14



for insectivorous birds appear to consist of nothing but broken grits aiul

lard, whereas oatmeal sometimes is one of the ingredients of a so-called

food.


An improperly nourished bird naturally is liable to any ailment, is

sensitive to cold and has no power to throw one off. You should try ten drops

of glycerine and a little gum arabic daily in the drinking-water for a week

or so and, if the breathing improves and the coughing abates, give a mild

tonic daily for another week — say six drops of tincture of iron in the

drinking-water.


I think you are wrong about the Icterus being /. vulgaris. Few birds

are imported from Venezuelaaud Colombia but many from S. K. Brazil, and

I have no doubt that my bird (the common imported one) is /. jamacaii;

but the description of the bill in the Museum Catalogue is incorrect, as it is

dark slate colour with the basal half of the lower mandible whitish ; the

naked skin round the eye is pale blue and the iris pale clear primrose.


A. G. Butler.



OUR SECRETARY AND TREASURER.


The grateful thanks of the Society are due to Mr. J. L. Bonhote, who,

for two years, has held the important and laborious posts of Secretary and

Treasurer of the Society.


Mr. Bonhote is leaving England for several months, on a scientific

expedition to the Bahamas we are told ; but we hope to welcome him back

amongst us next summer.


Mr. Phillipps takes up the post of Hon. Secretary, and Mr.

St. Quintin that of Hon. Treasurer.



ERR A TA —THE INDEX.


In the “ Index to Subjects ” of our last Volume,—Remove ‘Kestrel—

page 232 ’ from amongst the Kingfishers, and insert above them.



