Editorial. 289 



to kill the grubs, but just warm enough to cause the emergence 

 of the perfect insects. An exciting race ensued, which was 

 won by the wasps." Standard, September 16, 1911. 



Palm Tanager : Lady Pennant has a young bird of 

 this species on the wing, and all but independent of its 

 parents. We trust full success will be attained. This species 

 has not previously been bred in captivity, and we congratu- 

 late Lady Pennant on her success, which has only been achieved 

 at the third attempt. Later: The young bird died ])efore it 

 was able to fend for itself. 



Eats and Mice in Aviary: Capt. J. S. Reeve states 

 that his experience is, that the only way to exclude these 

 pests is to have concrete foundations to aviary, extending 

 eighteen inches below ground level, and to cover the (light 

 with three eighths inch mesh netting. He considers this 

 the only effective way and well worth the additional cost in 

 the end. He has no mice m his aviaries. 



Geeenfood, Budgerigaks, Chinese Quail, Etc. : From 

 letters dated September 15th and 20th received from Mr. 

 J. Ford, of Leicester, we make the following interesting 

 extracts : 



A Caution ke the Use of Lettuce: " I have had a most 

 unexpected disaster, which was caused by my own foolish neglect — 

 I have long- been aware that at certain stages the centre stem 

 of lettuce is heavily charged with laudanum, and have always 

 advised its removal and practised this myself, but this year, owing 

 to lettuce being scarce I neglected this precaution, or rather took 

 t:!e risK. Tne result was the loss of four or more broods of 

 four to six each within a few days of their being ready to leave 

 the nest. Only the young birds were affected, the adults were 

 unharmed. I at once ceased to supply the centre stem and the 

 losses have ceased and results again normal." 



We have been in the habit of supplying quite large 

 lettuce, and have had the centre stems cleaned out by the 

 birds, so that only a thin hollow tapering tube remained and 

 there were no losses traceable to this cause either with Finches 

 or Parrakeets, but with Budgerigars, at any rate it will be 

 well for members to note the above warning. Note: Mr. 

 Ford's remarks only refer to the centre stem as he is still using 

 the leaf portion with excellent results. 



BuDGEEiGAEs: "My results have been excellent, apart from 

 the above mishaps with the second round. The first round of 



