93



DOVES, PARROTS AND PARRAKEETS.


The class (122) for Doves or Quails is always a failure;

probably because few aviculturists have really tame specimens of

the genus which they can with safety catch and cage. 1st prize

{the only prize aw r arded) went this year, as last, I think, to Mr.

Housden’s pair of Nicobar Pigeons ; they are in beautiful

condition and fine of their kind. Personally, I cannot admire

the vulturine look of the species, and have grave doubts as to

their being eligible. I certainly thought Mr. Seth-Smith’s little

pair of Jungle Bush Quails (Perdicula asiaticaJ, which are both

rare and interesting, worthy of a 2nd if not of 1st prize. Mr. H. B.

Smith’s cock Bronze-wing (H. C.) is a handsome bird, I should

think a Tasmanian one ; for it has that excessive ruby brilliance

of wing which is found in Tasmanian rather than Australian

specimens.


The class for Budgerigars requires little comment. Mr.

Arthur’s birds, as usual, were striking for their size and condition,

so indeed, in a lesser degree, were the other winners.


The class (124) for Rosellas and Pennants was fairly filled.

Mr. Arthur’s pair of Pennants, 1st, are handsome birds in fine

plumage. Mr. Housden’s, 2nd, an exceptionally handsome

single Pennant. Its companion had unfortunately died just

after its arrival at the Show ; if it was as good as the survivor

they must have taken first honours. The 3rd prize went to Mr.

Arthur for a fair Mealy Rosella. I thought Dr. Grigg’s V. H. C.

pair of Red Rosellas particularly handsome.


Class 125, for King and Crimson-wing Parrakeets, had 10

entries, and was well divided between the two species. 1st was

awarded to Mr. Doherty’s King and Queen, which, according to

the Catalogue, took the same honours in 1896 and 1897. They

did not look happy. Kings and Queens seldom do, while many

Crimson-wings are bright and lively, and seem quite to enjoy the

excitement of a Show. 2nd prize was awarded to a lovely

Crimson-wing shown by Mr. Maxwell, and 3rd to another nearly

as good, shown by Mr. Doherty.


Class 126, for “All species of Parrakeets not included in

the above,” was a most varied and interesting one. The entries

numbered 23, and two extra prizes were very properly awarded.

1st deservedly was awarded to Mrs. Astrop’s beautiful Pileated

Parrakeet, which, if I am not mistaken, has before carried off

the same honour; 2nd was Mr. Fulljames’ charming Princess of

Wales Parrakeet (Polytelis alexandrcz )—its disposition seems to

Be like its soft colouring. Mr. Maxwell’s hen Yellow-shouldered



