98



Mr. W. E. Teschemaker,



black-pupilled eyes the effect is rather startling, and makes one feel

that his name “ Bogey ” is well bestowed.


The photograph gives such a good idea of his appearance that

I need only say that his back is not really black, hut the shade

known as tete de ncgre, and his breast and under parts are tan. He

was annoyed at being made to pose when he wanted his head

scratched, and would not stand up, so the photograph does not do

justice to his height; he stands rather higher than the Tawny Owl,

but I think he is a larger bird. His diet is the same as that of my

other Owls.


So far he seems to stand our climate well, hut, being a native

of the tropics, he will need watching during this hard winter.



THE INFLUENCE OF GERMAN

AVICULTURE.


By W. E. Teschemaker.


So long a time has elapsed since I last contributed to the

Magazine that it may perhaps be advisable to explain why I have

accepted the Editor’s invitation to write something, and, in particular,

why I have selected the above subject. I have both a private and a

public object. I wish to show our members that I have not forgotten

them (as I hope they have not completely forgotten me), and I

always set before myself the possibility of raising aviculture from the

very restricted sphere of influence, which it at present occupies, to a

plane of greater dignity and wider outlook.


No doubt one takes a risk or two in writing of German

aviculture at a time when we are at war with Germany, but thfe

psychological moment must not be lost. The old order of things is

passing and there is a promise—or at least a possibility—of a new

world and new ideals ; so we will take the risk and hope for the best.


Aviculture and Politics.


In pursuance of the above object, I will commence with a

postulate and a protest. My postulate is that aviculture is based



