36



Dr. A. Gunther,



Nutcracker (Nticifraga caryocaiactcs).


My two birds were obtained from a dealer, and of uncertain

age. I bad them some months when both showed symptoms of

gapes, but they survived nearly to the end of the second year.

I knew that their aviary had been infested by some young

Pheasants which had died from gapes, but as the place had been

thoroughly cleaned out, disinfected and replanted, and, besides,

had been inhabited for three or four successive seasons by Wag¬

tails, Nightingales and Bluethroats, none ol which showed any

signs of disease, I considered the aviary to be in a safe and sanitary

condition. The Nutcrackers were succeeded in the occupation

of the same aviary by Quails, Japanese Tits and Shrikes, all of

which escaped infection. Of course it is possible that the Nut¬

crackers were infested already when I bought them, although I

did not observe any suspicious symptoms. The question then

arises, whether only certain species of birds are liable to be

attacked by the worm ( Sclerostovia syngavius ), while others enjoy

imm unity.


Black-necked Grackle (Gracupica nigricollis).


This is an inhabitant of Burma, and some parts of

Southern China. It is very rarely brought to the Loudon

market; I see that the Zoological Society has had only three

specimens. Mine was bought by the late Lord Lilford about

1895, and given to me by Lady Lilford shortly after her husband’s

death (1896). It certainly was not less than three years old when

bought of a dealer, perhaps several years older, possessing ils

full plumage, strong beak and feet, and having all those character¬

istics, specific or individual, which make it such a highly valued

domestic pet, fully developed. He (it is a male bird) has, there¬

fore, reached the respectable age of about iS years, enjoying good

health, but for a crippled foot caused by an attack of gout some

four years ago; a calamity which has not disturbed his equa¬

nimity or temper even for a single day.


This species is quite equal in intelligence to the Mynahs,

with which it has much in common, but seems to be inferior

to them as a linguist; my bird never learned a word, although

he has many distinct varieties of expression. But he surpasses

the Mynahs in amiability, evincing great affection for some



