74



Aviary notes for 1917.



“ It is fairly certain that in the 14th and 15th centuries birds were

imported into Europe by the Venetians and Portuguese, in whose hands the

trade with the Indies then was. We know that the last-named in the year

1498 rounded the Cape of Good Hope and eventually possessed themselves of a

great part of India and the island of Ceylon, whence they brought to Europe

Indian Parrots, which they found already tamed by the natives of that country.

The same was the case when the Spaniards discovered America ; they also

found the aborigines keeping tame Parrots. When Columbus made his solemn

entry into Seville on his return from his first expedition, he had with him,

among other valuables, some living Parrots. So also the English on their

voyages to the New World brought home with them—first in 1504 — live

Parrots, which were at first considered great curiosities in that country. Later

on however as the result of keen search, they were brought to Europe from

America in larger numbers, and among them even the big Macaws were

included, birds which were at that time thought fit to grace only princely

houses.”


Our authority then goes on to the writings of Aldrovancli,

Gesner, and other naturalists of the time, and with these we may

fitly leave him, as they belong to quite another chapter in the book

of aviculture.



AVIARY NOTES FOR 1917.


By Miss Chawner.


March 6th.—Eagle Owl down on nest previously dug for her

by the male.


March 10th.—-The Eagle Owl is sitting. Jardine’s Pygmies

clearing out their nest-box.


Same date. — A Pied Woodpecker destroying larch poles sup¬

porting a pergola in the kitchen garden. The poles had been much

used during last summer by tree wasps. Doubtless the Woodpecker

is attracted by their grubs, but the result is disastrous for the poles !


March 6th to 10th. — My caged Nightingale has started

warbling, and every day his notes are a little stronger. He is a fine,

bold bird, and has become very tame.


Same date.—My cock Yellow-winged Sugar Bird is about half¬

way through his spring moult. He has sung continually for several

weeks regardless of the weather. He is kept in the inner aviary,



