I03 



aviary maiiageiiieiit ; how to attain success in breeding; and 

 any other })articulars which wonhl have been a help to them- 

 selves in the early stages of bird-keeping. 



There are, of course, text books to be had on all these 

 subjects, but a correspondence and discussion amongst our- 

 selves would be of great interest and educational value. 



If you approve of my suggestion I hope you will give 

 notice that space will be found in our magazine in future for 

 this object. Bird Lover. 



[We need scarcely say that we shall be pleased to insert letters 



carrying out our correspondent's suggestion. — Ed.] 



BULLFINCHES. 



Sir, — I am writing to say I have had just the same 

 experience as your correspondent, I\Ir. Cunningham, re 

 Bullfinches. 



One finch I had for three years : he was always in good 

 health until about two mouths before his death, when he 

 suddenly began to cough and gasp. I tried everything I could 

 think of, but nothing relieved him. The other was a young 

 bird, and he developed the same symptoms soon after I bought 

 him. 



I should very much like to know what was the cause of 

 tliis. I may add they were not kept in the same room. 



A. B. Craddock. 



vSiR, — If Mr. Cunningham will mix a little flowers of 

 sulphur with the seed for his Bullfinches, which are suffering 

 from gapes or asthma, it may give them relief. 



I feed my Bullfinches on canary seed with a little German 

 rape and a few sunflower seeds — also some teazle. I give, as 

 the}'^ come in season, the following wild seeds, — Grass seetls, 

 dandelion, sour dock, other dock, also mountain ash berries, 

 privet berries, hawthorn berries, brook alder berries, and ash 

 tree seed. These are the seeds and fruits which I have seen 

 Bullfinches feeding on in their wild state. 



Thos. H. Ride. 



ALBINOS ABOUT HATFIELD. 



Sir, — Thinking it may interest our members, I have 

 written a few notes concerning some albinos and rare-coloured 

 birds I have seen about here. To commence with, I mav 



