3S



In the foregoing letter, as in previous communications, the Rev. C. D.

"Farrar assumes that where his observations differ from those of other

writers one or the other must be wrong. This is an entirely unnecessary

assumption, as all aviculturists know how widely the experience of two

observers may differ as to the habits and character of the same species. For

instance, Dr. Butler found the Parson Finch intolerably spiteful in his

aviaries —I have kept that bird for years in mine without mishap, and have

had many young ones in a small aviary filled with defenceless species. Yet

neither Dr. Butler nor I doubt the correctness of the other’s observations.


It is a pitjr that Mr. Farrar will persist in thus assuming that differing

observations are necessarily contradictory, but unfortunately he is not

satisfied with that but goes a step further, and claims, as a matter of course,

that when he differs from others he alone is right and the statements of

others untrue. By taking up this position he prejudices many against his

views, needlessly irritates his opponents, and renders it difficult to conduct

a friendly discussion with him. I feel bound to remind him that writers in

this Magazine are expected to express themselves courteously and with

consideration for others, and that its columns will not be allowed to become

an arena for ill-mannered controversies.


After this introduction I will reply to Mr. Farrar’s “Fallacies”

seriatim.


(1) . Like other birds, Crimson Finches doubtless differ greatly in

disposition, yet most observers find them very dangerous to other birds.

Mr. Wiener says, “In the aviary the Crimson Finch is one of the most

combative of small birds, especially at breeding-time.” (Cassell’s “ Canaries

and Cage Birds,” p. 370). Dr. Russ sa3's, “A male in my bird-room was

sociable, yet at times spiteful towards small birds.” (Butler’s “ Foreign

Finches in Captivity,” p. 147). Dr. Simpson, quoted by Dr. Butler, says,

“I know of no small birds which equal these for spitefulness,” and Dr.

Butler adds, “ Mr. Abrahams gives them the same character.” My own

pair were so spiteful that neither could be trusted with other birds, and one

day the cock attacked the hen and nearly killed her. On the other hand,

Mr. Todd found the species peaceable ( Avicultural Magazine , Vol. iv., p. 5). I

think the evidence in favour of its dangerous nature so greatly^ predominates

that it is the duty of a writer on aviculture (even the despised author of a

“Guide”) to warn the novice against it. Recently the Crimson Finch has

become comparatively’ common, and I shall be glad if others who have

kept it will record their experience of its disposition.


(2) . Dr. Butler will no doubt deal with this point ; but everyone

knows that the Grey Waxbill is not usually delicate, and I do not think

that Dr. Butler can have stated the contrary (d).


(3) . Paddy rice is certainly not essential for fully’ acclimatised Pin¬

tailed Nonpareils — in fact they often cease to care for it. But it is a great



(d) Mr. Farrar’s experience of this and other birds is based upon a large garden

aviary with plenty of cover. In such an aviary I will venture to say that the natural

characteristics of birds are less likely to become obtrusive than in an indoor aviary of

moderate dimensions—say five yards in length by half that in width — nevertheless, it is

always unwise to crow too loudly : his experience of Scarlet Tanagers tallies with that

of other aviculturists, and he may have to change his views with regard to Crimson

Finches. Grev’ Waxbills, when kept indoors, live longer in small than in large aviaries.

I do not remember to have made any general statement. I mentioned my own

experience.—A. G. 13.



