4260 The Zoologist — December, 1874. 



the temperature and food. The writer also inquires what would become of 

 the birds if liberated in the spring, when the " migratory fever" had set in, 

 for if they were to go northward it would be beyond their " natural range." 

 Their instinct would restrain them, being an unfailing guide, unless long 

 caged, when the extent of flight would probably be to the first bush or 

 garden-shrub within reach, without much regard to the points of the compass. 

 Their restlessness up to the end of May might arise more from a breeding 

 than a migratory propensity. — Henry Hatlfield ; Ventnor, Isle of Wight, 

 October 15, 1874. 



late Breeding of Partridges.— The partridges have had very late broods 

 this year. A gentleman out shooting near here, on the 9th of September, 

 shot a single bird which rose in front of him, and then discovered that the 

 bird had a family of twelve young partridges scarcely able to feed them- 

 selves ; and while riding over the downs the previous week I saw two very 

 young broods. As a rule, the birds this year are plentiful and very wild. — 

 A. J. Clark-Kennedy. 



Woodcocks in the Scilly Isles. — Up to this time thirty-five woodcocks 

 have been shot at the Scilly Isles. The great autumnal flight seems to have 

 passed over our Land's End district without their usual stop: a few scattered 

 ones only have been seen. — Eduard Hearle Rodd ; Penzance, November 11, 

 1874. 



Tlie Kakapo^ Owl-Parrot, or Night Parrot. — Three specimens of this 

 strange bird were purchased last week by the authorities of the Zoological 

 Society, and deposited in the Gardens ; but as regards any pleasure or 

 instruction they may afibrd the visitor of that establishment, they are likely 

 to be of no more use than the kiwis are, and this may be estimated at zero. 

 The owl-parrots are nocturnal ; but many other animals now in the gardens 

 are equally nocturnal, and yet it has never occurred to the Council to plant 

 dense forests or construct deep caves in which they may be efl"ectually 

 prevented from seeing naturalists, and naturalists from ■seeing them. There 

 is no occasion for this seclusion: Mr. Potts, who is thoroughly acquainted 

 with the bird, says (S. S. 3023) that " all those who have kept a bird of 

 this species as a pet agree in testifying to its intelligence and cora- 

 panionableness," and innumerable anecdotes told of a former captive of this 

 species concur in representiug it as peculiarly sociable, lively and amusing. 

 We are therefore sacrificing the health and happiness of the bird, as well as 

 the instruction and gratification of the public to a most untenable hypo- 

 thesis, that it is good for him to be kept in the dark and in solitary con- 

 finement. Two out of the three recent acquisitions are confined in the 

 condemned cell beyond the elands, the third is under the care of Goss, in 

 the first cage on the right on entering the parrot-house, and he is furnished 

 with a rabbit-hutch into which he may retreat on the least alarm, and in 

 which it is just possible to see him by bending one's back until it is nearly 



