194 /W Mortem Examinations.


This is quite true, but it should be remembered that for every pair of birds

seen in activity at least three or four pairs (probably many more) have been

destroyed generally in a very cruel manner. The question should be asked

Does aviculture justify this ?


The bird is highly placed in the order of creation and is con-

sequently endowed with correspondingly sensitive feelings. Imagine,

therefore the suffering of 500 poor Ring-necked Parrakeets which I saw

shut up in a badly-ventilated cupboard (I can call it by no other name)

lighted with a gas jet. Several had died and dirty seed and dirtier water

were provided for the survivors. These birds were being retailed at about

2/- piece. I wish some influential London member of this Society would

call the attention of an Inspector of the R.S.P.C.A. to some such case as


this.


It may be argued perhaps that the above is a case which does not


affect us, as possibly no member would buy these birds. Take another case.


I read an advertisement offering Blue-bonnet Parrakeets at a very reasonable


price. Shortly afterwards, happening to be in town, I visited the shop and


saw one of the most miserable lots of birds it has ever been my ill fortune


to see. Three were dead on the bottom of the cage and I am certain the


remainder could not have been safely sent away to a purchaser.


I would urge every member to do his or her best to discourage this

sort of traffic by absolutely refusing to buy from dealers who keep their

stock 111 such a deplorable condition.


If the Society continues to flourish as it is doing at present would it

not be possible for it to import its ow birds either through foreign

members or agents and so do away with the dealer altogether ? I would

recommend some such scheme to the consideration of members.


G. C. Porter.



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.



RULES.


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

age 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 1/- 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.



Cordon Bleu. (Mr. Bowes). The bird died as a result of cerebra


haemorrhage from direct injury to the skull.

Answered by post :


Lady Lovelace. Mrs. Conneu*. Mr. Sutcuffe.


Arthur Gii,i,.



