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After its death it was preserved for the Derby Museum, at

Liverpool, where it is now to be seen. An excellent coloured

plate of this, the type specimen, was published in the “ Proceed¬

ing^” of the Zoological Society for the year 1850, together with

a description of the bird by Mr. Louis Fraser. The following is

an extract from his communication, dated November nth, 1850.

“ The first specimen to which I would wish to draw the attention

of the Society, is a Parrakeet of large size, which I propose

calling Palceoi'nis derbianus. . . . The specimen has been


for many years in this collection, and I have chosen for its

specific name that of its noble owner. The species is easily

distinguished from all other members of the genus by its large

size and the colours of the bill, head and breast.”


Although much larger, the Derbian Parrakeet has many

points of resemblance to the Banded or Javan Parrakeet

(P. fasciatciJ ; it differs greatly however from that species in

the colour of the breast, which is an exquisite lilac in P. derbyana

and decidedly vinous in P. fasciata, the head of the rarer species

is also much bluer ; and Count Salvadori has pointed out another

important difference in the colour of the under wing-coverts,

which are vinous in P. derbyana and green in P. fasciata.


The following is a short description of the colouring of

P. derbyana : Upper parts light green ; a broad moustache on

the lower part of the cheeks, forehead and lores, black ; crown

and ear-coverts violet-blue ; underparts lilac ; bill black.


The species is said to inhabit the interior of China.


The two birds now in the Gardens are remarkably fine

specimens and there would appear to be every prospect of their

thriving. They are not so bright in colour as Wolf’s drawing in

the “ Proceedings,” but they are probably still immature.


The acquisition of birds of such extraordinary rarity is a

matter for sincere congratulation, and they are very well worth

a visit from all who are interested in this group of Old World

Parrakeets. _D. Seth-SmiTh.


NESTING OF THE DHYAL.


By the Rev. C. D. Farrar.


The Dhyal is very seldom imported into England, and, when

he is, always commands a high price. It is nearly always the

cocks that come over as in the case of so many other

species. The cock Dhyal is like a miniature English Magpie,

brilliant black and white, and is no doubt nearly related to the

Shamah, as the two species quarrel abominably. Dhyals are very



