85



very handsome birds in black, yellow, and blue; the crown of

the head is black, cheeks white, bounded by an exquisite blue,

back black, each feather margined with yellow—under parts

yellow, each feather margined with black. Wing-coverts and

quills bluish. The Bee Eater did not look very happy, nor was

the cage altogether suitable, but then Bee Eaters (and some

others) are “ nothing accounted of in these days” at the Zoo.



3n flDemoriam.



The Avicultural Society has sustained a very real loss in

the death of Eady Rowe, which occurred suddenly on Christmas

Eve. Her ladyship, who was 75 years of age, was the widow of

the late Sir Samuel Rowe, K.C.M.G. She was a devoted lover

of birds, and took a keen interest in the success of the Avi¬

cultural Society. A singularly sweet and unselfish disposition

won for Eady Rowe both the confidence and affection of her

pets, and the love of all those with whom she was brought in

contact. C. S. S.



NOTICE.


The Executive Committee and the Editor much regret that 110

coloured illustrations have as yet appeared in the Magazine this year. The

delay is due solely to their endeavours to get pictures satisfactorily

reproduced without risking any deficit at the end of the year. It is hoped

that, through the kindness of some members who are lending pictures for

reproduction, it will still be possible to give four coloui-ed illustrations

during this Avicultural year.



CORRESPONDENCE.



PIGMY DOVES.


Sir, —It may interest bird lovers to know that I believe I have been

fortunate enough to pick up a pair of Pigmy Doves (Chamcepelia minutaj .

They are certainly the tiniest doves I have ever seen, being very little larger

than a Nightingale, only, of course, not so slender in build.


Their colour is, generally, a soft lavender-grey ; the primaries of the

wings having the outer quills edged with white, and the inner ones

chestnut brown. O11 the wings are some spots of gun-metal colour—or

steel-blue—which form themselves into two small bars, on the secondaries.

The side tail-feathers are banded with very dark grey. The tail is short and

square. The ej'es are reddish-brown ; bill, dark lead-colour ; feet, flesh-

colour.


The male bird gives vent to a tiny coo, in keeping with his miniature



