Blue Birds of Paradise in New York 59


BLUE BIRDS OF PARADISE IN NEW YORK


Mr. L. S. Crandall, Curator of Birds in the New York Zoological

Park, writes : " Our Blue Birds of Paradise are just finishing a good

moult, and seem to be in very good shape. They are most splendid

birds, and I do hope we shall have good luck with them." British

aviculturists will wish New York every success with these wonderful

birds.



BIRD PROTECTION IN QUEENSLAND


About 18,000 Parrots and Finches of species frequenting the northern

parts of Australia were recently taken into Brisbane Harbour on board

a steamer bound for Sydney. Much concern was manifested by the

owners of the birds, when shortly after the steamer berthed, honorary

officers of the Queensland Agricultural Department and the bird

protection societies attended with a police sergeant, and the latter

announced his intention of releasing the birds, trade in which is

forbidden under the Queensland law. Permits from Northern Territory

officials were produced by the bird-catchers, whereupon the matter

threatened to develop into a clash between Federal and State

authorities. However, the police arrived at the conclusion that their

powers did not extend to the birds on the boat, and they did no more

than place a guard to ensure that none of the Finches disembarked

locally. Such of the birds as were intended for Brisbane were not

landed. The whole avine cargo went on to Sydney, where the birds

sold readily at prices ranging from 20s. to 50s. a dozen.


[By the courtesy of the London Correspondent of the North Qua ns-

land Register.]



STRAY NOTES


With the advent, of Bpring, aviculturists will he busily preparing

their aviaries for the n< < Le1 us hope the season will he


a better one than the last, which was generally regarded as one of the



