252



Correspondence.



OAK-APPLE GRUBS FOR BLACK COCKATOOS.


At Woburn Abbey, Lord Tavistock has found that Banksian Cockatoos

thrive on oak-apple grubs, when obtainable. Two of these rare birds, which

were apparently hopelessly ill, were pulled round after a diet of the grubs.


Lord Tavistock regrets that he did not make this discovery sooner, as he

feels sure that he could by this means have saved a tame cock Banksian, “ the

most interesting and charming creature I ever had,”.as it was not nearly so ill

as the hens when they were first taken in hand, but just wasted slowly away

through refusing food, while suffering from nothing more serious than a mild

internal inflammation.


* * *


YOUNG BARNARD PARRAKEETS.


Lord Tavistock writes (May) — “ I am rather anxious about my first brood

“of young Barnards, which are about three parts grown. Their mother has left

“ them completely in their father’s charge, and has started sitting again close

“by.” (The Parrakeets live in a semi-wild state in the gardens and park of

Woburn Abbey). “It would be all right if the Cock Barnard had not got another

“ wife with young ones about half-a-mile away from the first, but as things are

“ I am very much afraid he will neglect one of his three establishments. Two

“were quite enough for him to look after.”


RARE SUNBIRDS.


Mr. E. J. Brook writes from Hoddam Castle (14th May).—“I have

“ just received some South African Sunbirds in very fair condition. There are

“at least three rarities and perhaps more, for some are in immature plumage I

“ think. Possibly they are the same species as those that are in full colour, but

“I hope and think that some are different.”


“All my Indian Sunbirds are splendid, nothing ever seems to ail them.

“ The hens would nest, I think, but I cannot spare a whole compartment for a

“pair, and when one starts on a nest, others pull it to bits and try to build for

“ themselves with the pieces.”


“ Sunbirds are mischievous and quarrelsome, but beautiful and easy to

“keep if properly imported. I am convinced that many rare Lories, Sunbirds,

“ Honeyeaters, etc. could be imported quite easily if people would realize that

“ there are other liquid foods besides milk. Horlick’s Malted Milk can be easily

“obtained and is a safe food and not likely to set up liver disease.”



THE EMU.


We are informed that Messrs. WlTHERBY & CO., 326 High Holborn,

W.C. have been appointed European Agents for The Emu , the organ of the

Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, so that those members who are interested in

Australian birds will now have no difficulty in obtaining this journal in London.



