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LONG-TAILED PARTRIDGES.


Sir,—T here is a species of Long-tailed Partridge common in the

River Plate, and known there as the “Martinetta.” I think, though I am not

sure, that it is the Nothin a major (c), mentioned by Darwin in the “Voyage of

the Beagle ,” but I can find nothing more than a passing reference to it in

such books as I have been able to consult, and should be much obliged if

you could identify it for me, though I have given you very meagre details


I am anxious to know whether the species would do well in our

climate, and whether, given suitable conditions, it might succeed if turned

down. As an aviary-bird it would, no doubt, be very easily 7 kept.


Could you recommend any 7 particular caging or treatment for this

class of bird on board ship while being brought over ? II. C. Martin.



[We cannot be sure to what species you refer, as the Long-tailed

Partridges ( Dendrortyx) are confined to Central America.


As to whether the birds you mention would do well in our climate—

this can only 7 be ascertained by 7 experiment.


Whatever species these birds belong to, we should doubt their

capabilities of withstanding the rigours of an English winter in the open,

although they would do well enough in a properly-sheltered aviary and

with little or no artificial heat.


There should be little difficulty in importing these birds. On the

voyage they should be confined in a box-cage, say five or six feet long by 7

three or four feet deep and fifteen inches high, wired only in the front, and

with the top made of canvas or other similar material to prevent the birds

injuring their heads.


The Partridges, if such they be, must not, of course, be overcrowded.

We should recommend them being fed on canary-, white millet-, and

dari-seed, and a little hemp.—E d.]



We would remind our members that some of the back numbers of the

Magazine are getting very scarce ; those, therefore, who wish to make up

sets, should obtain them at once. We should also like to point out

that the sale of back numbers helps to benefit the Society and enables the

Committee to improve the Magazine.



The Editor regrets that the present number is somewhat late in its

appearance. This delay has been caused by the colorists being unable to

have the plate ready in time.



{<.) The same as A 7 , maculosa. The Spotted Tinamou is often represented at the Zoo, where


it has bred.—R. P.



