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in them was a brilliant sky-blue cere round the eyes. Their

plumage reminded me of the pictures of Columba rufaxilla, in

the old “Naturalists’ library ; ” but neither there nor in any

description in the Museum Catalogue, of that or of cognate

species of Leptoptila, could I find any notice of their striking

eyes. The fact is that cabinet naturalists are seldom acquainted

with any but dead specimens, hence many omissions and many

errors of description, especially of eyes and beaks which change

colour in death : a proof, if such were wanting, of the use of

scientific aviculture. After some months, one of these Doves

died, and I soon saw that the beauty of the eye cere did not

survive. The authorities of the Museum have pronounced the

species to be Leptoptila wellsi from Grenada. I think I may

accurately call them very rare, for the Museum seems to possess

but one skin. Their tints are soft and pretty—back olive-brown,

the back of the neck having a purple sheen, under parts white

shading into pink. I have not found them interesting ; after

nine months they are still shy, hardly ever utter a sound, and

take no notice of each other. I think I made a mistake in not

putting them out last summer. This large arrival had over-taxed

my accommodation : I was afraid of over-crowding the outdoor

aviaries, and so have kept them continuously in a bird-room.


Fourth.—Next came about four pairs of Zenaida aurita.

I have before received this species, and described them in

“ Notes on my Doves in 1S97.” I will not repeat myself, but I

may add one or two particulars, as my former notes were written

a few months after the arrival of my first consignment.


(a). Those received in June, 1897, bore last winter with

apparent comfort in a by 110 means sheltered outdoor aviary,

where all still survive.


(р) . The cocks are terribly quarrelsome. Pairs frequently

nest, and eggs are laid, but hatching is out of the question, such

are their squabbles.


(с) . They are decidedly tameable. Two of the last lot

(fortunately a cock and a hen) are absolutely tame. I have them

in a cage, and the cock comes to the open door to be petted.


Fifth.—Fast in order, because least in size, but by no

means so in interest or rarity, are the tiny Turtles of Barbados,

Chamoepelia passerina of the British Museum Catalogue. They

are truly exquisite and delicate little birds. Madame Knip’s

illustrations of them in Temminck’s “ Pigeons” hardly do justice

to their elegant form and dainty gait. They are barely six

inches long, and run and fly with astounding rapidity. The



