Correspondence, Notes, etc.



175



These maggots were placed in a bottle, when they soon entered the pupa

state, in due course being transformed into the flies herewith enclosed.

There are two sizes of the flies, which I presume are the different sexes.

Unfortunately, I was unable to rear either of the young Hangaests. The

smaller one died suddenly after about a week, and the other followed a few

days later. I shall be pleased to send you the nest, if it will interest you.

This species of Hauguest is known locally as “ plantain-bird.” It is not

included in your “ Foreign Bird-keeping,” nor do I see it in the Zoo. list.


Georgetown, Demerara, E- W. Harper.


British Guiana.


The following reply has been sent to Mr. Harper:


Unfortunately the only work I ever did in connection with Dipterous

insects was in 1874, when I completed the account of the New Zealand

Insects — (. Diciyoplera , Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Rhynchota, Diptera, and

Lepidoptera ) for the voyage of H.M.S. “ Erebus ” and “ Terror.” However

I will submit the specimens of Diptera to the Specialist at the Natural

History Museum, and ask him to communicate with you.


It is an interesting fact that living birds should be attacked by

Dipterous parasites after the manner of Cattle. A. G. But PER.



EARLY NESTING OF RAVENS IN CAPTIVITY.


Mr. St. Quintin writes under date February 17th :


“ My Ravens have been sitting a week to-day,—or rather the hen

bird, for the cock takes no share in incubation duties.”



THE FOOD OF PARROTS.


Sir, —The suggestion of Canon Dutton that perhaps animal fat

might be used with advantage in cases of feather plucking and eating by

Parrots is very interesting to me.


I have often wondered whether the regular supply of butter, etc. that

I gave my Rosella was the cause of his plumage remaining so thick and

glossy all his life.


The taxidermist was particularly struck with its beauty, and said lie

had seldom had a bird—even a young one—in such good condition.


This, after over 27 years of cage life, is remarkable.


Winifred M. Sopp.



