304 
Correspondence. 
the season, tliuugli with only modetiite results. Numbers of eggs' 
were laid in nests and also dropped on the lloors, but comparativelvi 
lew were hatched. It seems to have been a bad season iii that 
respect in aviaries, and also amongst poultry, complaints of infertile 
eggs have been noted from many places, both in England and Ireland. 
A few of my young birds were killed and half eaten by mice, 
which are a great pest, and almost impossible to guard against.* 
i have now five young Zebra Finches from two pairs of old ones, 
and several Canaries all healthy, strong birds, brought up on the 
old-fashioned egg and bread-crumb diet. 
In the grounds and garden the small birds are beginning 
to be seen and heard again after what seemed to me, a particularly- 
long, silent, and still month (August;, in bii-d life— none were to 
be seen, with the exception of the swallow tribe, which were un- 
usually numerous, and an occasional Robin or two. Now, the latter's 
notes, cheerful, though suggestive of autumn, make themselves heard 
in the early morning, accompanied occasionally by the Wren, with 
its curious sharp treble — Coal, and Tom-tits show themselves, llittini^ 
from tree to tree and singing on tlie boughs, head downwards in 
search of insects, in their wonted gay and joyous fashion, and 
welcome at all seasons of the year. 
(.Hon. Mrs.) SOMERSET WARD. 
ZOO GATHERINGS. 
Sir, — A short account of our recent meeting at the Zoo- 
logical Gardens may prove of interest. The last (unfortunately) 
of these gatherings took place, as arranged, on Saturday afternoon, 
September 17th, our rendezvous being, as before, the Small Birds' 
House, and tlie time, 2-30 p.m. As on i)i-evious occasions, several 
members travelled from a distance, and although the number was not 
as large as one would like, it is the forerunner of what should prove 
to be in the future a strong attraction for recruits to our fascina-^ 
ting hobby. 
The contents of the Small Birds' House came lirst under 
uui' notice, and although few new species were seen, a considerable 
time was spent here. The new aviaries in the centre called forth 
expressions of approval on all sides, but would, I am sure, be of 
greater interest if the collection of small seed-eating birds was 
more varied, the majority of the birds in this particular aviary 
being Red Avadavats. Our old friend the Mynah was interviewed, 
but in spite of the attention given to him by several ladies, he 
said nothing, and probably, as no mealworms were forthcoming, 
did a fair amount of thinking. 
As time was limited, a start was made for the Western 
Aviaries, and here the company divided, one section in charge of 
our esteemed Treasurer, the other under the guidance of the 
*lt should be possible to poison these ofl:' with the Danzig Virus 
without detriment to the birds. — Ed. 
