76



Correspondence.



therefore, that such feathers are entitled to free entry into the United States, in

accordance with the terms of our new Tariff Law.


The papers in the case, and the specimens submitted, were referred to me

by the Treasury Department for an opinion. All the feather specimens submitted

proved to be blood feathers, that were plucked when only half developed, from

birds that evidently were either shot or trapped. It was pointed out to the Secre¬

tary of the Treasury that no feather grower in his senses ever would pluck live

birds, if he had any, when the feathers were only half grown and worth only a

fraction of their value when fully developed !


Fortunately for the purposes of the inquiry, Mr. C. William Beebe, our

Curator of Birds, visited Hankow and the surrounding districts of China, while

studying the Chinese Pheasants in connection with the preparation of his monograph

on the Phasianida3. Mr. Beebe found no Eared Pheasants in captivity, could hear of

none, and returned from China absolutely certain that there is no Pheasant-raising

industry whatever in any of the portions of China that he visited.


The final decision of the Treasury Department was that the evidence sub¬

mitted in support of the exporters’ contention in behalf of the existence of a feather¬

raising industry in China with Eared Pheasants, was by no means conclusive, and

that the claims made were not sustained.



EDITORIAL.


In this number of the Magazine considerable space has been

allotted to the Old World Vultures. Future issues will similarly deal

with special aviculture—for instance, the study of little-known

families of birds, notes on zoological garden methods at home or

abroad, the history of aviculture, applied aviculture, and so on.

Papers dealing with the usual work of the Society will be inserted as

in the past.


A number of interesting and unusual photographs have been

received, portraying rare birds or interesting phases of bird study.

From these selections will be made from time to time, as funds

permit.


In the January number space will be devoted to Australian

and New Zealand birds. A unique photograph of a running Apteryx

will appear in this issue. G. R.



