268 



It appears that Quiscalus crassirostris is also known as " Barbadoes Blackbird." Its 

 whole plumage is glossy black with steely reflections; length i2^in., wing expanse i8jin., 

 tail 5jin, In its general habits it resembles the Tick Bird, its food consisting chiefly of the 

 parasites which infest cattle. I cannot, however, attempt to give any opinion on the 

 question of identification as I was not able to examine Mr. tiler's specimen closely. 



* * * * W. E. T. 



Mr. De Von has lately received three beautiful cock Pine Grosbeaks — the first I have 

 seen for a long time past. Apart from its symmetry and the harmony of its plumage, this 

 species is remarkable for that wonderfully tame confiding disposition which is shared by 

 several other migrants which come to us in winter from the great lone North-land, as for 

 instance the Meally Redpoll and the Crossbill. W. E- T. 



From Continental sources several interesting and uncommon birds have found their 

 way to Mr. Millsum's birdroom, viz.: — 



Red-throated Laughing Thrush (Gatmlux ruficollis). All the Laughing' Thrushes are 

 birds full of character, and very desirable for those who have space to accommodate them ; 

 nevertheless they do well in any cage not less than 3 by 2 by 2 feet. Their hues are some- 

 what sober, but nevertheless are beautifully harmonised, so that they are not merely 

 striking but really handsome birds. 



Orange-headed Ground Thrush {Geocichla citrina). This is a truly grand species 

 for a good sized aviary or cage. Handsome as to plumage and a grand songster. There is 

 a good specimen in the Western Aviary at the London Zoo, and again and again I have 

 listened with delight to its sustained and varied song It is a bird of the Himalayas. 

 Description: Adult male : Head, neck and almost entire under surface golden-orange- 

 brown ; chin and throat whitish ; upper surface plumbeous or bluish-grey. Total length- 

 8J- inches of which the tail measures 3 inches. 



Paradise Drongo {Disscmunis paradtseiis). These are truly regal birds, but must have 

 ample space and not be mixed with any species weaker than themselves. Their glossy 

 black plumage, handsome and large recurved frontal crest, long tail, the outer feathers of 

 which are extended as bare shafts with an inch or more of their tips webbed on inner-side 

 only. Its iridescent plumage is very brilliant when seen in a good light, with the varied 

 steely and bronzy reflections. Our member is certainly to be congratulated 011 such, 

 acquisitions. W. T. P. 



post flDortem IReports. 



{Vide Rules). 



For replies by post, a fee of 2/6 must be sent ; this regulation will not be broken under 



anv conditions. 



Cock Parrot Finch. (Dr. J. Eastern Scott). Cause of death, jaundice 

 and pneumonia. 



Male Green BILLED Toucan. (F. C. Thorpe). Cause of death, the septic 

 fever of Drs. Clarke and Creswell. The liver was enlarged and con- 

 tained innumerable small yellowish nodular-looking spots. The spleen 

 was enlarged and rounded and crammed with minute whitish points ; 

 kidneys enlarged, lungs acutely congested. 



Three young Rufous-Tail Finches. (H. W. Mathias). The cause of 

 death ill every instance was acute hemorrhagic enteritis and jaundice. 



COCK Bullfinch. (Henry Robbins), Cause of death acute enteritis. There 

 was extensive blood extravasation into the thickness of the cranial 

 bones. 



Answered by post ': H. W. Mathias. Henry Gray, M.R.C.V.S. 



{Continued in Inset). 



