — I^or the futiLre, bodies for exaininatio7i must be sent
to Mr. Gray, M.R.C.V.S., (23, Upper Philliniore Place, W.), who
has kindly consented to help his Jellozu members in this direction.

?OI

Correspondence.

NESTING OF THE VIOIvET-EARED WAXBILL.

Sir, — It may interest our Members to hear of the nesting
of my Violet-eared Waxbills. These birds were exhibited at
the Horticultural Hall in October last, and were then in the pink
of condition. When they were brought home they were kept
in their show cage for the night, and on the following morning
they hopped right willingly into their own big cage, which
was placed in a sunny corner of the drawing room, and indeed
it was pretty to see their delight in finding themselves at home
again amid the familiar surroundings and with their pretty bird
companions on every side of them. I placed their favourite
tit-bits in the cage and some flowering grass, and a cocoanut
husk in one corner for a sleeping place. The}' soon began to
carry up the grass to the husk, and also, b}^ the way, to try to
take pieces out of the curtains with their sharp little beaks, so
I gave them some nesting material, and a very busy little pair
they were, dancing and singing and putting the house in order.
I cannot tell precisely when the eggs were laid, but shortly
after the nest-making was finished I found one tiny white egg,
and a few days after there were three more. At first I thought
the hen was sitting all right, for she was in the nest nearly all
day, but she evidently gave it up, for having carefully covered
up the eggs she left them alone and resumed her outside life,
and seemed as well and happy as usual.

The cage was an open one, and we are always about the
room, and of course they are fed and looked after frequently;
also there were other birds in close proximity all round
them. Under these circumstances I thought it unusual for the
birds to nest, and perhaps some of our Members can tell nie if
it is so and whether it is likely to do the hen any harm so late
in the year. At present she is well and the male bird in most
brilliant plumage. They are absolutely tame and the first pair
of Waxbills I have ever kept. R. L. Mili^er.

[Unless this bird has quite recently bred in this country I
should say that Mrs. Miller is probably the first to have even

302

got as far as eggs. Although known to Europeans for at least
a century it has always been a rare bird over here. — Ed.]

THE FUTURE OF THE M.^GAZINE.

Sir, — One or two of my friends have Ijeen talking to me
about your leaving the Magazine, and we regret this because
we fear we shall miss the advantages of the Post mortem
examinations, and we have alwaj-s appreciated the Magazine
for giving us the real truth on the medical questions of our
hobby. I hope we may still read papers from your pen on
these subjects, and that the Magazine will have the same
character as it has in the past. " Birds in London."

[I am much obliged to " Birds in London " for their
kindly appreciation of the Magazine in the past,'^botli on behalf
of Mr. Fillnier and myself Mr. Fillmer was broad-minded
enough to realize that medical men should be better authorities
on medical subjects than those whose education and businesses
have been cast in other directions. For my own part it has
been my desire, (and also that of Dr. Clarke), that those truths
in general physiological and medical science, which of late
years have been of so much advantage to both human beings
and quadrupeds, should also be applied to the ultimate benefit
of the birds we elect to keep in captivity for our own personal
ends. Audit must be remembered that the adoption or other-
wise of these truths is an important factor in the very ethics of
keeping birds.

For the future of the Magazine my correspondent need
have no fear. Our new Editor, Mr. W. T. Page, is already
well known to us by his comprehensive articles on birds in
these pages, while on all medical and hygienic questions he
will have the able assistance of Messrs. H. Gray, M.R.C.V.S.,
J. E. R. MacDonagh, M.R.C.S., and Geo. Master, M.B., who, I
believe, are kindly going to serve on the Magazine Committee.
A reference to the Post itiorteuis will be found on page 300. —
Ed.].

INDEX TO CONTRIBUTORS.

The asterisk is affixed io those cojifribtitioits which afpeat as
Correspondence.

Anningson, Mrs.

The Winter Housing- of Tanagers, 13

Anonymous.

Swans on the Thames, 130

Baker, Miss M. E.

* Some Notes on the Conures, 31
The Talpacoti Dove, 198

Bamford, William

The Blue-bearded Jay, 16

" Birds in London."

* The Future of the Magazine, 302
Bromrt, :\rrs.

* Bengalese Hybrids, 142

Camps, H. T. T., F.Z.S.

* Re Macaws, 115

Castle-Sloank, C, F.Z.S.

The Aviaries at Oat Hall, 33

The Sepoy Finch, 57

The African Black Hornbill, 250

The Superb Tanager, 277

The Concave-casqued Hornbill, 291

Clarke, R. H., M.A., M.B.

Memory in a Sparrow, 87
Intelligence in Birds, 120

Collier, Miss C. I..

The Senegal Parrot, i

Creswell, A. H., L.S.A.

* Birds in a Garden, 272

Creswell, W. G., M.D.

The Senegal Parrot, 4

Post mortem Reports, 26, 55, 86, 112, 141, 165, 190, 214,

242, 272, 300
The Great Crowned Pigeon, 117

Concerning Rooks— both Wild and Tame, 259, 280

304

Editorials :

Yelk of EgfST aTid Leprosy, i8

All Epidemic among- Woodpigeons, 49

The Great Crested Grebe in Surrey, 52

Taxidermists' Pathology, 52

Nightingales breeding- in Captivity, 79

Bacteriology v. Rats and Mice, 80

Pathology at the Zoo, 82

Science and Aviculture, 106

Colour change in the .Sepoy Finch, 108

Colour variation in the Firefinch, log

Grey and Green Singing Finch Hybrid, 109

Dr. D'Evelyn and the Sati Francisco Fire, no

" The Swan with two Necks " and other Swans,

The Shortage of Nightingales, 136

Is Egg-food needed ? 137, 160, 237

In Memoriam— the late Mr. Wiener, 139

Mediaeval Ornitliology, 159

The Great Crested Grebe, 161

Avian Patholog\', 161

The Plate of the Waxwing, 163

The Comparative Value of Foodstuffs, 188

Taming a Parrot, 190

An Epidemic among Budgerigars, 207

Egg Food, a Pro and a Con, 208

An Interesting Hybrid, 237

How to feed Blackcaps and Nonpareils, 244

In Memoriam— the lafce Dr. W. T. Greene, 266

Filariasis in a Blackbird, 269

The March of Science, 270

Foreign Birds in Winter, 295

The Future of the Magazine, 302

D'Evelyn, Dr. F. W.

Birds in the San Francisco Fire, 99

DuNLEArH, The Lady

* Penguins at Bally water Park, 113

'• Edinburgknsis."

Ornithology and Politics, 149

" Enquirens."

* An F;pidemic among Woodpigeons, 31

FiLLMER, H. R.

A Lesson from the Poultry Yard, 44

* Breeding Budgerigars under Difficulties 56
" Forest of Dean."

* Birds in East Africa, 115

305

Good, Mrs. K. A.

* The Eclectus Parrot, 242
*' Grasshopper."

* Re Macaws, 115
Gray, Henry, M.R.C.V.S.

* Watited, a Book on Bird Diseases, 165

* The Dauysz Mouse Virus. 192

Greene, W. T., M.A., M.D., F.Z.S.

Something- about the Nightingale, 3

The Waxwing, 145

The Painted Bunting, or Nonpareil, 18

* The Eclectus Parrot, 243
Strange Attachments of Birds, 247

* A Holocaust, 273
HOPKINSON, Emilius, D.S.O., M.A., M.B.

* Septicsemia and Tuberculosis in Birds, 55

Dr. Russ on the rarer Firefinches, 71, 91 154
Intelligence in a Firefinch, 153
Mr. Dart's Aviaries, 200
Bird-life on an African River, 22
HULTON, Lady

* A Small Parrakeet Aviary, 168

Keulemans, J. G.

The Bronze Cuckoo, 245

Little, Miss Rosa

Swainson's Lorikeet, 7
McAdam, Mrs.

* Gannets on the Bass Rock, 28

MCDONAGH, J. E. R., M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

* Septicaemia and Tuberculosis in Birds, 30
Birds in the Insect House at the Zoo, 47
Wanderings in the Zoo, 62, 103, 175
The Birds at Wargrave, 126

Note on the Great Crested Grebe, 151
Miller, Mrs.

* Nesting of the Violet-eared Waxbill, 301
Murray, Ivan D.

The Grey Parrot, 285
Page, W. T., F.Z.S.

The Jacarini Finch, 156

The Crimson-winged Finch, 179

The Gouldian Finch, 193

The Ruddy-shouldered Cow-bird, 203

The Diamond Dove, 217

3o6

PENGELLEY, C. H. C. (" CORVUS ")

Bird Tvife on the Ouse, 36

The Crows of the Fen Country, 293

" PCEPHILA CINCTA,"

* An escaped Chaffinch in America, 143

Reviewers, The

Our School Out of Doors, 24

Birds of the Britisli Islands (preliminary notice), 54

A Pocket Book of British Birds, no

Birds of the British Islands, Part I., 140

Our School out of Doors (2nd Edition), 164

The Crystal Age, 213

Birds of the British Islands, Parts II. & III., 239

The Bird World Magazine, 240, 299

Birds of the British Islands, Part IV., 297

" Rosella."

* Birds in a Drawing Room, 27

SUGGITT, R.

The Quail Finch, 257

Swan, J. A.

Reminiscences of Foreign Bird Keeping, 9, 65, 169

TOWNSKND, S. M.

* The Feeding of Tanagers, 214

Vernon, Mrs., E. W.

* Affection in Birds, 56

* An Obliging Chaffinch, 142

* A Nest of Blue Tits, 143
About some of my Birds, 148

* The Difference in Birds' Characters, 167
A Window Aviary, &c., 183

* Avicultural Recollections, 215

* How to Feed Blackcaps and Nonpareils, 244

* Mrs. Vernon's Bird Room, 274

Ward, The Hon. Mrs.

* A Sociable Swan, 191

* Chaffinches at the Window, 243

Wheeler, Alfred

* Aviary Experiences, 27

W. H. P.

* The Feeding of Tanagers, 214

307
INDEX TO THE TITLES OF ARTICLES, ETC.

Affection in Birds, 56
Avian Pathology, 161
Aviaries at Oat Hall, The, 33
Aviaries, Mr. Dart's, 200
Aviary, A Small Parrakeet, 168
Aviary, A Window, 183
Aviary Experiences, 27
Avicultural Recollections, 215

Bacteriolog-y v. Rats and Mice, 80

Bird Life on an African River, 224

Bird Life on the Ouse, 36

Bird Room, Mrs. Vernon's, 274

" Bird World Magazine, The " [Reviews), 240, 299

Birds, About some of my, 148

Birds at Wargrave, The 126

Birds' Characters, The Difference in, 167

Birds iu a Drawing Room, 27

Birds in a Garden, 272

Birds in East Africa, 115

Birds in the great San Francisco Fire, 99

Birds in the Insect House at the Zoo, 47

" Birds of the British Islands " [Reviews], 54, 140, 239, 297

Birds, The Strange Attachments of, 247

Blackcaps and Nonpareils, How to Feed, 244

Blue Tits, A Nest of, 143

Book on Bird Diseases, Wanted a, 165

" British Birds, A Pocket-book of" [Review], no

Budgerigars breeding under Difficulties, 56

Chaffinches at the Window, 243
Chaffinch, An obliging, 142
Chaffinch in America, An escaped, 143
Colour change in the Sepoy Finch, 108
Colour variation in the Firefinch, 109
Comparative Value of Foodstuffs, The, 188
Conures, Some Notes on the, 31
Crimson-winged Finch, The, 179
" Crystal Age, The " [Review], 213
Crystal Palace Show, Notes on the, 21
Crows of the Fen Country, The, 293
Cuckoo, The Bronze, 245

308

Danysz Mouse Virus, The, 192
Dove, The Diamond, 217
Egg-food, a Pro and a Con, 208
Egg-food needed ? Is, 137, 160, 237
Egg, Yelk of, and Leprosy, 18
Epidemic among Budgerigars, An, 207
Epidemic among Woodpigeons, An, 31, 49

Filariasis in a Blackbird, 269

Firefinches, Dr. Kuss on the Rarer, 71, 91, 154

Foreign Birds at the I^.C.B.A., Notes on the, 210

Foreign Birds in Winter, 295

Future of the Magazine, The, 302

Gannets on the Bass Rock, 28
Gouldian Finch, Tlie, 193
Great Crested Grebe in Surrey, The, 52
Great Crested Grebe, Notes on the, 151
Great Crested Grebe, The, 193
Great Crowned Pigeon, The, 117

Holocaust, A, 273

Hornbill, The African Black, 250

Hornbill, The Concave-casqued, 291

Hybrid, An interesting, 237

Hybrid, Grey and Green Singing Finch, 109

Hybrids, Bengalese, 142

In Memoriam— Dr. W. T. Greene, 266
In Memoriam— Mr. Wiener, 139
Intelligence in a Firefiuch, 153
Intelligence n Birds and other Animals, 120

Jacarini Finch, The, 156
Jay, The Blue-bearded, 16

t,esson from the Poultry Yard, A, 44

Macaws, r 15

March of Science, The, 270
Mediaeval Ornithology. 159
Memory in a Sparrow, 87

Nightingale, Something about the, 39
Nightingales Breeding in Captivity, 79
Nightingales, The Shortage of, 136

Ornithology and Politics, 149

*' Our School out of Doors " {Review), 24

,, 2nd Edition [Review], 164

309

Painted Bunting or Nonpareil, The, i86

Parrot, Taming a, 190

Parrot, The Kclectus, 242

Parrot, The Grey, 285

Pathology at the Zoo, 82

Penguins, &c. at Ballywalter Park, 113

Personal— Dr. D'Evelyn, no

Post viorteni Reports, 26, 55, 86, 112. 141, 165, 190, 214, 242, 272

Poultry Yard, A I^esson from the, 44

Quail Finch, The, 257

Reminiscences of Foreign Bird Keeping, 9, 65, 169

Reviews :

Our School out of Doors, 24; 2ud Kdition, 164

Birds of the British Islands, 54, 140, 239, 297

A Pocket-book of British Birds, no

The Crystal Age, 213

The Bird World Magazine, 240, 299
Rooks, Wild and Tame, 259, 280
Ruddy-shouldered Covvbird, The, 203

Science and Aviculture, 106

Senegal Parrot, The, i

Sepoy Finch, The, 57

Septicsemia and Tuberculosis in Birds, 30, 55

Sociable Swan, A, 191

Swainsou's Lorikeet, 7

" Swan with two Necks " and other Swans, The, 13

Swans on the Thames, 130

Talpacoti Dove, The, 198
Tanager, The Superb, 277
Tanagers, The Feeding of, 214
Tanagers, The Winter Housing of, 13
Taxidermists' Pathology, 52

Violet-eared Waxbill, Nesting of the, 301

Wanderings in the Zoo, 62, 103, 175

Waxwing, The, 145

Waxwing, The Plate of the, 163

Winter Housing of Tanagers, The, 13

Woodpigeons, An p:pidemic among, 31, 49

Yelk of Egg and Leprosy, 18

^lO

INDEX TO THE NAMES OF BIRDS, ETC.

