Reviews.



123



browed Rose-finch (Propctsser rhodochrous ) which, although new to

the Zoological Society’s collection, does not appear to be quite new

to aviculture, as I hear that others have been imported recently. It

is a native of the Himalayas, and when in colour, the male is

clothed in rosy-pink hues suffused with brown, the pink colour

being particularly bright over the eyes and on the rump. Like all

the Rose-finches, however, it looses the pink tint in captivity,

its place being taken by a dull yellowish hue.


Since the death of the cock Somali’s Ostrich a few months

ago, the Zoological Society had been without an Ostrich, but now,

thanks to the kind help of Mr. A. C. Minchin, the Director of

the Adelaide Zoological Gardens, we have received five very nice

young birds of the South African form, Struthio australis, which

were bred in Australia, where Ostrich farming has been going on

successfully for some years. It is to be hoped that these Australian-

bred specimens will stand the climate of London better than those

from the hot interior of Africa.


The pair of Kolbes’ Vultures occupying' the large central cage

of the Birds of Prey Aviaries have gone to nest as is their habit at

this inclement season of the year, and, as I write, the hen has been

sitting for about five weeks. On previous occasions they have done

the same, but without success. This year we have carefully sheltered

the sitting bird with canvas, and we hope that the single egg may

hatch. I only hope I may have the pleasure of recording this happy

event next month. D. S-S.



REVIEWS.



THE HOME-LIEE OF THE TERNS.*


This is the fourth volume of “The BiVd-lovers Home-lif e

Series,” a most attractive set of books dealing with British Birds.

In it Mr. W. Bickerton gives an account of the five species of Terns



*The Home-life of the Terns or Sea Swalloivs, photographed and described by

W. BlCKERTON, F.Z.S. M.B.O.U. London: WlTHERBY & Co,, 326,

High Holborn, W.C. Price 6/- net.



