21 



results in excluding, amongst others, the common 

 Bramble-finch. The 177 species dealt with are 

 arranged alphabetically, about two pages being 

 devoted to each. There are numerous illustrations, 

 some from drawings and some from photographs — 

 the latter much better than the former. 



It seems to be an admirable book of its kind, but 

 of no special interest to the aviculturist. 



The Author is strong, and rightly so, on the 

 benefits conferred by birds upon the agriculturist — 

 but we are a little amused by his remark, after 

 enumerating the various wild seeds consumed by 

 Goldfinches, that " this is no mere haphazard list, but 

 one published by the Board of Agriculture." We 

 are afraid the Board of Agriculture can hardly be 

 considered an authority on matters ornithological, 

 certainly not if the hopelessly out-of-date pamphlet 

 on Liver Disease in Poultry which they still circulate 

 is to be taken as representative of their scientific 

 knowledge. 



Short Botes, ant) Xctters to the lEMtor. 



• THE PURPLE-CAPPED LORY. 



Sir, — I sent you a contribution a little time ago in the 

 form of a description of my Purple-capped Lory — the most 

 beautiful and companionable bird I ever possesse<l, and I have 

 owned many. I often took him into my bed on a cold morning 

 to his great delight, when he would cuddle up to me for 

 warmth. I began this practice with him on board ship when 

 bringing him home from Ceylon last year. 



I am sorry to say that I now have to mourn his death. 

 Alas I I found him dead, hanging from his perch by one toe, 

 about Christmas. He appeared in perfect health the night 

 before, when taking tea with me, which he loved and enjoyed. 



I am now anxious to know if Purple-caps are liable to die 

 in this manner, as I am aware that some birds live but a short 



