62 Stray Notes


A New Waders' Aviary. — The Waders' Aviary at the Zoological

Gardens came in the way of certain alterations that were necessary,

and it was decided that it should be taken down and re-erected on

another site between the Lion House and the Cattle-sheds. This work

has now been completed, and in many ways the new aviary is better

than the old. The aspect is better, the inmates getting the benefit

of more sun than formerly. In the old position the birds had to be

viewed against the light, the front of the aviary facing north, whereas

now the north end is planted up with ornamental shrubs and an

excellent view is obtained from the other three sides.


D. S.-S.



CORRESPONDENCE


LONGEVITY IN CAGE BIRDS


Sirs, — As a general rule, when one has valuable birds which one

is most anxious to keep for many years they frequently die promptly ;

but when one has birds of little intrinsic value they continue in

boisterous health for an unconscionable time and therefore cost one at

least a hundred times their value in food.


As I mentioned some time ago I still have three finches remaining

from my former living collection of birds — a hen Napoleon Weaver

bought in 1900, a cock Chingolo Song-sparrow bred by Mr. Tesche-

maker in 1907, and a cock hybrid between Cherry-finch and Masked

Grass-finch bred by Mr. Sich in 1908.


All these birds are in perfect health and condition, and have never

had a day's illness, their chief interest consists in their longevity.


I always regarded the Weavers as hardy and long-lived birds, but


twenty-one years in captivity and still going strong seems remarkable


for so small a bird as a Napoleon Weaver.


A. G. Butler.

llth April, 1921.



