72



Correspondence.



coverts of the hybrids between rosybill (white) a mallard (black i one gets a dirty

white interspersed with brown. So also are the undertail coverts of hybrids

between pintail (black) a white-eyed pochard (white), again the same dirty white

interspersed with brown.


Thus to sum up, we have white crossed with chocolate produces pale

pinkish brown. Black crossed with chocolate produces pale brown. White

crossed with chestnut produces a darker and richer chestnut. Black crossed with

white produces a dirty white mixed with brown.


These results, to an unscientific person like myself, appear rather surpris¬

ing, and I hope some scientist among our members may be able to give an

account of the rules governing colour in hybrids. HUGH WORMALD.


PREVIOUS BREEDING OF BEARDED REEDLINGS IN CAPTIVITY.


SIR,—With reference to your note concerning the breeding of bearded

reedlings by Mr. Richardson Carr, may I suggest that in the awarding of a

medal to a member, some reasonable limit be considered as to what constitutes

an aviary ? When one can enclose a very large area where practically a full

supply of the necessary live food used in rearing young is obtainable by the

parent birds themselves, there is but little credit attached to the success. It is

quite a different matter when such food has to be frequently supplied in the first

instance by the owner of the birds.


This, as everyone knows, entails a large amount of attention and expense,

and is fraught with difficulties that do not present themselves in a place

sufficiently large in area as to teem with live food.


In considering such a matter, of course the species and size of the bird

would have to be taken into consideration, but when the average small passerine

is turned loose in an enclosure in half a meadow or large shrubbery garden, the

main commendation seems attached to the enterprise of the owner in spending

enough money to enclose such a place for the purpose.


Yours, etc., ALLEN SILVER, F.Z.S.


* * * #


We agree that Dr. Lovell-Keays has most fully merited the award of a

medal, and it is certainly a moot point as to whether he has not really bred the

bearded reedling for the first time in what can be properly termed captivity, a

point which should be, if possible defined. If no food of any kind at any season

of the year has to be placed in the enclosure that might make the distinction.


We hope that members will give us their opinion on the subject, and that

the matter will also be discussed by the Council.


As Mr. Silver truly says, the species and size of the bird would have to be

taken into consideration, wherein lies one of the difficulties as to a medal being

awarded ; for instance, supposing Mr. Ezra breeds humming birds in a London

flat, a medal is awarded him, and then a member writes that he or she has

already been successful with them in a vast conservatory where amongst many

flowers they found their own food, what then? EDITOR.



