48



Correspondence.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


THE FEEDING OP BIRDS.


SIR, — I am writing to suggest that as so many new birds have of late

years been imported, members might tell those less fortunate, how they feed them.*

You will, no doubt, have noticed that in all cases where full description of the

birds is given, where they come from, etc., no mention whatever is made as to

what is found to be the best food, and as this last item is of the greatest

importance, I have often wondered why it is neglected. The omission of this

information really makes the Magazine of little use to anyone, who is a beginner,

and new members must find it curious that the principal point about birds is

left out.


Regarding Mr. Soames’ suggestion of more medals. These might

encourage the man in the street to compete, but as you say, it hardH requires

that incentive amongst true bird lovers. E. WARREN VERNON.


BIRD SHOW AND BRITISH RED CROSS FUND.


SIR, — With your permission I should like to point out to our members

that the Foreign Bird Exhibitors’ League, in conjunction with the London Cage

Bird Association and the National British Bird and Hybrid Club, are holding

their Annual Show as usual at the Horticultural Hall on November 26th, 27th

and 28th, 1914, and intend to devote any profit arising from the Show to the

British Red Cross Fund.


Whilst endeavouring to keep things normal during trying times, they hope

if properly supported to make the exhibition a financial success, and this is

assured providing a large entry of birds is made, coupled with a good gate.

Thirty-one classes have been provided for foreign birds, and our Editor and Mr.

D. Seth-Smith, of the Zoological Gardens, will be two of the judges. Especial

arrangements have been made to collect and despatch exhibits coming and going

by rail, so that provincial exhibitors need not keep their birds away. I there¬

fore appeal to our members to do what they can to make this exhibition a success

by entering birds for competition. They will be properly cared for by experts

and little or no risk is attached to showing when birds are sent in suitable show

cages.


Entry forms and other particulars can be obtained from Mr. F. Knight,

64, Chaplin Road, Wembley, Middlesex, on November 1st, and entries will be

received by the Show Manager up to November 23rd. I shall be only too pleased

to give anyone further particulars with regard to the Exhibition, and I hope that

those who cannot show will at least pay a visit to the Show. All being well

there will be on exhibition a number of unique birds, many of which are rarely

to be seen in any public or private collection in Great Britain.


Allen Silver, F.Z.S.



* Food for different species of birds has often been described in the back volumes

of the Magazine, but perhaps some member wonld kindly write another

treatise on the subject.—ED.



