112



Correspondence.



dull and uninteresting bird otherwise. The chief colours are

metallic green above, pale grey on the breast and red on the

abdomen. Curious liair-like filaments extend from the ear-

coverts.


This bird was shown, like most of the other rarities in the

show, by Mr. C. T. Maxwell, and bore testimony to his great

skill in keeping and exhibiting soft-bills in first-rate condition.

The second prize winner was a fine Giant Barbet belonging to

Mr. Townsend ; the third a very steady cock King Bird of Paradise

(Mr. Maxwell) ; fourth, a fine pair of White-spotted Jay Thrushes

ylanthocincla ocellaia ) from the Himalayas, fine birds for an aviary

but too large for a show-cage. These were sent by Mr. O.

Millsum.


This class also contained two Mexican Jays, a splendid

Niltava Flycatcher, Blue-winged Siva, Plumbeous Redstart,

Dhyal-bird and two Shamas.


The class reserved for members of the London Cage Bird

Association contained such rarities as a White-capped Redstart,

pair of Colies, Black-headed Sibia and Archbishop Tanager.


D. S.-S.



THE SOCIETY’S MEDAL.



In accordance with the notice printed on page 53, medals

have been awarded to Messrs. Tescliemaker, Newman, and

Barnby Smith.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



“ THE BRITISH RAIL.”


Sir, — K indly allow me a short space in order to reassure Dr. Ticelmrst

with regard to the birds I saw in Kent. They were A 'alius aquations, as a

matter of fact I only noticed one Moorhen (Galliuu/a chloropns) on that

occasion. I know of course that Rails do not usually shew themselves in

such a manner as to be seen by the unobservant eye, but I was readily

able to detect the presence of those I saw. Personally I cannot understand

the statements that the Water Rail is uncommon ; rarely seen would hardly

be a statement of fact because I feel sure that anyone who has had any

■experience of this bird either in the field or aviculturally would readily



