BIRDS. 47 



almost impossible of attainment in sufficient quantities for these birds in captivity, it 

 has been found possible to reconcile them to a diet of raw meat. It is a noteworthy 

 fact, however, that they will very rarely help themselves voluntarily to this food and 

 are consequently dependent upon hand-feeding. The specimens in the writer's posses- 

 sion were no exception to this general rule, and throughout the five years of their 

 companionship were accustomed to be hand-fed at least three times a day. With 

 such continual and implicit dependence as they thus placed upon the care and 

 attention of their owners, it is scarcely to be wondered at that they should have 

 acquired at the same time the utmost amount of confidence. 



For the advantage of those who may be tempted to make similar household 

 pets of Podargi, it may be mentioned that the raw beef which formed their staple 

 food was always steeped in water before being given to them, and that except for 

 such supplementary moisture they required and would take no other liquid nutriment. 

 As an addition to the above-mentioned meat diet, insects such as beetles, grass- 

 hoppers or moths were offered whenever procurable and devoured with the greatest 

 appreciation. Common houseflies also they would, while carried round on the hand, 

 pick off the walls or furniture with great dexterity. During their sojourn in London 

 mealworms as a substitute for other insect food were much relished. The most 

 anomalous taste manifested by these birds, however, was the predilection they 

 exhibited, more especially the male bird, for English strawberries and in a less 

 degree for raspberries and other soft fruits. The female bird, on the other hand, 

 developed a fancy for small garden slugs and occasional worms. The London cock- 

 roach of which many households enjoy a supply which may be said to exceed the 

 demand was greedily devoured by both birds. Like caviare, however, this piquant diet 

 was found to be unwholesome if too liberally indulged in. The circumstances attending 

 participation in this orthopterous delicacy were somewhat droll. Home supplies being 

 scarce, a self-denying neighbour more blessed with abundance would at all times place 

 a trapful at the birds' disposal. A few insects at a time were on these occasions 

 liberated in a large white enamel basin, beyond whose slippery sides escape was difficult. 

 When it was placed before the birds, an exciting game of "snapdragon" speedily 

 ensued, and within a few minutes' interval the " plums " had entirely disappeared. 



A highly important element in the successful custodianship of the author's Podargi 

 was undoubtedly the provision for them of congenial perch accommodation. In conces- 

 sion as far as possible to their natural tree-dwelling proclivities, a portion of a tree-branch 

 with the rough bark intact was lashed to their customary resting perch, which was of 



