Eggs and Nestlings.



215



Nestlings are readily preserved in methylated spirit; they soon

become hardened, and may be taken out for examination without

fear of tearing ; the eyes, it may be noted, become white under the

action of the spirit. All specimens should have a label with the name

of the species, together with the date of preservation and any other

useful details, attached to the bottle.



A NEW DOOR-LATCH.


By G. E. Low.


I suppose most bird-keepers have suffered at some time or other

through doors being carelessly left open, or unlatched. I remember

once losing a cock Melba Finch through the door blowing open on

a very windy day when I was in the aviary, although it was governed

by a spring.


I have found the device which is shown in the illustration quite

satisfactory, as it simply insists on shutting from any point. The

door must be fitted with an efficient spring or weight and pulley ;

the latch is made of hard wood, weighted at the inner end, and fixed

to the door post by a screw and washer, so as to swing easily. The

bar, which is fastened to the*door, slides lightly over the latch until

it engages in the notch. This latch may have been used in the Ark,

but its advantages are so obvious and its construction so simple that

I venture to suggest its use.



THE OOLOGISTS’ EXCHANGE AND MART.


This little paper, first published on June 1, 1919, appears on

the first day of each month. With its advertisement supplement

it is issued privately to subscribers only and no specimen copies

or single parts can be sent out. Every effort is made to limit the

subscription list to thoroughly reliable collectors, and those who



