53



on British birds of the present day. He has compiled a list of species, all

of which are admitted by the best authorities to be British. Then what

better definition of a British bird could there be than “any individual of

any species included in Mr. Howard Saunders’ Label List of British birds

(excluding those species the English names of which are in that list printed

in italics) ” ? And why should this list not be adopted at our principal bird

shows? My own opinion on the subject is this: we should accept any

species in the British classes that is recognised by the highest authorities of

the day as “British,” and we should allow any specimen of that species

in the British classes, whether or not that individual was obtained within

the British Isles. If the species is included in the British list we should

admit the individual (irrespective of where it was obtained) as a representa¬

tive of a recognised British species.


It is absolutely impossible to prevent foreign-cauglit birds from being-

exhibited in British classes, unless we exclude almost every rare bird, and

the British classes are of very small interest to many if no rare birds are

shown. I am quite sure that if rarer birds were admitted into the British

classes those classes would be far better appreciated by lovers of British

birds. D. SeTh-Smith.



Sir, — The intended adoption of onr rule by the Crystal Palace

authorities seems to have stirred up a great deal of latent indignation, which,

personally, I was rather afraid it would. With your permission, I should

like to state my views on the subject, but, at the same time I wish it to be

clearly understood that these views are only my own individual opinions,

being put forward as such and without consulting any other members of the

Council. The facts of the case are already before you, and the position seems

to be as follows: —


On the one side stand the judges, who are adverse to a rule which

should in any way restrict their powers. Next comes the Manager of the

Show, who, after accepting our rule, rejects it, clearly shewing that he will

follow whichever side is the stronger. Lastly comes the B.B. & M.C.,

together with a few other exhibitors, who see the necessity of a rule but

object to ours.


It does not seem to me that the Council would be justified in taking

any further steps, without learning first of all what the wishes of members

are on this subject. There are but two courses open; either to enter into

communication with the other Society or Societies (if there be any others),

in order that a rule, satisfactory to all exhibitors, should be drawn up, which

the Manager of the Palace Show might easilj- be forced to accept by the

threat to withdraw British bird entries should he refuse, which I am sure

he would not do under those circumstances. The other course is for the

Society to have no more to do with the matter. I think members should be

given an early opportunity of expressing their opinion on this matter.


J. Lewis Bonhote.



BREEDING MEALWORMS.


Sir,—I have referred to the Index in the Avicultural Magazine, and

not finding any directions for successfully rearing these worms, if it is of

sufficient interest to our fellow-members, I will relate my experience.



