224



Eclipse plumage.



THE SOCIETY’S CERTIFICATE.


At the beginning of the breeding season members are

reminded of the Society’s Certificate. At the Council Meeting, held

on June 19th, 1914, “ it was decided to give a certificate for priority

in breeding birds in cages, the dimensions of which must not exceed

one cubic yard, the conditions of the award to be the same as those

for the Society’s Medal.”


We would again draw members’ attention to the desirability

of disposing of surplus stock to our various zoological gardens, thus

benefiting everybody in these days of few recreations. Such avi¬

culture is indeed war- work.



ECLIPSE PLUMAGE.


The ‘ Avicultural Magazine,’ consistently with its ornithic

nature, is about to assume eclipse plumage. In other words, like so

many other leading magazines, it will have to be temporarily reduced

in size. This is entirely owing to the enormously increased cost of

printing, which, for economy’s sake, must be reduced in order for us

to go on.


There is no lack of vitality in the Magazine; far from it.

The Editor is able to report a much increased membership in spite

of the war. He has a drawer full of copy, and fresh papers of great

interest are continually being received. The number of new

contributors is steadily increasing. The beautiful collection of

photographs has again been enlarged. The correspondence column

is well patronised ; medals, prizes, and certificates are offered by the

Council; in short, everything points to renewed vigour as soon as

matters return to normal.


For the present, amongst papers awaiting publication are

(1) an account of the capture of Birds of Paradise ; (2) a reprint on

the development and hatching of the embryo Ostrich ; (3) an account

of the Frigate Bird post of the Pacific.


The principal features of the Magazine will be continued as

usual, and the Editor, with the continued support of his contributors,

looks with confidence to the days that are to come.



