5/. Qiiiufin : Some AvicuUural Notes. 209 



pressed close to the side, and when walked into their sheds for 

 the night, lie down almost at once. 



In the summer when left out altogether, they creep under the 

 spreading branches of some young spruce fir, and so roost. My 

 specimens are of the South African species, with brilliant 

 ■orange yellow cere. The form found in the equatorial regions 

 have the same parts rose pink in colour. I notice that when my 

 birds are greatly excited, a suffusion of pink creeps over the 

 yellow cere, in fact the bird blushes ! 



I should Hke here to acknowledge my indebtedness to my 

 Bird-keeper, Arthur Moody, to whose skill and care much of 

 such success as I have achieved is due : as well as many im- 

 portant observations, and notes taken when I have been from 

 home. 



In conclusion, it is pleasant to think that ornithology has 

 now become something more than a science, it is a popular 

 study. Not only is there a desire on the part of the public, 

 no less eager than before, for information on structure and 

 classification, which can only be properly worked out in the 

 museum and laboratory ; but in addition there is a thirst for 

 knowledge, as full as may be, of how birds live, and what 

 their ways are, how they feed, and display their plumage, 

 make their nests, and tend their young. 



The wonderful supply of beautiful photographs which 

 ■exhibit the life-history of birds is a proof of this demand. 

 I have for a large portion of my life found much interest in 

 studying this aspect of the dehghtful science of ornithology ; 

 and it is a great addition to one's pleasure if one can impart 

 some of that interest to others. 



The President of the Board of Education has appointed a Depart- 

 mental Committee to consider and report upon various questions in regard 

 to the present condition and the future development of the valuable 

 collections comprised in the Board's Science Museum at South Kensington 

 and the Geological Museum in Jermyn Street. In particular the Committee 

 are asked to advise him (a) as to the precise educational and other purposes 

 which the collections can best serve in the national interests ; (6) as to 

 the lines on which the collections should be arranged and developed, and 

 possibly modified so as more effectively to fulfil these purposes ; and (c) 

 as to the special characteristics which should be possessed by the new 

 buildings which, it is hoped, will shortly be erected on the South Kensington 

 site to house these collections so as to enable the latter to be classified 

 and exhibited in the manner most fitted to accomplish the purposes they 

 are intended to fulfil. 



3910 May I. 



