Practical Bird-Keeping. — XII. The Crow Tribe. 127


Carrion Crow. The Siberian J ay* (.Perisorem infaustus ) of which

I wrote an account in the early days of the magazine, has many

most musical cries. I do not recollect to have seen one of these

charming birds in captivity since we had our pair, which lived

for many years; these would eat mice and mealworms, bnt were

also great consumers of currants, sultanas, etc. All the true

Jays are very fond of acorns. I believe no true Jay is found

where there is no oak.


In conclusion, I would urge that those who keep any of

these birds, should confine them in roomy aviaries or keep them

in semi-confinement. Remember that they like to be taken

much notice of, are great bathers, are omnivorous, and they are

not as a rule suitable companions for other birds. I think an

exception may be made of the Choughs, but even they are best

kept by themselves.


I do not think many of these birds have bred in confine¬

ment. Most of them are very shy at the breeding time. The

Raven of course has bred at Lilford and repeatedly atScampston.

The Chinese Blue Magpie has bred in the Zoological Gardens

and the Spanish Blue Magpie at Lilford, and the latter built most

beautiful nests and laid clutches of clear eggs, on which they

sat diligently year after year in our aviaries.



RETIREMENT OF MR. ARTHUR GILL.


We regret to announce that Mr. Arthur Gill, M.R.C.V.S.,

who has for many years done the post-mortem examinations of

birds for members of the Avicultural Society, is leaving England

for Canada in April, and is compelled to resign that duty. He

has, however, kindly consented to carry on the work until the

end of March, and members who may wish to avail themselves

of his help are requested to note that his address till that date

will be:— “The Nurseries,'’


Bath Road,


Langley, Bucks.


We should like to thank Mr. Gill for his past services to



A vie. Mag-., 1st Series, V., p. ioi (1899),



