62 



interval are well known, the chief being that it results in 

 so many substituted entries, and consequent (apparent) 

 inaccuracy of the catalogue. What are the advantages ? 

 Surely it would be much better to fix the latest possible 

 date for closing entries, and stick to it. 



Mr. Osl)aldeston objects to the system of consecutive 

 numbering of entries alwaN-s adopted at the Palace. I 

 confess that I do not share his objection. The effect of 

 this system is that each cage has its own number, and 

 confusion and mistakes are less likely to occur than 

 when the same numbers are repeated in each class. 



HORATIO R. FILLMER, 



Hon. Sec. FOREIGN BiRD ClUB. 



MY SHAMAHS. 



If any bird lover wants a delightful pet let him keep 

 a Shaniah. 



T have at present three specimens, one hen and two 

 cocks, and as one of the latter has just won the Club's 

 Medal and the ist prize at the vSheffield Bird vShow, 

 perhaps a short account of my three birds may be of 

 some interest. 



To begin with their price. Shamahs seem to be im- 

 ported into England in the largest numbers about 

 March. Cocks may then be bought for 31/- or even less, 

 but this is about the usual price. Hens are far more 

 difficult to get, probably the natives of India consider 

 them much inferior to the cock birds both in plumage 

 and song, and so do not often catch them. By keeping 

 a look out in the sale lists of foreign birds, a hen maybe 

 picked up now and again for about the same price as a 

 cock, but it should l)e remembered that the prices of 

 foreign birds var\' very much according to the time of 

 year ; however, a little careful study will soon teach any- 

 one what is a fair price, and not an excessive one, for any 

 bird they may want. The cock Shamah is a com- 

 paratively small bird, l)ut his long slender tail makes him 