A.

^giniha fussi, 155
Agelesus htuneralis, 203
A 711 pL' lis gairtilus, 145
Aspcrgillns fumigattix, 83
Avian Pathology, 161
Aviary, A Small Parrakeet,
A Window, 183

B.

Blackbird, 269
Blackcap, 244
Biiceios corriigatits, 253
Budgerigar, 56, 207, 273
Bullfinch, 249
Buuting, Chinese, 68

c.

CaUisie fasfosn, 277
Calo7nis mctallica, 23
Cardinal, Yellow-billed, 244, 275
Chaffinch, 142, 143, 243, 272, 276
Chamcepelia ialpacoti, 35, 198
Cliaracters, Birds', 167
CJitysococcyx sniaj-ngdiiteiis, 245
Coccopyt;ui dttf rest tit, 22
Cockatoo, Leadbeater's, 247

Kosy, 5
Conibassou, 148
Conures, 31

Corviis macjvrhyjictis, 270
Cranes, 62
Crow, 37, 100, 293
Jungle, 270
Cuckoo, Bronze, 245
Cyaiiocorax cyaiiopogun, 16

chrysops, 17
Cygnus olor, 127

D.

Daciiis cayaiin, 62
Diamond Sparrow, i-ii
Dichoceros biconiis, 291
Diseases, Bird, 165
Dove, Diamond, 217, 297

Graceful Ground, 217

Kagle, Black-crested, 230

Vulturine, 231
Kgg-food, 137, 160, 208

and Chickens, 43
r,eprosy, 18
Nightingales, 40
Rnibei-iza schceniclus, 37
E^trilda maigaiita, 74

F.

Filariasis, 269
Finch, Aurora, 179

Crimson-winged, 179

Gouldian, 190, 193, 276

Grey Singing, 66

Jacarini, 156

Lavender, 69

Quail, 257

ScMrlet, 58

Sepoy, 57

.Sociable, 102

Yellow-rumped, 21

Zebra, 67
Firefinch, Black-throated, 74
Bronze, 154
Common, log, 153
Dark-red, 91
Masked, 71
Spotted, 75, 156
Vinaceous, 74
Friitgilla ccelebs, 144

Gannet, 28

Geopclia cutieafa, 217

Gold Crested Wren, 272

Ginira ciwouata, 117

Great Crested Grebe, 52, 151, 161

Great Crowned Pigeon, 117

Greenfinch, 113

Grey Singing F^incli, 66

Gull, Brown-headed, 177

Glaucous, 177

Greater Black-backed, 177

Herring, 178

Ivory, 177

311

H.

HcBmatospiza sipahi, 57
Honey-eater, Warty- faced, 47
Honibill, Black African, 250

Concave-casqued, 291
Pied, 252
Wrinkled, 253
Hybrid, Bengalese x Spice-biid,
Grey x Green Singing

Finch, 109,
Siskin x Seedeater, 237

Intelligence in Birds, 120
Ixocincla crassirosiiis, 103

J-

Jackdaw, 56, 294

Albino, 248
Java Sparrow, 275
Jay, Blue-headed, 16
Urraca, 17

K.

Kite, Egyptian, 178

L.

Lagonosticta laivata, 71

ingricollis, 74
Tubricaia, 76, gr
rufoptcta, 75, 76, 156
rhodopateia, 95, 98
senega la, 156
vinacea, 72, 74

Latnus cxciihitor, 298

Lark, 56

Lavender Finch, 69

Linnet, 242

Liothrix luteus, 237

Lophoceros vielannlejiciis, 252

Lorikeet, Swainson s, 7

Lory, Blue Mountain, 247, 300

Lovebirds, 247, 273

M,

Macaw, 105, 115
Magpie, 294
Masked Firefinch, 71
Mediaeval Ornithologv,
Mice, 80

Mourning Dove, 150
Mynah, Hill, 48

N.

Nightingale, 26, 39, 79, i^
Nonpareil, 186

Piutailed, 244

o.

Oitvgospiza polyzona, 257
Ow[s, 6-,

P.

Paradise, Bird of, 47, 159
Parinia leucop/icea, 246
Paroaria cap it at a, 244
Parrakeet, Pennant's, 86
Parrot, Eclectus, 104, 242
Grey, 83, 285
Senegal, i, 190
Parrots, 271
Passer dotneattcus, 87
Pathology at the Zoo, 82
Penguins, 113, 175
PJiasiantis colckicus, 64
torquatus, 64
Pheasants, 64
Phylloscopus sibilatrix, 11 1
Pigeon, Great Crowned, 117
Podiceps griseigena , 112
Pceocephalns senegaleiisis, i
Poephila 7iiirabilis, 193
Porphyria cceruleus, 176

ntadagasca rie^isis,
poliocephalus, 176
Purple Moorhen, 176
Pytclia phcenicoptcra, 179

248

192
112

Quail, Californian,
Quail Finch, 257
Quails, 295

K,

Rats and Mice, 80,
Red-necked Grebe,
Ringdove, 185
Rook, 259, 280
Rosella, 269

s.

Sacred Ibis, 103

San Francisco Fire, 99, no

Scarlet Finch, 58

Scarlet Grosbeak, 61

Science and Aviculture, 106

312

Sclentdcra inactilirosiris, 48
Sepoy Finch, 57, 109
Septicaemia, 30, 55, 270
Seriiius icterus, 237
Shrike, Great Grey, 298
Silverbill, 169
Sparrow, 87
Sphagalobtis atraftis, 250
Sphentscus ilemerstis, 114, 175
Spice Bird, 170
Sugar Bird, Blue, 62

Purple, 48
Swans, 126, 130, 134, 135, 191

T.

Talpacoti Dove, 198
Tanag-ers, 13, 58, 214, 215, 277
Taxidermists' Pathology, 52
Thrush, 270
Tit, Blue, 143

Long-tailed, 39
Toucan, 48

Toucanet, Spotted-billed, 48
7 n'choglossns nnvce-hollandtcp, 7
Troupial, kuddy-shouldered, 203

V.

Volatiniajacatini, 156

w.

Waxbills, 275

Orange-breasted, 275
Violet-eared, 301

Waxwing, 145, 163

Weavers, lo, 200

Whitethroat, 230

Whydah, Cape, 201

Paradise, 65
Pintailed, 65
Red-collared, 201

Wood pigeon, 31. 49

Wood Warbler, 11 1

Wryneck, 23

z.

Zebra Finch, 67
Zebra Waxbil!, 295
Zeitaidura macroum, 150
Zosterops Jiccdulina, 246

LIST OF PLATES.

An asterisk denotes coloured plates.

Senegal Parrot

Mr. Castle-Sloane's Aviary

Sepoy Finch

Penguins at Ballywalter Park

Lady Dunleath feeding the Penguins

Great Crowned Pigeon

Waxwing

Penguins at the Zoo

The Gull Aviary at the Zoo ...

A Window Aviary ...

Mrs. Vernon's Outdoor Aviary

Gouldian Finch

The Long-tailed Whydah

Nest of the Diamond Dove ...

Diamond Dove on the Nest ...

Young Diamond Doves in Nest

Bronze Cuckoo

African Black Hornbill

Superb Tanager

Concave-casqued Horubill

TO FACE
PACK

(drawn by H. GooDCHiLD) i

jj

. (drawn by II

GOODCHILD)

57

87
113
117

(drawn by J. G

Keulemans)

145
169

175
183
185

(drawn by J. G

Keulkmans)

193

201

217
219

221

(drawn by J. G.

Keulemans)

245
250

(drawn by J. G.

Keulemans)

277

291

MARCH, 1906.

TLbc jforeian Birb Club-

PRESIDENT.
W. T. GREENE, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S,

VICE-PRESIDENTS.
E. HoPKmsoN, D.S.O., M.A., M.B., F.Z.S.
P. Chalmers Mitchell, M.A., D^Sc, F.Z.S.
A. F. Wiener, F.Z.S.

H. T. T. Camps, F.Z.S.
C. Castle-Sloane, F.Z.S.
Dr. Clarke.
H. Dart.

H. R. FiLLMER.
R. HUMPHRYS.

COUNCIL.

Miss R. r,ITTLE.

Dr. MCDONAGH, F.Z.S., F.L.S.

Dr. Master.

Mrs. Miller.

The Countess of Winchilsea.

The Hon. W. B. Wrottesley.

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE.
Mr. Castle-Sloank. Dr. Clarke. Mr. Fillmer.

Mr. Dart.

SHOW COMMITTEE.
Mr. HuMPHRYS. Miss Little.

Mr. TOWNSEND.

AWARDS AND ARBITRATION COMMITTEE.

Mr. Camps. Dr. McDonagh. Dr, Master. Mrs. Miller.

The Countess of Winchilsea. The Hon. W. B. Wrottesley.

Editoridl.
Dr. Creswell,

Eden Lodge,

Kingston-on-Thames.

HON. SECRETARIES.

Exhibitional.
Mr. S. M. TowNSEND,
3, Swift Street, Fulham,

London, S.W.

HON. TREASURER.
Mr. L. W. Horton, Hill House, Compton, Wolverhampton.

AUDITOR.
Mr. W. Webb.

SCRUTINEER.
Mr. W. True.

Mr. Camps.

Mr. FiLLMRR.
Mr. HUMPHRY'S.

JUDGES,

Mr. Seth-Smith.

Mr. SWAYSLAND.
Mr- TOWNSENP

March, 1906.

TRolI of fIDembcis.

AiTCHKSON, A., M.A., F.L.S., 25, Wilton Place, S.W.

(Jan., 1906).
Ar.T^PORT, Miss, c/o T. B. Morrish, Esq., Leonard House, Upper

Tulse Hill, London. (Jan., 1906).
AivMOND, The Rev. F., Branxliolnie House, Lincoln Road,

Peterborough, (Feb., 1906).
Anningson, Mrs., Walt-ham-sal, Barton Road, Cambridge.

(Dec, 1901).
Armstrong, W., F. G. S,, Cramlington, Northumberland.

(Oct., 1903).
Aronstkin, Marks, 30, Grand Parade, Cork. (March, 1906).
ASKHAM, Mrs., Merivale, Cranes Park, Surbiton. (Jan., 1906).

Baker, Miss M. E., Granite House, Mount Sorrell, Lough-
borough. (vSept., 1902).
Bamford, Wm., Shorelea, Oldham. (June, 1904).
BARBfi:R, Mrs. James, Milestone Cottage, Wickford.

(April, 1903).
Barker, W. H., Holmwood, Whipp's Cross Road, Leytonstone.

(July, 1903).
Barns, Miss Minnie, F.Z.S., 52, Fitzroy Road, Regent's Park.

N.W. (June, 1903).
Beech, Ernest W., 32, Lincoln Road, Peterborough.

(July, 1904).
Bi,iss, H. F:., P.O. box 89, Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony.

(Jan., 1903).
Boyd, Haroi^d, Barton House, Didsbury, Manchester. (April,

1903).
Bromet, Mrs. Henry, Highfield, Tadcaster. (Nov., 1903).
Brooksbank, Miss E., vSand Rock, Tickhill, Rotherham.

(Nov., 1902),
BuCKNEUv, B. R., 84, Milton Avenue, East Ham. (May, 1905).
BuSTEED, Miss, 32, Charleville Mansions, West Kensington.

(Sept., 1903).
BuTivER, Mrs. E. M., 30, Sutton Court Road, Chiswick, W.

(Oct., 1903).
Buxton, Chari^es, 39, Harrington vStreet, Cleethorpes.

(Jan., 1904).

Camps, H. T. T., F.Z.S., Liuden House, Haddeuham, Isle of

Ely. (Orig. Mem.).
Carlyon, Mrs., The Rise, Brockenliurst, Hants, (Oct., 1905).

Casti^K-Sloane, C, F.Z.S., Oat Hall, near Crawley, Sussex.

(Nov., 1902).
CaTTI^E, C. a., Thurston, Bury St. Edmunds. (April, 1903).
Chamberi<ain, Dr. C. B. D'Eyncourt, R.N., " Twynham,"

Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. (Orig, Mem.).

Chapi^in, E. W., The Firs, Great Amwell, Herts. (Sept., 1903).

Chetwynd, Mrs., The Hawthorns, Raglan Road, Smethwick,

Birmingham. (Nov., 1904).
Ci,ARKE, R. H., M.A., M.B,, 9, St. James' Road, Surbitou.

(May, J903).
Coi^UER, Miss C. L., 119, Kii'.g Henry's Road, South Hamp-

stead. (June, 1902).
Cook, Arthur, " Glyncote," 31, Kingsbury Road, Gravelly

Hill, Birmingham. (Jan., 1903).
Creswei,i<, Alfred Henry, L.S.A., York Villa, Cinderford,

R.S.O., Gloucestershire. (July, 1903).
Creswell, Evan James, 2, West Avenue Road, Walthamstow.

(Oct., 1903).
CreSWELL, W. Geo., M.D., F.Z.S., Eden Lodge,

Kingston-on-Thames. (April, 1903).
Cronkshaw, J., 100, Arden Terrace, Accringtou. (Nov.,1901).
CuMMiNGS, Alexander, University House, The Promenade,

Cheltenham. (Feb., 1905).

Curtis, Miss, Kearsney Abbey, Dover. (March, 1904).

CuSHNY, Charles, c/o Messrs. Neish, Howell, and Haldane,
47, Watling Street, Queen Victoria Street, E.C. (Orig.
Mem.).

Dart, Henry, 53, Richmond Road, Kingston-on-Thames.

(Feb., 1903).
Day, E. C, 238, Cromwell Road, Peterborough. (June, 1903).
Decies, Lord, Beresford Lodge, Birchington. (Nov., 1903).

Dennis, Mrs. Harold E., Warrenhurst, Itchingfield, Sussex.

(Jan., 1904).
D'Evelyn, Dr. F. W., Phelan Building, San Francisco,

California. (Aug., 1905).
Dewar, J. F., 2, St. Patrick's Square, Edinburgh. (Orig. Mem).
De Yarburgh-Bateson, The Hon. Lilla, Heslington, York.

