NOTES AND QUERIES. 275 



common foreign birds are still uuknown to recognized ornithologists, and 

 unrepresented in our museums. The aviculturist who describes these 

 young plumages, or supplies the gaps in collections, is undoubtedly doing 

 good ornithological work, and has as much claim to the title of scientist as 

 any other man who adds to the sum of general knowledge. 



For the reasons adduced above, I think it would be an excellent thing if 

 the Editor of ' The Zoologist ' would open a column in its pages for new 

 scientific facts observed by aviculturists. I feel sure that, from time to 

 time, Messrs. Meade Waldo, St. Quintin, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson, and 

 other well-known reliable students of birds in captivity, would be able to add 

 to the general store of ornithological knowledge. — A. G. Butler. 



[We have great pleasure in opening a column for the communications 

 of aviculturists. The aviary, like the aquarium, should afford some much 

 desired zoological information, where observations may be made on the 

 habits of animals which are practically unattainable elsewhere. Zoological 

 gardens in all civilized countries sufficiently attest the scientific importance 

 of the study of animals in captivity. Those who keep birds purely for 

 pastime are equivalent to those who shoot them only for sport, and do not 

 affect the argument. — Ed.] 



Longevity of Red-headed Cardinal.— It may interest some of your 

 readers to know that I have just lost by death a Red-headed Cardinal 

 (Paroaria cucullata), which I bought in February, 1874, and which had 

 therefore lived for twenty-five years and four months in captivity, always in 

 a cage. — Walter Chamberlain (Bromesberrow Place, Ledbury). 



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