192



Correspondence.



most lieai tily endorse all Mr. Silver’s methods for they are identical

with those we employ and we can thus vouch for their success.

Apart from illustrations showing the different kinds of cages,

aviaries and appliances the book is further illustrated by some

coloured plates, which, however, are not up to the standard of

the text.


Forthcoming Publications. Mr. Bently Beetliam, whose book on the

“Home Life of the Spoonbill ” we had the pleasure of reviewing a few

months ago, has in the press a further illustrated volume entitled

“ Photography for Bird Lovers.” As photographers will shortly be prepar¬

ing for the coming season this book, which is to be a practical guide to the

pursuit of bird photography, comes at an opportune moment and should

prove of great service especially to the less experienced hands. The book

will be published by Messrs. Witherby & Co.



A new book on the management of “ Ornamental Waterfowl in

Captivity,” by Messrs. McLean and Wormald, with “Notes on the Diving

and Sea Ducks,” by Mr. W. H. St. Quintin, and illustrated by Mr. Wormald

will also be published shortly.


Books 1 eceived. “ British Birds in their haunts,” by the Rev. C. A.

Johns; “List of Animals at the Giza Zoological Gardens,” by Capt. S. S.

Flower; “Mules and Hybrids of Birds,” by Rosslyn Mannering; The

“Emu,” October and December 1910, January 1911.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


THE LAW RELATING TO CAGE BIRDS.


Sir,—I n consequence'of a recent judicial interpretation of the Acts

relating to wild birds in the County of London, the possesion, purchase and

sale of such creatures is in danger of prohibition in the said County.


This Bye-Law was intended to protect birds inhabiting the County

of Loudon, not to prevent citizens possessing or selling lawfully caught

birds obtained in other districts. Such a state of affairs imposed upon

the community would practically annihilate the several branches of avicul¬

ture largely practised to-day, and the consequent benefits and pleasure

derived therefrom.


On account of this interpretation of the law, the National British

Bird and Hybrid Club (a Society that has done much to instruct, encourage

and perfect bird-fanciers in the art of bird-keeping, showing, etc.) has

formulated and set in circulation a petition to the Home Secretary in order

that a proper understanding may be arrived at. Bird-keeping is a pastime

that is enjoyed by all sections of the public, and the lot of domesticated

birds has vastly improved. Just as members of this Society derive enter¬

tainment and knowledge from the keeping and breeding of exotic species,

so do those less fortunate enjoy the pleasure of keeping, as hybridizing

agents, exhibition specimens, pets or song birds, the various common