(June, 1903).
Dunlrath, The Lady, Bally waiter Park, Bally waiter,

CO. Down. (Nov., 1901).
DuTTON, Mrs., Bank Cottage, Walton, Stone, Staffs.

(Nov., 1901).

Farrar, Rev. C. D., Micklefield Vicarage, r,eeds. (Dec,, 1904).
Fasey, Wiltjam R., The Oaks, Holly Bush Hill, Suaresbrook.

(Jan., 1903).
FEir.DiNG, Miss Margaret, Broome Park, Betchworth,

Surrey. (June, 1903).
Fir.i^MER, H. R., 52, vShip vStreet, Brighton. (Orig. Mem.)
Finn, Frank, B.A., F.Z.vS., M.B.O.U., 29, Chalcot Crescent,

Primrose Hill, N.W. (vSept., 1903).

ForTi^age, Henry E., Holbrook, Redhill, Surrey. (May, 1902).

Foster, Wiixiam Hii,Iv, 164, Portland Street, Southport.
(Nov., 1901).

Gerrard, John, M.B.O,U.,Worsley, Manchester. (June, 1905).

Gibbons, Miss M., Boddington Manor, Cheltenham.
(Dec, 1904).

Good, Mrs., Southampton Cottage, Ashley Down, Bristol.
(Oct., 1905).

G00DCHII.D, H., M.B.O.U., 66, Gloucester Road, Regent's
Park, N.W. (July, 1903).

GORRINGE, The Rev. Reginat^d E. P., 89, Cromwell Road,
Peterborough. (Dec, 1902).

Greene, W. T., M.A., M.D., F.Z.S., Gt. Northern Road, Dun-
stable, Beds. (July, 1903).

Hai^i^iweIvTv, J., M.R.C.V.S., 11, Westbourne Grove, West

Kirby. (March, 1903).
Harding, W. A., F.Z.S., Histon Manor, Cambridgeshire.

(Dec 1903).
Harman, J., Tubbs Road, Harlesden, N.W. (Feb., 1903).
Harrison, J. H., 18, East Beach, Lythani. (Dec, 1901).
Hatcher, J. F., 168, Upper Thames Street, E.C. (June, 1903).
Hawkins, I.. W., Estrilda, New Clive Road. West Dul-wich.

(Orig. Mem.).
HEAI.EY, Mrs,, 12, Rosetti Gardens Mansions, Cheyne Walk,

S.W. (Feb., 1903).
Hodge, Prof. C. F., Ph.D., Clark University, Worcester, Mass.

(Nov., 1905).
Hoi,r,iNS, Miss, Greyfriars, Preston, Lancashire. (Feb., 1906).
HoiyivlNS, J. T., 7, Lowther Arcade, Harrogate. (May, 1903).
Hopkinson, Miss E. M., 45, Sussex Square, Brighton.

(Sept., 1902).

Hopkinson, EmiIvIUS, M.A., M.B. Oxon., D.vS.O., 45, Sussex

Square, Brighton. (Oct., 1901).
Horton, L. W., Hill House, Compton, Wolverhampton.

(Sept., 1902).
Houston, Charges, Laburnum House, Denton's Green,

St. Helen's, Lanes. (Nov., 1901).

HowK, Frank, 65, Thomas vStreet, Wellingborough, Northamp-
tonshire. (Feb., 1902).

Howe, Mrs. James, Moss Lodge, Ashton-imder-Lyne, Laucs.
(July, 1903).

Hubbard, Mrs. D. L., Casa vSta. Monica, Bordighera, Italy.
(Jan., 1905).

Hume, James, Hepscott, Morpeth. (June, 1903).

HUMPHRYS, RusSEivi., vSoutliorough, Bickley. (July, 1902).

IDE, Harry, L.D.S.R.C.S. Bug., Fden Street, Kingston-on-
Thames. (June, 1903).

Jardine, Miss E. L., Lady Superintendent, Freed Slaves'
Home, Zungaree, Northern Nigeria. (Dec, 1902).

Jeffs, W., Bronwen Villa, Victoria Road, Darlaston. (Oct., 1904).

Kestermann, Herr Hermann, 3, Siidstrasse, Greig i. V.,
Germany. (Feb., 1903).

KeyteIv, p. C, Brighton Castle, Mouille Point, (P. O. box 633),
Cape Town. (June, 1903).

LaFFAN, Mrs. DE CouRCY, 119, St. George's Road, S.W.

(March, 1905).
Lane, The Hon. Mrs., King's Bromley Manor, Lichfield.

(April, 1905).
Lane, Miss, The Deanery, Rochester. (April, 1905).

LEVERKiiHN, Aulic Counsellor Dr. Paui., M.D., C.M.Z.S.,
Director of Scientific Institutions, The Palace, Sophia,
Bulgaria. (July, 1903).

LiTTi^E, Miss C. Rosa, Baronshalt, The Barons, East Twicken-
ham. (Nov., 1902).

Londesborough, The Dowager Couutess of, 17, Norfolk St.,
Park Lane, W. (May, 1905).

Martin, T. J., High Street, Lowestoft. (Nov., 1903).

Master, G., M.B., B.C., 86, Guildhall St., Bury-St. -Edmunds.

(Nov., 1903).
MEiyivOR, Mrs., Fair Lawn, Ivytham, Lanes. (July, 1904).
Mii.i,ER, Mrs. K. LESI.IE, 27, Belgrave Road, S.W. (Jan., 1904).

MiTCHELi., p. Chalmers, M.A., D.Sc, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Sec-
retary to the Zoological Society of London, 3, Hanover
Square, London, W. (April, 1905).

Momber, A. R. T., La Tuinia, San Remo. (Oct., 1904).

Mortimer, Mrs., Wigmore, Holmwood, Surrey. (Nov., 1901).

McDonagh, J. E. R., M.R.C.S., LR.C.P., F.Z.S., F.L.S., 13,
Greencroft Gardens, S. Hampstead, N.W. (Jan., 1903).

6

McKrivi,, A. R., Aslifield Lodge, Thorner, near Leeds. (Dec,

1902).
McMath, Wm., M.B., 6, Camden Place, Cork. (Jan., 1904).

Newboui^d, T., Oakdene, Linthorpe, Middlesborough. (Dec,

1902).
Newman, T. H., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Newlands, Harrowdene

Road, Wembley, Middlesex (July, 1903).

NoRTHBOURNE, The Lady, Batteshanger, Eastry, S.O., Kent.
(May, 1905).

Oakey, W., 34, High Street, Leicester. (Orig. Mem.)

Oberhoi.ser, Harry C, 1349, Harvard Street, Washington,
D.C., U.S.A. (Dec, 1903).

0'Reii,i.y, Nichoi^as S., 9, Royal Crescent, Ramsgate, Kent.
(Orig. Mem.)

OSBAI.DESTON, Wir.i,TAM, II, Stephenson Terrace, Preston,
Lanes. (Orig. Mem.)

Page, W. T., F.Z.S., 6, Rylett Crescent, Shepherd's Bnsh, W.

(May, 1905).
Partridge, Mrs., 6, Hyde Vale, Greenwich. (Dec, 1905).

Perkins, E., Chester Hill, Woodchester, Gloncestershire.
(Feb., 1903).

PerrEAU, Capt. G. F., 2/4 Gurkha Rifles, Bakloh, Punjab,
India. (Dec, 1903).

PERRING, C. S. R., 4, Cambridge Villas, High Street,
Teddington. (Oct., 1902).

Ferryman, C. W., Bifrons, Farnborough, Hants. (July, 1902).

Picard, H. K., 10, Sandwell Crescent, W. Hampstead, N,W.

(Oct., 1901).
PiCKivE.s, W. H., Stoneyhurst, Morecombe, Lancashire.

Pond, Mrs. T. A., 174, Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool.

(Nov., 1902).
PORTEOUS, James T., Deneholme, Hexham. (Sept., 1903),

RESTai,!,, J. A., 82, Cambridge Street, Birmingham. (Nov.,

1903)-
Rice, Capt. G., Clayquhat, Blairgowrie, N.B. (July, 1902).

Richard, E., Hotel Metropole, Brighton. (Nov., 1901).

Roberts, Norman B., West Retford Cottage, Retford,

Sheffield. (Nov., 1901).
ROGERSON, Mrs., Fleurville, Cheltenham. (Feb., 1903).

ROTCH, C. D., 3, Beach Lawn, Waterloo, near Liverpool.
(Orig. Mem.)

Row, C. H., Irene House, Coriiard Road, Sudbury. (Dec,

1905)-
Rycroft, Mark E., 8, Park Street, Wakefield. (April, 1903).

Salt, Thomas, L.R.C.R, Yiewsley, Saltley, Birmingham.

(July, 1903).
Savage, A., 3, Rue Bihorel, Bihorel, Rouen, France. (Dec,

1901).
Saywell, Miss Theodora, The College, Bromsgrove,

Worcestershire. (Oct., 1902).
Scott, Professor W. E. D., 341, Nassau vStreet, Princetown,

New Jersey, U.S.A. (Sept., 1902).

Seth-Smith, David, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 14, Canning Road,
Addiscombe. (Nov., 1903).

Smith, H. B., Grangefield, Park Road South, Birkenhead.

(Orig. Mem.)
Smithwick, Capt. W. F., Youghal House, Nenagh, Ireland.

(Dec, 1902).

Speed, Hedley, 12, Victoria Park, Bangor. (Nov., 1901).

Storey, James, 7, Blenheim Terrace, St. John's Wood, N.W.

(Orig. Mem.)
SuGGiTT, R., Suggitt's Lane, Cleethorpes. (Dec, 1903).
Swan, J. A., 87, Lower Kennington Lane, S.E. (Oct., 1901).
Swaysi^and, W., 47, Queen's Road, Brighton. (Orig. Mem.)

Tanner, F. L., L.D.S.R.C.S., Eng., Vauvert House, Guernsey,

(Feb,, 1904).
ThwaiTES, George, Dunedin Villa, Northampton Road,

Market Harborough. (Feb., 1903).
TOMASSI Bai.dei,i.i, La Contessa G., 4, Via Silvio Pellico,

Florence, Italy. (Dec, 1901).

TowNSEND, S. M., 3, Swift Street, Fulham, S.W. (Orig. Mem.)
TOYE, Mrs. M., Stanhope, Bideford, N. Devon (Nov., 1901).

TravERS, Miss Annette, St. Cloud, Beaupare, co. Meath.

(Dec, 1903).
TrEChmann, Dr. Max M., 131, St. George's Road, S.W.

(Dec, 1904).
True, Wii^Iv, 74, Comeragh Road, Loudon, W. (Jan., 1905).

VerE, The Very Rev. Canon, 21a, Soho Square, London, W.

(Nov., 1903).
Vernon, Mrs., Toddiugton Park, Dunstable, Beds. (Oct.,

1905)-

WAI.1.ACE, Jas. Sim, D.Sc, M.D., CM., 30a, Wimpole Street,
London, W. (Jan., 1904).

s

WardaIvE, H., Willington House, Willingtoii Quay, Northuni-

berlaud. (May, 1903).
Webb, W., I, North Road, Surbitou. (Jau., 1904).

Whekler, Alfred, 2, West View Terrace, Droitwitch Road,

Worcester. (Sept., 1903).
WhiTTaker, T, H., Raveusmere, Marine Drive, Ansdell,

Lythani, Lanes. (Dec, 1903).
Wiener, a. F., F.Z.S., 6, Northwick Terrace, Maida Vale,

N.W. (Nov., 1901).
WiivDE, Miss Maude, Little Gaddesden, Berkhanipstead.

(Nov., 1901).
W11.MOT, The Rev. Richard H., Poulton Vicarage, Fairford.

(Nov,, 1902).
Wii^SON, Miss F, M., 34, Charrington Street, London, N.W.

(March, 1906).
W11.SON, T. N., M.A., Oak Lodge, Bitterne, near Southampton.

(Jan., 1902).
WiNCHii^SEA and NOTTINGHAM, The Countess of, Harlech,

Merioneth. (June, 1903).
Wooi^STON, T., 22, Wilson Street, Middlesborough. (Oct., 1903).

Wrottesi^ey, The Hon. Walter B., F. Z. S., 8, Herbert
Crescent, S.W. (Dec, 1902).

Yallop, F. J., 85, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich. (July, 1902).

March, 1906.

IR0II of associates.

BuIvT^ock-Webster, a., King's Close, Barnstaple. (Oct., 1902).

Curtis, Mrs. D. W., Market Place, vStowmarket. (Sept., 1902).
Gordon, Miss, 57, Burlington Road, Bayswater, W.
(May, 1904).

HAI.1.IDAY, Charles, Bridge Street, Banbridge, co. Down.
(June, 1903).

Harris, Charles, 15, Clayton vStreet, Newcastle-on-'Iyne.
( Oct., 1902).

Harton, Miss E., 53, Goldluirst Terrace, vSouth Hanipstead,
N.W. (Nov., 1903).

Hawke, The Hon. M. C, Wigliill Park, Tadcaster.
(Nov., 1902).

HenTSCH, W. J., Douglas Villa, Acacia Grove, New Maiden,
Surrey. (Jan., 1904).

HiNCKS, Miss E. M., Baron's Down, Dulverton. (Jan., 1903).

HOWMAN, Miss, Sherwood, Essex Grove, Upper Norwood, S.E.
(Nov., 1901).

HULTON, Mrs., Hulton Hall, Bolton-lea-Moors. (June, 1903).

Hyde & Co., Ltd., R., Harold Street, Caniberwell, S.K. (May,
1902).

Lee, Miss Constance, Budleigh, Salterton, R.S.O., Devon.
(Dec, 1904).

Lock, Miss M., 82, Southwold Mansions, Elgin Avenue, Maida
Vale. (Feb., 1906).

Marshall, Mrs., Ashley Warren, Walton-on-Thanies. (Dec,

1903)-
Martin, Mrs. Horace, 13, Hillside, Wimbledon, Surrey.

(May, 1904).

McAdam, Mrs. J., 24, Cambridge Terrace, Hyde Park, W.
(June, 1903).

Mitchell, H., Duchy Court, Harrogate. (Sept., 1903).

Moore, Mrs. G. W., Moore House, Finchley Road, St. John's
Wood, N.W. (Oct., 1903).

lO

Moss, Gp:orgk, 51, Wellington Street, Loughborough. (Nov.,
1902).

NiCHor^sON, Miss M. K., Meadow Croft, Upton, Birkenhead.
(June, 1903).

North, Josiah, 314, Oxford Road, Reading. (Sept., 1904).

