150



Practical Bird- Keeping. — Correspoyidence.



interesting point I have never heard explained. It is like the

loud rustle of silk and it is difficult to believe the wings make it

alone. I think in the Rifle Bird it is the most noticeable.


The Apoda and Raggia?iia are very fond of mice, and woe

betide one if it enters their aviary. The business-like way in

which the poor captive is held firmly under the foot, each tiny

limb broken by the powerful beak of its captor, shows it is not

a chance appetite, but one that is natural to the bird in its native

land.


Each different species has its own peculiar display, all

somewhat ridiculous and yet very wonderful. Every gorgeous

feather is made the most of for the attraction of the hen bird,

who, I have often noticed, remains singularly unaffected and

receives all the adoration in a phlegmatic and unappreciative

manner. One hen King Bird invariably flew down 10 feed at

the moment, when the cock, a living jewel, was prancing and

dancing for her edification.


How many of these beautiful birds remain alive in Eng¬

land I do not know. Mr. Brook’s collection at Hoddam Castle

is a marvellous sight, and, undoubtedly, the finest collection of

Paradise Birds in the world. Mine, alas ! are only a memory, as

much illness in my house, which included the birds’ keeper,

necessitated my parting with all.



PRACTICAL BIRD-KEEPING.—CORRESPONDENCE.


IMPEYAN PHEASANTS.


Sir, — Would it be too much trouble for you to reply either by letter

or in your paper to a few questions about the Itupeyan Pheasant.


I want to know whether they have been ever raised to maturity, and

if so under what conditions. Bast spring my pair laid eight eggs and I

hatched four chicks. Three eggs were placed under a hen and the chicks

only lived about two weeks. They refused to be brooded. The fourth

was placed with some Golden Pheasant chicks and did much better, grew

well and begun to feather. He died at about three-and-a-half weeks.


I do not think anyone in this country has raised any birds.


Windyknob , Wenharn , Massachusetts. John C. Phi r.r.r ps.


The following reply has been forwarded to Mr. Phillips.


Dear Sir, —Mr. Bonhote, Editor of the Aviculluiat dfaguzine, has



