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kill it, when I noticed a hen Grand Eclectus become very excited in her

cage, and, as they are generally such quiet, sedate birds, I wondered what

the reason could be, and held the mouse to the cage, when she immediately

fastened into its head, crushing the bone and killing it quicker perhaps

than I should have done. As she would not leave go, I released it from the

trap, when she at once commenced eating it, holding it in her claw the

while; nor did she cease until she had eaten the whole of it, bones and all,

even chewing the skin, and then throwing down the fur, which is all that

can be found after her meal is over. I find the other Ecledluses equally fond

of mice, frequently eating two each per day when I have them to give

them. Have Mr. Camps, or any other experienced aviculturists found the

Eclectus Parrots to be fond of mice, and do they find that flesh injures

Parrots or Parrakeets ?


We read so much now, written by gentlemen of theory, but those who

have had years of practical experience seldom put pen to paper.


I must say I am glad to find our Society going on so well and

increasing its number of members so fast. I look forward anxiously each

month for the Magazine. Charges P. Arthur.



SILKWORMS FOR INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS.


Sir,—F rom time to time I have seen it mentioned in the “fancy”

press that silkworms are useful for feeding insectivorous birds, so last

summer I made the experiment, the result of which I shall now give for

the information of the readers of the Av[culturalMagazine.


Having a mulberry-tree in my garden, I was provided with the

proper food for the tiny mites that issued from the majority of the 2,000

eggs I bought. They grew apace, so that they were soon large enough to

use, and very soon too large; that is one great objection to them ; another

objection is that they want continual attention, being tremendous feeders

and making a corresponding amount of mess. Besides, on the whole, I

found that the birds did not like them too much.


I gave them to the following birds, with these results:—■


My Shama was very fond of them ; my Pekin Robin and Bulbul

also liked them.


My Scarlet and Superb Tanagers, Blackcap and English Robin, did

not fancy them very much : besides, they soon became too big for them.


My Dyal Bird would not look at them, although he is very fond of

mealworms.


Judging from the above, I do not consider the}’ are worth the trouble

of keeping, so I do not think I shall try them another year.


V. CasTEU/AN.



PER RUCHE INGAMBEE OF LEVAILLANT.


Sir, —Have any of your readers ever seen the above, or can they give

me'any information about it ? It conies from Australia, is remarkable for the

length of its legs, lives on the ground, and seeks its food among the herbage.

Uliger placed the species in a genus by itself.



James Storey.



