17


A gentleman at Brighton has a common Barbary Dove which has

rived in his possession for 23 years, and was adult when he first had it. It

is in good plumage, but some^vhat infirm. This old Dove is a confirmed

bachelor, having always refused to have anything to say to the hens at

different times introduced to him.



The following pigeon story is vouched for by the Premierof New Zea-

land. Mr. Seddon's family received from relatives in Victoria a beautiful pair

of Antwerp homing pigeons. One day the birds were out flying, but only one

returned to the cot, and nothing more was heard of the other ; but some

time after news was received from Victoria that the missing bird had

arrived safely at its former home. To reach Victoria from New Zealand

the bird must have accomplished the feat of flying something like 1,000

miles without rest, and according to the dates it must have done the

journey in less than three days, which would mean that it would have to fly

at a speed of from 18 to 20 miles an hour continuously.



We have always refrained from advocating the use of any special

make of aviary appliance or bird food, as we considered that to do so would

be iinfair to other makers. But we feel that we may properly make an

exception in favour of Jones's Hygienic Fountains. These fountains are

entirely unlike any others that we have ever seen, and are infinitely

superior to the old-fashioned pattern. They, and none others, ought to be

used in everj^ bird room. It is true that they are rather more expensive

than the ordinary fountain, but then the}^ are much more durable, so that

they cost no more in the end. They are so constructed that the water can-

not very well be fouled by the birds ; they can be easily and quickly filled ;

and the inside can be thoroii ghly cleaned.



CORRESPONDENCE.



THE GENUS BROTOGERYS.


Sir, — I should feel obliged to any member of the Avicultural Society

who can give me any general information about the genus Brotogeiys and as

to their desirability as pets. The Orange-flanked Parrakeet, which I have

had, was a most fascinating bird, as tame as possible from the moment I

bought him. I am desirous to know if the other members of this genus

are as attractive as B. pyrrhopterus.


Cl^AUDE D. RoTCH.



The follozving refly was sent io Mr. Rotch : —


I have kept members of the Brotogeiys genus for several years, and

am very fond of them ; but I find that individuals of the same species vary

greatly according to the treatment they have been subjected to before being

received. They are constitutionally very timid birds, and are ofttimes so

roughly treated before coming into one's hands that the}' do not readily

recover sufficient nerve to become tame : the}' are terror-stricken.



