218



Correspondence.



Three days’ later (February 12th) another was laid, the second following

on the 14th. Both eggs were hatched on the morning of the 26th. I saw

the young about 9.30 a.ui., they looked some hours old and had been fed by

their parents. This makes the duration of incubation twelve days; but I

thought I would wait and see the result of the next nest.


The birds laid again on the 17th and 19th of March ; I was away when

these eggs hatched, but I had left word that the nest was to be closely

watched, and on the 31st (again the 12th day after the laying of the second

egg) both eggs were found to be hatched, one eggshell was picked up in the

flight quite dry, shewing the young had been out some time, as early as

7.30 a.m., so that hatching may actually have taken place the previous day.


I think it is not a little remarkable that such large birds should sit

for so short a time ; the only other Turtle-dove, as I have already pointed

out, that I have known to hatch in twelve days is the Half-collared Turtle

(Turtur semitorqualus), so that size seems to have little to do with it, in fact

the larger species seem to take less time.


The birds have to-day (15th April) just started sitting for the fourth

time this year. T. H. Newman.



Sir, —My Ravens are now bringing up five fine young birds in their

nest in one of my aviaries ; and I shall be happy to give a young one to

any member of our .Society who can give it a good home in the country.

Scamps'i'on Hare, York. W. H. St. Quintin.



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.



Each bird must be forwarded, as soon after death as possible, carefully packed and post¬

age paid, direct to Mr. Arthur Gill, Rauherne, Bexley Heath, Kent, and must be

accomoanied by a letter containing: the fullest particulars of the case, and a fee

of 1 /- for each bird. If a reply by post is required a fee of 2 16 must be enclosed.

Domestic poultry, pigeons and Canaries can only be reported on by post.



Pekin Robin. (Mr. Isaac). The bird died of apoplexy.


Lovebird. (Miss Douglas). The bird has suffered with disease of the

liver for a long time. There is no treatment I can suggest for the

other birds without seeing them when ill.


Budgerigar. (Major A. B. Trestrail). Your bird died of apoplexy. He

was very fat indeed.


Answered by Post:


Mrs. Johnstone. Hon. Mrs. Hodgson.


Mrs. Palmer. Rev. H. D. Astley.


In reply to many members Mr. Gill begs to say he cannot give the

time to prepare the skins of birds for the taxidermist under ail)' conditions,

and examinations will only be made on birds sent intact.



