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That grit, in itself, is not injurious to parrots is proved by the fact

that they habitually swallow it with only beneficial effects ; but it is highly

probable that it is injudicious to supply it too freely to birds which

have been previously deprived of it for some time. Many experienced

aviculturists are fully alive to this fact and supply only very fine grit,

and that sparingly, to newly imported birds. This I think is the right

conclusion to draw from the facts given by Mr. Dutton’s correspondent;

not that grit is injurious in itself. C. S. Simpson.



THE SONG OF THE GREENFINCH.


Sir, —In his article on Grosbeaks, in the Magazine for December

(p. 24), Mr. Fillmer says of the Greenfinch—“ It possesses no song.” I

have written to him on the subject, and he wishes me to contradict him.


I have, from time to time, caught and kept a good many Greenfinches,

and their performances have varied considerably ; but, if kept alone, I have

always found that a cock bird sang in the spring-time. This is also the case

when a pair is kept in an aviary; for then the male bird sings to his mate,

and there is no difficulty in breeding if an ordinary Canary nest-box is hung

up and material provided for the hen to build with. One cock bird which I

caught sang out industriously for many months in the year, its song being

equal to that of the ordinary Norwich Canary, but more powerful, and

interrupted, after the manner of its kind, by the frequent interjection of its

harsh and unpleasant call-note : a guttural sort of churrr.


I have, on several occasions, heard wild Greenfinches, in the open

country, sing equally well to that example of mine ; and once, in Norfolk,

I heard one singing even better.


The worst of keeping Greenfinches in the neighbourhood of Canaries

is — that the young Canaries invariably copy the Greenfinch song with all

its blemishes. Apart from the call-note, I consider the performance far

superior to the chuckling song of the Linnet, or the wheats, wheak, song (no

pun is intended) of the Goldfinch.


Seebohm fairly describes it thus : “There is nothing very striking in

its music — it is a song which bears some resemblance to that of an inferior

Canary; and it is only when several birds are singing in chorus that

their notes are at all attractive.” I don’t quite agree with his last sentence ;

I think the song, when heard in the country, is verj’ enlivening. Howard

Saunders says that “the song is poor,” but he admits that, in confinement,

it “ shows a moderate capacit}-' for learning the songs of other birds.”


Two male Greenfinches in the same aviary are ususalty too much

occupied in fighting to think about singing. A. G. Buttlr.



THE BIRD SHOW AT THE ROYAL AQUARIUM.


Sir, — I am very sorry to see Dr. Williamson’s account of the

Aquarium Show.


I think one good 3'early Show for Parrots much to be desired. The

Cr3'stal Palace would supply the want, if it were not held in Februar3 r .

I was hoping the Aquarium might do it, and that our Society might help to

provide classes. But after Dr. AVilliamson’s report it is quite clear that

idea must be given up. No smoking ought to be allowed at any Bird Show.


F. G. Dutton.



