52



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



ill batching one youngster out of two eggs—it lived for three weeks only.

No further attempts at breeding were made in 1902.


I11 mid-April last, however, intending to carry the birds with me to

England, to my surprise aud pleasure one of the biscuit-tins contained four

eggs. Needless to say the pair of Conures responsible for these had no

sea-voyage.


While in England, I learned one egg again had hatched, and, after

slow growth at first, the youngster, I find 011 my return to Jamaica, has

made a perfect-conditioned bird not easily recognised from its parents.


A little more than three weeks back, the frequent visits of the birds

to their bedroom made me suspicious, aud investigation showed another

clutch of four eggs which were undergoing incubation; these were as

usual white, and a trifle smaller and more obtuse than those of the common

Barbary Dove. Of these eggs—despite the shaking caused by a hurricane—

two hatched on consecutive days, a third after three days interval, and the

last two days later. Thus, so far as appearances go, a further quartette of

health} 7 cage-bred Aztec Conures may be announced.


Soaked Canary seeds seem to be my birds’ most useful diet when

breeding ; very little other food is looked at. The elder brother (presuming

it is a male), although well able to shift for himself, still shares the family

nursery.


To sum up :—my experience with the Aztec Conure teaches me that

it is decidedly interesting, neat, if not gaudy, not very noisy yet easily

taught to say a few words—a parrot near by being the instructor. Its

appetite is moderate—except when chewing wood comes in ; and altogether

it is deservedly a favourite.


Because of the birds’ little failing for splinters, their cage is lined

with wire-netting; and, in explanation of its curious shape, I should add

that it is one of eigh t forming an octagon round a tree-trunk. In a similar

cage, opposite the Conures’ ‘ back-door,’ it may be stated that a pair of

Cockatiels are now incubating their three eggs.


Harold E. Atteweee.


Kingston, Jamaica ; 20th August, 1903.



THE WORRIES OF AVIARIES.


Sir,—I have read Miss Hawke’s “Aviary Notes” in the September

magazine and her wishing other members would give their aviary

experiences, so perhaps my misfortunes in this way may be interesting,

even if they shew how disheartening aviaries can be.


I have two small outdoor aviaries in my rather large villa garden,

with 40 or so birds in them, but sad to relate I have a tale of woe to tell

concerning most of them. Cats are my first and greatest enemies ; they



