30 M. SYMONDS CLARK— Correspondence. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



The Cockatoo Parakeet (Leptolophus auricomis, 

 Mathews ; Calopsitta novaea hollandiae, Gould). 



To The Editorial Committee of the S.A. Ornithologist. 



Gentlemen, 



A false idea has been spread abroad regarding this well- 

 known bird, namely that it is unable to raise and lower its 

 crest. A statement to this effect appears in the Rev. W. T. 

 Green's "Parrots in Captivity," Vol. 1, Page 38. Richard 

 Lydekker, F.R.S., in "The Royal Natural History," Vol. IV., 

 Page 110, remarks upon "the feathers of the crest which can- 

 not be depressed," and even Dr. Leach in his admirable work, 

 "An Australian Bird Book," on Page 94 refers to "its immov- 

 able crest." In the illustrations the bird's crest is depicted 

 in the first of these books erect, in the second, partially raised, 

 and in the third, flat down on the head. I think I may c6n- 

 cede that when perching the bird generally carries its crest 

 erect, but I feel certain that when feeding quietly on the 

 ground the crest is always depressed. 



I am, etc., 



M. Symoxps Clark. 

 Knightsbridge, August 2Gth, 1914. 



To The Editorial Committee of the S.A. Ornithologist. 



Gentlemen, 



As this magazine is the organ of the S.A. Orni- 

 thological Association its value would, I think, be 

 much enhanced by the publication of the reports of 

 the monthly meetings instead of giving merely the 

 very meagre notice of the Annual Meeting, We are told 

 that a most successful year is recorded. Why not give par- 

 ticulars of the successes? Of the several sub-species dis- 

 covered, excepting in two instances fin which only one bird is 



