of the top, aiul .su})ported on wires driven through the wooden 

 side. For transport the wire top is let down to the bottom of 

 the case, thus reducing the size of the package by half. 

 Whatever wire is used, it must be galvanized, as it will other- 

 wise rust in no time; and a narrow guage, "mouse-proof" is 

 also essential, both to increase the strength and keep out 

 snakes, centipedes etc. For water, the best thing is an 

 enamelled iron mug fastened to the wire near the top, which 

 can be filled without opening the doors — as the birds so easily 

 escape, and if a black boy has charge of them he must never 

 ])e allowed to oj^en the door, or most of them will very soon 

 vanish. 



I have had two cages made on the above plan for my next 

 visit to the coast (each 3ft. long. ift. 6ins. wide, and loins. high) 

 to fit into cases half an inch wider each way, so that they form 

 cages 2oius. high and hold about 200 birds apiece easily — that 

 is, for a short time. 



As regards getting cages knocked up out there, I should 

 think it would be difficult, that is, for any large number of 

 birds: for one or two, the native-made cane cages would do, 

 but when it comes to larger cages one gets things like coffins 

 made — as I know to my cost, having had to cross London with 

 three, on three different cabs, with my 800 Gambian birds. 



Another essential is a coffee mill to grind the koos (a sort 

 of millet) on which one feeds the birds out there. 



K. HOPKINSON. 



THK BLUE-WINGICD LOVICBIRD. 



The following letter was written in reply to a member who 

 inquired "whether she should be wise in buying a jjair of Blue- 

 winge<i Lovebirds at 5/- per pair, and whether the}' are nice 

 birds to have" : — 



The so-called "Blue -winged Lovebird" or Passerine 

 Parrotlet, is a vSouth American species quite distinct from the 

 true Ivovebirds. If yon can obtain healthy specimens at the 

 ])rice named, they are cheap— though the species is largely- 

 imported at times. It is a ver\' beautiful and desirable bird, 

 but better adapted to the aviar\- than the cage, for the blue of 

 the wings is only to ])e seen during flight, and it is generally 

 timid and difficult to tame. Nevertheless, it was bred by the 

 well known aviculturist IMr. O. IC. Cresswell in a small bell- 

 shaped cage, though his success was of course, in the main, a 

 mere accident, which is not likely to be soon repeated. 

 Canary-seed should be its principal food, with some spray or 

 "Indian" millet, and occasional hemp-seeds. Green food is 

 much appreciated. 



