374 Bird Notes from the Zoological Gardens.


other thing perhaps calling for mention is what I call “net-

sweepings,” I have recollections of seeing it mentioned in one

of Dr. Greene’s books, but it may not be generally known.

Sweep an ordinary strong butterfly net over grass for ten

minutes or so, giving the bag an occasional bang on the ground

to keep the occupants quiet, and you will find a lovely collection

of grass seeds and small insects, which when turned out in the

aviary will give most birds a treat.


I really did mean to finish here, but I remember two or

three other things I wish to mention. Canaries out here are

real beasts, I had no bother with rearing them at home, but here

the programme always ends up in dead young at ages varying

from two to fifteen days old. They are seldom deserted, simply

die in turn. I have tried egg and no egg, solitary pairs in cages

and in the aviary, also flocks—same result. The old birds look

very fit and the cocks sing beautifully. I am just letting them

rip now, but I may begin with a fresh stock, if opportunity

offers. I expected them to pay some of my seed bills, as they

are always easy to find a market for, whereas one might find a

difficulty in selling even a Painted Finch.


My young Goulaians left the nest—but no, my notes on

moults can well wait, or I shall never finish.


Hope soon to send you an account of my new aviary.



BIRD NOTES FROM THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.


Since our last “notes” appeared great things have hap¬

pened at the Zoo. ; the new Wader’s aviary to the north of the

Dion House has been finished and stocked, and is now by far the

prettiest aviaiy in the Gardens. On the shelving beach in the

foreground may be seen Plovers, Avocets, Godwits, Knots, Ruffs

and other small waders, while Turtle-doves and most of the

commoner European birds frequent the bushes at the back. A

Swallow appears to be perfectly happy hawking for insects over

the waters, and Kingfishers may be seen darting from one end of

the aviary to the other or perched on twigs at the waterside.


The very fine Gulls’ aviary—the largest aviary in the

Gardens—has also been completed and stocked with all kinds of



