96



Correspondence.



CORRESPONDENCE.



BREEDING OF FALCATED DUCK AT KEW GARDENS (Eunelta falcata)-


Dtcar Mr. Astley,— You will be interested to hear that we have bred Fal¬

cated Duck this year. We have two tine drakes and one duck, possibly two. We

thought they were Gadwall at first, and our surprise was considerable when the

male suddenly assumed his characteristic plumage.


We have two birds (a pair) in our pens, the others are with the parents on the

lake, and that is why I cannot be certain about the female birds.


Yours sincerely, Arthur W. Hill.


P.S.—I bought two pairs a few years ago and had them on the pond by the

Museum. Both pairs made their way to the lake and one pair flew away about one

and a half years ago, not being properly pinioned. If this is worth noting in the

Magazine, pray make use of it.



RHEUMATISM IN PARROT’S LEG.


Dear Mr. Astley,— I note that you are asking for suggestions for treatment

of your Parrot, which has spasmodic rigidity of the legs. To me this appears to be

due to rheumatism, and this is very likely if you have had the bird for a long time.

The condition seems analogous to the cramps in the calves of the legs, as shown in

the human subject, especially violent at night. The circulatory system requires

flushing through the kidneys, and I should recommend giving an extra gill or so

of water every day : the bird might be induced to take this quantity by adding a little

salt to the ordinary drinking water. This will induce thirst, so after it seems to

have taken enough owing to repeated drinking the last portion being unsalted

would allow its thirst to be quenched.


I was very delighted to note the continued excellence of the Magazine in

spite of the war. I enclose two papers, which perhaps you can use. For a very

long time I have wished to send you something, but have been detained. I have

further papers in contemplation.


I am yours faithfully,



Graham Rknshaw.



