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that are offered at a reasonable price), I turn them into a large box-cage

with two rows of graded perches rising as in an orchestra from front to

back ; so that, even if unable to fly, they can get well away from the floor

to roost. As soon as they are perfect in plumage, I turn them into large

aviaries.


If I were you I should thoroughly scald or bake the cage, and syringe

it well with Condy’s fluid before putting any more birds into it.


A. G. Butter.



PILEATED FINCH WITH BALD PATCHES.


Sir,-—I should be very glad if you would kindly advise me as to the

treatment of a hen Pileated-finch.


I have had her just two years, and during nearly the whole of that

time she has suffered from bare patches on each wing joint. Her feathers,

though abundant, are rather poor in quality, and sometimes her wings

tremble as if from weakness. During last winter I have caged her, and

given her phosphate of iron in the water, and also several mealworms

daily. At first a few quills grew, but lately they seem to have stopped

growing. I cannot say she seems ill (for she is usually very bright and

active) only delicate. I do not think either of the bare places have altered

in size since I first noticed them.


Will you kindly tell me what the bird is suffering from ; if there is

any cure; and if any danger of infection to the other birds if allowed to

fly amongst them. R. Arderson.



The following reply has been sent to Miss Alderson :


Feather-weakness in birds, known amongst Pigeon-fanciers as soft

moult, is probably due to an insufficiency of lime and phosphates in the

system. Plenty of cuttle-fish bone, mealworms, and phosphate of iron

daily in the drinking water, should gradually put the bird right.


Do not stint green food, if the bird will eat it. Chickweed is

generally a favourite with the smaller finches.


I do not think there is the least likelihood of infection, unless indeed

the loss of feathers is due to red mite; but you would have discovered it

before now if that had been the case.


One cause of feather-weakness is keeping birds too warm. My

English Jay, being kept in a large conservator}’, loses many of his soft

feathers at the commencement of the warm weather, and only recovers

them when the cooler season returns. A. G. Butrer.



TWO INDIAN STARLINGS.


Sir, —I now enclose two sketches : one of the bird which I

mentioned before, and one of a bird which I have had for some time and

which I thought was the Rose-coloured Pastor (No. i). No. 2 is a much

smaller bird than No. 1, and has quite a song though rather harsh ; but

No. 1 does nothing but eat and fight, and is a most unsatisfactory bird in

my opinion to keep, although they might be better outside, but I am



