70



Monsieur Jean Delacour,



The Emeus laid about twenty eggs at the beginning of the

year, but the male would not incubate them.


Two young white Rheas hatched in 1915 at Draveil, near

Paris, and sent by M. Hermenier to replace the one killed by the

Germans, are now adult and in magnificent condition, and are, I

believe, male and female.


The grey Rheas have had young, but only one was reared, the

others having died owing to ruptures at their birth. One of the

adult females was killed against a tree during a sudden alarm,

which birds of this genus are very prone to, especially Rheas, at the

sight of anything strange, such as an unknown dog, a motor-car,

etc. These stupid birds begin rushing about, and continue to do so

even after the object of their alarm is out of sight, knocking them¬

selves against the wire meshing, with their feathers torn out and

covered with blood, and remaining several days without eating.


These alarms are contagious, and when the Rheas begin to

rush about, the Emeus and Ostriches follow suit.


The Waders, etc., thrive.


The Sarus Cranes are separated from the other species, but

the European, Stanley, Demoiselle, and Crowned Cranes live

together amicably; and have done so for five years. The Egrets,

egretta and candidissima, have their enclosure, but have evinced no

inclination to nest. Although they never have fish to eat, they are

in perfect condition. The smaller waders, such as Ibis, Gallinules,

Ruffs and Reeves, Turnstones, Plovers, etc., keep in good health,

but the Avocets died after being three years in captivity.


There is nothing of interest to note with regard to the

waterfowl, very little reproduction and few deaths. Some are

full-winged, and only fly to escape from any danger. The Bernicle

and Maned Geese have not laid, nor yet the Ringed Teal. There is

a little company of Falcated Duck on the water, which give a fine

effect.


The gallinaceous birds are numerous ; the most interesting

amongst those that have bred being the Monauls, Soemmering’s’,

and Mikado x Elliot’s Pheasants.


A male Elliot’s Pheasant mated with a Reeves; but, unfortu¬

nately, the one young bird died when a month old.



