82



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



the contour of the birds in their natural colours, and. not so much to make

a picture. It does seem a pity that we should not have the full benefit of

the charming drawings, owing to the defect I mention.


Arthur A. Stater.


DIAMOND DOVES.


These extremely graceful and beautiful little doves are much better

suited for large natural aviaries with plenty of growing trees than for small

aviaries or cages. They are timid birds and liable to hurt themselves if

suddenly startled in a small space. In large aviaries, however, they are

perfectly delightful. Two pairs were liberated into my largest aviary last

April, and quickly commenced to build their fragile nests in any branch

that offered a platform for a nest no more than two inches in diameter.

The first pair of squabs came to grief during a spell of bitter weather,

but after this all went well, and nest after nest appeared and the Diamond

Doves multiplied.


I have recently caught them up for the winter and find their number

has increased from four to seventeen.


D. Seth-Smith.



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.



Mr. Gill much regrets that on account of the pressure of his

professional duties he is unable to continue to make Post mortem exami¬

nations of birds free of charge as formerly. At the urgent request of the

Committee, however, he has consented to do them as a matter of business

at a charge of one shilling for each bird, or 2/6 if a reply by post is

required. Poultry, domestic Pigeons, and Canaries can only be reported on

by post as they are outside the province of this journal. The Committee

wish to very heartily thank Mr, Gill for the great services he has rendered

to the Society since he undertook the Post mot terns.



RULES.


Each bird must be forwarded, as soon after death as possible, carefully packed and postage

paid, direct to Mr. Arthur Gill, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Establishment, Bexley Heath,

Kent, and must be accompanied by a letter containing' the fullest particulars of

the case, and a fee of 1/- for each kind. If a reply by post is required a fee of 2 /6 must

be enclosed. .Domestic poultry, pigeons, and Canaries can only be reported on by

post.


Burrowing Owe. (Miss Chawner). [Your bird died of liver disease. This

organ was quite half as large again as normal and extremely indurated.]

Two YEEEOW Budgerigars. (Mrs. Noble). [Both birds were crushed in

post, so I was unable to. make a satisfactory examination.]


Nonparkie and Firefinch. (Miss Merrylees). [The Nonpareil died of

jaundice, the Firefinch of pneumonia.]


Young Ruficauda Finch. (Mr. H. L. Sicli). [Answered by post.]

Budgerigar, hen. (Miss Crowfoot). [Your bird died of apoplexy. The

pecking of rotten wood is a habit all Parrakeets delight in, and is in no

way harmful. The growth of feathers is not quite normal, but would

have come all right.]


Pekin Robin. (Mr. Williams). [Your bird died of broncho-pneumonia of

long standing.]



Arthur Giee.



