164



The American Bobwhite.



these notes has suggested that wooden shelters be erected, and is

told that this will be done.


It appears to the present writer that the portion of the

lake that has been enclosed, though it may seem excellent in

theory, may prove a danger to the future inmates of the aviary,

though of course it depends somewhat on the kinds of birds

which are to be kept. Every aviculturist knows that many kinds

of birds, if suddenly scared, will fly straight against the wire-work

of the side of the aviary, and, being unable to cling on for long,

promptly drop to the ground. Supposing a Quail, Partridge, or

Pigeon becomes suddenly scared on the land side of the passage

which separates this part from the lake side. The bird is very

likely to endeavour to fly straight across the lake, with the

result that, after crossing above the passage it conies in contact

with the wire netting and falls straight into the water below,

where it is very likely to be promptly drowned. The present

writer has suggested that some wide boards, floating upon the

water, should be fixed all round the enclosed portion of the

lake, so that, should a bird happen to fall into the water, it

would, at least, have a chance of scrambling upon one of these

and regaining dry land.


The aviary has not yet been stocked, and, apparently, the

kinds of birds to be kept have not, so far, been decided upon.

Probably only hardy species that can be left out the whole year

round will be attempted the first year at any rate.



THE AMERICAN BOBWHITE*


We have been favoured with copies of some pamphlets,

issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, dealing

with the American Game Birds, and setting forth their value,

not only in providing sport and as articles of food, but as “ allies

of agriculture because of the quantity of noxious insects and

weed seeds they destroy, while the harm they do is insignificant.”


The two principal papers received deal with “ The Bob-



* The Bobwhite and other Quails of the United States in their Economic Relations,

by Sylvester D. Judd, Assistant, Biological Survey U. S. Department of Agriculture,

Washington.