Panton, Miss May, 14, King Edward's Road, Oldfield Park,
Bath. (June, 1903).

Pengeli^EY, Chari^es H. C, HoUywell, St. Ives, Hunts.
(Oct., 1903).

RuDKiN, F. H., Belton, Uppingham. (March, 1906).

Sevastopulo, Mrs. G. D., 147, Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park,
London, W. (Oct., 1901).

Sharp, H. S., Heathfield, Bingley, Yorks. (Nov., 1901).

Sr^ATTER, A. C, 17, Commercial Street, Hereford. (July, 1903).

Snei^Iv, S. H., M.D., Glenshee Lodge, 261, Trinity Road,
Wandsworth, vS.W. (April, 1904).

Tweed, H. R. B., B.A. (Oxon.), Laindon Frith, Billericay.
(June, 1903).

Ward, The Hon. Mrs. Somerset, Carrowdore Castle,

Douaghadee, co. Down. (Oct., 1905),
Wilson, H. R., Angleham, Rosebery Crescent, Newcastle-on-

Tyne. (Dec, 1903).
Wright, Mrs., New Brook, Atherton, Manchester. (Oct., 1904).

II

RULES.

1. The objects of "The Foreign Bird Ci.ub " shall
be the mutual encouragenieut aud assistance of the members
and associates in the keeping, breeding, and exhibiting of
foreign birds, and the improvement of shows in regard to
them.

2. The Club shall be composed of members and associates.
Every member shall pay an entrance fee of 2/6 and an
annual subscription of 10/-. Ever}' associate shall pay an
entrance fee of 2/6 and an annual subscription of 5/-.
Associates shall have such of the privileges of members as
the Council shall from time to time direct. vSubscriptions
shall be due and payable in advance on the ist of Marcli in
each year. If any member's or associate's subscription shall
be more than three months overdue he shall be suspended
from all the benefits of the Club, and if more than nine
months overdue, notice of his having ceased to be a member or
associate of the Club, and of the cause, may be published in
the Notices to Members ; and on such notice being puljlished
he shall cease to be a member or associate accordingly, but his
liability for the overdue subscription shall continue.

3. New members shall be proposed in vsrriting by a
member of the Club and new associates by either a member or
an associate : and the name and address of every person thus
proposed, with the name of the person proposing him, shall be
published in the Notices to Members. Unless the candidate
shall, within fourteen days after the publication of his name,
be objected to by at least two members, he shall be duly
elected. If two or more members lodge with either of the
Secretaries objections to any candidate he shall not be elected,
but the signature to the signed objections must be verified by
the Scrutineer. The Secretaries aud the vScrutineer shall not
disclose the names of the objectors. Associates desirous to
become members shall go through the same form of election
as other candidates but shall not pay an entrance fee.

4. Any member or associate wishing to resign at the
end of the current year of the Club shall give notice of his
intention to one of the Secretaries before the 1st of February,
and in default of such notice he shall be liable for the following
year's subscription.

12

5- The officers of the Club shall be elected from the
members and shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-
Presidents, an Auditor, a Scrutineer, one or more Secretaries,
a Treasurer, a Council of twelve members, and such number of
Judges as shall from time to time be determined by the
Council. The Secretary or Secretaries and the Treasurer shall
be ex-officio members of the Council. The Secretary or
Secretaries, the Treasurer, the Council, and the judges shall
be elected annually by the members in manner hereinafter
provided. The other officers shall be elected annually by the
Council immediately after their own election,

6. The election of the Secretary or Secretaries, Treasurer,
Council, and Judges shall take place every year between the
15th of January and the 5tli of February. The Secretaries
shall ascertain which of the members are willing to stand for
election to office, and shall send to each member of the Club,
on or about the 15th of January, a voting paper containing a
list of all such members, showing the offices for which they are
respectively seeking election. Each member shall make a cross
(x) opposite the names of those for whom he desires to vote, and
shall sign the paper at the foot and send it in a sealed envelope
to the Scrutineer, so that he may receive it before the 5tli of
February. The Scrutineer shall prepare a return of the officers
elected, showing the number of votes recorded for each
candidate, and send it to one of the Secretaries for publication
in the Notices to Members for February. The Scrutineer shall
not reveal to any person how any member shall have voted.
In the event of an equality of votes the President shall have a
casting vote.

7. Dealers in birds shall not be eligible for election to any
office in the Clnb, except that of Judge. For the purpose of
this rule any member who habitually buys birds with the
intention of selling them again shall be deemed a dealer in
birds. Before the annual election of officers, the Secretaries
shall submit to the Council the list of members willing to
stand for election to the Secretaryship, the Treasurership, and
the Council, and the Council shall remove from the list the
name of any candidate who shall be, in the opinion of the
Council, a dealer in birds within the meaning of this rule.
The decision of the Council, or of any Committee to whom the
Council shall delegate its powers under this rule, shall be
final. When a dealer is proposed as a member of the Club,
the fact of his being a dealer shall be stated in the Notices to
Members.

13

8. It shall be lawful for the Council to delegate any of its
powers to a Committee.

9. The Council may appoint an Arbitration Committee
which may decide questions at issue between members aud
associates when requested to do so by botii parties. Any
decision of such Committee shall be final. Kxcept to the
extent permitted by this rule the Club and its officers
shall decline to concern themselves with disputes between
members.

10. The Council shall have power to alter and add to the
Rules, but shall give to the members notice of any proposed
alteration or addition, aud in the event of six members
objecting thereto within fourteen days the proposed alteration
or addition shall be submitted to the votes of the members.
Failing such objection the alteration or addition shall date
from its adoption by the Council.

11. The Council shall have power to expel any member or
associate at any time.

12. Neither the office of vScrutineer nor that of Auditor
shall be held for two consecutive years by the same person.
The Scrutineer shall not be a candidate at any election at
which he acts as Scrutineer.

13. If any office becomes vacant at any time other than
at the end of the current year of the Club, the Council shall
have power to nominate any member to fill the vacanc}'.

14. The decision of the majority of the Council shall be
final and binding on the Club, but a resolution passed by the
Council shall not be acted upon unless there be an absolute
majority of the Council (and not merely of those voting) in its
favour.

14

NOTICES.

It is hoped that Members and Associates will renieniber to
send in photographs of birds and aviaries for consideration by
the Magazine Committee, and also their literary contributions.
It must not be forgotten that we depend only upon our own
people to keep the Magazine going, and as in the future my
time will be too much occupied to allow me to contribute as
much as hitherto, we shall have to issue smaller numbers un-
less more papers are sent in than there are at present. This
would be a great pity in face of the improvements we have
effected in the form of the Magazine.

Last year no appeal was made to the members to help in
the production of the illustrations, a few members of the
Council and Staff taking the expenses not provided for by the
members' subscriptions on their own shoulders. Two of the
plates indeed were the absolute gift of two of the Council, and
the cost of the drawings of all has been defrayed by private
generosity. The cost of these plates is very considerable,
amounting to several pounds each, and they are of a good deal
more value than is represented by what we individually pay for
our Magazines.

It is therefore proposed to open a fund to assist in this en-
hancement of the value of Bird Notes, the smallest contribu-
tions to which will be welcomed.

The following sums have already been sent in :
Mr. Castle-Sloane . . . . . . /"2 lo o

Mr. Webb o lo 6

Mrs. Miller 4 lo o

The Editor . . . . . . .. i i o

;^8 II 6

W. Gp:o. Creswei.i.,
March i^ih, 1906. Hoti. Editorial Secretary.

15

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED.
Aronstein, Marks, 30, Grand Parade, Cork.
Wii^sON, Miss F. M., 34, Charriiigton Street, London, N.W.

NEW ASSOCIATE ELECTED.
RUDKIN, F. H., Beltoii, Uppingham.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERS.
DoBBiE, John, Waverley Works, Leith, N.B.

By Dr. CRESWEr.i,.
Ebrii,!,, Wm., 14, Victoria Terrace, Limerick.

By Mr. Goodchii^d.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every fonr words, including- address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the month.

On Sale— Six Norwich cock Canaries in full song, 1905 birds.
Some buff, others ticked.

Mrs. ASKHAM, " Merivale," Cranes Park, Surbiton.

For Sale — Cock Cockatiels 4/- each, Rosella hens 15/- each,
cock Rosella 15/-. AH 1905 aviary bred. IVanled— Red-

crested Cardinal and Zebra-finch hens.

J. Hume, Hepscott, Morpeth.

i6
POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will be niade by Dr.
CRESWEr,!,, Eden I,odge, Kingston-on-Thauies, are as follows .
(i) The birds must be sent immediatei^v after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) 7 he letter accompa7iymg them viust not be placed in

the box along with the birds.
(N.B. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail as far as possible all particulars

as to {a) date of death,

{b) length of illness,
{c) symptoms of illness,
{d) lodgement and feeding of birds, and
{e) especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Bird Notes," but under no circumstances
whatever will a report be sent by post unless a fee
of 2J6 accompa7iies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Dr. Creswell to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

BOUND VOLUMEvS OF "BIRD NOTES."

Volume I. is out of print. The Publishers are occasionally

able to get second-hand copies.
Of Volume II. there remain only a few copies,

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

,, III. with ha?id-colo2cred plates

to Members and Associates - - Jo/6

to others 15/-

„ ,, with plates uncoloured

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II., III. and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases nnist be made to
the Publishers,

17

APRIL, 1906.

IThe jforeion .15irb Club.

ir-P

IMPORTANT NOTICES.

By the kindness of Mr. Filliiier I am able to announce
tliat a new copy of "The Natnral History of Animals," by
Ainsworth Davis, (4 vols., Roxburgh binding, price £;^ 3s. od.,.
1905), will be presented to the Member or Associate, (other than
myself), who introiluces the greatest number of new Members
and Associates during the current year. The conditions are
tliat the new brethien must have actually paid their entrance
fees and subscriptions, and that at least six Members shall have
been introduced by the winner of the book, two Associates,
counting as one Member. For instance, seven Members and
two Associates would count as eight Members, and would
therefore just beat five Members and five Associates.

I must once more remind our subscribers that it will be
well for them to send in photographs for consideration, as
otherwise several numbers will this year be pictureless. The
Committee has one coloured plate in hand, and Mr. Goodcliild
has promised to do two more, but it is intended thai these
plates shall appear only in alternate issues. The need for
immediate photographs will thus be apparent.

The following sums have been sent in towards the illustra-
tion fund, to which even the smallest contribution will be

welcomed.

Mr. Dart .. .. .. ^l I o

Mr. Horton.. .. .. I o o

£2 I o

May I remind contributors that all matter intended for
publication should be written on only one side of the paper }

W. Geo. Creswem.,
April 15/A, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

NEW MEMBERvS EtvRCTED.

DoBBiE, John, Waverley Works, Leith, N.B.
Ebrili^, Wm., 14, Victoria Terrace, Limerick.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERvS.

Mrs. Masksw, S. Paul's Vicarage. Peterborough.

By the Rev. R. E. P. Gorringe.
The Hou. and Rev. Canon DuTTOn, Bihury, Fairfonl.
King Alfred's School, Tlie Lil)rariati of, Wantage, Berks.

By Dr. Creswell

CHANGES OF ADDRESS.

Miss KvKLYN J. CiTRTis, Salthrop House. Wroughton,

.S vv i n d <^ n .
The Rev. R. E. P. Gorringe, Maxey Vicarage, Market

Deeping, Northants.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four word.s, including address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the

last day of the month.

On Sale — Perfectly finger tatue Bey Bay Parrot, feeds from
mouth, child's pet, acclimatised atid healthy, 40/- or ex-
change warranted healthy foreign finches.

Mrs. Warren Vernon, Toddington Park, Beds.

"^■^^

19

MAY. 1906.

TLbc jforeicju Birb Club.

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED.
Maskkw, Mrs., St. Paul's Vicarage, Peterborough.
Button, The Hon. and Rev. Canon, Bibury, Fairford.
King Alfred's vSchool, The I.il)rarian of, Wantage, Berk.s.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERS.

Gray, Hv.. INLR.C.V.S., 23, Upper Phillimore Place,

London, W.
Skii,!,, J. :\L, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Norbiton Avenue,^

Kingston-on-Thames.
By Dr. Creswkli,
Lamb, E. J., 10, Kniglits Park, Kingston-on-Thames.

By Dr. Wai^lace.

The following contribution towards the Illustration Fund
has been kindly sent in by a member:

"Grasshopper" .. .. .. 5/--

W. Geo. Creswefx,
May 15/A, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including- address. All
adverti-sements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
la.st day of the month.

On Sale — Cock Greenfinch-Canary, 12/6, and a Green Singing
Finch, believed to be a cock. Particulars on application.
Mrs. McAdam, 24, Cambridge Terrace, Hyde Park.

20

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTKvS.'

Volume I. is out of print. The Publishers are occasioually
able to get second-hand copies.

Of Volume II. there remain only a few copies,

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6
to others 10/6

Volumes III. & IV. ivith hand-coloured plates

to Mem])ers and Associates - - jo/6
to others 15/-

„ ,, luith plates uncoloured

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6
to others 10/6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II., III. and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

21

JUNE, 1906.

TLbc jforeujn Birb Club-

^"^v3^

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

In the "Bird Market" will be seen an advertisement
which should prove a source of great convenience to many
members when away from home for their holidays. From
testimonials written by ladies whose feathered pets she has
taken care of, and which I now have before me, I gather that
Miss Lock can have birds entrusted to her care with every
confidence that they will V)e thoroughly looked after and
treated according to the owners' wishes. Her charges are
moderate.

Will members and associates please refer to the "Notices"
in the April number.?

W. Gko. CrkswKli^,
June i^lh, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED.

Gray, Hy., M.R.C.V.vS., 23, Upper Philliniore Place,

London, W.
vSkii.1., J. M., M.R.C.vS., L.R.C.P., Norbiton Avenue,

Kingston-on-Thames.
Lamb, E. J., 10, Knights Park, Kingston-on-Thames.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERS.

Murray, Ivan D., Toddington Park, Dunstable, Beds.

By Mrs. Vernon.

Stroud, E. Lionei., F.R.C.V.S., 29, Spring Street,

Paddington, W,
HAI.L, Miss A. E., 2, Park Place Villas, Maida Vale, W.

* By Mr. Gray.
Keui^EMANS, J. G., 3, Uphall Road, Ilford, Essex.

Bv Dr. Creswkll,

22

CHANGES OF ADDREvSS.
Mrs. Partridge, I/Oxia, Richmond Road, Worthing.

