242



Mr. F. E. Blaauw,



London market supplies Paris, etc. with plumes; then let the London

market be closed.


All this is not mere sentiment—so called—it is a deep and

humane feeling that the Egrets and other birds have a right to live,

and move, and have their being. I hear someone say, “Well you

imprison birds, what about that?” What about it? Why this !

that to keep as pets a few examples of different species, which

evince their happiness by reproducing their kind, and rearing their

families is a very different thing to assisting in the slaughter of

thousands and thousands, aiding to bring on the extinction of species!


As a matter of fact the Little Egrets are to be obtained alive

but infrequently, but when they can be, they will live happily for

some years, especially if they are kept in a fairly large enclosure,

where there is shallow water, and reeds and bushes. They are birds

of sunny climes and should have shelter in the colder months. Fish,

cut small, and meat is what they feed on, and they become quite

fearless.


I have a pair of Little Egrets, [the male is somewhat larger

than the female,] which will run forward to take the pieces of roach,

etc. when thrown to them.


In conclusion, cannot lovers of birds, whilst doing all they

can to make their living pets happy; and these can be absolutely so ;

try to do something definite towards abating and putting a stop to

such ruthless destruction.



THE RUDDY-HEADED GOOSE.


Chloephaga rubicliceps.


By F. E. Blaauw, C.M.Z.S.


This Goose — a native of the southern parts of South America

and the Falkland Islands — is the smallest of the genus Chloephaga >

and, like all the members of its family is an extremely pretty bird.

It was first imported alive to England, I believe, about 1860, and

bred in the Zoological Gardens between 1865 and 1870, after which

time until quite recently it has only been represented there by odd

specimens which have not bred.



