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them. “ . . . . The birds were purchased by me last autumn, so they are


acclimatized, having passed the winter in my possession.”


As the hen had been with me years, she must have been over 12

years old. At the time we removed here I was away from home, and the

bird had been placed on a table close to a badly-fitting window. On my

arrival I at once looked to the live stock, and found the poor little creature

panting. O11 putting my hand to the lower sash, I found there was a

dreadful draught. The aperture was at once blocked ; but it was too late,

for the mischief was done. Had it not been for this, I believe the bird

would have still been alive and in good health, for she had never had any

ailments. W. T. Cateeugh.



GOULDIAN FINCHES.


Sir, — I shall be obliged if you can tell me whether Gouldian Finches

will do well if kept in small cages like Canaries, if so whether it would be

necessary to keep them in pairs or if they would do singly ?


I may mention that I have lost two out of three in a good-sized

aviary-cage. I consider them most beautiful birds, and like listening to

their “bubbling" song.


Thanking you in anticipation for any information you can give.


A. E. Boothroyd.



The following answer was sent to Mr. Boothroyd:


I have kept Gouldian Finches successfully in a medium-sized cage

for three and four years, but I think they are happier and live longer in

aviaries, where they can get more exercise. My caged Gouldians succumbed

to sudden fits in the end, in which they died in apparently fine condition.

I believe that I gave them too much white millet, which is fattening. One

which lived many years in a cage had a defective beak, and so, I believe,

could not overeat.


Those I have at present spend six or eight months of the year in an

outdoor aviary, and the remainder in a large cage in a birdroom. They

flourish and look in perfect health and happiness.


I by no means think it necessary to keep Gouldians in pairs.


O. E. Cressweee.



DIPPERS IN CAPTIVITY.


Sir,—I f any of our members have been successful in keeping the

Water Ouzel or Dipper in confinement, will they be kind enough to give us

an account of their methods and treatment ?


Our pool aviary—of which I have already sent a description, and in

which I have kept Kingfishers without difficulty—seems an ideal place for

the Dipper, but though I have had two consignments of strong fresh-

caught birds, they do not live, and I do not care to experiment further until

I can gather some information as to the food they require—for I expect

this is the weak point. My birds were plentifully supplied with live earth¬

worms scattered in the water, and shredded raw meat both in the water

and placed about the rock shelves, but they soon became weak and died.



