Covrcs poiidcncc . 1/5 
which will enhance the pleasure of many a country ramble, or 
leisure hours in the i^arclen. 
A PRACTICAL liANDBOOK OF BRi riSll BIRDS: 
By various authors, edited by H. F. VVitlierby, F\Z.S., 
M.B.O.U., with numerous half-tone and coloured iUustrations. 
in i8 parts, price 4s. Od. per part net. London ; VVitherby ."c 
Co., 326, High Hoiborn, W.C. i. l'.\Kr XL; This part is ol 
the same comprehensive character as the preceding parts. 't 
contains text figures on almost every page, making identifica- 
tion easy; also an excellent colour reproduction of heads and 
beaks of Swans and Geese. The Genus Lkrxis is continued 
and the following Genera are dealt with, viz: Pandiuii. (/V/'.s\ 
N cophron, Cico)iia, Flatalca, Plcgadis, Ardca. Egrctta, Ardcoio, 
Nycticorax , I xohrychiis , Botorus, Phocnico ptcrus , Cygii::s. 
Anscr, Braiita, the latter to be continued ii: the next part. 
One wishes that its completion could be hastened — it is 
excellent value for the price charged, and we opine the pub- 
lishers need the support of every bird-lover and student; 
certainly they should have it. 
0 
Correspondence. 
A TRAGEDY OF THE DROUGHT. 
Sir, — 1 wa.-; much interested in ;i yonno- Cucko<j in mv garden, but 
believing its foster-parents would be feeding it all rght, 1 left it alone. Next 
day it seemed weaker, and in the evening I found it dead. A fine voung bird, 
and fully fledged, but literally .skin and bone. The following day I found 
the little foster-mother dead; then I called to mind I had not noticed the 
Wagtails about the lawn as usual the last two or three days, and it was 
evident that the two had died of starvation in endeavouring to supply the 
wants of her big foster-child. Could any bird incident 'be more pathetic? 
Had I only known. I could have saved both lives by feeding the youns; 
Cuckoo, as I have done on other occasions. The poor birds are having a 
terrible time generally ! 
July nth, 1921. A, E. H. HARTLEY. 
VfSITING MEMBERS' AVIARIES. 
Sir,— I am always happy to show my birds b\- appointment to members 
of the F.B.C. ; but should I unfortunately be away from home I request them 
not to insist on seeing the birds. The aviary boy does not live on the place, 
and tl.eie is no competent person available. 
ETHEL F. CHAWNER. 
Forest Bank, Lyndhurst, Hants., July 3rd, 1921. 
