362



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



I am aware that many and powerful efforts are being made to lessen

this awful destruction, yet, so far, the result would appear to be trifling. Is

there no one, are there no means, moral or legal, to end this crime ?


The Avicultural Society has a scope; it has an influential member¬

ship. I appeal to it. Let me add, no bird-skins are exported from Jamaica.

*******


From such blood-guiltiness the A. S. members are doubtless innocent.

Is there, however, something of a mote in someone’s eye ?


I read, and not without interest, of the experiments made in the way

of the acclimatization of birds from hotter countries. Sometimes I wonder

if this or vivisection is the greater cruelty. And I shudder again. When I

read just how near freezing to death some bird has managed to exist and,

withal, look ‘ cheerful,’ I feel sorry for the creature, and know that for one

surviving a dozen will succumb.


One might live in an icehouse or a stokehold : a polar bear might eke

out in a bakehouse, but to pretend the change would be beneficial is absurd.


I write as I feel and as I feel the birds feel. If it can be shown I am

mistaken, so much the better; nor do I presume to teach. M\' purpose is

to remind. - Harotd E. ATTEWELT.


Kingston, Jamaica, 22/S/06.


[It is a mistake to suppose that all birds from hotter countries than

ours suffer from exposure to our climate. Even in the tropics the nights

are often very cold. We believe in artificial warmth for delicate species

during our winter months ; but many tropical species are quite hardy.—E d.].



STAR FINCHES.


Sir, —I had two small birds given me by a friend who had bought

them from a dealer who called them “ Ruge Conda.” They are a lovely

green with bright scarlet bills and spotted chests. Under this name I fail

to identify them in any bird book. Can you kindly help me in the next

number of the Avicultural Magazine as I think this must be a dealer's

name for them. I am very anxious to know how to treat them.


(Mrs.) BESSIE Mortimer (Original Member).


There can be no doubt that the dealer’s name Ruge Conda is a

corruption of the Latin name ruficauda, and that the species is the Rufous¬

tailed Grass-finch ; or the Star-fincli as the Australians call it.


White and spray millet with canary seem to suit these birds well.


A. G. Butter.



A TAME HOUSE MARTIN.


Sir, — I should be grateful for advice as to the best way of managing

a tame Martin during the winter. It was reared by hand, having been thrown

out of its nest by Sparrows when still blind and featherless. At present it



