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Is there a probability of their becoming tame, or at least bold enough

to constitute themselves interesting by giving their owner an opportunity

of seeing them, without the necessity of entering the aviary to turn them

out of their favourite retreat ?


I do not know the true name of this bird, but fancy I recognise an

old acquaintance in the cock; as I believe him to be the type of bird which

I have seen kept by a certain class of the natives of Southern India in

small wicker cages for fighting purposes.


At present they have access to the usual seeds — millet, canary, rape ;

but no hemp; mealworms they' - appear to ignore—but they may possibly

eat them as I have had no opportunity of watching them feed, owing to their

shyness. Archibald Simpson.



71 le following reply was sent to Mr. Simpson :


If your birds come from India, the)' cannot be the Black-throated

Ouail (Eupsychortyx nigrogularis — from Central America, &c.). But doubtless

you have the Black-breasted or Rain Quail, Coturnix coromandelica, of which

there are a good number in the market. It is a common Indian species,

often shifting its ground with the rains, to which circumstance I suppose

it owes its second name.


I have had a pair since May 23rd last. The) 7 have been very shy, but

little by little are gaining confidence, and are usually to be seen when one

is quiet.


You cannot force an habitually shy and timid bird to be tame. Reave

them alone, never handle them, do not disturb them, be gentle and slow in

your movements, keep your arms still (some people, especially ladies, wave

their arms about like windmills), and gradually they will gain confidence.

It is simply a matter of time, patience, and leaving them alone.


The treatment is very simple. They are much like chickens. Feed

them on small grains, insectivorous food, fresh ants’ cocoons if obtainable,

and any small insect life. An occasional mealworm may be given. Dried

ants’ cocoons are best mixed with the insectivorous food, to take off the

dryness.


They require water to drink, but never wash. The}' take dust baths.

Give them a lump of clean dry earth, in a sunny place if possible. If

earth is not convenient, give sand.


They should have green food of some kind. Growing wheat, grass,

&c. is best, but let them have something, if it be only a lettuce or cabbage

leaf. If you could give them a green turf occasionally, it would be

beneficial.


They are naturally very strong on the wing; but in an aviary of the

size you mention probably they will not hurt themselves. In time, they

may give up flying, if not frightened. Reginald Phillipps.



ITALIAN INSECT FOOD FOR BIRDS.


Sir, — I think you will be interested in the enclosed sample of the

Italian Insect Food for Birds. They are from a small quantity kindly given


to me by Lord W - , who brought them from Turin. In Italy they


form the chief diet of all kinds of insectivorous birds, seemingly taking the



