274



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



ingales. If his birds which he calls survivals, have been fed on a good

insectivorous mixture, whether with or without egg, and those imported

with them were fed on some such rubbish as he refers to, it is not to be

wondered at that his have survived longer than the rest. Though one does

wonder how he obtained his statistics, and what evidence he could give of

their accuracy. The mere disuse of egg will not enable aviculturists to

keep insectivorous birds on pea-meal and the like. All we claim is that as

between a good mixture containing egg, and an equally good mixture with¬

out egg, the latter is more conducive to health and longevity ; and if Dr.

Butler and his followers will not believe this, the loss is theirs, not ours.


Any observation which “Onlooker” may be pleased to make over his

own signature I will reply to, but I do not feel called upon to take further

notice of a pseudonymous correspondent. Horatio R. Fillmer.



LOVEBIRDS WITH CLIPPED WINGS.


Sir,— Being a member of the Avicultural Society I am writing to

ask whether you could kindly give me any advice as to remedying the great

inconvenience which is caused by the purchase of birds which have had

one wing cut, and are therefore unfit for an outdoor aviary ? This seems to

be a general practice. I have had a Red-faced Lovebird, and a Blue-winged

Lovebird sent to me lately both having one wing cut, and the dealers say

they come to them in that condition. Is there any way of softening the

flesh round the stump feathers so that stumps could be extracted without

hurting the bird. It would be a very painful process if one attempted to

pull out the feathers even by degrees. The moulting season is over for the

Bluewings and I should have to wait until next season before the bird could

go to the aviary. (Mrs.) J. M. FfoulkeS-



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.



RULES.


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

paid, direct to Mr. Arthur Gill, Lanherne, Bexley Heath, Kent, and must be

accompanied by a letter containing the fullest particulars of the case, and a fee

of i/- for each bird. 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.



Mrs. M. Williams, Miss Alderson, Mr. ST. Quintin, Mr. Marshall

and Mr. Brook answered by post.



