Correspondence.



147



The aviculturist will find Mr. Stuart Baker’s book full of

information, and will learn much of what has been hitherto vague.

Enhanced as it is by fine coloured plates, the book is worthy of a

place on the bookshelves of the ornithologist’s and aviculturist’s

library.


Some of the plates are a little wooden, but several are ex¬

cellent, notably that of the Bronze-winged or Emerald Dove (why

not green -winged bye-the-bye ?) the Snow-Pigeon and the Barred

Ground Dove. Others are very good too, but not so artistic.


H. D. A.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, &c.


NOTES FROM BRINSOP COURT,


On the moat which surrounds the house, Mr. Astley has a pair of Black¬

necked Swans, ten Tufted Duck, four White-eyed Pochard, a pair of Red-Crested

Pochard, some Shelduck, and Brown Call-Ducks. These are all becoming quite

tame, and can come on the water so close to the house that bread can be thrown

out of the windows to them. The moat is fed by a small stream of running

water, and several springs, so that it is clean and clear.


Mr. Astley hopes to obtain some Smew before long, as there are quantities

of small dace for them to feed upon.


The melodious whistling of the Black-necked Swans at night, under the

windows, adds to the charm of the 14th Century house.


All Mr. Astley’s other Ducks are in a large paddock, in which there are

springs, so that a series of small ponds have been formed.


Here there are about 80 ducks, including such species as Cinnamon,


Falcated, Ringed, and Japanese Teal; Red-billed Tree Ducks; etc., etc.


* * *


An addition to Mr. Astley’s collection of birds, is a pair of handsome little

Senegal Bustards (Trachelotis senegalensis) which is about the size of a pheasant.

The male has the head marked not at all unlike that of a male Ringed Teal,

with the same creamy face, black crown and ring coming down round the neck.

The body is a bright sandy chestnut, and on the throat and upper breast there

is a patch of rich grey. The female is lighter, and whilst her eyes are pale


yellow, her mate’s are dark brown. These birds are not at all shy.


* *


Two scarlet Flamingoes, from Mexico, are another addition. They are


brilliant shrimp-red: boiled shrimp, that is to say !


* *


Mr. C. BARNEY Smith would be glad to hear from any member who may

have a practical knowledge of keeping Grebe in captivity.


WILD DUCKS FROM AN INCUBATOR.


SIR,—I have read Mr. Job’s article under this heading with the greatest

interest, and I feel sure that all lovers of Waterfowl will join with me in heartily

congratulating him on his success in what appears to have been “new ground ”

to him altogether. It is a great pity that he did not succeed with Scoters and



