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entered in one of the Cockatoo classes; bnt, oddly enough, those classes

are expressly reserved for certain specified species of which the Sleuder-bill

is not one, and the bird could not have been properly entered in either of

them. Are we then to understand that, according to the Crystal Palace

authorities, the Macaws are Parrots but the Cockatoos are not ? Or what

are we to understand ? Really the Judge should explain.


- Septimus Perkins.


THE AQUARIUM SHOW.


vSir,—I am very much interested in Mr. Fulljames’ letter in your

issue of February, but regret that he has shown animus in his comments

and has written in such vigorous style. I am fully aware that the labels

as to food were instructions to the Stewards. I am equally certain that

they were read by the public, and my desire was that they had been more

carefulty read. I saw the birds offered each of the items of unwholesome

food that I mentioned. I saw the food accepted by the birds. I saw the

piece of walnut given to the Swallow, and I have good eyesight and am not

easily mistaken. The larger birds, in almost every case, did take the food

offered to them ; and I expostulated warmly, to at least three persons,

on the cruel way in which they were offering dangerous food to the birds.


I have not my catalogue handy to refer to and may therefore have

passed a misprint as to the number of the Eclectus Parrot, but an Eclectus

Parrot was shrouded by a curtain, was in a very bad position, and was

painfully suffering from the tobacco smoke. I am a smoker and do not

mind smoke; I had three companions with me when I visited the Show,

and all of us complained of the very bad smoke-laden air of the stuffy

Aquarium, and pitied the birds that were exposed to it.


I write with no authority, I am not interested in the Aquarium, nor

would I do it the least damage by my words; but I merely stated what I

saw, and to my opinion I adhere. The atmosphere was that of a Uonclou

Music Hall, or of a booth at a country fair.


George C. Wieeiamson.



INSECT FOOD.


Sir, — I am glad to see that the question of soft and insect-food is to

be discussed in our pages. Of the latter there is one which I have found

very helpful in rearing small birds: it is the larvae of the clothes moth.

With the help of these insects I reared nest after nest of Diamond Sparrows,

one season.


In order to keep up a supply, my plan is to stock several boxes—

such as the Hudson’s soap box — with materials that are attractive to these

moths; then put the boxes away in an out-liouse, with the covers slightly

open, and leave them undisturbed for a month or two.


The things I have found most attractive are the cleaniiigs-out of the

bird cages, with layers of flannel, or any old woollen stuff, between. In

another box I have bran between the flannel. The moths that frequent the

latter are bigger, and the larvae seem longer in coming. In taking out the

little white worms for use, be careful not to disturb the contents of the box

more than can be helped. When the supply in one box is exhausted

set it aside, and by the time the last of the four or five boxes have been

used, the first opened will be found ready with a fresh suppty.



