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Dr. GKAHAM RENSHAW,



exhibited at Amsterdam in 1899. The writer does not remember

having seen any other specimens.


11. Syrnium torquatum (Collared or Spectacle Owl). One

at Amsterdam in 1902. This is one of the very quaintest of the

owls, with its white head and face banded with black as if wearing

a burglar’s mask. The writer once had one of these “ Spectacle

Owls ” in his possession and found it an amusing pet. As the

bird approaches maturity the white head becomes chocolate-coloured.


12. Ardect goliath (Goliath Heron.) This splendid bird was

included in the rich series of herons and storks shown by the

Amsterdam Zoological Society in 1899. Its reddish head and

crest, blue-grey neck and long loose plumes render it one of the

handsomest of its tribe.


13. Canchroma cochlearia (Boat BillJ. This quaint, modified

Night Heron remains sluggish and silent during daylight. Several

specimens seen by the writer all stood stock still as if stuffed, more

like images than living birds. Of two seen at Amsterdam in 1899,

one bird had the feathers at the base of the bill lemon-yellow, while

m the other they were white.


14. Bernicla sandvicensis (Sandwich Island Goose). The

writer was pleased to note an example of this all but extinct

bird amongst the swarming waterfowl in the Cologne Zoological

Garden (June 23, 1909.) It was in fine condition and the plumage

sleek and glossy. Another individual is figured in Heck’s “ Living

Pictures of the Animal World,” published in 1899 and illustrating

the collection at Berlin. These are perhaps the last examples that

will be seen alive in Europe, and in their solitary survival are but

one remove from museum specimens. The Berlin bird was the only

one that had been imported for ten years !


15. Palamedea cornuta ("Horned Screamer). Very rare in

collections. There was a fine healthy example at Hamburg in

June, 1909.


16. Myristicivora bicolor (Nutmeg Pigeon). A beautiful speci¬

men was living at Amsterdam in 1902, its snowy plumage tinged on

the head with the faintest shade of yellow and the black wings and

tail showing up in fine contrast.



