288



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



The Birds of Paradise in the Insect House are doing well.

The King’s are in fine plumage, and one has the tail-rackets

quite perfect. The Greater Bird-of-Paradise and one of the

Lesser birds are just coming into full dress, while the second

specimen of P. minor has just lost his plumes.


While at the Gardens on June 26th I was informed that

several Kiwis ( 'Apteryx ) and some Keas were expected that day.

These will be a great acquisition. D. S.-S.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


CASSELL’S “CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS.”


Sir,— I see in your June issue that Mr. Wiener writes about an

offer made by The Feathered World, to him and many others, of the foreign

bird section of Cassell’s “Canaries and Cage-birds.” He was “amused at


receiving a printed offer”.and there follows the part to


which I take special objection, viz., “ Had a reprint been intended,” etc.

In the circular sent out I cannot see that I in any way suggest that the

book was reprinted, and in case any of those who have had a copy may

think the same, I should be glad if you would allow me to state that the

book was not reprinted—the copies being those that Messrs. Cassell & Co.

had on hand. I may say Mr. Wiener wrote in the same way to me. I

returned him his money and explained it was not a reprint. Whereupon

he again remitted his money, saying he would have a copy. Under these

circumstances it is, to say the least of it, bad taste on Mr. Wiener’s part to

have written as he has in your columns.


I enclose a circular so that you may see what the details were, and I

think you will agree with me that nothing was said which could have led

Mr. Wiener to his conclusion. E. Comyns-Lewer.


[There appears to have been a slight misunderstanding. Mr. Wiener

informs us that had the date of publication (some 27 years ago) been printed

on the circular, he would have taken no notice of it beyond ordering a copy

out of curiosity.—E d.].


FOOD FOR YOUNG PARTRIDGES.


Sir,— Being a member of the Avicultural Society I should be very

glad if you will tell me the proper food upon which to bring up young

Partridges. I have some eggs (which were forsaken by the old birds) being

sat on by a Bantam, and do not know what is the best kind of food to

rear them on. L. Whitehead.


The following reply has been se?it to Mrs. Whitehead:


Young Partridges should be fed on hard-boiled egg passed through a



