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HINTS FOR HANGING UP 'THE NESTS.


“The most suitable time for putting the nests up is from

the middle of November to the end of February. If necessary

one can do so in March or April also. They should be hung in

an upright position but leaning slightly forward, never back¬

wards, and they must be fixed absolutely rigidly. It is to be

recommended to have the opening directed away from the most

exposed quarter, i.e., more or less towards the South-Fast. A

little sawdust should be put in every nest before it is hung up.”


The subject seems to have been studied in a practical way

and with due regard to the habits and preferences of the various

species ; aviculturists may be interested to know that the prices

asked range from 5d to 2/2 each, and it would seem that land-

owners in Germany are in the habit of ordering a number at a

time, as quotations are likewise given for the various sizes in

dozens. Those w 7 ho have the good fortune to reside in the

country should find it interesting to try the experiment of

making a few similar nest-boxes to place about their gardens ;

with a little ingenuity the most ordinary materials could be

utilized for the purpose, and I have always noticed that the

“ constructive faculty ” is almost invariably highly developed

in lovers of living creatures, aviculturists more particularly.


AVICULTURAL NOTES.


By Jas. Cooper.


HYBRID GEESE.


Some time ago there appeared in the Field an article by

Mr. Tegetmeier re a cross Canadian Goose, which he said was

greatly appreciated by Americans. I wrote asking if it was the

same cross as I had myself obtained, viz., between the Canadian

Gander and the Italian White Goose, and if this hybrid would

produce fertile eggs. I never could find any answer to my

enquiry. I believe Mr. Tegetmeier said the cross was with a

Chinese Goose. Is this bird the one which has a sort of bag

beneath the lower mandible ? I should like to have information

on the subject if any member can enlighten me. If our Editor

has Mr. Tegetmeier’s address, perhaps he could induce that

gentleman to repty. I have now sold the hybrids to the Swansea

Corporation to place on their public lake.


DUCKS.


A very interesting bit appears this month from the pen

of Mr. Bonhote. He warns against cats ; but, in my small



