dimensions from the German list. The name of the makers might also

interest some of the members: it is desirable to know where such goods

can be obtained. An Owl box at 2S. 2d. is cheaper than a “ stinker ” beer

cask at 2s. 6d., and requires no adapting to its purpose ; neither is a beer

cask a handy thing to get up into a tree and to fix when hoisted up.


Chas. Louis Hett.



THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE

MAGAZINE.


Sir, —I cordially agree with Dr. Butler re Mr. Fillmer’s proposal

about the Avicultural Magazine, and I earnestly hope most, if not all, the

other members will give their views on the subject, which would seem by

ar the fairest waj' of settling matters. I feel sure many of us would resign

our membership if we are likely to have such an alteration as Mr. Fillmer

suggests. I have alwa3'S been a great admirer of our useful little Magazine,

and I would sooner double the yearly subscription than incorporate it with

matters outside the birdy world. Eeeen G. Barnes.



Sir,- —At first sight, Mr. Fillmer’s proposal to extend the scope of the

Magazine is attractive ; but the more the matter is considered and pondered

over the more serious do the objections to the proposal appear.


As regards Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes, not only are these

sufficiently well looked after by The Field, Land and. Water, The Bazaar, etc.,

but they 111a}' be said to be specialty looked after and waited upon by The

Zoologist ; and not many of these creatures lend themselves readily to be

discussed from the point of view of the ordinary keeper of animals.

Besides these are not birds ; and not the least objection to the proposal is

that it would necessitate a change of name,—that is, the abolition of the

Avicultural Society and of the Avicultural Magazine.


Mr. Fillmer states that “ Canaries could now never occupy anything

more than a subordinate position among the objects to which the Society

should devote itself.” The word “ should ” is well chosen,—but how about

“would!” Whether you attend a Bird Show, or glance at a “Fancy”

paper (how I loathe that word !), letter-press or advertisements, you will

find that it is the British and foreign birds that occupy the subordinate

position, — and, should the Canary be admitted, it “would” certainty result,

sooner or later, in the British and foreign birds occupying the subordinate

position in the Avicultural as elsewdiere. Mr. Fillmer urges as an argument,

“ Keepers of British and foreign birds have no exclusive right to the name

of aviculturists,” and “On the score of humanity, the culture of Canaries

is to be preferred to that of nearly all other species, as it does not involve

the capture of wild birds.” It seems to me that these arguments apply

equallv well to Domesticated Poultry generally, including Pigeons, Ducks,

Geese, and Turkeys. If once the flood-gates were opened, it w’ould be

difficult to withstand the inrush of the flood, and the consequent swamping

of the British and foreign birds.


When the Avicultural was established in 1S94, it helped to supply a

want; and more and more it has done this, and more and more it will

continue to do this—if we are only true to ourselves.


Reginald Phirripps.



