360 Correspondence , Notes, etc.


us? We want any of the hardier non-migratory foreign Pigeons or

Doves, if possible in pairs. D. SE'i'h-SmiTh.



BREEDING OF THE JACKAL BUZZARD.


Mr. J. H. Gurney having successfully bred the African Jackal

Buzzard in his aviary (Norfolk) wishes to know if this species has ever been

bred in captivity before.


[We hope Mr. Gurney will send an account of his success for

publication, as we feel sure it would interest our members, and we imagine

he would be entitled to the Society’s Medal.— Ed.]



RESPECTING VARIOUS PHEASANTS.


Sir,— Last autumn I asked about introducing Silver Pheasants into

my aviaries and, acting on the advice given, I did so and I have been pleased

with the result. I decided, therefore, to place Pheasants in three more of

my large aviaries, and purchased a cock (1905) Amherst and two hens of

the same year, the latter are pinioned, the cock is not. After I had them

about a week the cock bird took a dislike to one of the hens and, but for

there being plenty of shelter in the form of heaps of brushwood, would

have killed her. If ever she comes out into the open he goes for her, so I

have to feed her under the sticks. Now what I wish to ask is, will he take to

her at pairing time ? Will it be best to remove her until spring ? Would it

be best to divide the aviary by wire netting and let him see her all the time

or not, or is there any other way you would advise ? Also how would you

proceed to introduce another hen to this pen ? I have placed a pair

of Gold Pheasants in another aviary but am told I ought to put two hens

with the cock. Is this necessary ? I do not care to do so unless it is

best. I have not yet decided what kind of Pheasant to introduce into my

third large aviary, but I think of Versicolors. Would you say if they are

easily tamed, or are they always very wild, and are they easy to rear ? I

am told Silvers are easiest reared, next Amhersts, and that Golds are

delicate. I have a this year’s Gold and Amherst cock bird : will he breed

this coming spring ? My Silver cock being under one year old did not

fertilize the eggs although the hen laid 22 eggs and was the same age. Also

I have two Silver liens that I have reared this season from eggs that I

bought. How would it be to introduce them to the old birds; would the

cock pair with three hens? For your guidance I might say my aviaries

are all about 12 ft. by 12 ft. or larger. I have purchased Tegetmeier’s

“ Pheasants” and Horner’s “ Fancy Pheasants,” but they do not quite clear

up these points. F. H. Rudkin.


The Jollowing reply has been sent to Mr. Rudkin :—


Amherst and Golden cocks often take dislikes to certain hens : it is

no use to try and get him accustomed to her. I should get rid of the



