233



Correspondence, Notes, etc.



The following reply has been sent to Mr. Moerschell:


You will find a Dyal quite as easy to keep as a Shdma, and it will

thrive on the same food as the latter.


It is not, however, so good a singer as the Sliauia, although pleasant

to listen to; but very few birds of any kind equal the Shatna in power of

song.


The Dyal makes an equally good pet. F. Finn.



ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL.


Sir, —Would your readers kindly advise me as to the places to get

reliable Waterfowl at reasonable prices, as I am desirous of collecting a nice

variety for the Public Park here.


Has any one succeeded in breeding the Black-necked Swans in this

country, and what is the general opinion as to the hardiness of Black

Swans, as we have lost three females and one male in a short time ? They

appear delicate. Three females came from the Scilly Isles, and were,

possibly, much in-bred. At what age do they usually breed.


J. Viner LEEDER.


The following reply has been sent to Mr. Viner Leeder:


The best places for getting Waterfowl are Messrs. Bailey’s in Mount

Street, Loudon, and Mr. Castang’s in Leadenhall Market. Mr. J. Hamlyn,

of 221, St. George’s Street East, London, often has some, as has also Mr.

Jamrach, in the same street.


The Black-necked Swan has been bred in the Zoological Gardens at

all events, and possibly elsewhere in England.


Black Swans are usually found quite hardy. The three females which

died were very likely, as you suggest, in-bred. I cannot say at what age

they breed, but should expect them to do so in their third year.


F. Finn.



THE STRIPE-THROATED SIVA.


It is worth mentioning that a specimen of this species (Siva

strigula) was recently imported by Mr. J. Hamlyn, this being, so far as I

am aware, its first appearance in the trade. Indeed, I never saw it on sale

even in India, though in the Indian Museum there was a skin of an

individual which had been in captivity. Mr. Hamlyn’s bird, which was

sold almost at once, w r as in absolutely perfect condition, and a most

attractive creature. In action and build it reminded me of the Greater

White-throat, although of course a larger bird. In general form and size it