Dr. D'EVEivYN, 2103, Clinton Avenue, Alameda, California,

U.S.A.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by tlie
last day of the month.

I.ady, experienced in care of birds, undertakes charge of them
during absence of owners.

Miss Lock, 82, vSouthwold Mansions, Maida Vale.

Wanted — Gouldian, Parson, Alario, and Melodious Finches :
also various Weavers ; if healthy, out of colour not objected
to. Mrs. Vernon, Toddington Park, Dunstable, Beds.

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTES."

Volume L is out of print. The Publishers are occasionally
able to get second-hand copies.

Of Volume IL there remain only a few copies,

to Members and Associates ... 7/6
toothers 10/6

Volumes IIL & IV. luith hand-coloured plates

to Mein))ers and Associates - - 10/6
to others 15/.

„ ,, zvith plates uncolou red

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II. , III. and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

23

JULY, 1906.

TLbc jforeujit Birb Club,

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

In accordance with the precedent of former years there
will be no issue of Bird Notes in August, and wo post mortem
examinations will be made during that month, except in
special cases where a report by post is desired.

Mr. Cushny has kindly sent lo/- towards the Illustration
Fund, which, I may remind the Members, stands in need of
some help.

W. Gko. CrKvSWEI.L,

July 15th, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED.

Murray, Ivan D., Toddington Park, Dunstable, Beds.

Stroud, E. lyiONEr., F.R.C.V.S., 29, Spring Street,

Paddington, W.
Hall, Miss A. E., 2, Park Place Villas, Maida Vale, \V.

KeulEMANs, J. G., 3, Uphall Road, II ford, H:ssex.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBER.

MaThias, H. W., F.R.H.8., Doone Cottage, Thames Ditton.

By Dr. Creswkll.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the mouth.

Wanted — Hen Orange-cheek Waxbill, cock Avadavat, hen Dia-
mond Sparrow, cock Cordon bleu. Acclimatised.

Mrs. Warren Vernon, Toddington Park, Beds.

24

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTES."

Volume I. is out of print. The Publishers are occasionally

able to get second-hand copies.
Of Volume II. there remain only a few copies,

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

Volumes III. & IV. ivith hand-coloured plates

to Members and Associates - - JO/6

to others 15/-

„ ,, zuith plates uncoloured

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II., III. and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will be made by Dr.
CRKSWEiviy, Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames, are as follows:
(i) The birds must be sent immediately after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) 7he letter accompanying them must not be placed in

the box alofig zvith the birds.
(N.H. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail as far as possible ^W particulars

as to [a] date of death,

{b) length of illness,
{c) symptoms of illness,
{d) lodgment and feeding of birds, and
{e) especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Bird Notes," but ufider no circumstances
whatever will a report be sent by post unless a fee
of 2/6 accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Dr. Creswell to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

25

SEPTEMBER, 1906.

^be jForeiuii Birb Club.

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

Those iiieiiibers who liave recently sent birds for examin-
ation and do not find a report on the same in this issue must, I
am afraid, blame themselves for not reading the notices given
in this column last montli.

In order to help the Illustration fund it has been decided
to offer for sale a strictly limited number of the hand-coloured
plates which have appeared in the Magazine. They are uncut
and therefore suitable for framing or the portfolio ; I should
advise members to take early advantage of the offer, since they
will never again be likely to have a chance of obtaining plates
of this character. There are two sets, (6 in each), price 5/- the
set: particulars on application to the undersigned.

W. Geo. Crkswem,,
Sept. i^^h, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

ILLUvSTRATION FUND.
The Editor of Cage Birds .. . . ^210

NEW MEMBER EIvKCTED.
Mathias, H. W., F.R.H.S., Roedown House, Medstead, Hants.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS.

A. AiTCHESON, Burseldon, Garvis Road, Bournemouth.
Dr. Ci^ARKK, Oakfield, Warlingham, Surrey.

26

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including- address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the month.

Aviary-bred Budgerigars, two pairs and one odd cock, in lovely
plumage: also cock Magpie Mannikin : 5/- each, 10/- pair,
or exchange small foreigneis.

Lovely hand-reared tauie cock Bullies and Goldies,
feed from hand; will come out of cage, bathe and return.
Single cocks 10/-, pair of Bullies 15/-, Goldies 7/6.
Wanted, a hen Diamond Sparrow.

INIrs. Vkrnon, Toddington Park, Beds.
Cockateels: Two cocks and one hen, outdoor aviary bred, able
to fly, and healthy, 4/6 each.

Lady Hui^TON, Hidlon Paik, Bolton-le-Moors.
White-backed Piping Crow, privately imported five years ago.
Just over moult. Price 45/-. Dr. Creswkll.

THE FORTHCOMING SHOW SEASON

The Show Committee have granted the Club's medals to the
following Shows. Any further medals granted will be duly
announced.

Members are reminded that they must put '' F. B. C." after
each entr}'.

Great Harivood. Open Shozv. October 12th & \2>^h.
Classification for three classes for foreign birds, i Bronze
Medal. Judge, Mr. J. H. Payne. Schedules from Mr. J.
Sharpies, 85, James Street, Great Marwood, near Blackburn.

L. C. B. A. Open Show. Royal Horticultural Hall, West-
minster. October i()th & loth. Classification and Judges
under consideration. Schedules from Mr. J. Tyson, 169,
Sloane Street, London, vS.W.

Leeds. Open Show. October K^th & 20th. Classification
for three classes for foreign birds, i bronze medal. Judge
Mr. Bexon. Schedules from Mr. C. R. vStevenson, 19, Hartley
Grove, Woodhouse, Leeds.

27

L. & P. O. S. Open Show. Camberwell. October ^oth
a?id. 2)'^st. Classification for eight classes for foreign birds, i
silver and i bronze medal. Judge, Mr. \V. Swaysland. vSche-
dules from Mr. Lambert Brown, 64, Manor Park, I^ee, S.E.

S. ]\I. TowNSEND, Hon. Exhibitional Secretary.

3, vSwift Street, Fulham, S.W.

RRGUr.ATIONS AS TO CLUB MEDALS

MADE BY THE SHOW COMMITTEE OP THE COUNCII,.

All Medals shall be given for points, which are to be
counted as follows : — C. I, H. C. 2, and one number
higher for each higher award.

Extra Prizes shall count for Points, and all entries com-
pete, (except as provided in Rule 9).

vSubject to s})ecial resolution of the Committee to the con-
trary, when two Medals are given at the same vShow the
second shall be for next highest points to the winner of
the first.

Members exhibiting at vShows where Club Medals are given
must place the initials " F. B. C." after each entry in the
entry form, and request the vSecretary to insert the same
in the Show Catalogue.

No member shall win more than TWO medals in one season
— one silver and one bronze — or more than one medal at
tlie same Show.

No medal shall be given at any Show unless the Classi-
fication and the name of the Judge be first submitted to
and approved by the Committee. Preference shall be
given to vShows at which the Club's Classification is
adopted and one of the Club's Judges appointed.

No Medal shall be given at any vShow where less than THREE
Classes for Foreign Birds are provided, and no Silver
Medal where less than Six Classes. The vShow Com-
mittee reserve the right of waiving this number at their
discretion.

28

8. In the case of a tie the exhibitor taking most money in

prizes shall win, and if there still be a tie the exhibitor
with most entries shall win.

9. Medals shall be given at open shows only, and points in

members' classes shall not be connted.

10. No INIedal shall be awarded at any Show nnless at least

Three members compete.

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will be made by Dr.
CrEvSWEFX, Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames, areas follows:
(i) The birds mnst be sent iMMEDiATKr.v after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) I'he letter accompanying them must no'i' be placed in

the box alojig ivith the birds.
(N.B. Unless the above conditions are couipiied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter mnst detail as far as possible -aW particulars

as to ia) date of death,

{b) length of illness,
{c) symptoms of illness,
[d) lodgment and feeding of birds, and
{e) especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Bird Notes," but under no circumstances
whatever will a report be sent by post miless a fee
of i\(i accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Dr. Creswell to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

29

OCTOBER, 1906.

Zbe fovciQn Birb Club,

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

In this issue is presented the Balance Sheet for last year.
While the amount set forth does not quite represent the whole
expenses of the year, inasmuch as two of the plates were given
outright by two of our members, and the artist's fees for the
rest were also defrayed by private generosity, yet the Magazine
Committee may fairly be congratulated on what they produced
for the money.

This year the volume will contain six coloured plates,
which, together with the increased number of black and white
illustrations, will entail much heavier expense than last year.
It is therefore earnestly hoped that some of the members who
have not yet sent a donation to the Illustration Fund, will
kindly do so.

I have had a set of our plates framed and hung. The effect
is so charming and so universally admired, that I am fain to
urge members to avail themselves of our offer of sets while
there are some still left. Five double sets have already been
sold.

In April Mr. Fillmer kindly offered a three guinea book as
a prize in connection with introducing new members. Has
this been lost sight of.?

One more item, I get several letters each week asking for

advice or information, but very rarely does one contain a stamp

for reply. In the aggregate this means a heavy tax, which in

the future I hope my correspondents will kindly relieve me of,

dy enclosing a stamped and addressed envelope if they want an

answer.

W. Gko. Creswkm.,

Oct. i^th, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

3°

ILLUSTRATION FUND.

£ s. d.

Mr. Castle-Sloane (2nd donation).. o 10 o

Mr. Wesley Page .. .. .. i i o

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBER.

Conway-Gordon, Miss V., Longley House, Rocliester.

By Mr. Townsend.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including- address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the month.

Cockatiels, (cocks), full plumage, from outdoor aviary. Fine
birds, 8/- each. Miss Hincks, Barons Down. Dnlverton.

Cassell's " Canaries and Cage Birds," perfect condition, 20/-,
published at 35/-. Dr. Greene's " Favourite Foreign Birds,"
1/9. J. A. vSwan, 87, T.ower Kennington Lane. London, vS. P).

THE SHOW SEASON.

Medals have been granted to the following Shows in
addition to those already announced.

Manchester. Open Show. October 26th and i']th.
Classification for four classes for foreign birds, i Bronze
Medal. Judge, Mr. G. E. Weston. Schedules from Mr.
G. W. F. Lythgoe, 25, Stamford Street, Old Trafford,
Manchester.

Nottingham. Open Show. November I'jih and i<^th.
Classification for four classes for foreign birds, i Bronze
Medal. Judge, Mr. Chas. Houlton. Schedules from Mr. G. V,.
Wilkinson, 9, Wellington Square, Park Side, Nottingham.

S. M. Townsknd, Ho7i. Exhibitional Secretary.

3, Swift Street, Fulham, S.W.

31

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32
POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will be made by Dr.
CresweMv, Edeu Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames, are as follows:
(i) The birds must be sent immediately after death.

(2) They must be packed in a box.

(3) The letter accompanying them must not be placed in

the box along ivith the birds.
(N.B. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail as far as possible -aW particulars

as to (a) date of death,

{b) length of illness,
{c) symptoms of illness,
[d) lodgment an<i feeding of birds, and
{e) especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Bird Notes," but under no circumstances
whatever ivill a report be sent by post unless a fee
of 2I6 accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Dr. Creswell to make this an invariable
nde, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

BOUND VOLUMKvS 01< "BIRD NOTES."

Volume I. is out of print. The Publishers ate occasionally

able to get second-hand copies.
Of Volume II. there remain only a few copies,

to Members and Associates - - - 7/6

to others 10/6

Volumes III. & IV. 7uith hand-coloured plates

to Members and Associates - - jo/6

to others 15/-

„ ,, with plates uncoloured

to Members and Associates - - . 7/6

to others 10/6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II., Ill, and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

. 33

NOVEMBER, 1906.

TLbe foveujw IBivb dlub.

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.
0

NEW MEMBER ELECTED.
Conway- Gordon, Miss V., Ivongley House, Rochester.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERS.
HORSFORD, Mr. S. R., Princes Street, Cork.

By Dr. McMaTh.
Morrison, The Hon. Mrs. McLaren, 3, Redcliffe Square,

S.W.
Watts, Mr. Rudoe^ph: J., Wilmar, Wiggenhall Road, Watford.

By Mr. S. M. Townsend.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS ASSOCIATE.
Withers, Mr. Hy. B., 249, High vStreet, Watford, Herts.

By Mr. S. M. Townsend.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
Mrs. Good, 37, Glengarry Road, East Dulvvicii, S.E.
Dr. McDonagh, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.

W. Geo. CREswEr.L,
Nov. isth, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

34
THE SHOW SEASON.

Medals have been granted to the following Shows in
addition to those alread}' announced.

Preston. Open Show. November 22,rd and 2\th.
Classification for five classes for foreign birds, i Bronze Medal.
Judge, Mr. J. H. Roe. Schedules from Mr. J. W. C1.EMINSON,
58, Elnisley vStreet, Preston, Lanes.

Norzvich. Open Show. December \st and yd.
Classification for five classes for foreign birds, i vSilver Medal.
Judge, Mr. P. F. Hills. Schedules from Mr. R. Roll, Auratum
Cottage, 54, Cecil Road, Norwich.

S. M. TowNSEND, Hon. Exhibitional Secretary.

3, Swift Street, Fulhani, S.W.

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will ])e made l)y Dr.
CrkswkMv, Eden Lodge. Kingston-on-Thames, are as follows:
(t) The birds must be sent immediatklv after death.

(2) They must be ])acked in a box.

(3) The letter accompanying them must not be placed in

the box along with the birds.
(N.i?. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letier must detail as far as possible 'aW particulars

as to ia) date of death,

{b) length of illness,
[c) symptoms of illness,
{d) lodgment and feeding of birds, and
[e] especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

jniblished in " Hird Notes," but under no circumstances
luhatever ivill a report be sent by post unless a fee
of 2j6 accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Dr. Creswell to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

35

DECEMBER, 1906.

TLbc jforeicjii 3Birb Club-

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

Since the end of the yeaiv.^Feb.^8), autonmtically brings
abont the resignation of the Council and all the other officers,
it is necessary for uie this nionlh to call the attention of
members at large to the fact, in order that I may receive inti-
mations from those who may d«feire to stand for the vacant
offices, in time to issue voting papers in the January Magazine.
I may here say that Mr. Horton and myself have no intention
of standing again for our respective offices Of Hon. Treasurer
and Hon. Editorial Secretary. Will therefore any members
"niio may desire to fill any of the vacant positions kindly com-
municate with me noi later than Janitary ist, 1907.

I also regret to say that I shall be unable to continue the
post mortem examination of birds after Feb. 28 next. The
Council will- be glad if one of our Medical or Veterinary mem-
bers will kindly consent to undertake these for the future.

