50



would, I think, have failed to take the highest rank in an inferior cage ; to

my mind No. 1532, which only took H.C., was in every respedt more meri¬

torious, its breast-spotting was far clearer and more regular. In the Starlings

the heavy fat birds, mostly in summer livery, were elevated over the heads

of those which had been kept at a normal temperature, which therefore

were still in winter plumage; the long snaky head and slim alert carriage,

which should constitute one of the chief points were entirely ignored.


Mr. Godfrejr’s Magpie well deserved its honours, as also in the Mule

classes did Mr. Vale’s Goldfinch-Greenfinch, though, for beauty, I should

prefer Mr. Hart’s Linnet-Bullfinch, which took the third prize: No. 1600

was not remarkable. Among the rare-feathered varieties, Mr. Herbert’s

White Blackbird was in fine form and deserved a Second; but the much

rarer White Twite ought to have taken First.


I11 the “Any other variety” classes the Grey Wagtails were by no

means extraordinary, neither of them being very distinctly marked; the

Nuthatches generally were “ not at home” to visitors, the Bramble-Finch

which took Third, was quite ordinary ; as was the Missel-Thrush, which took

First, aucl the Hawfinch which obtained Secoud. Mr. Clarkson's Ring-

Ouzel was decidedly better, but with a somewhat dull collar.


Among the Migratory birds, Mr. Cook’s Nightingale and Mr. Wright’s

Lesser Whitetliroat were far and away the best ; the Wheatear which took

first did not look well, and was b}^ no means a specially fine example of the

species.



II.


By Reginald Phjllipps.


The Pied and Albino Class was not so good as usual, but I must

except the winner, Mrs. Herbert’s Blackbird, a first class Albino ; and Mr.

Swailes’ Cinnamon Redpoll, which came secoud. was a pretty little thing.

In the next Class of 28, for any other variety of small British Bird, Mr.

Laskey’s nice Grey Wagtail came first, and Messrs. Francis’s Nuthatch

second ; the latter declined to be interviewed. Four other Nuthatches were

more brazen-faced, and none of them seemed to have had any cause for

being ashamed of showing themselves. These birds make most interesting

pets, if allowed a fair amount of liberty. There were several Yellow-

hammers, Miss Herbert’s being catalogued as a Bramblefinch, and Mr.

Ritson’s as a Serin Finch ; or, if Mr. Ritson’s two birds were crossed, the

Serin Finch resolved itself into a 1 Common Bunting, if my old eyes did not

deceive me. The Bearded Tits, shewn in two classes, were ignored by the

judge, I know not why; although entered in classes for British Birds,

probably not one was British. During the last two years or so, quite a

number have been imported from the Netherlands; they are pretty little

things. In the next Class, (15 exhibits.) for the larger A.O.V. British Birds,

some good Missel Thrushes were exhibited, Messrs. Francis’s coming first.

There were two good Ring Ousels, Mr. Clarkson’s taking the second prize :

happy thought, these birds are migratory; what were they doing in this

class ? Some Hawfinches, a nice Long-eared Owl, and a seedy-looking cock

Kestrel, also appeared here. Class 102 (Blackcap or Nightingale) was very

poor, only six entries, and only three of the former and one of the latter

present, and not calling for any special remark; but the next class, for any

other species of migratory bird, brought 16 into the field, the first five

entries being somewhat mixed. No. 1685, Shorelark, V.H.C., was absent

when I paid my visit; 16S6, fourth. Tree Pipit, was represented by a cock

Redstart ; 1687, Tree Pipit, was represented by a Shorelark. The owner of

this bird seems to be unaware that the Shorelark should be supplied with

perches or, at any rate, with a block or something; 16S8, V.H.C., Shorelark,

in a cage with perches arranged so that the bird could not run freely along

the bottom. In consequence of this, its feet were clogged with dirt, and

even had the appearance of being diseased ; 1689, Scarlet Grosbeak, but no

such bird was visible : perhaps it was the absent bird referred to above : but



