The Transfer of a Choice Collection. 1 27 
Much more mi«ht be written of this fine collection but I 
must reserve further remarks until our next issue. 
[To be continued.] 
The Aviaries and Birds at Benham Valence. 
By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., M.B.N.H.S. 
( Ciiiitinited fraiii pane, 100.) 
Plumbeous Redstart {KyaconiisfNligiDosus). A very 
fine male represents this si)ecies, one of three which Capt. Perreau 
brought over in May, 1'.)()<S, one of which passed into my posses- 
sion and wliich is still living. It is also known as the Water 
Robin and Water Redstart. It has a pleasing robin-like son^ and 
in a state of nature captures most of its food at the edge of run- 
ning water. It is a typical Redstart both as to contour and motion. 
He has a most entertaining way of flicking his tail uj) and down 
and also opening out the feathers laterally fan-wise, and is a fine 
example of perpetual motion. Its plumage is plumbeous-blue, 
with the ui)per tail coverts and tail deep rufous-chestnut. A full 
account (with photo) was given in vol. vii. Bird Notes ante page 
102. 
Grey-winged Ouzels {Ment/a honlhoul) -. A very fine 
pair in excellent condition, which were also l)rought over by Capt. 
Perreau and certainly judging by appearance should breed this 
season — they attempted to do so last but got no further than eggs. 
They are handsome birds, l)oth male and female, the former is a 
fine songster. The species, however, has been fully descriljed in 
Vols. vii. and viii. of Bi)'(I A^o/r.s, to which I must refer readers. 
There are few birds more interesting, attractive or hantlsome than 
this species, however gorgeous their apparel may l)e. 
Hermit Thrush {Tnrdus pnllasi). These interesting 
and beautiful birds, which range over North America, are very 
difficult to procure now owing to the U.S.A. bird protection laws, 
and Mr. Astley is indeed to be congratulated on such a possession. 
The upper surface is warm rust-brown, the under surface is white 
with dusky areas and a few dark brown striations ; the eye is large, 
very l)eautiful and limpid. I cannot do l)etter here than extract a 
few notes from Mr. Astley's account of this species in the " Avi- 
cultural Magazine " for April, 
