286



The Ornithological Congress.



in aviaries in which their natural surroundings were reproduced

as nearly as possible. He remarked upon the valuable work

that had been done by Mr. Meade-Waldo in his discoveries with

regard to the changes of plumage in some of the Sand-grouse,

and in the method they adopt to carry water to their young.

The author also described the breeding habits of the Tataupa

Tinamou, which species had been shown to be polyandrous, and

of two species of Turnix , from observations made in his aviaries.

The chairman of this section, Mr. Meade-Waldo, remarked upon

the great difference which existed between scientific aviculture

and mere bird-fancy, and pointed out how many important points

could be settled by aviculturists.


A general meeting concluding the business of the Congress

was held on Saturday afternoon, and it was announced that the

permanent Congress Committee had decided that the next Con¬

gress should be held in 1910, in Berlin or other city in Germany,

and that Dr. Reiclrenow should be invited to be the President.


On Monday (June 19th) the members of the Congress

journeyed to Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, where they were the

guests of His Grace the Duke of Bedford, and enjoyed one of

the most delightful days it is possible to conceive. The Mammals

and Birds in the park form perhaps the finest collection in the

world. There is a flock of twenty Pere David’s Deer, of which

only one other specimen exists in Europe. European and

American Bison, Grevy’s Zebras,. Giraffes and Prejevalsky’s

Horses are amongst the rarer Mammals; wdiile among the birds

were to be seen European Flamingos, some actually swimming

on the lake; Upland Geese (in flocks) ; Trumpeter Swans, with

young in white down ; a large flock of Whooper Swans, several

pairs of Black Swans with young ; Cranes of several species ;

Ducks of many species ; Bornean Fireback Pheasants, Vulturine

Guinea-fowls, Ostriches, Emeus (with young) and Rheas. A

flock of Australian Crested Doves were flying loose in the

grounds.


On Tuesday the members proceeded to Cambridge, where

they were met by Professor Newton, who showed them a fine

series of eggs of the Great Auk and many rare bird-skins. The

Museum and Eibrary fully^ occupied the members until two