I liave great pleasure in mentioning that I have received
from various quarters a good deal of friendly appreciation of
the Magazine Committee's efforts to produce a series of illus-
trations sufficiently worthy of the Magazine under the adverse
circumstances of a very limited income. As a practical

appreciation of these efforts I have the further pleasure of

anuouucing the following donations lately received.

Mrs. Miller (2nd donation) .. ^,018 o

The Rev. R. R. P. Gorrin-e .. o 10 o

Ml. Castle-vSloaue (3rd donation). . 600

£1 8 o
The above contribution from I\Irs. Miller represents the
amount of her prize winnings at the late Horticultural Hall
Show.

W. GKO. CKKSWKl.Iy,

Dec. \^th, 1906. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

NKW MEMBERS ELECTED.

HosFORD, :\Ir. vS. R., Highfield Avenue, College Road, Cork.

r^IORRiSON, The Hon. Mrs. McLaren, 3, Redcliffe Square,

S.W.
Watts, Mr. Rudolph J., Wihnar, Wiggenhall Road, Watford,

Herts.

NEW ASSOCIATE ELECTED.
Withp:rS, Mr. Hy. B., 249, High Street, Watford, Herts.

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBER.
Barron, Mr. Frank, Col wick Hall Hotel, Nottingham.

By Mr. Townsend,

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS ASSOCIATE.

LvTHGOK, Mr. G. W. F., 25, Stamford Street, Old Trafford,
Manchester. By Mr. Tovvnsknd.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
Mr. W. H. Jeffs, 24, Avenue Road, Darlaston.

THE SHOW SEASON.

Medals have been granted to the following Show, in addition

to those already announced:
Cork. January loth & nth. Classification for six classes for
foreign birds. Two bronze medals. Judge, Mr. H. W.
Battye. vSchedules from Dr. McMath, 6, Camden Place,
Cork.
S. M. TowNSEND, //on. Exhibitional Secretary,

3, Swift Street, Fulham, S.W.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every fovir words, including address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reacli the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the month

For Sale— Two Norwich Crest cock Canaries, lo/- each. One
Crest hen 6'-. This year's hiirds, very healthy.

Miss Lock, 82, Southwold Mansion, Maida Vale.

BOUND VOLUMES OF "BIRD NOTES.

Volume I. is out of print. The Publishers are occasionally

able to get second-hand copies.
Of Volume IL there remain only a few copies,

to ^lembers and Associates - - - -7/6
to others ----.. jo/6

Volumes III. & IV. rvlth hafid-coloured plates

to Members and Associates - - 10-6

to others 15/.

„ ,, ivith plates uncolomed

to Members and Associates - - . 7/6

to others 10 6

Cases for binding Vols. I., II. , III. and IV. may be had,
price 1/2 each post free.

Application for Bound Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

38
POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will be made by Dr.
CrESWELIv, Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames, are as follows:
(i) The birds must be sent immediately after death.

(2) They musi be packed in a box.

(3) 7'hg letter accompanying them must not be placed in

the box along zvith the birds.
(N.B. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail as far as possible -aW particulars

as to (a) date of death,

{b) length of illness,
{c) symptoms of illness,
{d) lodgment and feeding of birds, and
(e) especially as to whether egg food or inga seed
has been given.

(5) Tlie work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Bird Notes," but under no circumstances
whatever zvill a report be sent by post unless a fee
of 2/6 accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work couipels Dr. Creswell to make this au invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

&

39

JANUARY, 1907.

^be jforeion Birb dlub.

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

To the many Members and Associates who have asked me
to reconsider my intention of relinquishing the Editorsliip of
tlie ^Magazine, I wish to tender my hearty thanks for the kind
sentiments tliey liave expressed, and to say that it is with
^ equal regret on my part that pressure of work in other direc-
tions will not allow me to accede to their wishes. The next
number therefore — the final one of Vol. V. — will be the last
issued from my study, and I take this opportunity of thanking
all who have collaborated with me, and especially the Magazine
Committee, for the kindness and support I have met with so
consistently in what has been on my part a real labour of love.
No arrangements have yet been made as to who will take
over the Editorship, but by the time these lines are in print a
meeting of the Council will have been held to decide on this

and other matters.

W. Gko. Crkswki.i^,

Jan. i']th, 1907. Hon. Editorial Secretary.

NEW MEMBER ELECTED.
Barron, Mr. Frank, Colwick Hall Hotel, Nouingham.

NEW ASvSOCI.ATE ELECTED.
LVTHGOE, Mr. G. W. F., 25, Stamford Street, Old Traffonl,
Manchester.

40

PROPOSED FOR ELECTION AS MEMBERS.
Stevenson, Mr. B., 69, Margravine Gardens, West Kensingtoti.

By Mr. Townsend.
SOMERS, Frank, M.R.C.V.S., 66, Francis St., Leeds.

By Dr. Creswell.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS.
Mr. J. North, 435, Oxford Road, Reading.
Mr. H. W. MaThias, Clan Conal, Lee on the Solent, Hants.

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including address. All
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the month __^___

Wanted.— Two copies of Vol. I. Bird Notes, bonnd preferred.
Mrs. Vernon, Toddington Park, Beds.

Throngh tlie very serions illness of Mr. Osbaldkston, of
Preston, the whole of liis very valnahle colleclion of books
and magazines on Foreign and British Birds are to 'oe sold
at once, I'\)r list an<l })articnlars apply:

Mr. J. Cronkshaw, 100, Anlen Terrace, Accrington.

THE SHOW SEASON.

Medals have been granted to the following vShows in
addition to those already annonnced:
Gateshead. One Bronze Medal.

L. & P. O. S., Open Show, Crystal Palace. l'"ebrnarv 15111 to
19th. Classification for nine clas.ses for foreign binls.
One Silver and two Bronze Medals. Jndges : Messrs.
H. T. T. Camps and Rnssell Hnniphrys. vSchedules from
Mr. H. Lambert Brown. 64, Manor Park, Lee, London, vS.E.
S. M. Townsend, Hon. Exhibitional Secretary,

3. Swift Street, Fnlham, S.W.

41

FEBRUARY, 1907.

Zbe jfoueion :i5irb U:iub

NOTICES TO MEMBERS.

The folloNviiig ladies and j^entlemeii have kindly consented
to fill the various executive ofiEices during the ensuing year:

Couficil: The Countess of Winchelsea, Mrs. E. Warren
Vernon, Miss Baker, Miss Collier, the Hon.W. B. Wrottesley,
G. Master, M.B., J. E. R. McDonagh, M.R C S., H. Gray,
M.R.C.y.S., and Messrs. Banifield, Camps, Chaplin, and
Murray.

Treasurer: Mrs. Miller, 27, Belgrave Road, vS W.
Editorial Secretary : Mr. Wesley T. Page,

6, Rylett Crescent, vShepherd's Hush, W.
Exhibitional Secretary : Mr. vS. M. Townsend,

3, vSvvift vStreet, Fulhani, S.W.
Mr. Gray lias also been good enough to place his al)le ser-
vices as Post mortem examiner at the disposal of our nieuibers
on the same conditions as have heretofore obtained in my own

case.

W. Gko. Crksweix,
Feb. 18th, 1907. //on. Editorial Secretary.

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED.
vStevEnSON, Mr. B., 69, Margravine Gardens, West Kensington.
SOMERS, Frank, M.R.C.V.S., 66, Francis Street, Leeds.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
Mr. BamFord, The Coppice, Werneth, 01<

THE BIRD MARKET.

The charge is one penny for every four words, including address. .Ml
advertisements must be pre-paid, and reach the Hon. Secretary by the
last day of the mouth

Wanted— a White or Pied Peahen or Japanese, also Purple-
capped Lorv.

Captain W. F. SmiThwick, Youghal House, Nenagh.

For Sale— three Sib Norwich hens, 1906 birds, 46 each.

Mrs, ASKHAM, Merivale, Cranes Park, Surbiton.

42

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.

The conditions upon which these will ))e made by Mr.
Hy. Gray, M.R.C.V.vS., 23, Upper Philliniore Place, Kensing-
ton, W., are as follows:

(r) The birds must be sent iMMEDiATEr^Y after death.

(2) They funst be packed in a box.

(3) Ihe letter accompanying them must not he placed in

the box along with the birds.
(N.H. Unless the above conditions are complied with the
package will be destroyed without examination).

(4) The letter must detail as far as possible aW particulars

as to (a) date of death,

(b) length of illness,

(c) symptoms of illness,

(d) lodgment and feeding of birds, and

(e) especially as to whether egg foo(i or inga seed

has been given.

(5) The work will be done gratuitously, and a report

published in " Rird Notes," but under no circumstances
whatever zvill a report be sent by post unless a fee
0/ 26 accompanies the letter and bird. Pressure of
work compels Mr. Gray to make this an invariable
rule, and it applies to all members whether they
are personally acquainted with him or not.

HOUND VOLUiMEvS OF "BIRD NOTEvS.

Volume T. is out of print. The Publishers are occasionally
able to get second-hand copies.

Of Volume 1 1, there remain only a few copies,
to Members and Associates
to others

Volumes III., IV. & V. ruith hand-coloured plates
to Members ami Associates
to othets

zvith plates imcolowed
to Members and Associates -
to others - . . .

Cases for binding Vols. I., II., TIL, IV. and V.
price 1/2 each post free.

Api)licatiou for Bouiul Volumes and cases must be made to
the Publishers.

The cases for Vol. V. will be ready shortly.

■

7/6
10/6

each

10/6

15/-

each

7/6
10/6

may be

had,

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALI. RIGHTS RESERVED. Price : (coloured plate) Is- Bd-

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. IMo. 1. MARCH, 1906.

CONTENTS.

The Senegal Parrot, (with Plate).

Miss C. L. Collier and W. Gko. Crkswkll.

Swainson's Lorikeet. . . . . . . . . Miss rosa little.

Reminiscences of Foieign Bird Keepi?ig. .. j. a. swan.

'J'he Winter Housing of Tanagers. . . . . Mrs. anningson.

The Blue-bearded Jay. .. .. - .. w. Bamford.

Editorial: Egg and Leprosy.

NoTKS on the Crystal Palace Show.

Rkview: ''Our School Out of Doors."''

Post Mortem Report.

Correspondence: Aviary Experiences: Birds in a Drawitig
Room : Gannets on th^ Bass Rock : SepticcPmia and
'Tuberculosis in Birds: An Epidemic among Wood
Pigeons : Some Notes on the Conures.

BRIGHTON :
Printed and Published by W, T. MOULTON & Co., 4, Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

AH subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HORTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverhampton.

All (lead birds for post ifwrieffi exnuiinations should
be sent to Dr. CRKSWKr^r^, Kden Lodge, Kingstou-on-
Thauies.

All MSS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new inenibers and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
•'The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Isle of Ely.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RiiSSKM^ Humphrys,
Southboro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should )>e sent to H. R. Fu,i,mer, 52, vShip vStreet,
Brighton.

**# Any letters about the treatment or identification
of birds should co7itain a penny statnp for reply.

All applications for vShow INIedals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to vShows, should be sent to S. M.
TOWNSHND, 3, vSwift vStreet, Fulham, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of " Biid
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. MouivTON & Co., 4, Church vStreet,
Brighton,

J. A. f^ESXAJLL,

(The Mkdaij.ist),

2, St, Martin's Place,

BROAD vSTREET,

BIRMINGHAM.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

IV[eLni;tf£i,otivti?ei?. ^

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate, &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Designs gv Samples submitted g/aiis. lllusttaied Catalogues /tee

HYDE'S BIRD FOOD SPECIALITIES

HYDE'S PATENT
IRON TONIC GRIT.

Incorporated with their Shell
Gravel for Cage Birds.
Sold ill Calico Baes.

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC SEEDS
FOR SONG BIRDS.

HYDE'S
PARROT FOOD
For macaws, PARRAKEETS,
AND ALT, SPECIES of PARROTS.

HYDE'S NATURAE
FOOD FOR BIRDS & FISHES.

Much relished by Larks, Thrushes, Black-
birds, vSlarlings. and every kind of Insec-
tivorous Birds. Sample Box, id.

Sold in Packets by all Sellers of liird vSeed,

and Wholesale of

R. HYDE & CO., Ltd.,

BIRD FOOD SPFCIALISTS,

Harold St, Camberwell London, S.E.

JUST PUBLISHED.

The HYGIEHE of

BIRD KEEPING.

BY

W. GEO. CRESWELIv, M.D., L.R.C.P., F.Z.S.

SECOND EDITION.

Price 1/-.

Publisher : R. G. CLEMENT,

32, London Road. Kingston-on-Thames.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTHR OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIKHCr FROM OUK

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutel}' the onh^ Dealer who alteiid.s Shipping
at London, Southampton, Pljnnonth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

References to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

AIX RIGHTS RESKRVHD. Price : (coloured plate, Is- 6d-

(plain plate) 6(|.

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 2. APRIL, 1906-

CONTENTS.

The Aviaries at Oat Hall (luith Plate) c. Castle-sloane, f.z.s.

Bird Life on the Ouse " Corvus."

Something about the Nightingale w. t. gkekne, ma., m.d., f.z.s.
A Lesson from the Poultry Yard .. .. h. r. Fillmer.

Birds in the Insect House at the Zoo..

J E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.z.s.

Editorial: An Epidemic among Woodpigeons : The Great
Crested Grebe in Surrey : Taxidermists' Pathology.

Rp:view: ''Birds of the British Islands:'

Post Mortem Reports.

Correspondence: Septica-mia and Tuberculosis in Birds:
Breeding Budgerigars under Difficulties: Affection in
Birds.

BRIGHTON:
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON & Co . 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. VV. HORTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverhatnpion.

All (lead biids for post mortevi examinations should
be sent to Dr. Crkswkm., Kden I.odge, Kingston-on-
Tlianies.

All MSvS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Books
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Kden Lodge, Kingston- on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Isle of Kly.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating l)irds should be sent to RusSKU. Humph KVS,
Southboro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. FiIvLMKR, 52, vShip vStreet,
Brighton.

^*^ Any letters about the tieatnietit or identi/icaiion
of birds should cofitain a pe^iny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show IVIedals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to vShows, should be sent to vS. M.
TovvNSKND, 3, vSwift vStreet, iMilham, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of " Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church vSireet,
Brighton.

J. A. RESXAI-l-,

(Thk IMkdam.ist),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD STRKKT,

BIRMINGHAM.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

IVE a. xi vt f£i. c ti i:t X* e K* «

Manufacturer of vSterling Silver Cups, Plate. &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

IVIedallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,

Swimming, &c.

