Correspondence.



139



view that the vane of a feather is not physiologically dead until it is nearly ready

to be cast, and that colouring matter may sometimes pass from the basal gland

throughout the whole structure.


Warblington House, Havant; Yours truly,


January 18th, 1918. Tavistock.


[We were much impressed with the truth of the living-feather theory in May

1915, when inspecting the beautiful Owl Parrot, which under the care of Mr. Seth-

Smith broke all records for this species in captivity, having lived over four years in

the Zoo — i. e., more than twice the span of any other individual, at home or

abroad. The plumage of this bird was a bright sap green colour, shining with a

tine glaze as if enamelled, and in the bloom of condition. — G. R.j



THE BALANCE OF NATURE


Dear Dr. Rknshaw, — I have read Dr. Butler’s article on ;i The Balance of

Nature” with much interest, but as far as my observation goes I fear that in

this neighbourhood at any rate, it will be long ere certain species make good their

losses, some seem even to have disappeared altogether.


Possibly a few observations on the subject may be of interest and induce

other members to write their experience.


Before last winter Golden-crested Wrens abounded, Long-tailed Tits were

common, and Cole Tits extremely so; this year I have not seen any at all of the

two hist, and only one of the last-named species.


Green Woodpeckers are now comparatively seldom heard ; I have only seen

two individuals, but it is likely that they may be more plentiful in such of the

big woods as are yet left; the Pied and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are never

very much in evidence, but I have seen and heard them both this summer.


Two pairs of Marsh Tits formerly frequented this garden, I have not seen

them at all, but possibly they went to the bogs. About half the usual number

of Blue Tits and a couple of Great Tits came to the bird table, last year they

swarmed.


Nuthatches have been severely thinned but certainly one brood was reared

in this garden and I think remains with us.


We have not nearly as many Song Thrushes nor Pledge Sparrows.


Pied Wagtails are never very plentiful here owing to lack of water, and

I think we have about the usual number of them. Robins are fairly plentiful

and I have seen several Wrens.


Tree Creepers are about as usual.


Plawfinches had become comparatnely common but this year our peas were

untouched and I have neither seen nor heard them. Bullfinches are still plentiful,

Goldfinches, Linnets, and Chaffinches all very abundant, Blackbirds and Starlings

over abundant; Owls, especially the Tawny, appear to be numerous. Swifts,

Swallows, and Martins not noticeably fewer, there are not many ponds to

entice them.


I should like to emphasise that I am only recording my own observations

made over a very limited area; still before last winter I frequently saw five or six

pairs of Goldcrests working the spruces opposite our house and families of the



