42 Correspondence.



PROHIBITION OF IMPORTATION OF BIRDS.


We fear this regulation will be hard upon dealers in foreign

birds, and also that our British wild birds may suffer, since they

will probably be in greater demand, and to decimate their ranks

would be undesirable.


A fine consignment of African birds has just squeezed through

as the door was being shut, and is in charge of Mr. T. J. Hose, 8,

Park Place, Clapham Park Road, S.W.


Amongst them are Red-collared, Shaft-tailed, and Pin-tailed

Whydahs, various Waxbills, such as Ruddy, Dufresne’s, Blue¬

breasted, etc., all in fine condition.


The Red-collared Whydah is an extremely handsome bird.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



A BEETLE (?) FOE BREEDING AS FOOD.


Dear Sir,—A friend has given me some insects to be bred as a food for

insectivorous birds ; they are Garausius morosus. I am told that these insects are

now given to the birds at the Zoological Gardens. Can you tell me if they are

good for them, and if they would be suitable for my Paradise birds, Motmot,

Toucans, Thrushes, etc. The insects eat ivy leaves.


Yours, etc.,


Jean Delacour (France).


[I wrote to Mr. Seth-Smith, Curator of Birds at the London Zoological

Gardens, who replied that he does not know this insect. Can any member

enlighten us ? Is it a beetle ?— Ed.]


NESTING OF GLOSSY IBIS.


Dear Sir, —My pair of Glossy Ibis have again this last season caused me

much disappointment in the way of failure of nesting operations.


Each summer for a good many years past they have spent a great deal of

time nest-building on a platform a few feet square provided for the purpose. I

give them rushes and birch twigs on the platform, and also a stock on the ground.

Both birds seem to take the greatest interest and pleasure in moving the nesting

material into various positions, and usually make a good large heap at one corner

of the platform. The pleasure of the birds in nesting is very evident and their

actions are accompanied by much croaking, the cock constantly throwing back his

head and spreading his wings with loud cries.



