Correspondence. 375


I have never kept this class of bird before, so am uncertain about the

number of mealworms that can be given and the amount of raw meat, also

whether the meat should be given daily or not.


Should any green food be given ? E. J. Brook.


The following reply has been sent to Mr. Brook :


The Wood-Swallows are generally admitted to be related to the

Drongos: they have also been regarded by various writers as relatives of the

true Swallows, the Orioles, and the Starlings. You must not decide upon

their food by their relationship to the Drongo-Shrikes, although in their

wild state the latter feed chiefly if not entirely upon insects.


The natural food of Wood-Swallows consists chiefly of living insects,

but it is possible that they may also feed upon soft fruits and honey, both

of which they are fond of in captivity. Any good insectivorous food, such

as "Century Food" or "Improved Sekto " would be suitable as a staple :

soft fruit should be added, but I should not advise honey on account of its

sticky nature; living insects need only be given occasionally, especially if

only mealworms are available. Do not give raw meat, it is sure to cause

diarrhoea. A. G. Butler.



QUAIL-FINCHES AND HARLEQUIN QUAILS.


Sir, — As shortly I am obtaining a pair of Quail-finches and Harle-

quin Quails, I should be obliged if you would let me know if it is proper to

feed the former on white millet and canary and the latter on the same with

occasionally split peas and lettuce.


When acclimatised, are these two species hardy enough to winter in

an outdoor aviary ? Nicholas O'Reilly.


The following reply has bee?i sent to Mr. O'Reilly :


Quail-finches require white, Indian and spray millet, canary seed and

flowering grass. They should always have access to grass, and if kept in a

cage, should he supplied with a fresh turf every two days or so. They

should also have access to a piece of rock-salt. They are not particularly

hardy, and would not be likely to stand the winter in an unheated outdoor

aviary.


Harlequin Quails are quite hardy and may be kept all the year

round in an outdoor aviary. They should have access to plenty of grass

and be fed on canary and millet seed. Do not forget a piece of rock-salt.


D. Seth-Smith.



RUFFED GROUSE AND PRAIRIE HENS.


Sir, — One reads articles and letters from time to time in various

papers as to the desirability of keeping and breeding the American Ruffed

Grouse and Prairie Hen in this country.


The former, at any rate, is a bird that all lovers of game birds^WorrhT'



