Correspojidence.



105



Birds (p. 25S) in the Cambridge Natural- History, the bird is called the

Agami; and in Cassell’s Book of Birds (iv. 94-95), which was an adaptation

from Brehin, the name is used repeatedly. Henry SCHERREN.



SWAINSON’S LORIKEETS NESTING.


Sir, —You will be interested to hear that my Swainson’s Lorikeets

are now sitting on two eggs. The first was laid 011 November 29th and the

second on December the 2nd. I am hoping that this time both eggs will be

hatched.


The young bird reared last year is ver}' flourishing, but has not grown

any tail feathers yet, although otherwise in very good plumage. I fancy it

is a hen, for I placed it with the other old bird I had, a cock, and they are

the best of friends. C. Rosa Littee.



ON BREEDING BULBULS.


I note that in the December No. of the Magazine Mr. Teschemaker

wishes to know if any Bulbul has been bred beside P. hcernorrhous.


Wiener states that P. xanthopygus has been bred in Germany from

birds exhibited by him at the Crystal Palace in 1879, but Russ does not

confirm this, but tells us that Mr. Wiener purchased four examples of P.

aurigaster in 1S7S : possibly this may be the species which was bred in

Germany. P. sinensis went to nest in Dr. Russ’birdroom in 1S93, but was

disturbed by Porto Rico Pigeons. A female of Otocompsa jocosa built and

laid in Mr. Wiener’s aviaries, but being uumated naturally failed to hatch.


This is all, so far as I know, that has been published respecting the

nesting in captivity of any Bulbuls in addition to P. hcernorrhous.


A. G. Buteer.



PEAT MOSS FOR BIRDS.


Sir, —I notice that in the November issue reference is made to Prepared

Peat Moss, and to “ Abrahams’ Mixture” for soft-billed birds. A correspon¬

dent seems to be unable to obtain the former. The Liverine Compy., Grimsby,

Lincolnshire, supply Peat Moss ground down to a fine condition, about the

size of coffee. I find it most useful, indeed quite indispensable for cover¬

ing the floors of foster mothers and cool brooders. My first batch of

chickens is always due from the incubator on the 1st of January, and I

continue hatching till mid-April in this way, until broody hens can be

obtained in this district. I rear in foster mothers stood out in the open,

and without some such perfect deodorizer, and desiccator as Peat Moss, I

could never get on through the damp and cold of a Yorkshire winter and

early spring. If I were ever to keep Tanagers or Lorikeets, or birds of that

nature, I think I should find Peat Moss a great help. Of course, where it is

used, care must be taken to give grit and sand in a separate receptacle

whether to cage-birds or chickens.



