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anything as a splint, I am sure it would be most useful. information to

many members of the Society. Rosie ALDERSON.



THE PIED GRALLINA.


Sir, — I noticed that, in bis article upon “Accidents,” in the January

“Avicultural Magazine,” Mr. R. Phillipps mentioned that be bad got a

ben Pied Grallina. I should be glad if be, or any of your readers, would

kindly inform me if they are easily procurable now, and if they are good

birds for Exhibition purposes.


In the end of 1S9S, I procured a pair through the Keeper of the

Western Aviary at the Zoo ; and I understood from him at the time that

my birds and a pair at the Zoo were the only living specimens in the

country. I also remember seeing a young pair (b) advertised in the

“Avicultural Magazine,” in 1S99.


I am sorry to say that I missed shewing mine at the Crystal Palace in

1899, and that they both died before I bad shewn them elsewhere.


Chas. Cushny.



The following reply has been sent to Mr. Cushny :


Excepting my own bird, which I advertised some mouths ago because

it was noisy and shewed an inclination to peck at other inmates of the

aviary, I doubt if a single specimen of the Pied Grallina has been offered

for sale in this country since 1899. Probably 7 my bird, and the one at the

Zoological Gardens if still to the fore, are the only living specimens in the

United Kingdom at the present moment.


You seem to be one year out in your dates, as it was in 1899, not 1898,

that some of these Grallinas arrived in England. Moreover, my bird is a

male. If you will kindly refer again to the article quoted, you will see that

the sex is not mentioned. The sexes are readily distinguishable as—not to

mention other points of difference—in the male, the forehead and throat

are black, in the female, white.


In another article, forwarded to the Editor a few days ago, I have

again referred to this species, giving some further particulars that may

interest you. I am glad to be able to say that my Grallina has quite given

up pecking at its neighbours, and is now a general favourite. It makes a

capital aviar)t bird, and keeps its plumage splendidly ; nevertheless I cannot

think that the Pied Grallina would be a good bird for Exhibition purposes.

It is nervous, a very shy feeder, and does not seem to be able to stand much

knocking about. It is perpetually hovering and floating about in the air,

or stalking about on the ground, and is, in my opinion, quite unsuitable for

cage life. Reginald Phillipps.



ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL.


Sir, —We have had very few articles in the Magazine on this branch

of aviculture ; but I feel sure there must be many of our members who

are interested in the numerous beautiful species of foreign Waterfowl, most

of which may be kept in captivity in this country with little trouble, and

will well repay their owner by their charming ways and great beauty.



( 6 ). No ; only a male. — R. P.



