Conespojideuce.



187



bers on the subject.; I cannot help thinking that such articles would be

immensely popular, and would not only increase the sphere of usefulness of

the Magazine but bring new members to the Society.


Of the existing members of the Society there are, no doubt, several

experts in many different classes of birds, and many more members who

have knowledge of one class of bird only and would like to extend that

knowledge to other classes.


Probably, however, the bulk of the members are those who, like

myself, are genuinely interested in bird life without pretending to have any

special knowledge about any class of birds whatever. To such persons the

articles suggested would be of immense utility.


There is no doubt that a good deal of time and money is often wasted

by amateurs in misdirected efforts, which could have been prevented had

certain information within the knowledge of many experts been imparted,

and I gather that it is with the intention of imparting such information

that the articles are suggested.


A series of articles on different classes of birds, similar to Mr. Frank

Finn’s little book on “Fancy Pheasants” (which originally appeared in the

Feathered World ),.would be invaluable, even if the articles had to be some¬

what shortened owing to limited space.


To mention a few birds which specially interest me, I do not suppose

that many people have had an opportunity of getting to know, except by

dearly-bought experience, the immense difficulties of keeping curlew,

whimbrel, spoonbills, egrets, little bittern and Tliick-knee plover for any

length of time ; whereas, on the other hand, some of the so-called waders

are admittedly very easy to keep, and others not difficult, if only they can

be obtained.


I11 writing as above I am not in any way wishing to detract from the

merits of the Magazine on its present lines, but am merely emphasising the

fact that an article for beginners might appear in each number of the

Magazine without unduly encroaching on the space usually devoted to

those further advanced in aviculture.


Even if the Magazine had to be slightly enlarged the increased

membership should pay for the extra cost. It is usually a sound business

practice to cater for all classes. C. Barnby Smith.



Sir,—A s our Council has asked for the opinion of members, especially

I think our younger and less experienced members like myself regarding the

publication of a number of articles in the Avicultural Magazine on groups of

birds, say for example Waxbills, Tanagers or small Parrakeets, these papers

to give very fully the best methods of feeding in cages and in the aviary,



