316



Correspondence.



caria), and Mrs. Williams with the Brown-throated Conure

(Conjirus cBruginosiis). These appear to be the first cases on

record of these species having bred in captivity in the United

Kingdom, and it is proposed to award a medal to each of the

above members. If any member or reader should however know

of a previous instance it is requested that the Honorary Secretary

may be immediately informed.



CORRESPONDENCE.


CURIOUS NESTING ARRANGEMENTS.


Sir, —The following curious nesting arrangements happened in my

garden this Spring, and I think they are worth recording.


A Pied Wagtail had a nest containing three eggs in some ivy just out¬

side my dining-room window. I was surprised one day to see a Robin

come from the ivy near the Wagtail’s nest, so I examined the nest and

found it contained three Wagtails’ and three Robins’ eggs ; I never saw the

Wagtails in the garden again, but the Robin sat and hatched two Wagtail’s

eggs and two of her own eggs, and reared them successfully, though the

Wagtails were ready to fly some days before the Robins.


After they had flown I observed one young Wagtail trying to induce

a cock Sparrow to feed it, a fruitless effort ! I fancy the Wagtails did not

know who tlieir mother was, however they managed to survive all right and

I constantly saw them about the garden in company with the young Robins.


The Robin had started to build very early in the season in the site

eventually used by the Wagtail, but forsook it and reared her first brood

higher up in the ivy, and then, I fancy, came back intending to rear

another brood in the spot she had first selected, and finding it already

occupied drove the Wagtail out. H. Wormaed.



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.


Bishop. (Miss Douglas). The bird died of enteritis. Nasturtium leaves

would not cause the disease.


ST. Heeena WAXBii.r v . (Mrs. Waterhouse). The bird had an apoplect

fit, there being a large clot on the brain.


Blackbird. (Mr. Burton). The bird died of apoplexy.


Answered by post:


Eady William Cecil. Mr. Ogle.


Mrs. Sebright. Mr. Gurney


Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford.



Arthur Giee, M.R.C.V.S.