Designs 6~ Samples sttbtniited gratis. Illusiiated Catalogues fiee

HYDE'S

Bird Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

For Song Birds.

PARROT
FOOD,

For IMacaws, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

jfyo^s Parrot

I"or all CaiJje Rirds,
Pigeons & P'owls.

'^" 0/ Parrots

I Ill 'I ^mrrr'

^HYDES

For

,CACEBIRK

PIGEONS M

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Egg Food for Canaries.

- _ p_, - ,— A spice for promoting Hens
V I 1 AZy laying in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

VIRUS.

Produces a disease fatal to ... .

whicli when infected come out into the open to die.

Easily administered to these pests, and readily taken by

them. PERFECTLY HARMLESS TO BIRDS and

other animals.

PRICE PKR lUBR.

The Rat Virus (kms auo Mice; 2/6
The Mouse Virus (^^^^^ ^^^"^^ <^^b') 1/6

9. Hart Street, Bloomsbury, London

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THK ACTUAT, IINIPORTKR OK

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIKKCT FKOM OUK

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Ab.soliitel>' the only Dealer who attends Shipping
at London, Southampton, PljMnouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

RefereiLces to every Aviateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

AJX RIGHTS RESKRVED. Price ^coloured plate) Is- Sd-

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. IMo. 3. MAY, 1906.

CONTENTS.

The Sepoy Finch (with Plate) .. . . c. Castlb-Sloanb, f.z.s.
Wanderings in the Zoo

J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

Reminiscences of Foreign Bird Keeping j. a. swan.

Dr. Russ on the rarer Firefinches . . e. hopkinson, d.s.o., m.b.
Editoriai.: Nightingales breeding in Captivity: Bacteriology

V. Rats and Mice: Pathology at the Zoo.
Post Mortem Reports.

BR IGHTON :
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON & Co., 4- Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HoKTON, Hill House, Coniptou, Wolverhatnpion.

All (lead biids for post mortem exauiinations should
be sent to Dr. CRKSWKr^L, Kden Lodge, Kingston-on-
Thames.

All IMSvS. for publication in " Rird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Paria-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Lsle of \i\\ .

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds slionld ))e sent to RusSKrj^ Humph ryS,
Southboro', Hickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seeil-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. I'^ii^lmkr. 52, vShip Street,
Brighton.

*** Any tetters about the treatment or identification
of birds shonld contain a penny stamp for repty.

All applications for Show Medals, and othei" corres-
pondence in relation to vShows, should be sent to vS. M.
TowNSKND, 3, vSwift vStreet, Fulham, S.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of •' Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Moui/roN & Co., 4, Church Street,
Bri^rhton.

J. A. RESXALL,

(Thk JMUDAr.rjsT),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD strp::et,

BIRMINGHAM.

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

INIannfacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate. &c.
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pige(

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
vSwimming, &c.

Designs cs^ Samples stibinitted gtatis. I llustt atr.d Catalo^tii-s )

HYDE'S

Bird Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

I'or vSoiig Hirds.

PARROT
FOOD,

For ^Macaws, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

BAGS fkFOOD

For all Cc\^e Hi ids,
Pigeons & Fowls.

'liill aorIH" Zd^i

'^" of Parrots

MJ /^ IJI

aCEBlRl>S|

HARTZ

M9UNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Ho'<i Food 'for Canaries.

- - I T* A "7 '"^ spice for pronK^Linj^ Hens
V I I AZj layin^^ in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
R. ME^yOE &, Co., r^tci.,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

VIRUS.

Produces a disease falal to ... .

RA^rs and iviice:,

which when infected come out into the open to die.
Easily administered to these pests, and readily taken by
them. PERFECTLY HARMLESS TO BIRDS and

other animals.

PRICK PKK lUBK.

The Rat Virus f^^^^^ ^^^o Mice, 2/6
The Mouse Virus ya-/^^^ ^'^^^^ >«/?; 1/6

9, Hart Street, Bloomsbury, London

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMP0RTP;R 01<

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIKKCT FROM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the ouly Dealer who atteuds Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseille.s.

References to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Price: (coloured plate) 1$. 6d-
(plain plat«) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB,

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.

Vol. V. No. 4..

JUNE, 1906.

CONTENTS.

Memory in a Spariow .. .. .. ..Dr. Clarke.

Dr. Russ on the rarer Firefinches {continued) . . Dr. hopkinson.

Birds in the San Francisco Fire Dr. d'Evelyn,

Wanderings in the Zoo {continued) .. . . Dr. mcDonagh.

Editori.\l: Science and Aviculture: Colour Change in the
Sepoy Finch : Colour Variation in the Firefinch : Grey
and Green Singing Finch Hybrids : Personal.

Review : " A Pocket-Book of British Birds"

Post Mortem Reports.

Correspondence : Penguins at Ballywalter Park {with two
plates) : Macaws : Birds in East AJrica.

BRIGHTON:
Printed and Published by W. T MOULTON & Co., 4- Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should ))e sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
Iv. W. HORTON, Hill House, Compton, Wolverhanipion.

All dead birds for post mortem exauiinations should
be sent to Dr. CRKSWEr.r., Kden Lodge, Kingston-on-
Thames.

All MSS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Books
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Pvden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Lsle of Kly.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivoious and
fruit-eating ])irds should l)e sent to RusSKlJ, HuiniphryS,
vSouth])oro', liicklex', Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. Fiij.MKR. 52, vShi]) Street,
Brighton.

^*^ Any letters aboiU the treatment or identificatioji
of birds should contam a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals, and otlier corres-
pondence in relation to Shows, should l)e sent to S. I\L
TOWNSHND, 3, vSwift vStreet, Fnlham, S.W.

All orders for bnck numbers or extra copies of •' Bird
Notes," and trade advertisemenis, should l)e sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church Stieet.
Brighton.

J. A. RESXALL,

(ThK IMliDAM.lST),

2, St Martin's Place,

HROAD STRHKT,

BIRMINGHAM.

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

£:iect]?o Platte

IVl£i<]:iULf£iiCtii:ii?ex*. ^

Manufacturer of Sterling vSilver Cups, Plate, &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal vSpecialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Desij^ns GJ- Samples submitted gratis. Illustiated CatuL'^tifs ftee

HYDE'S

BiED Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

I'or Soii.cr Birds.

SONG^

PARROT
FOOD,

I'^or ]\Iaca\vs, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

p^s Parrot

BACS fkTOOD

2r ^

P'or all Cage Birds,
Pi<^eons & Fowls.

>f Parrots

[HYDE'S

]i

^mt

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

CACEBIRK

PICEONS&c

.>._.. 1^ A spice for promoting Hens
VII A^, laying in cold or damp
wealliei".

WHOLESALE OF

K. h^vde: Si Co., i^td.,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

VIRUS.

Produces a disease fatal to ... .

RATS a.nd 3VIICE,

which when infected come out into the open to die.

Easily administered to these pests, and readily taken by

them. PERFECTLY HARMLESS TO BIRDS and

other animals.

PRICK PKR lUBK.

The Rat Virus f^^^^s also Micej 2/6
The Mouse Virus r^^^^^ Mice only) i/g

E NEST & BLIRBY,

9, Hart Street, Bloomsbury, London

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTER OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIkKCT FROIM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who atteud.s Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

References to every Amateur of 7iote.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALL RIGHTS RESKRVKD. ^ Price : (coloured plate) Is- Sd-

(plain plate) 6(|-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 5. JULY. 1906.

CONTENTS.

The Great Crowned Pigeon (with plate) . . Dr. Crhswell.

Intelligence in Birds Dr. Clarkk.

The Biids at Wargrave Dr. mcDonagh.

Swans on the Thames.

Editorial: " The Swan with Two Necks" and other Swans :
The Shortage of Nightingales : ''Is Egg- food needed .? " .•
In Memoriani.

Review : " The Birds of the British Islands.'"

Post Mortem Reports.

Correspondence : An Obliging Chaffinch : Bengalese Hy-
brids : A Nest of Blue Tits : An Escaped Chaffinch in
America.

BRIGHTON :
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON tt. Co., 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HORTON, Hill House, Coniptou, Wolverhatnpton.

All (lead birds for post inortefn exnuiinations should
be sent to Dr. CRKvSWFCr.T,, Kden I.odge, Kingston-on-
Tlianies.

All IMvSvS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and adverlisetnents for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Kden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Isle of 1C1\'.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivoions and
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RUSSKU. HuMPHRYS,
vSouthboro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. Fit.lmkr. 52, vShip vStreet,
Brighton.

#** Afiy lettos about the treatment or identijication
of birds should cofitain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to vShows, should be sent to vS. M.
TOWNSKNI), 3, vSwift vStreet, Kulham, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of ** Biid
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T, Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church vStieet,
Brighton.

J. A. F?ESXAI-1.

(ThK INlKDAr.MST),

2, St Martin's Place,

HROAD vSTREET,

BIRMINGHAM.

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

E:iect]?o Pla.tie

IVI £K.n. vif £i.c ti u ]?e I? .

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate, &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Desietts ^ Samples stibtnilted gratis. Illusttated Catalogues free

HYDE'S

BiKD Food SPECiArjTiES

I SONGm

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

For vSoiig Birds.

PARROT
FOOD,

l'"()i Macaws. Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
ami ail S5)rcics of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

«parrot

BAcs fk Food

For allCai^e Birds,
Pi<ieoiis & P'owLs.

fMpc/\Vis 00^
^ of Parrots

™ "■"■iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirmir

.HYDE'S.

PACE BIRR

PIGEONS Stc

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A vvouderful K«:<^ Food for Canaries.

--.—,-— A spice for promoting? Hens
VI I A^j laying in cold or damp

weather.

WHOLESALE OF
54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

VIRUS.

Produces a disease fatal to ... .

lEZATS £i,nd IVIICE:,

which when infected c'onie out into the open to die.

Easily administered to these pests, and readily taken by

them. PERFECTLY HARMLESS TO BIRDS and

other animals.

PRICK PKR lUBK.

The Rat Virus (^^ii^ «^^^ ^J^^ej 2/6
The Mouse Virus (^^^'^ ^^^'^^ oniyj 1/6

ERNEST & K:IRBY,

9. Hart Street, Bloomsbury, London

JOHN D. HAMLYN,

14 AT U:R A LI ST,

221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTER OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRKCT FROM OUK

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who attends Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

References to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

AIJ. RIGHTS RESKRVED. Price : (coloured plate) Ig. 6d-

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB,

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 6. SEPTEMBER, 1906.

CONTENTS.

The Waxwing {zvith plate) .. .. w. t. Greene, m.a., m.d.

About some of my Birds Mrs. Vernon.

Ornithology and Polilics " Edinburgensis."

Note on the Great Crested Grebe

J. E. R. McDoNAGH, M.R.C.S., F.Z.S.

Intelligence in a Firefinch ,. .. e:. hopkinson, d.s.o., m.b.

Dr. Russ on the Rarer Firefinches ,, ,,

The Jacarini Finch .. . . . . . . w. T. page, f.z.s.

Editorial: Mediceval Ornithology: '■'■ Is Egg-food needed f' :

The Great Crested Grebe : Avian Pathology : Our Coloured

Plate.
Review : " Our School Out-of Doors''' ind impression.
Post Mortem Reports.
Correspondence : Wanted — A Book on Bird Diseases : The

Difference in Birds' Characters : A small Parrakeei Aviary.

BRIGHTON:
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON & Co., 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HORTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverliampton.

All dead biids for post moj-teni examinations should
be sent to Dr. CrksvykIvTv, Kden T.odge, Kingston-on-
Thaines.

All I\ISS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Books
for review, pioposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddeuham, Isle of \\\\.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous ami
fruit-eating birds shouhl be sent to RusSKiviv Humph rys,
vSouthboro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to tlie treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. P^iTvI^mer, 52, vShip vStreet,
Brighton.

^** Any letters about the treatnietit or identification
of birds should contain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to Shows, should be sent to »S. M.
To\vnsp:nd, 3, vSwift vStreet, l-nlhani, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of " Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should l)e sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church vStreet,
Brighton.

J. A. RESXALL,

(Thr Mkdai.list),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD vSTREET,

BIRMINGHAM.

—o~

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

E:iect]?o Pl£i,tie

IVI £t, 1:1^ vi f £1 c ti i:t X* e 17 .

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cnps, Plate, &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeo

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Destgtts <5^' Sat)iples submitted gratis. llltistiatgd Catdlogufs ft

",

HYDE'S

BiED Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

For Song Birds.

t_ Fob*,-,,!

PARROT
FOOD,

I'^oi ]\I;ica\v.s, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

For allCa.i^e Birds,
Piireous & Fowls.

.HYDE'S

-TRADEjUmlLl

CACEBIRPS,

PIGEONS &cl

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Rgg Food for Canaries.

_ _ I •X' A "7 ^ spice for promoting Hens
VI I AZj laying in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
^. H^^OE &i Oo., Utcl.,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

VIRUS.

Produces a disease fatal to ... .

KATS £(,nd IVIICE,

which when infected come out into the open to die.

Easily administered to these pests, and readily taken by

them. PERFECTLY HARMLESS TO BIRDS and

other animals.

PRICK PICK 1UBK.

The Rat Virus f^^^is also Mke, 2/6
The Mouse Virus (^^^^^ ^^^'^^ <^^b') 1/6

ERNEST &L K:IRBY,

9. Hart Street, Bloomsburv, London

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THK ACTUAIv IMPORTHR OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIKKCT FROM OUK

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who attend.s Shipping
at Ivondon, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseille.s.

References to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

AIX RIGHTS RESERVED. Price : 'coloured plateMs- 6d-

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

thp: journal of
THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 7.

CONTENTS,

Remmiscences of Foreign Bird-keeping .. j. a. swan.

Wanderings in the Zoo (zuiih plates) ,

J. E. R. McDONAGH, M.R.C S., F.Z.S.

The Crimson-winged Finch . . . . wkslby t. pagk, f.z.s.

A Windozv Aviary and other Matters (with plates) ,

Mrs. E Wakkkn Vkrnon.

The Painted Bunting, or Noyipareil . .w. T. Gkekne, m.a., m.d.

Editorial: 'The Comparative Value of Food-stuffs : Taming
a Parrot.

Post Mortem Reports.

Correspondp:nce : A Sociable Swan : The Danysz Mouse
Virus.

BRIGHTON :
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON & Co., 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

AH subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
Iv. W. HORTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverhanipiou.

