95



term, Macaws are allowed to compete in the class for “ any other species of

Parrot ” while Cockatoos are not. Mr. Camps replies by pointing out that

classes are specially provided for Cockatoos while they are not so provided

for Macaws; and that the wording of class 130, “ Cockatoos, Lemon, Salmon,

White, or Orange Crested,” is descriptive of plumage and not indicative of

species. Probably many exhibitors understand class 130 to be limited to

four named species, and if this is not so it would be better expressly to

make the class one for “any other species of Cockatoo.” It would also

seem desirable to make class 128 read “ any other species of Parrot or

Macaw.” There seems to be an unwritten law by which Macaws are ad¬

mitted into class 128 and Slender-billed Cockatoos into class 130. These

little subtleties are well known to experienced exhibitors; but they are

puzzling to the novice and also to the outside public, and it would be well

if they could be avoided.]



THE SHOW CIRCULAR.


To the Editors of the Avicultural Magazine.


Dear Sirs, —As a member of the Avicultural Society I wish most

respectfully to take exception to the circular of the British and Foreign

Bird Show, inserted in the current issue of our Magazine.


I cannot see my way to subscribe to the proposed prize fund for the

Show. Am I to be therefore considered as not appreciating at its true worth

your arduous labours in the editing of the Magazine ? It is because I do

value highly your work in our Society, that I venture now to protest against

the wording of this circular. In one place, attention is drawn to the fact

that “ it is the only occasion on which the members have been asked to

contribute to any special Fund.” If it should be considered desirable that

members should be so asked, it would be much more desirable to raise the

annual subscription to the Society 7 : to which I would gladly assent.


Taking this opportunity of thanking you for the great interest you

liave always taken in aviculture, I am, yours respectfully,


Arthur A. Stater.



Sir, —I take the sole responsibility for the circular to which

Mr. Slater takes exception, and I am willing to admit that it is not perhaps

very happily worded. Nevertheless I must state that a copy of it was

sent to each member of the Executive Committee before it was issued with

the Magazine.


It was certainly not for a moment present to my mind that it would

be supposed that there would be any sort of reflection on those who did not

contribute to the prize fund, and I am astonished that anyone should take

that view of it.


As to my remark that it was the only 7 occasion on which the members

liad been asked to contribute to any special fund, it is a statement of a fact,

and in my experience of similar Societies a very unusual fact. I see no

reason for raising the subscription, and I am sure that such a course would

lead to a falling off in our membership, which has hitherto steadily increased,


I should like to take this opportunity 7 of repeating in the most

•emphatic manner that the Show has nothing whatever to do with the

Avicultural Society 7 . As, however, a Show is being got up the exhibitors at



