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Phillipps’ letter, and should have appeared in the same issue, hut was

crowded out for want of space.


While I am sure our readers will readily acquit me of the literary

theft of Mr. Phillipps’ ideas, it is perhaps desirable in justice to myself

that this explanation should appear. C. S. Simpson.



APROPOS OF BOUGHT FOOD FOR INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS.


Sir,—I wish Mr. Fillmer could see my two Blue Rock Thrushes as

well as a Sharna and a Pied Rock Thrush which are fed upon food that Mr.

J. Abrahams manufactures and sells for the benefit (mark the word !) of

insectivorous birds. In deference to that sold by Mr. Cross (styled

Capelle’s food) I ought to add that the above birds, that is to say, all but

the Shama, were reared by myself from the nest upon his mixture, and at

times are still given it.


The Pied Rock Thrush (both he and the Blue Thrushes are in

magnificent health and plumage) is now five years old ; the eldest of the

Blue Thrushes being four years old, and the youngest three years; and

these birds are, more often than not, considered delicate to keep. My eldest

Passera Solitaria, for so the Italians call them, has never ceased singing all the

winter, and will do so until the lamps are extinguished, up to n.o p.m. and

11.3a


Oh ! b3*e-the-bye, a Blue-throated Warbler has also thriven through

November, December, and January upon the foods already mentioned.


Bejxmd this, these birds receive, as a treat, a few mealworms and some

raw beef cut fine.


I have, for many years, kept insectivorous birds most successfully

upon these foods, and I therefore consider that it is only fair to speak up

for their meritorial value.


I wonder why Mr. Fillmer is prejudiced against “ advertised foods,”

as is evident from his request and stipulation that whosoever will accept

the Yellow Wagtail and the other birds that he offers, will not feed them

upon such a diet.


One would like to know his reasons; but I am sure he will not object

to my taking up the friendly gloves on behalf of such advertised food as

has always done my birds a good turn.


Hubert d. Astley.



Sir,— The above letter from the Rev. H. D. Astley calls for some

reply from me.


I should be very sorry for it to be supposed that my advertisement

was purposely so worded as to appear to disparage any advertised food or

foods. My birds had been accustomed to a diet of soaked ants’ eggs and

mealworms, and I was anxious that they should not have to endure a

change of diet on finding a new home. But as Mr. Astley has now raised

the whole question of tinned food versus freshly-prepared food, I feel bound

to express my opinion upon the subject. I shouldlike, however, first to point

out that such birds as Thrushes and Shamas will survive on a diet which

would not suit our delicate native Warblers.


With a few exceptions, all the advertised foods for insectivorous birds

now in the market appear to be very much alike in character, the chiei

differences being that some contain grocer’s currants and some do not, and



