Correspondence.



75



which is slightly heated. The Indigo Bunting, who lives exclusively

in the uncovered flight, has come into glorious colour.


The Yellow-rumped Serin is hesitating between a hen Gold¬

finch and a hen Bullfinch, but the latter is not at all of an oncoming

disposition. I think he may have a better chance with the Gold¬

finch.


October.—Our Editor has asked me to publish “ results ” in

connection with these notes, which I, unfortunately, can do in one

word— nil !


The Eagle Owl went to nest three times, and sat steadily for

the full period on each clutch, but nothing hatched out, greatly to

the poor bird’s disappointment. The same thing took place with the

Marble Owls in the next aviary.


The Jardine’s Pigmy Owls hatched two or three young and

tended them well for a week ; then (in consequence, I fear, of too

many visitors) they devoured the whole brood.


The cold weather in April, really our third winter ! cost me

both my Yellow-winged Sugar Birds and the cock Indigo Bunting.

I have since sold the hen, who promptly went to nest with her new

owner, but did not hatch anything.


The Yellow-rumped Serin finally paired up with a hen Green¬

finch, as the others would have nothing to say to him. She laid and

sat steadily, but the eggs were clear, and soon afterwards she died.


The Diamond Doves turned out to be both cocks, and fought

all day and every day.


This autumn I regretfully decided to give up keeping birds,

save only the Nightingale and my Owls. When better days come

I hope to start again, and meanwhile possess my soul in patience

and solace myself with visions of glorious successes in time to come.



CORRESPONDENCE.



AN AVICULTURAL MYTH.


Dr. W. T. Hornaday writes : Certain feather exporters of Hankow, China,

have made a determined effort to persuade the United States Treasury Department

that “ Numidi ” feathers, derived from the Manchurian Eared Pheasants, come

from “ domesticated birds,” that are reared in captivity in great numbers, and,



