Corj-espondence.



195



eight days. Six of the chicks were weakly and died while the

other four were successfully reared.


Of the remaining eggs Professor A. Scott took charge of

eleven with the idea of placing them in an incubator and

endeavouring to rear the chicks by hand. His account of the

result of this experiment is published in the Report and is

decidedly interesting, though too long for reproduction in extenso

here. Six of the eggs proved fertile ; four unhatched, of which two

were reared. The temperature of the incubator was regulated to

the normal temperature of an Ostrich—992 0 , that of a Rhea

being then unknown to the experimenter, but this proved to be

much too low, and Professor Scott has since ascertained that the

temperature of a Rhea’s body is at least 1050 F.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



A PARADISE IN A CRATER.


Sir,—-A n American friend of mine wrote to me from San Salvador,

Central America, liis letter being dated 13th January, 1909. “ I made a most


“ remarkable expedition the other day. I climbed to the edge of the crater

“ of a volcano a few miles distant from this city, and about 6000 fee: above

“ the sea level. The interior of the crater is like a huge bowl with a light

“ green bottom, the bottom being formed by a lake. The lake by actual

“ measurement with an aneroid was 1560 below the edge of the crater; and

“ the trail leading down, precipitous, and at times dangerous; but within

“ the bowl it seemed like an enchanted world. The luxuriant tropical

“ foliage shaded the path, there were countless wild flowers and orchids

“ growing on the steep slopes, some with the heavy perfume of lilacs, and

“ humming-birds darted from flower to flower. Birds were singing in

“ the trees, and I noticed a gorgeous species with black head and

“ Prussian-blue plumage. Mv guide told me there were monkeys and

“ parrots in abundance, but I saw none. The lake had no beach, but the

“ sides of the crater plunged abruptly into the green waters. I took a swim

“ to the horror and amazement of my guide, but the sensation of looking

“ up at the cliffs which encompassed one, was worth while; and the water

“ proved to be quite refreshing.”


I have written, asking if it is possible to find out what some of the

species of birds are.


This extremely interesting, but all too brief description, savours of

one of the voyages of Sindbad the Sailor ! Hubert D. AsT'eey.



