42



Correspondefice, Notes, etc.



There is nothing remarkable about the letterpress, but the

illustrations, which consist of photographs of birds and their

nests and young by Mr. Charles Reid Wisliaw, are admirable as

they are numerous, in fact we have never seen better, and their

reproduction leaves nothing to be desired. This little book is

marvellous value at the price.


“HOW BIRDS PROPOSE.”


The above is the title of a set of six picture post cards,

issued by Mr. Frank Finn, illustrating the various courting

attitudes displayed by the common British Birds. This set

comprises the Sparrow, Starling, Skylark, Herring-Gull, Robin,

and Rook, and is the first of the “ Practical Naturalist ” series,

which, when complete, will be a very interesting collection of

pictures. The set (price 6d. or post free yd.) can be obtained

from Mr. Finn himself, or from Mr. R. H. Porter, 7, Princes

Street, Cavendish Square, or Mr. C. W. Ginn, 19, Princess Road,

Regent’s Park, N.W.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



THE DECREASED PRICES OF BIRDS.


Sir,—I n the September number of the Magazine E. Dyson’s

attractive little book on “Bird Keeping” is mentioned, and the list of

average prices of birds at the time of publication is copied.


It is perhaps worth while to rectify the erroneous statement that this

book is at least thirty-seven years old, and that therefore the price list

refers to the year 1868 or even a more remote period.


I have before me a copy of this book, the preface of which is dated

July, 1878, On [the fly-leaf is written, “With the Author’s compts.” I

remember receiving it from the Author with whom I had some correspon¬

dence about birds at the time. I was under the impression that the Author

was an Authoress, i.e. a Miss D3'son, but my uienior)' may be at fault, as I

never met Miss Dyson or Mr. Dyson personally.


The book mentions the “Violet-eared Finch ” which was then iu my

possession, and had been referred to iu one of Dr. Russ’s publications of

that time.


I11 his book on “ Exotic Finches,” published by Dr. Russ in 1S79, the

little book ou “ Bird Keeping,” by C. E. Dyson, is mentioned as then

recently published in Loudon.



