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Con cspondcuce.



The Black-necked Swans, which nested too early in the

year, tailed to hatch, the eggs being doubtless chilled by the

excessively cold weather. These birds often go to nest in June

or July, when success is much more likely.


The Pheasants have commenced to lay, and it has been

extremely interesting to watch the wonderful and various

methods of display of the cocks of the different species. The

Horned Tragopan for instance walks round the hen with his

body flattened out so as to display as much as possible of his

wonderful plumage on the side nearest to her. Occasionally in

moments of great excitement he suddenly inflates the loose skin

of his throat forming an elongated bag of intense blue.


The male Peacock Pheasant again is a wonderful spectacle

when in full display, but as I understand Mr. Pocock is about to

give us a paper on the display of this species I will not attempt

to describe it here.


I hope we may be successful this year in breeding the

Hammer-head (Scopus umbietta). The pair that bred last year

have been bus}' all through the winter finishing off a nest com¬

menced last autumn.


Nesting platforms have been fitted up in the Eastern Aviary

for Curassows and the pair of Cariamas, and I hope we may be

successful with some of these interesting birds.


In the Crescent Aviary Redrumps, Cockatiels and Bngeri-

gars are nesting.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


AVICULTURE AND BIRD PROTECTION.


Sir,— With regard to Aviculture and the Protection of Birds, I cannot

see why the two should clash. I belong both to the “ Avicultural Society,”

and the “ Wild Birds’ Protection Society,” and it has always seemed to me

that the two could with advantage work together. The Aviculturist should

be as keen about the Protection of Birds, as the Wild Birds’ Protectionist.


Exaggeration and going to extremes usually defeat the object in view,

and prevent useful work from being done.


Aviculture is a beautiful, interesting and useful branch of learning,

.giving pleasure and knowledge to very many, and enabling the bird to

become acquainted with and have confidence in his human friend. Very



