13



very noticeable in Mr. Fulljames’ bird. A very fine pair of

Hobbies (Falco subbuteo ) and a Calandra Tark (Melanocorypha

calandra ) were also shown in this class.


D. Seth-Smith.



PARROTS.


I may, perhaps, be expected to give a few notes on the

classes I judged at the Teague’s first Show, held at the Crystal

Palace, on October 4th, 5th, and 6th.


As far as the Parrots were concerned, it was not a very

good show. It is useless to expect one, unless better prizes can

be offered, and a knowledge of the show brought home to the

many possessors of Parrots scattered throughout the country.

It has probabty never dawned upon the minds of the greater

part of them that there is such a thing as a Parrot Show: and,

if it has, they would not risk their pets on a journey for prizes

of 15/-, 10/-, 5/-, and 2/6. To say nothing of the risk and trouble

of sending the birds, the prizes will not repay entry fees and

carriage. The public is indebted for such interest as the shows

have to the competition of two or three great exhibitors, like

Mr. Fulljames, Mr. Maxwell, and Mr. H. B. Smith ; though,

every now and then, an interesting exhibit, such as Mr.

Cocksedge’s Red-mantled Parrakeets, is found in a single entry.


M3^ first class was “ Tories and Torikeets,” which had 14

entries, of which two, if not three, were absent. In this class I

gave the 1st prize to a Forsten’s Torikeet, shown by Mr. Arthur

in admirable trim (a) ; 2nd and 3rd went to Scaly-breasted Tori¬

keets—the two exhibits were equally smooth and glossy, but I

gave 2nd to the pair as it is more difficult to show a good pair

than one. Fourth went to a Blue Mountain, belonging to Mr.

Silk. Reserve I gave to a bird entered as a Purple-breasted

Tory (b )—this was the most uncommon bird in the class. Mr.

Cusliny showed a Ceram Tory in very good plumage. Mr.

Maxwell’s Ornamented lacked brilliancy of colour, and so did

the Blue Mountains. Mr. Smith showed two Rubras, but they

were too rough in plumage to obtain notice. It is a pity to show

Parrots in what are called exhibition cages : it is absolutely

impossible to judge a bird unless you can see all round it, and

any Judge may be pardoned for passing a Parrot in such a cage.

A Musky Torikeet, shown by Mr. Frostick, was too sleepy to

win a card.



(a) Mr. Arthur tells me that this bird has acquired a taste for canary-seed, and now

will not touch anything else.—F. G. D.


(6) Eos riciniuta —I had a specimen over three years ago.—R. P.