All dead biids for post nwrtein examinations should
be sent to Dr. Crkswki^t,, Kden Lodge, Kingsion-on-
Thanies.

All MSvS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Books
for review, proposals of new members an<l associates,
notices of change of address, and adverliseinenls for
'•The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Eden Tvodge. Kingston-on-Thames.

-All queries as to the treatment of Panols ami Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Einden House,
Haddenhani, Isle of lvl\'.

All queries as to the Lreatmenl of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RusSKr.r. HumphrvS,
Southboro', Hickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should l)e sent to H. R. lTrj/.\iKR. 52, vShip vStreeL,
Brighton.

^^^ Any letters about the treatment or identification
of birds should contain a peufiy stainp for reply.

All a})plications for Show Meiials, and other corres-
pondence in relation to Shows, should be sent to vS. M.
TowNSKND, 3, Swift vStreet, I'ulham, vS.W.

All ordeis for back numbers or extra copies of '' Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church SueeL,
Brighton.

(Thk ]\lKDAr,rjST),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD STREET,

BiRMINGHAIVI.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

IMI £ii n UL f £1. o ti vi 1? e s* .

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate, &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Designs 6t^ Samples stibmttted gratis. lllustiated Catalogues free

HYDE'S

Bird Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

For vSoiior Birds.

SONQ

PARROT
^S! FOOD,

For ]\Iaca\\s, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and ail species of Pairots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

For all Cm oe Birds,
^'llj Pigeons & I'"o\vls.

^" of Parrots

IHYDE'SI

CACEBlRKi

PIGEONS &c

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

V. _, . M A spice for ])roniotin«( Hens
I I /\a^, laying in cold or damp

WHOLESALE OF
54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

TO T.RT.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTHR OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRKCT FROM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the oiih^ Dealer who atlend.s Shipping
at London, Sonthanipton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseille.s.

References to every Aviateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Price : 'coloured plateMs- 6c|.

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 8. NOVEMBER, 1906.

CONTENTS.

The Gouldian Finch (with plate), .. wkslky t. pagk, f.z.s.

7 he Talpacoti Dove Miss m. e. baker.

Mr. Dart's Aviaries (ivith plate) . . Dr. hopkinson, d.s.o.

7^he Ruddy-shouldered Troupial . . . . wkslky t. pagr, f.z.s.
Editorial: An Epidemic among Budgerigars; Egg Food,

a Pro and a Con.
Notes on the Foreign Birds at the L. C B. A.
Review : The Crystal Age.
Post Mortem Reports.

Correspondence: The Feeding of Tanagers ; Avicultural
Recollections.

BRIGHTON:
Printed and Published by W. T. MOULTON & Co., 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All siil:)scripti<)iis should ])e sent to the Hon. Tieasnrer,
L. W. HoRTON, Hill House. Conipton, Wolverhatnuion.

All (le;i<l birds for post Diorlein examinaiions should
l)e sent lo Dr. Ckkswkij,, lideu I<od";t^, Kin"sloii-on-
I hanies.

All IMvSvS. for publication in " Rird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of chant^e of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
PMen Lodj^e, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the trentment of Parrots and Paria-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camp.s, Linden House,
Haddenham, Isle of \\\\ .

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RiJSSKr.r, HumphkyS,
Southboro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
l)irds should be .sent to H. R. l'"ir,r,MP:R, 52, vShi]) vStreet,
Brighton.

**^^ Any letters about the treatment or identification
of birds should cotitaifi a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to Show.s, should be sent to 8. INI.
TOWN.SKND, 3, vSwift vStreet, Fulham, S.W.

All orders for back nnml)ers or extra copies of " Hiid
Notes," and trade advertisements, should ))e sent to tiie
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church SiieeL,
Brighton.

J. A. RESXALL,

(ThK IVlKDAr.MST),

2, St Martin's Place,

HROAD STRKKT,

BIRMINGHAM.

—0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

E:iecst]?o Pl£i.tie

IVI £^111 ix fsLO t u:t i:*e 1? .

]Manufacturer of Sterlin

for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Desintis <5^' SatnpUs submitted gratis. I llusif afnd Catalo^iifs /ret

Silver Cups, Plate, &c.

HYDE'S

BiED Foot) Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

l"'or vSoiij)^ Birds.

PARROT
FOOD,

I'Or IMacaws, Cockatoos, Patrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

^HYDE'S™

PI 1^

piVCEBlRI>S

PIGEONS &cl

For all Casfe Birds,
Piji^eons & Fowls.

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Kgji: Food for Canaries.

_ - 1 T" A "7 ^ spice for proinotint^ Hens
VlTAiZj laying in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
R. M"^I>E Sc Co., I-td.,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

TO LRT.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTER OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRECT FROM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who attends Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

Refere7ices to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALIv RIGHTS RESERVED. Price : (coloured pl.te) 1,. 6d-

(plain plate) 6d-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 9. DECEMBER, 1906.

CONTENTS.

77!^ Diamond Dove (with plates) . . whslby t. Paoh, f.z s.

Bird- Life on an African River .. ..e. hopkinson, d.s.o.,m.b.
Editorial: An Interesting Hybrid; Is Egg-food Needful?
Review : " The Birds of the British Isles.''

" The Bird World Magazine:'
Post Mortem Reports.
Correspondence: The Edectus Pariot ; Chaffinches at the

Window ; How to Feed Blackcaps and Nonpareils.

BRIGHTON:
Printed and Published by W T MOULTON & Co . 4 Church Street.

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions sliotild be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HoRTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverlmmpton.

All dead birds for post mortem examinations should
])e sent to Dr. Creswki^i^, Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-
Tlianies.

All MSvS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
"The Bird Market," should be sent to the Editor,
Eden Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All qneries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenham, Isle of Ely,

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RuSvSKr,L Humphrys,
South])oro', Bickley, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. Fii.r.MER, 52, vShip vStreet,
Brighton.

^*^ Any tetters about the treatment or identijication
of birds should co?itain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for Show Medals, and other cories-
pondence in relation to vShows. should l)e sent to vS. INI.
TovvNSKND, 3, vSwift vStreet, Fnlham, 8.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of '' Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church vStreet,
Brighton.

J. A. RESXALi-,

(ThH; MtCDAI,T,lST),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD STREET,

BIRMINGHAIVI.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

Electro I*l3a.te

IManufacturer of vSterling vSilver Cup.?, Plate, &c,
fot presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
vSwimming, &c.

HYDE'S

Bird Food Specialities

W^mk

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEEDS,

I'or vSoiig Birds.

PARROT
FOOD,

I'^or Macaws, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and ail stiecies of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

uyd^s Parrot

3AC! fkPOOD

BAC!

For allCa,iie Birds,
Pijieoiis & P'owls,

0i^

^f Parrots

ild.ii II

CACEBIR!>S,

PIGEONS &c

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Es'j: Food for Canaries.

- _ I T" A "7 ^ spice for promoting Hens
VI 1 AZj la3-ing in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,

i^ArruRiLiL.iS'r,

221, St. George's Street East, London,

THE ACTUAL IMPORTER OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRECT FROM OUK

Indian, A^ustralian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who atlends Shipping
at London, Soutlianipt®n, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marweilles.

References to every Amateur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH.

ALL RIGHTS RE-SKRVED. Price : (coloured plateMs- 6d-

(plain plated 6d-

Bird

NOTES;

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 10. JANUARY, 1907-

CONTENTS.

The Bronze Cuckoo (with plate j .. . . j. g. keulkmans.

Strange Attachments oj Birds .. .. Dr. Gkkenk.

7he African Black Hornbill fzuith plate) c. Casilk-Sloane.

The Quail Finch . . . . . . . . k. suggitt.

Concerning Rooks — Wild and Tame .. Dr. ckeswkli..

Editorial: In Memoriam—Dr. W. T. Greene; Filariasis in

a Blackbird; The March of Science.
Post Mortem Reports.
Correspondence: Birds in a Garden; A Holocaust; Mrs.

Vernon's Bird Room.

BRIGHTON ;
Printed and Published by W. T MOULTON & Co , 4. Church Street

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

AH subscriptions should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HoRTON, Hill House, Conipton, Wolverhampton.

All (lead birds for post morletn exauiinations should
be sent to Dr. CRKvSWKiyiy, Kdeu Lodge, Kingston-on-
Thames.

All MSS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Books
for review, proposals of new members ami associates,
notices of change of address, and adveriisements for
"The Bird IMarket," should be sent to the Editor,
PMen Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Paria-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden House,
Haddenhani, Isle of l<;iy.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous aiul
fruit-eating birds should be sent to RnsSKr^r^ Humph rys,
vSouthboro', Bicklev, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. FiTvLMER. 52, Ship Street,
Brighton.

^*^ A?iy letters about the t)eatnient cr identification
of birds should co7itain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for .Show INIedals, and other corres-
pondence in relation to .Shows, should be sent to 8. IVL
ToWNSKND, 3, vSwifl vStreet, Kulham, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of " Bird
Notes," and trade advertisemenls, should l)e sent to tiie
Publishers, W. T, Mour/roN & Co., 4, Church .Street,
Brighton.

J. A. F?ESXAJLL,

(Thk MKDAr.rj.sT),

2, St Martin's Place,

BROAD STREET,

BIRMINGHAM.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

£]leotK*o Platte

IVK£i,]:i.«:if£i,ctii:ti?ei?.

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate. &c,
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,

Swimming, &c.

Dtsigtn &» Samples submitted gratis. IllusttafeJ Catalogues /tee

HYDE'S

Bird Food Specialities

#B1RDS

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC

SEED,

For vSoiig Birds.

PARROT
FOOD,

For INIacaws, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

For all Cao;e Birds,
Pigeons & Fowls.

,i. ^o" Hi m'ECi?
'^" of Parrots

.HYDE'S

CACEBlR?>a

PIGEONS i^c|

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Fgg Food for Canaries.

Vmf^ gkf^ A spice for promoting Hens
I lJf\^f laying in cold or damp

weather.

WHOLESALE OF
JH^^TjyE Sc Co., ]L.tdL,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E .

TO LET.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
22i, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMPORTER OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRECT FROM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who attends Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

References to every Ainatsur of note.

LIST ON APPLICATION

PUBLISHED ABOUT THE 15th OF EACH MONTH

AIX KKiHTS RESHRVKD Price : (ooloured plate) Ig. 6d-

(plain plate) Sd-

Bird

NOTES:

THE JOURNAL OF

THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB.

EDITED BY W. GEO. CRESWELL, M.D.
Vol. V. No. 11. FEBRUARY. 1907-

CONTENTS.

The Superb Tanager (with plate/ . . c. Castlh-sloane.

Concerning Rooks— Wild and lame .. ur. creswell.

The Grey Parrot id. Murray. i

The Concave-casqued Hornbill (with platei c. castlk-si.oane. i

'I he Crows of the Fen Country .. .. c h. c. pengklley.
Editorial : Foreign Birds in Winter. ^

Reviews: " The Birds of the British Islands:' Patt IV.;

" The Bird World MagazineT Nos. 2 & j-
Post Mortem Reports.
Correspondence : Nesting of the Violet-eared Waxbill ;

The Future of the Magazine. \

Title-Page and Indices. \

BRIGHTON :
Printed and Published by W. T MOULTON & Co . 4, Church Street

MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS.

All subscriptions should ))e sent to tlie Hon. Treasurer,
L. W. HORTON, Hill House, Compton, Wolverliatnpton,

All (lead birds for post mortem exaniinaiions should
be sent to Dr. Crkswell, Kden I,odge, Kingston-on-
Thames.

All IVISS. for publication in " Bird Notes," and Rooks
for review, proposals of new members and associates,
notices of change of address, and advertisements for
'•The Biid Market," should be sent to the Editor,
PMen Lodge, Kingston-on-Thames.

All queries as to the treatment of Parrots and Parra-
keets should be sent to H. T. T. Camps, Linden Hou.se,
Haddenham, Isle of l<:iv.

All queries as to the treatment of insectivorous and
fruit-eating birds shouhl be sent to RiiSSKlj^ HumphryS,
Southl)oro', Bickle}-, Kent.

All queries as to the treatment of small seed-eating
birds should be sent to H. R. FiIvLMER, 52, vShip Street,
Brighton.

**^,f Any letters about the treatment or identificatio7i
of birds should contain a penny stamp for reply.

All applications for vShow Medals, aiul other corres-
pondence in relation to Shows, should l)e sent to S. M.
TOWNSKND, 3, Swift vStreet, Fulham, vS.W.

All orders for back numbers or extra copies of "' Bird
Notes," and trade advertisements, should be sent to the
Publishers, W. T. Mour.TON & Co., 4, Church Street,
Brighton.

RESXALL,

(Thh; MKDAi.rjsT;,

2, St, Martin's Place,

BROAD STREET,

BIRMINGHAM.

— 0 —

Medallist,
Silversmith,

Jeweller

AND

£:iecti]?o Platte

Manufacturer of Sterling Silver Cups, Plate, &c.
for presentation and general purposes.

Medallist to the principal Specialist Clubs ; Dog, Pigeon,

Poultry, Golf, Photographic, Athletic, Football,
Swimming, &c.

Dtsietts 6f Samples submitted gratis. lllusttated Catalogues free

HYDE'S

BiKD Food Specialities

HYDE'S

AESTHETIC
SEED,

,S(.ii.s; liird!

SOMG^

PARROT
FOOD,

For IMacaws, Cockatoos, Parrakeets,
and all species of Parrots.

SHELL
GRAVEL,

For ajlCage Birds,
Pijieoiis & Fowls.

j.[Yoi:s Parrot

BAcs I'A Food

I f'"^ M KH^'

f Parrots

^4CH

^- =" ,-

tHYDES

[HA Id!

CACEBIR&SI

I PIGEONS 8ic!i

HARTZ

MOUNTAIN

BREAD,

A wonderful Kg<4' Food for Canaries.

mm I "v* A 17 -^ spice for promoting Hens
V I I A^y laying in cold or damp
weather.

WHOLESALE OF
R. MYOE &i Co., Lta.,

54, LILFORD ROAD, CAMBERWELL S.E.

TO LHT.

JOHN D. HAMLYN,
221, St. George's Street East, London.

THE ACTUAL IMP0RTP:R OF

RARE FOREIGN BIRDS & ANIMALS

DIRKCT FROM OUR

Indian, Australian, and African Empires.

Absolutely the only Dealer who attends Shipping
at London, Southampton, Plymouth, Antwerp,
Bordeaux, Havre, and Marseilles.

References to every Amateur of 7ioic.

LIST ON APPLICATION

&

100101795