348



Correspondence.



NOTES FROM BENHAM VALENCE, ETC.


One pair of Ruddy-headed Geese (Chloephaga rubidiceps) had three sets of

eggs—four in each one ; and all hatched, although not all were reared, owing a

great deal to lack of care in their not being provided with a constantly clear run

of short fresh grass, etc.


These Geese generally lay four eggs in a clutch, so that twelve fertile eggs

from one Goose is quite a creditable performance.


* * *


There are four Pigmy Owls ( Glaucidium passerinum ) in a small aviary at

Benham Valence. It was suggested the other day by a visitor to the birds that

they would look well if made into pepper-pots !


#- * *


Mr. ASTLEY received a brood of five Penduline Titmic e {CEgithalus pendu-

linus), but all died within a week, of pneumonia, contracted on the journey from

the continent.


# * *


Mr. ST. QUINTIN has acquired some Wall Creepers which were hatched in

captivity in Switzerland. The same successful aviculturist from whom they

came has bred the Pigmy Owls,



MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.


Mr. GOODFELLOW brought back from Chili, in July, some very hand¬

some Pinches— Plirygilus caniceps —of the size of Greenfinches, but of a finer and

more graceful shape. The male’s head, wings and tail is a bright blue-grey, the

back and underparts being a rich ‘ old ’ gold ; the female is much duller, but of

the same idea of colouring. They are very handsome.


There were also several Diuca Pinches, which have the style of a Chaffinch

about them, more especially of the Blue Chaffinch of Teneriffe, which they also

resemble in size. This finch has been imported before now. The male is pale

grey with a white throat : the female a brownish grey. Both species are to be

found in Chili.


There is a pair of Sun-Bitterns in the aviaries at Benham Valence. These

birds are invariably tame and confiding, and when they open their wings, spread¬

ing them widely towards the head, look like gigantic moths with rich and

variegated tints of mottled chestnut, white and brown. A fine piece of nature’s

embroidery.


* * #


A male White’s Thrush ( Geocichla varia), the property of Major BOYD

HORSBRUGH, imported by him in June, has now moulted in the Benham

Valence aviaries, and is a very handsome bird, with its speckled plumage.

Unfortunately its mate died.



