277 



or young cocks ; the cock takes two j'ears at least to 

 get really full plumage (in captivity at any rate) of 

 which more another day. 



Leaving Tiretta well satisfied, I drove in search of 

 Ruttledge's unworthy successor Scott, I say unworthy 

 as, though he has done me well, yet he has practically 

 given up birds now and small blame to him under the 

 circumstances. After a beastly drive, the road was 

 *' up " in most places and the ghariwalla was not too 

 sure of the way and I could not help him much as I 

 had previously always come from the Alipore or Duni 

 Duni side, arrived and was met at the entrance by a 

 European, presumably Mr. Scott. Here my mean white 

 game failed absolutely as, after a fruitless look round 

 on enquiring after my sort of bird I was met with 

 " Oh, I suppose you're the gentleman who has written 

 me so many letters for this kind of bird." I owned 

 up as gracefully as I could, rather wishing that I had 

 cleaned up a bit, which was intensified on being told 

 that Mr. D. Ezra might be able to help me, but, that if 

 I wanted to catch him at home I had better go at 

 once. I had intended to call on Mr. Ezra in any case, 

 being fellow members of the Avicultural Society, but 

 not till later. The advice was good and I came away 

 glad I had gone there, although I got no birds. There 

 were some Parrots, English Finches and Insect 

 Eaters, i)ut nothing in my line. I found Mr. Ezra at 

 Chota Haziri in the usual kit worn at that time and 

 received a cordial welcome, which made me almost 

 forget my unshavedness. I more than regret my not 

 having made better use of my time with him, but my 

 attention was rivetted on a large cage of small birds, 

 and his treasures were rather wasted on me ; they 



