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to the best ironmonger in the town to seek for a boxcage, more calculated

for his due protection. No such a thing, I was told, could be got; but

they could make a cage in every way suitable. The price was not ruinous

—3/—but the completed article I will dispose of to any member who wishes

to confine a wild squirrel or a pair of rats, under the sure conviction that

he will find it suitable ! It resembles in shape a small dog-kennel, is made of

thick match-boarding, and has perches an inch in diameter, with a curious

door on the guillotine principle, despite all which it has served its purpose.


I longed to stay' in Jamaica in order to set up an outdoor aviary of

Australian Finches and another of Parrakeets (this was my only reason for

wishing to expatriate myself, as in many respects, mosquitoes and Creole

food especially, I thought the place utterly detestable) for the climatic

conditions are absolutely perfect for such purposes.


Yet, at home, where the trouble involved is great, we are enthusiastic

in our pursuit of aviculture, while out there scarcely a soul takes the

slightest interest in birds of any kind. M. L. WmiAMS.


No. III.


Since I brought the little “ Blue Bird,” of which I wrote in my last,

home, I find that I was not quite accurate in my description of him ; and

I have also identified him, and should like you to tell me, if you will be so

kind, whether he is not rather a rare importation, and what is his value ?

What I supposed to be very dark blue on his back is (I nowsee in a good light)

black : the black markings are very clearly defined : the top of the head is

an exquisite turquoise, under the wings is custard colour, the legs and feet

are orange red : the shape like a Wren (but he is double the size), the tail

rather cocked : the plumage silken, exquisitely tight and smart : he is the

Sai, or Blue Csereba, of South America. Vide p. 3, vol. 3, of the “ Book of

Birds ” (Dr. Brelim and J. Jones) where he is figured. But this bird has a

black beak, whereas the statement there is that the beak is yellow. Since

I got him home I find he will eat plenty of things besides banana, which

has, however, been his only' food, unless he ate the ants and little flies

which in Jamaica come upon any fruit left about. He eats wasp grubs

greedily, and green caterpillars, also ants’ eggs, and mealworms, but is not

keen on these latter. He will not touch egg or any farinaceous sub¬

stance. I see Brelim says ‘‘seeds, fruit and insects,” so I will try him with

seeds in variety. He is a most lovely creature : I wish I could get a hen

for him, as I believe these are very gregarious birds.


M. D. Wiliams.


P.S.—He never goes on the ground if he can help it, but is intensely

active, though very tame and steady'.



PIGEON AIDING.


Sir,—I shall be much obliged if you will kindly advise me as to how

to treat a Triangular Spotted Pigeon, I have had the bird for some time,

and it has always seemed strong and healthy until a few weeks ago, when

it began to get lame. I do not think the feet are injured in any way', but

they have entirely lost colour—and from being dark pink are now almost

white; the same change has taken place in the bird’s legs.



