Correspondence



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It will probably come as a surprise to some readers to hear that

a stand-camera is more suitable than a hand-camera for photographing

amongst the top-most branches of a tree—this work being considered by

the author as most enjoyable, although at times “ the lack of a third

prehensile member is sorely felt”.


Chapter V on “ Photography by the Stalking Method ” is of special

interest, revealing the patience that is necessary for obtaining successful

results, and how easily an unfortunate movement may mean utter

failure. When approaching a ground-nesting bird, such as a Grouse,

the novice would probably creep up from the rear ; but if we follow

Mr. Beetham's advice we shall do just the opposite, zig-zagging about

and even passing the bird before we take a photograph, so as to

encourage the sitter in the belief that it has not been seen.


After reading the chapter entitled c; Pope-work on the Cliff-face ”,

for which both nerve and strength are necessary adjuncts, the final

chapter on photographing birds in captivity will come as a refreshing

balm to the more sedate and elderly camera enthusiast.


Of the eighteen illustrations all are so good that it is difficult to

discriminate between them. That of the Oyster-catcher’s nest includes

the bird’s habitat in the picture, while that of a hiding tent screened by

reeds, in which we are told “ the author is seen peeping through the

back of the hide ”, is an example of perfect camouflage.


It took the present writer a quarter of an hour to find him, and even

then he did not succeed unaided.


W. S. Berridge.



MELANISM IN WEAVERS


Dear Dr. Renshaw,— As regards Mr. Shore-Baily’s query, may

I say that I have often come across cases of melanism in Quelea quelea ?

These birds are imported into France in thousands from French

West Africa, and are always plentiful in bird-shops ; in a cage of say

a hundred birds one can generally find one or two dark or even all¬

black specimens.


I think this melanism is a result of the improper food the birds are

given just after they have been caught and during the journey. If

they happen to be moulting at the time, when properly cared for



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