254 Correspondence.


common expression) of these birds seems to change — their system cries out

for a change of food. E.R. at one time took greedily to stewed rhubarb —

an unusual taste for a bird.


More than once I have made the note against Eos riciniata, even in

summer, that it feels the cold. This is a point to be borne in mind.


I wonder if by any chance the birds you lost could have both been


females? The females are very much more nervous and timid than the


males, and might even have been half-starved in the midst of plenty, just


because their food may have been placed too low or in too exposed a place,


or the}' may have been afraid of their mate or some other bird. Of course


this is only a suggestion thrown out at random.


Reginald Phii^ipps.



NIDIFICATION OF THE JACKAL BUZZARD.


Sir, — This year the period of the Jackal Buzzard's incubation proves

to be thirty-six days for the first laid egg, and thirty-seven-eight for the

second one, which is slightly less than the time taken by them last year,

cf. "Avic. Mag.," Vol. V., p. 57.


Kesivick Hall, Norwich. J. H. Gueney.


April 2>olh, 1907.



REARING YOUNG GROUSE AND CRESTED GREBES.


Sir, — I shall be obliged if you can give me any information about the

rearing of young Grouse and also Great Crested Grebes. I am expecting

eggs of both the above to hatch shortly.


What food would you suggest for them ?


I presume the Great Crested Grebes would have to be hand-fed,

aud thought that crushed Whitebait would be suitable.


Could you tell me how long incubation takes in both cases.


Evei/vtn Dknnis (Mrs. Hakoijd E. Dennis).

Reply sent to Mrs. H. E. Dennis.


Young Grouse may be reared under a hen with care on mainly the

some food as Pheasants, viz. good fresh dry custard, etc., abundance aud

variety of green food, seeding grasses, small seed, dry oatmeal (groats) as

soon as they care to eat it ; fine flint grit or quartz grit and crushed baked

egg-shell should always be at hand, but never mixed with the food. Ample

shade should be provided from boughs, etc., which should be frequently

changed, and on no account let them have access to any heather, or they

will neglect all other foods.


I should not think it possible to rear from the egg the young of the

Great Crested Grebe. From the day of hatching their life is spent

practically on the water or in the dorsal feathers of their parents' backs.


They are fed from the beginning on fish and possibly fresh water

insects that are caught aud immediately presented to the young by their



