St. Qiiiuti)i : Some Avicnltural Notes. 115 



Probably if the matter were looked into, it woukl l)e found 

 that in all cases there is a regular order in which the principal 

 feathers are cast. In falconry the moult is a very important 

 matter, and is closely studied. The Falconer knows that the 

 first feathers to be thrown by his Peregrine will be the first 

 secondaries, and the last important feathers the outside tail- 

 feather but one, on each side. What the rule may be in the 

 case of the Cranes I am not yet prepared to ?-Ay. but I am satis- 

 fied that the larger species, such as the Sarus, Whitenaped 

 and Wattled Crane, and perhaps others, do not] cast their 

 primaries every season. This has been also noticed in the very 

 fine collection of Cranes at Lilford. 



The Cranes, like the Waterfowl and Rails, are flightless 

 during the moult. 



Most of the Waders accommodate themselves readily ta 

 confinement, and the smaller species show themselves much 

 better if they can be left full-winged. Like the Gulls, in an 

 aviary, they are very clever in avoiding the perches and sides 

 of their prison, and take a great deal of exercise without 

 damaging themselves at all. 



Amongst the small Waders, there are none more deservedly 

 popular than the Ruff, and it thrives in confinement, if given 

 plenty of clean water and good turf. 



The Reeve has reared her young with me, or rather the 

 young have reared themselves ; for though for a few days the 

 Reeve caught insects for them, they soon foraged for themselves, 

 scrambling over and amongst the long grass, and finding plenty 

 of natural food. One had to be very quiet, if one wished to see 

 the young, for, till she got used to one's presence, the Reeve 

 kept piping her alarm note, and the chicks remained invisible 

 till she stopped. 



Rednecked Phalerope. A kind friend who was fishing 

 in Iceland last summer found himself near a breeding colony 

 of these birds, and brought back three adults for me, two males 

 and a female. The birds are extremely tame at their breeding 

 place, and he had no great difficulty in catching them. But it 

 was only by the exercise of very great care and skill that he 

 brought them down country on ponyback, and through the 

 risks of a tedious voyage. However, they reached me in splen- 

 did order, the female, as usual, much the larger, and with a 

 more conspicuous chesnut patch on the neck. 



They soon made themselves quite at home on a small pond 



1910 Mar. I. 



