242 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



quickly uttered, usualty a double note, but sometimes a single 

 " chuck " or the double one repeated, not unlike the note of a 

 Blackbird when flushed, but shorter and deeper in tone ; (2) a 

 shrill and loud scream when much alarmed ; (3) a low, chirping, 

 complacent note, only uttered when quiet and undisturbed. 



When annoyed they had a curious way of snapping their 

 beaks at the object of their displeasure. This was most frequently 

 observed when one was on a perch and the other trying to get up 

 on it was being repulsed. They showed considerable forethought 

 at times ; I often saw one kill several large worms by repeated 

 pecking, and leave them on one side till required if not hungry 

 at the time. They always dug with their beaks, throwing the 

 earth with a sharp jerk to one side, and never used their feet for 

 the purpose. They seemed fond of bright objects, and I have 

 seen them peck at bright pieces of tin, as a Magpie or Jackdaw 

 might do. I observed them frequently eating mouthfuls of coal 

 ashes and straws, I presume to aid digestion. 



On the 10th of August, for the first time, I heard the cock bird 

 sing ; he sat on a perch with one leg tucked up to his body and 

 his wings drooping, and, swaying his head slowly from side to 

 side, uttered a series of low guttural notes, interspersed with bars 

 in a higher key, and occasionally giving a whistle something like 

 that of a Blackbird. It was not unpleasing to the ear, and fully 

 deserved the name of a song. The sounds seemed to be confined 

 to the throat, and I could not see that the beak was opened 

 during the performance. After that date he often sang. 



ON THE TREATMENT OF SNAKES IN CAPTIVITY. 

 By Arthur Stradling, C.M.Z.S. 



(Continued from p. 213.) 



It is impossible to give any definite estimate as to the price 

 of the serpents last mentioned, or of those abont to be detailed 

 as eligible for non-heated cages. Taking everything into con- 

 sideration, perhaps ten shillings each, or an equivalent value, 

 would be a fair average cost for the majority of them, when they 

 are to be bought ; though ten guineas might not purchase any 

 given specimen at any given time. 



A collection embracing living representatives of all the 



